Baratang Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands | Things to Do, Photos, How to Reach

Baratang Island, Andaman Overview

Baratang Island, also known as Ranchiwalas Island, is a beautiful little island in the North and Middle Andaman Administrative district and is situated about 100 kilometres away from Port Blair by road. The island is well-known for its mangroves, mud volcanoes (only ones in India) and limestone caves. However, you may need to take permission from the Forest Department at Baratang to explore these caves.

Unlike Havelock Island, Baratang Island is not as developed for urban tourism and mostly serves as a hub for natural sightseeing. You can reach Baratang island via the government ferry service that runs between Port Blair city at the Phoenix Bay Jetty. Andaman Trunk Road that connects Rangat and Mayabunder passes through the Baratang Island and meanders through the lush green rainforests.

Must Know Before You Visit Baratang Island

How to Reach Baratang Island : Baratang island is located 100 km from the capital of Port Blair. You can choose to book a private taxi or take the government buses which run from Port Blair. There are also government ferry services that run between Port Blair and Baratang Island and onward to Havelock Island.

Ferry Services
Timings and Location: They start at the Phoenix Bay Jetty at 05:30 AM each day.
Tickets: You can avail the tickets for the same at the Single Window, Tourist Information Center at the Directorate of I & P, between 09:00 AM to 04:00 PM.

	Arrival	Departure
Port Blair	---	05:30AM IST
Baratang	08:30 AM IST	1:00 PM IST
Port Blair	05:00 PM IST	---

Private Jeeps: INR 400- INR 800 on average per vehicle.
Private Cars: These aren't cost-effective but convenient to travel. It might cost you INR 6000 per vehicle/day.
Bus: Government bus is comparatively cheaper as compared to private vehicles – INR 45 per head

Things to Note : 1. While visiting the limestone caves, do not try to make contact with the tribal people.
2. The mud volcano isn't an ideal destination for children below 10 years.
3. Always stick to your routes and not venture into the restricted areas.
4.The food outlets here serve delightful Indian cuisine as well.
5. Keep in mind that many locals here are not well versed in English.
6. If you wish to halt for a night, a special permit is needed from the UT Administration
7. Avoid sunbathing because of ample sand flies swarming in the area

Baratang Island Highlights

1. Limestone Caves and Mangrove Forests

The limestone caves were formed millions of years ago due to the slow deposition of lime on the earth's surface. The caves can be accessed by a 45 minutes boat ride from Baratang via a scenic route th (Read More)rough the Andaman Sea. The ride through the mangrove reserves to the wonderful limestone caves is truly an exhilarating experience. Tourists are allowed to take calm boat rides through the tidal mangrove forests.

2. Mud Volcanoes

Endemic to Baratang Island in India, the mud volcanoes are sprawled over a huge area of 1000 to 2000 square metre. The first eruption of the mud volcano on the island of Baratang was seen in the year (Read More)1983 and the last eruption was seen in 2003. These volcanoes also emit a number of gasses and the eruptions in mud have formed various craters all over the island. The mud volcanoes are truly unique and attract nature lovers and geography enthusiasts from all over the world.

3. Parrot Island

Parrot Island is a perfect spot for Bird watching lovers. There are a hundred different parrots and several species of birds here.

4. Baludera Beach

Situated 9km from Nilambur jetty, one can visit and swim at this beach during low tide. It's usually not that crowded and there aren't regular buses here. You'll have to carry your own snacks and refr (Read More)eshments. Lined with mangrove trees and old fallen trunks, this beach is a quiet getaway near Baratang island.