The Dhani Nallah Mangrove Walkway is one of the most unusual and rewarding walks in the Andaman Islands. A raised wooden boardwalk, about 700 metres long, winds through a dense mangrove creek, with tangled roots, still water and green light all around you, and then opens suddenly onto a long, quiet beach. The walkway is described as the longest boardwalk of its kind in India, and the beach at its end is known as a nesting ground for Olive Ridley sea turtles in the winter months. It is peaceful, shady and surprisingly easy to enjoy.
Dhani Nallah sits on the Andaman Trunk Road in Middle Andaman, around 18 to 20 km from Rangat and between Rangat and Mayabunder. This guide covers what to expect, the walk itself, the turtle nesting season, practical details, the best time to visit and how to reach it. If you would rather have the transport and timing arranged for you, explore our Andaman tour packages, planned by Andaman Emerald Travels, a travel team based in the Andamans.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Betapur village, on the Andaman Trunk Road, Middle Andaman |
| Distance | Roughly 18 to 20 km from Rangat; between Rangat and Mayabunder |
| Length of walkway | About 700 metres (reported as 713 m) |
| Known for | Mangrove boardwalk, quiet beach, Olive Ridley turtle nesting in winter |
| Entry | Reports differ: some say free, others a small fee; check on arrival |
| Suggested time | 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Best time of day | Morning or late afternoon |
| Best season | November to March (turtle nesting roughly December to February) |
| Best for | Nature lovers, birdwatchers, photographers, families, quiet seekers |
The name comes from a mangrove plant called Dhanipatti, which grows along the creek. The walkway was built to let visitors enter a mangrove forest without damaging it or getting stuck in the mud. It runs along the creek for around 700 metres, raised above the roots on wooden planks with railings, and it ends at a long brown-sand beach beside the Andaman Sea.
The setting is quiet and shaded, with the thick mangrove canopy keeping the walk cool even in warm weather. Because it sits beside the main road but out of sight, it feels very remote. It is one of the best examples of the eco-tourism sites that Rangat is known for, along with Yerrata mangrove walkway and the pebbly shore at Amkunj Beach.
The boardwalk is the main attraction, and the walk is flat and easy. As you go, look down into the creek, where small fish, crabs and mudskippers move around the roots, and look up for birds in the canopy. The air is humid and still, and the sounds of the forest replace the traffic. Take your time, since the walk is more about atmosphere than distance.
At the end of the boardwalk, the trees open onto a long, wide beach with brown sand and a clear view of the sea. It is a quiet place to sit, walk and watch the waves. Some visitors notice benches and sit-out areas, and basic changing rooms. Swimming conditions vary, so follow local warnings and do not swim after dark.
The beach is a nesting ground for Olive Ridley sea turtles, and the nesting season runs roughly from December to February, with some sources suggesting mid-December into April. Turtles nest at night, and nesting areas and hatchlings are protected by law. If you visit in season, follow the instructions of local staff, keep lights and noise low and never touch eggs or hatchlings. Seeing a turtle is never guaranteed. The nearby Cuthbert Bay is another well-known nesting site.
The mangroves attract kingfishers, herons and other water birds, and the tangled roots and green light make for beautiful photographs. A quiet pace and a zoom lens help. The light is most dramatic in the early morning and late afternoon.
| Highlight | What It Is | Approx. Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Mangrove boardwalk | A raised wooden walkway of about 700 m through the creek | 20 to 30 minutes each way |
| Beach at the end | A long, quiet brown-sand beach | 20 to 40 minutes |
| Birdwatching | Mangrove and water birds | Along the walk |
| Turtle nesting (seasonal) | Olive Ridley turtles, roughly December to February | Evening or night, with local guidance |
| Photography | Roots, creek and beach in soft light | 20 to 30 minutes |
Timings are approximate and vary with the tide, season and the pace of your group.
Facilities are simple. Small restrooms are reported near the entrance, and there may be basic seating and changing rooms near the beach. There are few shops and restaurants close by, so bring water, snacks and sun protection. The walkway is generally open during daylight hours. Because entry fees and timings are reported differently, confirm the current details before you go. Please stay on the boardwalk, avoid littering and keep noise low to protect the mangroves and any turtles.
