Baratang

Baratang Island

Baratang Island is one of the islands of the Great Andaman Chain. It lies 100 km north of Port Blair and is a part of Rangat Taluk. It is located between the Middle and South Andaman. It is also known as Ranchiwalas Island as the British sent the people from Ranchi to Baratang Island to cultivate crops in the nineteenth century. Port Blair, is located approximately 45 kilometers from the Baratang. Baratang is famous for only known mud volcanoes in India called Jalki. The island is inhabited mainly by the Jarawa tribes. Baratang is one of the least visited tourist destinations as it is not a major tourist hub. Andaman is not just to explore beaches and scuba diving. Baratang Island is worth visiting as you can explore the beautiful limestone caves, mud volcanoes, and the parrot island.


BEST TIME TO VISIT BARATANG


BARATANG IN SUMMERS(MARCH-MAY)

Temperature-Min 25°C - Max 32°C

The summers are quite hot and humid so you must avoid traveling to Baratang during this period.

BARATANG IN MONSOONS(JUNE-SEPTEMBER)

Temperature-Min 25°C- Max 30°C

It's tough to visit at this time as there is tremendous rainfall. The way to the caves is slippery and muddy although the atmosphere created around the island is a delightful romantic one.

BARATANG IN WINTERS(OCTOBER-FEBRUARY)

Temperature-Min 20°C- Max 26°C

Winter is the best season of the year for visiting Baratang island as the sea is calm and the rainfall is minimal. At this time you can even try many adventurous activities.

HOW TO REACH BARATANG


BY AIR

Veer Savarkar International Airport

The Veer Savarkar International Airport in the city of Port Blair is the nearest airport. From the airport, you can take a bus from STS Bus Terminal, Aberdeen Bazar to the Middle strait. You will have to travel through the ‘Andaman Trunk Road’ (ATR). Apart from this private AC Coaches and private cab can also be an option. After obtaining the permit, you need to go through Jarawa tribal forest area to reach Baratang Pier. Take a ferry from Nilambur jetty to reach your destination. It is advisable to take a well-planned conducted tour if you want to return on the same day from Baratang Island. This tour includes jetty fares and the other tickets. Start early from Port Blair if you want to explore more. There are no places except the Guesthouse and the Dew Dale Resort to stay overnight at Baratang and hence one needs to start early from Port Blair to make this trip.

BY WATER


Ferry at Port Blair

The ferry from Port Blair takes less time than road, but it is not operational on all the days.

PLACES TO VISIT IN BARATANG


1. LIMESTONE CAVES

Rock formation in Limestone Caves

Limestone Caves

These limestone caves are the natural formations caused due to erosion. If you are coming from Port Blair you should start at 3 am as it will take 4 hr to reach the Jurkatang. Reach the checkpoint at Jurkatang before the Jarawa Forest Reserve as early as possible. There is a long wait for filling in of forms for permits. The limestone caves can only be explored with the permission of the Forest Department of Baratang. You can enjoy the simple breakfast of tea, coffee, vadas, and idly in the meantime. Some restrooms are also available. All cars and busses enter the Jharawa Forest Reserve in a convoy, with armed policemen. The first convoy starts at 6 am sharp. You may spot the Jarawa tribals going hunting which is indeed a treat to watch. After you cross this, your vehicle will be transported in a jetty along with passengers at the middle strait of Baratang, as there is no road route. An alternate sea route is also there that takes about 2 to 2.5 hours from Port Blair to Baratang. After you reach the Baratang you will have to take a speedboat from Baratang jetty which passes through the dense mangrove creeks. Speed boat ride in the rain to mangrove forest was once in a lifetime experience and is very thrilling. You will have to walk around 1.2 km on an elevated wooden walkway from here, built over the mangrove roots. The journey is better than the destination as the scenic beauty of this place is spectacular. Once you enter the caves the limestone patters can be seen hanging or rising from the ground. These formations are in a variety of shapes and sizes. It consists of a few Stalactites and Stalagmites formed in shapes of lotus, Conch shells, elephant or Shiva Linga, etc. Some of the places inside are very narrow and dark so carry a torch with you. Limestone is made up of calcium carbonate and is very soluble. With the passage of time rainwater dissolves limestone, creating a cave. The caves are cooler inside as the temperature is lower than the temperature outside. You must relish the tasty lemon water made by inhabitants of the island before entering the caves. The limestone formations in these caves are so exquisite and artistic that they are worth watching.

2. MUD VOLCANO

Mud Volcano

Mud volcanoes are the second prominent tourist attraction here which are caused due to a very rare natural phenomenon. You can go here by Nilambur Jetty or by road. The road to the mud volcano is very scenic and beautiful. First, you reach Jarawa Creek and then walk from there to reach the Mud volcano. Tourists can even walk over these volcanoes as these volcanoes do not erupt hot molten lava. It is a small, slow bubbling puddle of mud with a mixture of water and gases. They can be well known as miniature volcanoes. They are formed by natural gases emitted by decaying organic matter underground. While visiting caves, this place needs just an additional 1 hour to visit.

3. PARROT ISLAND

Parrots on Island


A beautiful sunrise at the Parrot Island

This is an uninhabited island that attracts too many tourists as there are too many beaches. This island is known as parrot island because of the thousands of colorful parrots. The island is filled with mangrove trees. Take a ferry from Baratang Jetty to reach here. Parakeets, also come to this island in the evening with the setting of the sun. So the best time to visit this island is in the evening. The full island is full of birds chirping at this time. You will have to stay at Baratang Island for visiting this place as you will return in darkness and by that time there are no buses left for Port Blair.

