Explore Baratang Island in Andaman – Caves, Mangroves & Adventure Awaits
✨ Discover the Wild Side of the Andamans – Welcome to Baratang Island
If you’re craving raw nature, mysterious landscapes, and offbeat adventure, Baratang Island in Andaman should top your list. Located about 100 km north of Port Blair, Baratang is perfect for a day trip filled with natural wonders and tribal reserve crossings.
Unlike the more polished beach islands like Havelock or Neil, Baratang Island in Andaman offers something different — from lava-born mud volcanoes and ancient limestone caves to surreal mangrove tunnels and flocks of parrots that return to roost at sunset.
Travellers love Baratang for its:
- Dramatic natural beauty
- Unspoiled and uncrowded experiences
- Fascinating route through the Jarawa Tribal Reserve (Buffer Zone)
- Accessible location for a same-day return trip from Port Blair
🛶 Whether you’re kayaking through mangroves, trekking to caves, or witnessing the rare mud volcano, Baratang Island takes you deep into the Andaman’s wild heart.
This island isn’t about luxury resorts — it’s about raw, real exploration.
🚐 How to Reach Baratang Island in Andaman
Getting to Baratang Island in Andaman is an adventure in itself — a scenic drive through dense forests, creeks, and tribal buffer zones. Since it’s located on Middle Andaman Island, reaching Baratang from Port Blair involves a combination of road travel and forest convoy crossing.
📍 Distance from Port Blair to Baratang Island
- Distance: ~100 km by road
- Travel Time: 3.5 to 4.5 hours (one way)
- Route: Port Blair → Jirkatang Checkpost → Middle Strait Jetty → Baratang
🚧 Travel includes passing through the Jarawa Buffer Zone, where convoy timings are strictly regulated by the Forest Department.
🚌 Travel Options
✅ 1. Private Cab (Most Recommended)
Book a private A/C cab or shared tour vehicle from Port Blair. This offers flexibility, comfort, and hotel pickup/drop-off.
- 💼 Ideal for: Families, groups, and travellers who want a hassle-free day trip
⏱️ Departs: Usually around 3:30 AM – 4:00 AM (to join the first convoy)
✅ 2. Government Bus
Budget-friendly option with fixed timing but less comfort.
🚌 Departs: Early morning from Port Blair Bus Terminal
🚫 Limited seats and longer travel time
🛥️ Middle Strait Ferry (Vehicle & Passenger Transfer)
At Middle Strait Jetty, all vehicles and passengers must board a vehicle ferry to cross a short sea channel before reaching Baratang. This takes around 15–20 minutes.
🚢 This part of the trip is scenic, crossing between forest-covered islands.
⛔ Important Notes for Travellers
No photography or videography is allowed in the Jarawa Tribal Reserve
No stops are permitted in the buffer zone
All vehicles move in regulated convoys with security escorts
Carry valid ID and snacks — shops are minimal on the way
Whether you’re visiting the Limestone Caves, Mud Volcano, or just the thrill of a raw island journey, getting to Baratang Island from Port Blair is part of the adventure.
📍 Top Places to Visit in Baratang Island in Andaman
Visiting Baratang Island in Andaman is like stepping into nature’s hidden laboratory. From geological marvels to rich biodiversity, it offers a mix of soft adventure, eco-experiences, and cultural sensitivity — all packed into a thrilling day trip from Port Blair.
Jarawa Buffer Zone – A Sensitive Passage
The journey to Baratang takes you through the Jarawa Tribal Reserve Buffer Zone — a restricted forest area that is home to one of the indigenous tribes of the Andaman Islands. No photography or interaction is allowed, and vehicles move in a convoy escorted by forest officials. 🚐 While passing through, travelers often glimpse the untouched wilderness and appreciate the tribe's protected way of life.
Mud Volcano – The Only One in India
ne of the most unusual attractions in Andaman Baratang Island, the Mud Volcano is a rare geological phenomenon where semi-liquid mud slowly bubbles to the surface due to underground gases. ⚠️ While not dramatic in appearance, it's fascinating for geology lovers and a unique India-only sight.
Limestone Caves – A Journey Through Time
Hidden within dense tropical forest and accessible only by a scenic boat ride through mangrove creeks, the Baratang Limestone Caves are truly otherworldly. These natural formations are made of mineral deposits that have developed over thousands of years. 🛶 Getting there is half the thrill — a serene boat journey through narrow mangrove canals.
