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Located 102 kilometres north of Port Blair, Baratang Island is a paradise for all who love peace and want to admire nature’s magic. This place is a hidden gem with captivating natural wonders including pristine beaches, mud volcanoes, mangrove creeks, limestone caves and Parrot Island. Baratang has a rustic charm with lesser luxurious options that will make your trip memorable. The place also offers the opportunity for unique experiences such as bird watching, night kayaking, mangrove boat rides, and indulging in delicious Indian dishes. Here is what you can expect on a trip to this Island.
How To Reach
Photo: Yercaud-elango / Wikimedia Commons
“Where is Baratang Island?” is one of the most asked questions by every traveller. This Island is located towards North and Middle Andaman amidst the Bay of Bengal. There are no direct air routes to the island from any of the major Indian or world cities. You need to book a flight first to Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair, which is located around 104 km away from Baratang. After reaching Port Blair, you can hire a private taxi, car, jeep or government bus which may take you around 4-5 hours. No two-wheelers are allowed on the road to Baratang.
Suggested Read: Little Andaman Island
Places To Visit
The Baratang island location is perfect for all nature admirers as it offers magnificent sights and scenery. Here is a list of some popular Baratang tourist spots.
1. Limestone Cave
Photo: S.tanmay / Wikimedia Commons
The vast mangrove-covered creeks and limestone cave formations are one of the main draws of Baratang. The island is renowned for its limestone-rich terrain and formations in the form of either protruding above-the-ground structures or hanging from the ceiling. There are massive formations adorning the walls within the cave’s confines resembling beautiful chandeliers suspended from the ceiling. The constant water drip from above imbues a radiant glow in the stalactites and stalagmites.
Location: Limestone Cave, Baratang, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744210
Timings: 3 AM – 6 PM
2. Mud Volcanoes
Photo: Yercaud-elango / Wikimedia Commons
The mud volcanoes of Baratang are one of its most famous sights and one-of-its-kind in India. These volcanoes present a unique geological phenomenon that emits a mixture of gases, water and mud. The bubbling mud pools and conical mounds formed by the eruption of subterranean gases present a mesmerising sight for onlookers.
Location: Mud Volcano, Baratang, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744210
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
Suggested Read: Adventure Sports In Andaman
3. Parrot Island
Photo: Sivakumar B / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
30 km from Baratang, the Parrot Island presents a captivating spectacle for you to capture mesmerising photos with its enchanting avian inhabitants. Named after the thousands of parrots flocking to the island after sunset, this uninhabited island acts like a meeting point for these parrots every evening. This creates a vibrant cacophony of sounds and colours set against the backdrop of the setting sun making it a sight to behold.
Location: Parrot Island, Kanchangarh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744210
Timings: 24*7
4. Baludera Beach
Photo: Nabil Naidu / Unsplash/ Image For Representation Only
Nestled between mangrove trees on one side and weathered fallen trees on the other, lies the picturesque, crescent-shaped sandy Baludera Beach. The water here is pleasantly warm, offering a refreshing respite after a day of exploration. With its tranquil atmosphere and secluded setting, this beach is a hidden gem that often provides visitors with the luxury of having it all to themselves.
Location: Baludera Beach, Baratang, Nayagarh RV, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744210
Timings: 24*7
Suggested Read: Water Sports In Havelock Island
Where To Stay
Photo: Suhel vba / Pixels / Image For Representation Only
To add to the rustic charm of the island, there are only a few hotels located there. You can find departmental houses and guesthouses located around the jetty. Since the place is quite popular among tourists, it is best to contact your tour operator to book the same as per your budget and requirements. There are hotels Like Blue Planet and Dew Dale Resort that offer basic rooming facilities with ample facilities and local cuisine. Charges range from ₹2000 to ₹4000 per night. For a cheaper option, you can choose Hotel Avis which is a simple hotel with shared bathrooms and charges ₹1500- ₹2000 per night.
Where To Eat
Photo: Jane Trang Doan / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
There are several local eateries and food stalls located near the jetty serving scrumptious Bengali and South Indian food at affordable rates. For a vegetarian fare, you can head over to Annapurna serving vegetarian meals. To savour the sea food and non veg delicacies, there are restaurants like Green Valley and Blue Sea that are popular among the locals as well as the tourists.
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Andaman
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Yercaud-elango / Wikimedia Commons
The pleasant weather conditions and minimal rainfall from October to March make that time the optimal period for visiting this island. During these months, the Baratang island weather is pleasant with calm waters, ideal for various water sports activities. This dry period also presents the perfect opportunity for all trekking enthusiasts and nature lovers. The temperature is relatively stable and ranges between 22°C to 30°C.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Habib / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Now that you know a lot of things about this Island, let’s look at the costs and pricing that you can expect along with some important information.
Average Cost Of Trip
There are several costs associated with travelling to the island such as transportation and other visit charges.
- Transportation: The journey from Port Blair to Baratang costs around ₹400 per person including the ferry charges. You can avail of services of a private jeep on the island costing approximately, ₹1000 for a trip to Mud Volcanoes.
- Local Charges: For a day trip, visit charges would range from ₹100 to ₹500 per person, depending upon the facilities.
Tips For Travellers
There are some important points that need to be kept in mind when booking a Baratang Island tour package.
- ID Cards: Carry your passports or ID cards at all times, as they will be required for getting the permits and tickets. These will also be checked at all ferry points and checkpoints.
- Permits: Visit to Limestone caves and Parrot Island can only be done after getting the right permit. These permits can be arranged by your tour operator or from the Forest Department Office in Baratang Jetty. The cost of the permit is ₹50 per person for one day.
- Tickets: Tickets for Limestone Caves and Parrot Island can be purchased from the Baratang Jetty Ticket Counter.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Andaman And Nicobar Islands
Baratang Island is a hidden gem that offers a glimpse into the natural, historical as well as cultural wonders of the island. A trip to this place with TripXL should be on your list if you are planning to visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands soon. Make sure to have some time on your hand as this place has a lot to offer.
Cover Photo: Yercaud-elango / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Resprestation Only
