Baratang Island

🌴 Baratang Island – Overview

• Location: ~100–110 km north of Port Blair, nestled between Middle and South Andaman.

• Administrative Division: Part of the North & Middle Andaman District.

• Area: Approximately 243 sq. km.

• Famous For: Limestone caves, mud volcanoes, mangrove forests, and tribal reserves.

• Ideal For: Nature lovers, geology enthusiasts, and offbeat travelers.

🕰️ History of Baratang Island

Early History

• Originally inhabited by indigenous Jarwa tribes, part of the Great Andamanese group.

• The island remained untouched by modern development for centuries.

Colonial Era

• The British established a limited presence here, mostly for resource extraction and monitoring the indigenous tribes.

• The Jarwas maintained hostile isolation to outsiders during this time.

Post-Independence

• The Indian government encouraged Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and Ranchi settlers to cultivate and inhabit some parts of the island.

• A major road (Andaman Trunk Road) was constructed through Jarwa tribal territory, which remains a matter of ongoing concern and conservation.

🌍 Culture of Baratang Island

Inhabitants

• Jarwa Tribes: Semi-nomadic indigenous people who live in protected forest reserves. Contact with them is strictly prohibited by law.

• Settlers: Mostly Bengali, Telugu, Tamil, and tribal groups from mainland India brought in as part of rehabilitation schemes.

Language

• Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Tamil, and Andamanese dialects (within the tribal reserve) are spoken.

• English is used for tourism and official communication.

Lifestyle

• Life is simple and rural, revolving around fishing, farming, and tourism.

• Sustainable practices are common due to limited resources.

🏞️ Top Tourist Attractions in Baratang Island

1. 🕳️ Limestone Caves

• One of Baratang’s main highlights.

• Accessible via a short boat ride through thick mangrove creeks followed by a walk through the forest.

• The caves are made of sedimentary limestone, forming stunning stalactites and stalagmites over thousands of years.

• A guided tour is recommended to understand the cave’s formations and geology.

2. 🌋 Mud Volcano

• The only active mud volcanoes in India are found here.

• Mud rather than lava erupts slowly due to underground gas emissions.

• Located about 6–7 km from Baratang Jetty; can be accessed by a short trek.

• Not visually dramatic but geologically fascinating.

3. 🌿 Mangrove Creek

• The boat ride to Limestone Caves through interwoven mangrove tunnels is an unforgettable experience.

• Peaceful, bird-filled journey great for photography and nature lovers.

4. 🏖️ Baludera Beach

• Quiet and uncrowded.

• Known for its shallow waters, clean sands, and elephant sightings in earlier days.

• Great for a picnic or sunset viewing.

5. 🚙 Andaman Trunk Road & Tribal Reserves

• The ATR passes through the Jarwa Reserve Forest.

• Travelers may spot Jarwa tribes along the route, though photography, stopping, or interaction is strictly forbidden by law.

• The drive is escorted in convoys with forest department and police oversight to protect the tribe’s privacy and safety.

🚫 Important Note: Any attempt to photograph or interact with the Jarwa people is a serious offense under the Andaman & Nicobar Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Regulation (ANPATR), 1956.

🛶 Adventure and Activities in Baratang Island

1. Mangrove Kayaking (Seasonal)

• In recent years, eco-kayaking tours through mangrove creeks are being introduced.

• Ideal for eco-tourists and bird watchers.

2. Trekking

• Short jungle treks to Limestone Caves and Mud Volcano are accessible to all age groups.

• Treks are under forest department supervision.

🦐 Cuisine and Food in Baratang Island

Baratang is a rural island, so food options are simple but satisfying.

Local Delicacies

• Seafood curries made with coconut, mustard, and local spices.

• Rice and lentils, fried vegetables, and chutneys.

• Dishes from Bengali and South Indian cuisines dominate.

Where to Eat

• Few local dhabas and basic restaurants near Baratang Jetty.

• Food is homely; don’t expect fine dining or international cuisine.

• Some government guest houses offer basic meals to tourists.

⚠️ Tip: Carry snacks, bottled water, and packed meals if you plan a full-day trip, as options are limited.

🏨 Where to Stay in Baratang Island

Baratang is more of a day-trip destination, but some basic accommodation is available for overnight stays.

Government and Forest Guest Houses

• APWD and Forest Department Rest Houses (Booking required in advance via the tourism office).

Eco Resorts and Homestays

• Dew Dale Resorts – Mid-range option with clean rooms and local cuisine.

• TAPOVAN Resorts – Simple stay, good for overnight trips.

🛑 No luxury resorts or hotels on the island. It’s best suited for nature travelers and backpackers.

🛍️ Shopping on Baratang Island

• Not a commercial shopping hub.

• A few local stalls sell:

  • Coconut handicrafts

  • Dried fish

  • Small souvenirs

• Major shopping is best done in Port Blair.

🛫 How to Reach Baratang Island

By Road from Port Blair (~100–110 km, 4–5 hours)

• Travel by Andaman Trunk Road (ATR).

• Compulsory forest convoy crosses Jarwa Reserve at fixed timings:

  • First convoy starts around 6:00 AM from Jirkatang check post.

  • Total 4 convoys daily; timing must be followed strictly.

• Stops at Middle Strait, then a vehicle ferry carries cars and passengers to Baratang.

By Private Taxi or Bus

• Taxis can be hired from Port Blair.

• Government and private buses operate too, but are less comfortable.

📅 Best Time to Visit Baratang Island

• October to May: Ideal weather, clear skies, and open forest roads.

• Avoid Monsoon (June to September): Landslides, muddy paths, and closed caves due to flooding.

⚠️ Travel Guidelines and Permissions

• No special permit needed for Indian tourists.

• Foreign nationals are not permitted to visit Baratang due to its proximity to tribal reserves.

• Photography and filming in tribal areas are strictly prohibited.

🌿 Sustainability and Conservation

• Baratang lies in an ecologically sensitive zone.

• Forest department controls access to protect coral reefs, mangroves, and tribal rights.

• Tourists are encouraged to:

  • Avoid plastics

  • Stay within designated paths

  • Respect local culture and environmental rules

🧭 Suggested Itinerary (Day Trip from Port Blair)

5:00 AM – Depart from Port Blair

7:00 AM – Cross Jirkatang forest gate in convoy

9:00 AM – Ferry to Baratang

10:00 AM – Visit Limestone Caves

12:30 PM – Explore Mud Volcano

2:00 PM – Lunch and rest near jetty

3:00 PM – Return via convoy

7:00 PM – Back in Port Blair

🔚 Conclusion

Baratang Island is a hidden gem in the Andaman Islands that offers a raw, untouched experience of nature — far from the commercial beaches of Havelock or Neil. With its natural limestone caves, rare mud volcanoes, mangroves, and proximity to tribal areas, it offers a unique blend of geology, ecology, and anthropology.

It’s best suited for:

• Eco-tourists

• Geology and nature enthusiasts

• Curious travelers looking for offbeat destinations