The Dhani Nallah mangrove walkway is a long wooden boardwalk through dense mangrove forest in Rangat, Middle Andaman, and one of the calmest nature stops on the Andaman Trunk Road. Away from the crowds of Port Blair and Havelock Island, it offers a quiet walk among mangrove roots and birdsong, ending at a peaceful beach. If you enjoy slow, simple travel, this is the kind of place that stays with you long after the trip is over.
This guide from Andaman Travel Care covers how to reach the walkway, the best time to visit, what to expect, a sample half-day plan, nearby places in Rangat and practical tips, so you can plan with confidence.
Dhani Nallah Mangrove Walkway: Quick Facts
- Location: Rangat, Middle Andaman, beside the Andaman Trunk Road
- Distance from Rangat: about 20 km
- Distance from Port Blair: about 190 km by road, via Rangat
- Walkway length: about 700 m (713 m)
- Time needed: 1–2 hours
- Best time: October to May
- Entry fee: reported free by several sources, so confirm locally
- Best for: nature lovers, families, couples and photographers
What Is the Dhani Nallah Mangrove Walkway?
Dhani Nallah, also spelt Dhaninallah, is a nature walkway and beach on the outskirts of Rangat. The wooden path winds through a mangrove creek and opens onto Dhani Nallah Beach. It is named after dhanipatti, a mangrove-associate plant found here, and it was built with rejected teak logs so that visitors can walk through the forest without damaging it.
The boardwalk is raised above the water and roots, which means you stay dry and the forest floor stays undisturbed. It is a good example of how tourism and conservation can work together in the Andaman Islands.
Why Visit the Dhani Nallah Mangrove Walkway at Rangat?
This is not a typical tourist stop. There are no shops or loud music, only birds, wind and water. That makes it ideal for couples, families and eco-tourism fans who want a break from busy Port Blair and the popular beaches of Havelock.
It also shows why mangroves matter. These forests protect the coastline from erosion and storms, shelter fish, crabs and birds, and store large amounts of carbon. Walking through one up close helps you understand an ecosystem that most visitors only see from a boat or a car window.
Finally, Dhani Nallah rewards slow travellers. You can spend an hour on the boardwalk, another hour on the beach, and still have the rest of the day free for other places in Rangat.
What to Expect on the Mangrove Nature Walk
The Mangrove Boardwalk
The raised path feels like a tunnel of trees. Below you, water flows between tangled mangrove roots, and you may spot crabs, birds and the occasional reptile. The air under the canopy is cooler and fresher than on the road. The walk is flat and easy, so people of all ages can enjoy it at a slow pace, and there is no need to hurry.
Dhani Nallah Beach
At the end of the boardwalk you reach a clean, quiet beach with soft sand and calm water. It is known for turtle nesting, though sightings are never guaranteed and nesting areas should never be disturbed. Take a few minutes to sit, enjoy the view and relax before the walk back.
Birdwatching and Photography
Light filtering through the canopy, reflections in the creek and the shapes of mangrove roots make strong photo subjects. Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and the most birdlife. Carry a zoom lens or binoculars if you have them, wear muted colours so you do not startle birds, and move slowly. Both beginners and experienced photographers will find plenty to shoot.
How to Reach Dhani Nallah from Port Blair
Distance and Travel Time
Rangat is about 170 km from Port Blair, and the road journey takes roughly 6 to 8 hours depending on traffic and convoy timings. The walkway is a further 20 km or so beyond Rangat on the same highway, between Rangat and Mayabundar. Many travellers visit on the way to or from North Andaman, or as part of a Rangat stay.
Andaman Trunk Road Rules
The route follows the Andaman Trunk Road through forests, villages and the Jarawa tribal reserve. Vehicles cross the reserve in supervised convoys at fixed times. Photographing tribal members, stopping, or offering food or gifts is strictly prohibited and illegal. Convoy timings can change, so check the latest schedule before you leave and start early to avoid missing a slot.
Carry original ID, a full tank of fuel if you drive your own vehicle, and enough water and snacks. Mobile networks can be weak in places, so download offline maps before you set out.
Transport Options
- Private cab: the most flexible and comfortable option, and it lets you stop for photos
- Government bus: cheaper but slower, and you will still need local transport for the last stretch
- Tour package: transport, stay and guide arranged together, which suits first-time visitors
Best Time to Visit Andaman
October to May is the best window, with pleasant weather and dry boards underfoot. November to March is the coolest and most comfortable for walking. April and May are warmer, so go early in the morning. Avoid heavy rain from June to September, when the walkway can be slippery and road delays are more likely.
Whatever the season, morning and late afternoon are the best times of day. Temperatures are lower, the light is softer and the forest is more active.
