Limestone Caves, Andaman (Baratang Island) - How To Reach

Limestone Caves, Andaman Overview

The naturally-formed limestone caves near Baratang island of Andaman are a favourite tourist spot for those who do not mind a long journey. The caves are only a destination as there is a long boat journey towards it. The caves, although beautiful, are not that easy to reach. One has to take a convoy through the Jarawa Forest land and ferry ride to Baratang Island before you can reach Limestone Caves in Andamans. Perfect for adventure-seekers and spelunkers, reaching these caves also requires a small trek.

The caves are a short walk away from the boat parking, approximately 15 minutes. Sedimentary rock has formed in all parts of the cave with limestone is hanging in magnanimous chunks from the ceiling of the cave. Some formations that are found here are speleothem, flowstones, stalactite, stalagmites, and columns, but mostly stalactite and stalagmites. The structures have taken hundreds of years to appear this way; this is the ultimate charm of this place.

It is advised to carry flashlights as the denser the caves get, the darker they become. Travelling through Andaman's rich tropical rainforests and experiencing a real-life Disneyland water boat ride with attractions galore on each side makes this an ultimate trip of a lifetime.

The boat ride to the caves is considered as a fun and enjoyable experience. Other attractions in its vicinity include mud volcanoes and the parrot island both in Baratang which make for enjoyable experiences.

How to Get There

As mentioned earlier, getting to the Limestone Caves near Baratang Island is not an easy task. If you are starting from Port Blair, you would be required to travel in a convoy through the homes of the Jarawa Tribe, which is a restricted area. From there, one has to travel to the Nilambur Jetty to get a permit to Baratang Island through a ferry.Please make sure you carry your ID proofs with you during this time. From the Nilambur Jetty, you would have to take a boat ride to Nayadera Jetty and from thereon trek up to the Limestone Caves.

Boat ride to the caves — Boat Ride to the Caves
Source

The long boat ride to the limestone caves is what is considered to be the main focus of the trip rather than the caves itself. There are dense mangrove forests that one has to cross through via boat to reach the caves which create an exciting experience in itself. One may spot many bird and animals in this forest along the way making it a theme park ride come to life. The caves are an incentive for the long journey attributed to its impressive natural formations that baffle all those who come to visit. It is without a doubt that a trip to these caves will be one to remember.