The best season is November to March, when the weather is cooler and drier, and turtle nesting season falls within it. Morning and late afternoon are the best times of day. Monsoon months bring heavy rain, slippery boards and high humidity, and the walk is less pleasant.
| Months | Season | What to Expect | Our Guides |
|---|---|---|---|
| October to November | Post-monsoon | Lush green mangroves; some wet boards | October, November |
| December to February | Peak season and turtle nesting | Best weather; turtles may nest at night | December, January, February |
| March to May | Summer | Warm and humid; go early | March, April, May |
| June to September | Monsoon | Heavy rain and slippery boardwalk | June, July, August, September |
Dhani Nallah is on the Andaman Trunk Road, so it is easy to reach by road. It is about 18 to 20 km from Rangat town, and it sits on the way between Rangat and Mayabunder, which makes it a natural stop for travellers moving north. Public buses run along the road, with more frequent service on weekdays than on weekends, and taxis are available from Rangat. If you are on one of our packages, your private cab will take you directly, and we plan the stop within your journey.
| Option | Best For | Things to Note |
|---|---|---|
| Private cab | Families and groups; combined sightseeing | Easy to include on the road north |
| Local bus | Budget travellers | More frequent on weekdays; check the return timing |
| Taxi from Rangat | Independent travellers | Agree the fare and waiting time in advance |
Rangat itself is reached from Port Blair via Baratang, or by ferry on some days of the week. Convoy times, ferry schedules and rules change, so confirm before you travel.
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Morning | Drive from Rangat and walk the boardwalk while it is cool |
| Late morning | Time at the beach, then a packed lunch |
| Afternoon | Continue north to Mayabunder, or return to Rangat for Amkunj Beach |
| Evening (December to February) | Ask local staff about guided turtle watching, if offered |
Looking for a ready-made plan that includes Rangat? Longer packages suit the north best: see our 6 nights 7 days and 7 nights 8 days Andaman packages. Another turtle-nesting beach worth knowing is Karmatang Beach, further north. For more quiet places, read our guide to offbeat places in Andaman, or browse all Andaman destinations on our site.
A tourism department guest house sits near the beach, about 2 km from the walkway entrance, and Rangat has other resorts and guesthouses. Facilities are modest, and rooms are limited, especially from December to February, so book early.
Rangat and north Andaman stops are part of many of our packages. Every traveller has different needs, so we offer a package for each:
| Traveller Type | Package | What It Offers |
|---|---|---|
| Couples | Andaman honeymoon packages | Quiet stays and private transfers |
| Families | Andaman family packages | Comfortable, child-friendly plans |
| Friends and colleagues | Andaman group packages | Shared planning for large parties |
| Value-focused travellers | Andaman budget packages | Affordable trips that cover the highlights |
| Government employees | Andaman LTC packages | Plans designed for LTC travel |
| Thrill seekers | Andaman adventure packages | Nature, trekking and offbeat excursions |
Not sure which suits you? Reach out through our contact page for a customised itinerary.
See what travellers say about us on Andaman Emerald Travels on Google, then call +91 9933245630 or send an enquiry for a free quote on your Andaman tour packages.
It is a wooden boardwalk of about 700 metres through a mangrove creek, leading to a quiet beach. It is described as the longest boardwalk of its kind in India.
Roughly 18 to 20 km by road, on the way between Rangat and Mayabunder.
Reports differ, with some saying free and others a nominal charge. Check on arrival.
Olive Ridley turtles nest on the beach, mainly from December to February. Sightings are never guaranteed, and nesting areas are protected.
Plan 1 to 1.5 hours, including the beach.
November to March, in the morning or late afternoon.
Yes. The boardwalk is flat and easy, though the boards can be slippery. Hold children’s hands and wear shoes with grip.
Longer packages that include Rangat can include it. Couples often choose a honeymoon package, families a family package and adventure lovers an adventure package. Our team can customise any plan.
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