4. GUITAR ISLAND



Aerial View of Guitar Island

Shaped like a guitar this island is least explored by the tourists. You can reach here only by Long Island jetty. This island is a perfect place for honeymooners. The island is a white stretch of glittering sand surrounded by palm trees. This place is for those who want to see the variety of sea creatures and shells on the beaches. It is famous for hermit crabs.

5. BLUFF ISLAND

Location of Bluff Island

This island belongs to the West Baratang Group and lies south of Spike Island. Approximately 64 km from Port Blair, this island has rich wildlife. This place is famous for snorkeling and diving. There is also a wildlife century. Bluff island and the surrounding waters are a wildlife sanctuary of India. It was initiated in 1987 as a nature preserve.

6. MANGROVE CREEK


A romantic boat safari between the Mangrove Creek

You can enjoy a romantic boat safari between the mangrove forests. Bird watching is another activity that can be done here. Views of exotic birds are a truly mesmerizing experience. Mangrove trees here form a canopy which is worth watching. You have to pass through mangrove creek while you are going for limestone caves.

7. STRAIT ISLAND

Map of Strait Island

The island lies 63 km north of Port Blair. A small island shaped like a comma that is filled with forests and wildlife. It lies approximately 6 km East of Baratang Island. Here you will find too many deer. Bird watching is another activity to be enjoyed. It is famous for the exotic wildlife. A lighthouse at the top of the tallest hill on the island was established in 1983. A bi-weekly ferry service is available from Port Blair for reaching this island.

8. BALUDERA BEACH

An evening at the Baludera Beach


Baludera beach is at a distance of around 9 km from Nilambur Jetty. One of the isolated beaches of Andaman, this beach preserves its natural beauty. The eco-friendly and treetop huts make it a perfect holiday destination. Here you can enjoy delicious drinks and seafood platters. The most ideal place for you to relax. It is truly a hidden beach gem with a tranquil environment. You can even enjoy the elephant ride at the beach.

9. MERK BAY BEACH

Merk Bay Beach

The clean waters of the Merk Bay Beach


Merk Bay Beach is ideal for both nature and adventure lovers both. Try scuba diving, snorkeling, or other water sports at this isolated beach. You can spot a number of dolphins here. The shimmering white sand and the blue water will make you fall in love with nature. This beach is closed permanently now.

10. JARAWA CREEK

Jarawa Tribe


This place is home to the Jarawa tribe. The people of this tribe are self-sufficient and they still maintain their culture and ancient life. They spend their days dancing, playing music, and hunting. On your way to limestone caves, you have to cross through Jarawa Forest Reserve. If you are lucky you may see Jawara people going hunting. Interacting with the Jawara people is strictly prohibited as it may be dangerous. Offering them food, stopping vehicles while transiting or taking pictures are hence prohibited and could be prosecuted. Jarawa people speak their local language known as Jarwa. Travel agencies use to provide human safaris in which tourist could watch Jarawa tribe but this is also prohibited by the government now.

ACTIVITIES IN BARATANG


1. HIKING


Hiking

Try hiking to the mud volcanoes but do follow the trails which have clearly marked routes.

2. TREKKING

Trekking

Trekking is a sport that takes you close to mother nature. In Baratang you can engage in some trekking while going to the stunning limestone caves.

3. SEA WALKING

Sea Walking

Sea Walking is a water sport in which you walk on the soft wet sand while enjoying the beautiful sea creatures swimming around you.

4. SCUBA DIVING

Scuba Diving

In Scuba Diving you can explore the mysteries that are hidden under the sea. Proper training is needed for this activity.

5. CORAL GAZING

Coral Gazing

This unique activity can take place only when the tides low and the water is calm. Andaman is an island that has a plethora of beautiful and colorful corals

6. BOAT RIDES

Boat Rides

Boat rides exploring the mangrove creeks are something not to be missed.

WHERE TO STAY AT BARATANG

Dew Dale Resort

There are no hotels at Baratang apart from the guesthouses so a night stay is not advisable. There are three guesthouses – APWD Guest House, Mangrove Forest Guest House, and Milambur Panchayat Guest House. But getting a room here is very tough. There is a private resort, Dew Dale Resort. This resort is in the Sundergarh village. It is very close to famous tourist spots like the limestone caves, Mud volcano, Baludera Beach, Merk Bay Beach, Parrot Island, etc.

FOOD AT BARATANG

Mackerel Fish Dish


There are no fancy tourist restaurants. South-Indian and Bengali dishes are available around the Nilambur jetty. Mackerel fish at Baratang jetty is a must try.

TRAVEL TIPS


1. Do not offer any food items to tribal people as it is strictly prohibited.
2. Apply sunscreen lotion and mosquito replant lotion while crossing the forests.
3. A special permit is needed from the UT Administration for staying overnight.
4. Interacting with the Jarawa people is strictly prohibited.
5. You are not allowed to take pictures of the tribal.
6. Do not put your hands under the water during your boat ride as there are saltwater crocodiles.
7. Carry a torch while visiting limestone caves as it is dark inside.
8. Carry a cap, sunglasses, and umbrella along with you.
9. Wear comfortable footwear as you have to walk a lot.
10. Carry some food with you if you are with kids.
11. Mud volcano area is highly inflammable and hence no-smoking zone.
12. Do not litter or throw garbage and help the island preserve its natural beauty.
13. Two-wheelers are not allowed in Baratang.
14. Hire a local guide.
15. If you are having back problems or knee problems then avoid this place.

ITINERARY

A day tour will be sufficient if you want to visit the limestone caves, mangrove creek, and mud volcanoes. If you want to explore all the other places you need to stay at Baratang for 2 days at least. Stay at Baludera beach is a good option if you want to get isolated from the world.