Baratang:
Located between Middle and South Andaman Islands and approximately around 100Kms from Port Blair, Baratang Island is surrounded by a Dense Forest and by Mangroves and Tribes, and has activities like Boat Rides & Trekking to visit Limestone Caves and Mud Volcanoes.
The trip to Baratang starts early in the morning from Port Blair, your car will take its route through the Andaman Grand Trunk Road, which connects Port Blair to South, Middle and North Andaman. On your way you would pass through Jirkatang Forest where the car would take a pit stop for some refreshment and then along with other cars and Government vehicles alike will be start the trip, however the first vehicle and the last will be of a couple of security personnel for safety of both travelers and tribes. To reach Baratang, you would pass through the Jarawa Tribe reserve, the reserve controlled and operated by government for protection of the Jarawas against diseases from which they do not have natural immunity. The government also provides medical aid to these indigenous tribes. On your way from Jirkatang to Middle Strait you might get an opportunity to see these tribes along the road. It is recommended not to offer any food or take pictures of these tribes during this time. Interacting with them, giving them food or clicking their pictures is strictly prohibited and is a punishable offence. After passing through the tribal reserve you would reach Nilamber Jetty. You would then be transferred to a vehicle ferry, which would take you to the Baratang Island. This ferry can accommodate buses, trucks, cars & bikes.
Upon reaching Baratang Jetty you could take a boat which would take you through dense mangroves to reach the starting point of your journey to reach the Limestone Caves. After sailing for 5-7 minutes; you’ll start seeing the mangroves and its breathing roots which make a natural gateway to enter the journey towards the cave. The journey to the cave is an experience on its own. Pass through walkways made by cutting through dense forest and large stones. Inside the cave the temperature is lower than outside. Limestone is mostly made up of the mineral calcite (calcium carbonate). Rain water picks up carbon dioxide in the air and a weak solution of carbonic acid is formed. This water can dissolve limestone over time, creating a cave. The boat operator will be your guide for this trip to the Limestone Caves.
Tickets: Boat ride charge to reach here.
Opening Timings: Open all days from 8 am to 5 pm and prior permission is required from the forest department.
Duration: 2 hours.
