Baratang Island

Exploring the Hidden Wonders of Baratang Island in Andaman

Welcome to the comprehensive travel guide to Baratang Island in the Andaman Islands. As experts in Andaman tourism, we aim to provide you with detailed information about Baratang Island, ensuring that you have the best possible experience during your visit.

Introduction to Baratang Island

About 110 kilometres from Port Blair, the city’s capital, Baratang Island is located between the Middle and South Andaman Islands. It has emerged as a major attraction for tourists due to its unique offerings. While Andamans is often associated with pristine beaches and azure waters, Baratang Island presents a greener and more fascinating side of the archipelago.

One of the remarkable aspects of Baratang Island is its inhabitants. The island is home to the Jarawa tribes, who coexist with a few Ranchi settlers. This cultural diversity adds to the charm and authenticity of the place. The major attractions on Baratang Island include the Limestone Caves, Mud Volcano, and the Parrot Island, each offering a different experience. We will delve into the details of these attractions in the upcoming sections of this article.

What to Expect on Baratang Island?

When you visit a tropical island like Baratang, you can expect a diverse range of experiences that cater to various interests. The island boasts dense forests, tribal inhabitants, mesmerizing mangroves, boat rides through the mangroves, pristine beaches, a rich avian population, captivating caves, exhilarating treks, and even a volcanic phenomenon. Baratang truly offers a platter of experiences to satisfy every traveler’s cravings.

It is important to note that despite gaining popularity as a tourist destination, Baratang is still considered a remote location. The telecom networks are not very reliable, and there are limited options for restaurants and hotels. However, the government provides well-maintained restrooms for travelers, ensuring hygiene and convenience during your visit.

Journey to Baratang Island

The trip to Baratang Island is adventurous indeed. If you plan to explore the Limestone Caves and Mud Volcano, we recommend starting early in the morning around 3:00 to 3:30 AM. This allows you to reach Baratang in a timely manner, giving you ample time to explore the sights and have a comfortable journey back or continue your adventure further.

The distance from Port Blair to Baratang is approximately 120 km, which takes around 3 to 3.5 hours each way. It is important to adhere to the speed restriction of 40 kmph while crossing the tribal reserve area. Considering the duration of the trip, it is advisable to stay in Port Blair the night before and after the day trip to Baratang. Alternatively, you can plan for an overnight stay in North Andaman for a more immersive experience.

As you leave Port Blair behind and venture towards Baratang, you will pass through sparsely populated areas enveloped by mesmerizing jungles on both sides. The journey itself becomes a visual treat, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region. Previously, people had reservations about traveling through these areas due to encounters with native tribes in search of food. However, efforts by the government to protect these tribes have reduced such incidents, making the journey safer and more enjoyable.

Convoy Timings and Tribal Reserve

To ensure the safety of both travelers and the tribes, the government has established convoy timings from Port Blair to Baratang. The recommended convoy timings for tourists are at 6 AM and 9 AM. After reaching the Jirkatang check post, the vehicles make a pit stop where you can refresh yourself. Subsequently, the vehicles are allowed to proceed in groups of vehicles at a time.

During the journey from Port Blair to Baratang, you will pass through the Jarawa Tribe reserve, specifically from Jirkatang to Middle Strait. While you may have the opportunity to spot the Jarawa tribes by the roadside, it is essential to remember that this is not a part of your sightseeing. It is extremely prohibited and unlawful to interact with members of the Jarawa tribe, give them food, or take their photos.

Exploring Baratang Island

Upon reaching Baratang, you can embark on your exploration of the island’s attractions. The major highlights include the Limestone Caves and Mud Volcano.

To visit the Limestone Caves, you will take a 10-seater fiber speed boat from Baratang to the starting point of the trek. From there, you will trek for approximately 1.2 km to reach the caves. Guides are available for hire to provide information about the formation and unique shapes of the caves.

For the Mud Volcano, a sharing jeep will transport you from Baratang. At the Mud Volcano site, you can witness mud oozing out of the surface, creating a fascinating natural phenomenon.

After exploring these attractions, you will return to your hotel in Port Blair. This is the typical itinerary for a regular day trip to Baratang. However, if you choose to stay overnight on Baratang Island, you can also visit Parrot Island. In the evening, many parrots come to nest on an island near Baratang, providing a magnificent sunset viewing opportunity.

Accommodation and Food Options

Baratang Island is still developing as a tourist destination, so there are limited options for restaurants and hotels. The telecom networks may not be very reliable in this remote location. However, government restrooms are available along the way and provide hygienic facilities for travelers.

There are two hotel options on Baratang Island: Dew Dale Resort and Coral Creek Resort. Dew Dale Resort offers spacious rooms and is considered the best option on the island. Coral Creek Resort is a budget-friendly hotel. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose the accommodation that suits you.

Regarding food options, you can have snacks and water during pit stops on the way to Baratang. Upon reaching Baratang, there are eateries offering Dhaba-style food, which is hygienic and satisfying. While there may not be star-category AC restaurants, you can enjoy good meals to satisfy your hunger during the trip.

Essential Items for the Trip

To make your trip comfortable, it is recommended to carry a few essentials. These include a hat, sunglasses, some snacks, a water bottle, and mosquito repellent cream. While there are no specific wardrobe restrictions, closed shoes or flip flops are suggested as the most suitable footwear for this trip.

Baratang Island offers a unique experience for travelers seeking a greener side of the Andaman Islands. With its dense forests, tribal inhabitants, mangroves, boat rides, beaches, birds, caves, trekking, and volcanoes, Baratang showcases the diverse natural beauty of the region.