But places in the Middle Andaman and South Andaman Islands may be yet to be explored. The NH4 , known as Andaman Trunk Road; the only lifeline for the islanders, traverses through the three large Islands from Port Blair to Diglipur over a distance of 230 km.
The journey through the ATR is exciting because of the two large straits on the way. While you cross the straits on barges a vista of mangrove forests opens up before you.
From Jirkatang check post, vehicles are permitted to proceed only in convoy escorted by police. From there, you have to pass through the Jarawa reserve forests to reach Middle Strait.
Middle Andaman gives you exciting and memorable experiences. Rangat town is the major market place and headquarters of the revenue division. Some nearby tourist attractions are the Amkunj Beach, Raman Bagicha beach, Morice Dera , Long Island and Dhani Nallah.
Dhani Nallah is the most alluring place as it gives a totally different experience. It is located 20km away from Rangat town and on the way to Mayabunder.
You can a take detour from ATR at the gate at Padmanabhapuram to reach Dhani Nallah’s entrance to the walk way. At the entrance you can get any assistance. It will fascinate ordinary tourists, wildlife enthusiasts and biologist alike.
Dhani Nallah is the longest natural mangrove walk in the country. It meanders through a creek for a length of 713 m.
The mangrove walk is built on a wooden platform without disturbing the ecosystem. It extends through the thick growth of mangrove trees and mangrove palms known as Dhani patti (Nypa fruitican) in local parlance.
You get a feel of having been lost in time and abruptly dropped in an earlier geological era. There are about 33 major species and hundreds of associate species of mangrove plants are reported in Andaman many of which can be seen in Dhani Nallah.
The Blind-your-eye mangrove, scientifically known as Excoecaria Agallocha, produces milky latex which is very poisonous and a powerful irritant.
A contact with skin causes irritation and rapid blistering. A slight contact with the eye can cause irritation and temporary blindness.
The mangrove walk way has intermittently built resting huts. The railings on the sides of the walkways make it a safe pathway for children.
When the water recedes during low tides innumerable crab burrows are exposed.
The intertwined roots of the mangrove trees give an enhancing effect to the already strange picture.
Dhani nallah also harbours crocodiles. When you come out of the walkway, you are welcomed by a golden sand beach.
The clean beach extends over a length of 5 km. There are small huts where you can sit and enjoy the calm turquoise blue sea and the cool breeze.
Though wind surfing facilities are not provided here, the place is very suitable for it. Absence of huge waves makes it safe for swimming. The settings make it a great picnic spot.
The most interesting aspect of Dhani Nallah is the turtle hatchery. The long sandy beaches of Dhani Nallah and Cuthbert bay have long been known as important nesting sites for olive ridley sea turtles.
Mass nesting of turtles has been observed in this area usually during December-January months. Dhani Nalla is conjoined with the famous Cuthbert Bay wildlife sanctuary which has an 8km stretch of beautiful sandy beach.
The turtles arrive here especially during no moon nights. The field staff of the forest department collects the turtle eggs and keeps them for hatching. Green sea turtles, hawksbill and leatherback turtles also have been reported in these areas.
Releasing the little ones of the turtles into the sea is a wonderful experience, especially for children.
A government guest house, named as Hawksbill Nest run by the department of tourism is also available in this area.
Image -1 - Shlong Island
Image -2 - Cellular Jail
Image -3 - Dhani Nallah
All Photos by Rajan Kuttamath