Located at: Middle Andaman
Visited From: By ATR Road
Forest Entry Ticket: 50/-
Visiting Time: 0800 to 1600Hrs
Closing day: Every Day Opens
Activities: Swimming / Snorkeling / Photography / Trekking
Locker rooms: Not Available
Public Toilets/Changing Room: Not Available
Food: Not Available
DESCRIPTION
The Dhaninallah Mangrove Walkway is a 713-meter-long wooden boardwalk that winds through the mangrove creeks of the Middle Andaman Island. It’s the longest boardwalk of its kind in India and provides visitors with a unique opportunity to experience the diverse ecosystem of the mangrove forests up close.
Along the walkway, visitors can observe a variety of mangrove species and the animals that call them home, including different kinds of birds, crabs, shrimps, fish, and even crocodiles. The walkway is also an educational experience, with information boards placed at intervals explaining the importance of mangroves and their function in nature.
The walkway leads to the Dhaninallah Beach, a 5km-long stretch of soft brownish sands, blue sea, and plenty of shadows. The beach is mostly deserted, providing visitors with an opportunity to enjoy long walks, swimming, and sunbathing without any disturbances.
The Dhaninallah Beach is not only a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the scenery but also an important nesting ground for turtles, particularly the Olive Ridley species, from November to February. Visitors can witness the amazing spectacle of the hatchlings making their way to the sea for the first time.
To protect and preserve the turtle population, there is an artificial hatchery at the nearby Cuthbert Bay Wildlife Sanctuary where turtles are taken care of until they are ready to be released into the sea. Visitors can learn more about the conservation efforts and the importance of preserving this unique ecosystem by visiting the center at Cuthbert Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. It’s important to respect the natural environment and avoid disturbing the nesting turtles or their hatchlings, as they play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.
Facilities are limited on the beach, with no shops or toilets, but there is a picnic area with special cassurina trees, benches, and sun beds where visitors can relax and enjoy the views. There is also a bamboo tower and swings that provide additional entertainment options.
Overall, the Dhaninallah Mangrove Walkway and Beach offer a unique and enriching experience for visitors, from the natural beauty of the mangrove forests and beach to the cultural significance of the area as a nesting ground for turtles and its potential for windsurfing.
The Dhaninallah Beach and Mangrove Walkway can be visited throughout the year, but the best time to visit is from November to February when turtles come to nest on the shore. During this time, visitors can witness the hatchlings making their way to the sea for the first time.
To reach Dhaninallah Beach and Mangrove Walkway from Port Blair, visitors can take one of the following modes of transportation:
By road from Port Blair: Visitors can take a bus or hire a taxi from Port Blair to reach Diglipur, which is around 290 km away. The journey takes around 06 hours by road. From Diglipur, visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Dhaninallah Beach and Mangrove Walkway, which is around 25 km away.
By sea from Port Blair: Regular passenger ships and ferries operate from Port Blair to Rangat. The journey takes around 08 hours by sea. Once visitors reach Rangat, they can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Dhaninallah Beach and Mangrove Walkway, which is around 25 km away.
By Road from Rangat: Dhaninallah Mangrove Walkway is located at Betapur, which is about 20 kilometers away from Rangat. Private transport is the most convenient way to reach the walkway. Visitors can either hire a taxi or rent a car or bike from Rangat to reach Betapur. It is advisable to check the road conditions beforehand as the route can be bumpy and rough in some places.
There are several activities that visitors can enjoy at Dhaninallah Beach and Mangrove Walkway:
Here are some options for places to stay near Dhaninallah Mangrove Walkway in Rangat, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India:
Hotel U.K. Nest: Budget hotel with basic amenities and an on-site restaurant. It is located in Rangat town,
Hotel Roos and Smith: Mid-range hotel with comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, and an on-site restaurant. It is situated in Rangat town,
Hotel Priya International: Mid-range hotel with comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, and an on-site restaurant serving Indian, Chinese, and continental cuisine. It is located in Rangat town.
Hotel Eden Garden: Budget hotel with basic amenities and an on-site restaurant serving Indian and Chinese cuisine. It is situated in Rangat.
Bliss Resort: Mid-range resort with comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, and an on-site restaurant serving Indian, Chinese, and continental cuisine. It is located in Batapur, around 01 km away from Dhaninallah Mangrove Walkway.
Roos Ross & Smith: Budget hotel with basic amenities and an on-site restaurant serving Indian and Chinese cuisine. It is situated in Rangat.
Hotel Avis: Budget hotel with basic amenities and an on-site restaurant serving Indian and Chinese cuisine. It is located in Rangat town.
Here are some travel tips for visiting Dhaninallah Beach and Mangrove Walkway:
Dhaninallah Beach is known for its long stretch of brownish soft sand, blue sea, and shade along the shore. It is also a nesting ground for turtles, particularly the Olive Ridley species, from November to February.
The Mangrove Walkway is a 1-kilometer-long wooden boardwalk that winds through the mangrove creeks and leads to Dhaninallah Beach. It is the longest boardwalk of its kind in India and provides visitors with a unique experience of observing the diverse mangrove ecosystem and wildlife in the area.
Visitors can enjoy long walks on the beach, swimming, and sunbathing. The location has great potential to become a windsurfing spot as it gets quite windy here. In addition, there are eco-friendly sit-outs, changing rooms, and washroom facilities available on the beach.
The best time to visit Dhaninallah Beach and Mangrove Walkway is from November to April when the weather is pleasant and dry.
Yes, it is possible to witness turtles nesting on the beach, particularly the Olive Ridley species, from November to February. Visitors can also see small hatchlings making their way to the sea for the first time. There is also an artificial hatchery at the nearby Cuthbert Bay Wildlife Sanctuary where turtles are protected and preserved.