Sample Half-Day Plan for the Walkway
Here is a simple plan you can adapt if you are staying in or near Rangat:
- Morning: start by 7:30 AM and reach the entry point before the day heats up
- Walk: spend 1 to 2 hours on the boardwalk, taking photos and looking for birds and crabs
- Beach: rest at Dhani Nallah Beach and enjoy the quiet
- Lunch: return to Rangat for a simple meal, usually fish or a vegetarian thali
- Afternoon: visit another nearby spot such as Amkunj Beach, then head back to your hotel
Nearby Places to Visit in Rangat
Rangat has several eco-tourism spots worth adding to your plan:
- Amkunj Beach: a quiet beach with golden sand and calm water
- Karmatang Beach: a peaceful beach often included in Rangat itineraries
- Morice Dera Beach: another low-key beach for those who enjoy solitude
- Panchvati Hills: a scenic stop for nature lovers
Because the area is spread out, a private cab for the day is the easiest way to see more than one place.
Water Sports and Adventure Activities Elsewhere in Andaman
Dhani Nallah is a place for quiet walks and nature, not for water sports, so add some adventure elsewhere on your Andaman trip. Havelock and Neil Islands are the best places for scuba diving in Andaman, snorkelling in Andaman, sea walking and glass-bottom boat rides, while North Bay near Port Blair is popular for sea walking and jet skiing. Browse our guide to water sports in Andaman to compare options.
Where to Stay Near the Walkway
Hawksbill Nest at Cuthbert Bay, run by the tourism department, is about 2 km from the entry point and offers basic facilities. Rangat town also has several hotels and resorts. Book ahead in peak season, since options in Middle Andaman are limited, and confirm check-in times before the long drive.
Travel Tips for Visiting the Walkway
- Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes, as wooden planks can be wet
- Carry water, sunscreen, a hat and insect repellent
- Do not litter, as single-use plastic is banned across the islands
- Do not run or jump on the boardwalk, and keep an eye on children near the edges
- Carry cash and original ID, because ATMs and networks are limited in Middle Andaman
- Confirm opening days and any entry fee locally before you go
- Respect wildlife: do not touch crabs, birds or turtle nests
Responsible Tourism at Dhani Nallah
Mangroves are fragile. Stay on the boardwalk, keep noise low, take all waste back with you and avoid picking leaves or disturbing roots. If you visit the beach during turtle nesting season, keep a respectful distance, avoid flash photography and never touch eggs or hatchlings. Small habits like these keep the place quiet and clean for the next visitor.
What to Pack for the Walk
A light cotton shirt, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and a reusable water bottle are enough for most visitors. Add a small waterproof pouch for your phone, a power bank and a light rain jacket if you travel outside the dry months.
Plan Your Trip with a Local Expert
Get in touch with your trusted Port Blair travel agency for personalised Andaman tour Packages and Andaman Honeymoon Packages across Port Blair, Havelock, Neil Island, Ross Island, Baratang and Jolly Buoy. Our local team helps with hotel bookings, ferry tickets and customised itineraries.
Location: Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Phone: +91-8900912121 or +918900915151
Email: info@andamantravelcare.com
FAQs
What is the Dhani Nallah mangrove walkway famous for?
It is famous for its long wooden boardwalk through dense mangrove forest, which ends at Dhani Nallah Beach.
Where is the Dhani Nallah mangrove walkway located?
About 20 km from Rangat in Middle Andaman, beside the Andaman Trunk Road, with the entry at Betapur.
How long is the walkway?
About 700 m (713 m). Allow 1–2 hours including time at the beach.
Why is it unique in the Andaman Islands?
It is among the longest mangrove boardwalks of its kind in India and is built to protect the forest.
What is the best time to visit?
October to May, with November to March the coolest. Avoid heavy monsoon rain.
How do I reach it from Port Blair?
Take the Andaman Trunk Road to Rangat, about 170 km and 6–8 hours, then continue about 20 km by cab, bus or tour transport.
Is it suitable for families and kids?
Yes. The path is flat and easy, but supervise children near the edges.
What can I see during the walk?
Mangrove roots, water channels, crabs, birds and the beach, and possibly turtle activity in nesting season.
How far is Dhani Nallah Beach from the walkway?
The boardwalk leads straight to the beach, so there is no separate trip.
Is there an entry fee?
Several travel sites report free entry, but check locally for current fees and opening days.
What makes the walkway eco-friendly?
It is raised above the forest floor and built with rejected teak logs, so it causes little disturbance to the mangroves.
Can I visit during monsoon?
It is possible but not recommended, as the boardwalk can be slippery and road delays are more likely.
Conclusion
The Dhani Nallah mangrove walkway is a hidden gem for anyone who enjoys quiet, simple travel. Combine it with Rangat’s beaches, plan around the Andaman Trunk Road timings, and it makes a memorable stop in Middle Andaman. Start early, walk slowly, leave nothing behind and let the forest do the rest.