Parrot Island – Nature’s Evening Show
Just before sunset, thousands of parrots fly in to roost on this tiny island, creating a mesmerizing aerial dance. Parrot Island can only be visited by boat during twilight, making it a magical and peaceful end to your Baratang tour. 📸 A birdwatcher’s delight and a photographer’s dream.
Baludera Beach – Serene and Unspoiled
Away from the usual tourist trail, Baludera Beach offers soft sands, calm waters, and peaceful vibes. It’s perfect for a quiet picnic or a moment of relaxation after a morning of exploring Baratang’s forests and caves.
Nayadera Mangrove Walk
A lesser-known gem, the Nayadera Mangrove Walk offers a wooden trail through lush mangrove forests. It’s a peaceful, nature-rich experience — ideal for eco-travellers and birdwatchers. 🌿 Walk, observe, and breathe in the fresh island air as you stroll through Andaman’s coastal ecology. 🐦 Bring binoculars if you love birdwatching!
Whether you’re here for caves, creeks, or parrots, Baratang Island in Andaman delivers a raw, unforgettable slice of nature. This island isn’t touristy — it’s untamed, unfiltered, and unforgettable.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit Baratang Island in Andaman
☀️ Peak Season: October to April
This is the best time to visit Baratang Island in Andaman. The skies are clear, roads are dry, and boat rides to Limestone Caves and Parrot Island are uninterrupted.
🌡️ Temperature: 23°C to 30°C
🌞 Ideal for: Outdoor exploration, photography, and wildlife viewing
✅ Recommended for: Families, nature lovers, and first-time Andaman travellers
🛶 The mangrove boat rides and Parrot Island sunset views are especially breathtaking during these months.
🌧️ Monsoon Season: May to September
Travel is still possible during the monsoon, but expect frequent rains, muddy trekking paths, and possible delays in boat operations to the Limestone Caves.
⚠️ Roads may be slippery and forest convoy timings can change due to weather
🧘 Ideal for: Off-season travellers seeking solitude and budget deals
🌿 The landscape turns lush and green — great for eco-lovers, but less ideal for water activities.
🌿 Ready to Explore Baratang Island in Andaman ?
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Baratang Island in Andaman
Where is Baratang Island located in Andaman?
Baratang Island is located about 100 km north of Port Blair, between South and Middle Andaman. It’s part of the North and Middle Andaman district.
How do I reach Baratang Island from Port Blair?
You can reach Baratang Island by road from Port Blair via the Andaman Trunk Road, crossing the Jarawa Buffer Zone. The trip includes a vehicle ferry at Middle Strait and takes about 3.5 to 4.5 hours.
Is Baratang Island a day trip destination?
Yes, Baratang is commonly visited as a day trip from Port Blair. Travelers leave early in the morning and return by evening after visiting the main attractions.
What is Baratang Island famous for?
Baratang Island is known for its Limestone Caves, Mud Volcano, mangrove boat rides, Parrot Island, and the scenic journey through the Jarawa tribal reserve.
What are the top attractions in Baratang Island?
The best places to visit in Baratang Island include:
- Limestone Caves
- Mud Volcano
- Parrot Island
- Baludera Beach
- Jarawa Buffer Zone
- Nayadera Mangrove Walk
What is the Jarawa Buffer Zone?
The Jarawa Buffer Zone is a protected forest corridor you pass through on the way to Baratang. It’s home to the indigenous Jarawa tribe. No interaction or photography is allowed.
Are permits required for Baratang Island?
Yes, visitors must pass through a permit-controlled area (the Jarawa Reserve). Permits are issued at the Jirkatang Checkpost and usually managed by tour operators.
When is the best time to visit Baratang Island?
The best time to visit is from October to April, when the weather is dry and ferry/boat services operate smoothly. Avoid peak monsoon months due to rain and road conditions.
How long does it take to reach Baratang Island from Port Blair?
It takes approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours by road, depending on traffic and convoy schedules through the forest zone.
Is there accommodation in Baratang Island?
While there are a few budget guesthouses, most travelers prefer to visit Baratang as a day trip from Port Blair and return by evening.