Top 5 Things to Do in Baratang – 2024 Edition

The holiday mood has set in. Are you too on the lookout for your next destination which is a natural delight? We have a spot for you that is approximately 150 km north from Port Blair and goes by the name Baratang island. It is an island with only 3 small districts within – South Creek, Adazig and Nilambur. Baratang island is a part of the North and Middle Andaman group of islands – which also include Ross island and Havelock Island. This island is accessible via Port Blair and has a rich history. It’s interesting to know that Barantag Island is locally also called Ranchiwalas Island.

 If you want to enter a world away from the chaos of the modern world and are a nature lover or an adventure lover, then Baratang Island is a place you must visit. It’s interesting to know that Baratang island is so remote that the central region of the island has almost no inhabitants at all therefore mobile networks are pretty scarce. Even when you are visiting Baratang, which rests in the Middle and South Andaman region,  a few important things to remember are that the internet is very rare and even if available, has very limited access. Also there are only a few ATMs so make sure you carry enough cash on you. This is perhaps why the island is one of the lesser visited tourist places because of its limited tourist facilities including just about enough medical facilities, no luxury accommodation facilities or private resorts and is not one of the islands that remain crowded. Yet with time decent accommodation options are coming up for tourists.

This should not discourage you from heading to Baratang Island, a beautiful island nestled in the lap of Andaman and Nicobar and with great weather owing to the tropical proximity of the region..  This famous beach destination is packed with many tourist attractions. The weather on this amazing spot in the Nicobar Islands is amazingly pleasant, especially during late summers and the winter months,  with the calming blue waters offering a very pleasant feel to one’s soul. Though be forewarned that the weather Conditions turns extremely humid during the peak summers. Great natural marvels including mangrove trees, caves that feature rare stalactites, a popular beach festival, tropical forests, virgin beaches, interesting bird sightings and some spectacular rock formations – all make for some alluring sites.

These amazing sites coupled with diverse wildlife scenery make your vacation to this island in the Andaman and Nicobar islands a truly unforgettable experience.

A Brief Peek into the History of Baratang Island in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

During the colonial period, Baratang Island was a bustling place with activity. Erstwhile Baratang island was a hub for plantations, logging, and agriculture. Imagine huge logs cut down manually and towed through jungle floors by Asian elephants. The logs had to be transported to sawmills nearby, so the colonials found an innovative and cost-effective way to do so. Instead of burning down tons of diesel on the bumpy jungle road, they made rafts out of the same logs and then towed them along with the water current using minimal effort. This still continues on a very small scale and you can still find rafts tied using logs at the jetties of the Baratang Island. This does sound extremely magical and it feels so as well at this spectacular beach.1

Being at Baratang Island gives one the feeling of time having stood still. Perhaps this is because Baratang remains slightly like a secluded isle. One that is an untouched beach surrounded by warm green vistas. If you are in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and want to glimpse some geological and natural wonders like mud volcanoes or even dense mangrove creeks then Baratang Island is the place for you.

Tourists visiting Baratang Island from Port Blair should know that the island is one of the lesser visited tourist spots in Andaman and Nicobar. 

The Journey To Explore Baratang Island In Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Ride through the mangroves to see the impressive Limestone Caves. There are ways to reach Baratang island: either you can go for boat rides or you can go for the road journey. The journey takes place on the Andaman trunk road in a region reserved for Jarawa tribes and vehicles including private cars have to follow a conveyor system. You can always opt for government ferries or government bus that take you from the capital city of Port Blair though check the schedule since only a few rides may be available on some days. You can also embark on a short vehicle ferry connection if you are traveling on your own transport. You can also squeeze a visit to North Bay Island while on your route to Baratang Island. Another option is de-board at Baratang jetty. These are cost-effective ways of traveling anywhere in the Andaman Islands. 

Baratang island has now emerged as a preferred tourist destination in recent years and is the reason why the island remains crowded. The eruption of Mud Volcano, the popular Limestone caves, the untouched Baludera beach, and the almost ethereal Parrot island have made Baratang Island a tourist hub.It is after all a perfect destination for honeymoon couples, families and backpackers.

A visit to Baratang Island is an adventure beyond even your wildest dreams. To explore Baratang, a tiny island, you can rely on public transport like buses, auto-rickshaws, and shared jeep trips, as there are no scooter or bike rentals available here. This will help you see the spectacular mangrove creeks nestled amidst lush mangrove forests.In addition you can also have a glimpse of tidal swamp forests while visiting Baratang Island. This island also offers interesting bird watching opportunities and a chance to photograph some spectacular natural wonders. If you want amazing pictures for the gram then make sure to align your dates with the island tourism festival, that takes place across the Andamans..

While you plan a visit in Baratang island, please be respectful of the local habitat as its home to the indigenous Jarawa Tribe.

Here’s A List Of Top 5 Things To Do In Baratang Island

1. Visit The Limestone Caves

Limestone caves are situated approx. 3-4 km south of the Nilambur jetty. By a speed boat it takes around 15 minutes, so hold onto your hats and then it takes another 15 minutes of trekking in the jungle so no heels and make sure you carry good walking shoes.

The journey on the speedboat is the best part of the journey to the limestone cave.. Gliding across the creeks in a speedboat wearing a life jacket surrounded by mangrove forest will fuel up your inner “Indiana Jones” or “Bear Grylls”. This is a lovely destination with mesmerizing rock formations awaiting at the end of your adventure.

Gliding into the narrow waterway you will reach a small jetty. There will be a 15 minute trek in the jungle. You will have small huts along the path to rest and as the journey ends you will reach the entrance of the cave. There’s only one entrance to the cave so you might have to wait for your turn to get in.. During the journey, it is advisable to be with the group and tour operator you came with. We highly recommend you add this to your places to visit list since it’s a fine attraction where the caves feature rare stalactites and unique limestone formations. The island serves some spectacular sights overall but the limestone caves are truly a one-of-a-kind attraction.

2. Witness Mud Volcano

So starting off with a little history, this volcano  first erupted in 1988. Basically it went all kaboom in the evening and the next day,  an area as big as a football field was covered in mud and rose up to around 6-7 feet. The teak plantations around the area were burnt and only trunks of the trees were left. My father, a then resident of Baratang Island, told me about it.

This natural phenomenon  now lies about 7 kms from the Nilambur Jetty and is located in is locally called Jarawa Creek, which is named after the native Jarawa Tribe.

Now about the Volcano itself, when one thinks about a volcano the first thing that comes to mind is a huge mountain, lava flowing around, hot natural gasses and a magnificent view, but for this volcano, it ain’t true. Yet this spot is slowly transforming into a major tourist hub and when you visit Baratang Island make sure to visit this spot.

This tourist attraction is visually not very stunning but it is a very rare geographical phenomenon in the Nicobar islands and hence you can visit this place. The mud volcano basically is a small bubbling pile of mud. There are many smaller yet fascinating mud volcanoes in the Jarawa creek area.

3. Visit Parrot Island

The island takes nearly 30-40 mins to reach from Nilambur jetty. This island is famous for large gatherings of colorful parrots as the name suggests. If you want to enjoy  parrot island, you will have to go there at dusk since at that time the island offers magnificent natural sights. This means you will have to stay in Baratang Island for a Night. If you are a nature-lover this island will give you memories for a lifetime since Parrot Island has thousands of parrots chirping and flying around the small island is something out of a fantasy world.

This island is not a place everyone visits and the chances that your boat may be one of the only ones is high. It’s a very romantic journey; the sunset is gorgeous and ideal for honeymooners and nature explorers.. Imagine ending the day to the sound /view of parrots, the dipping sun, the sound of water and the mangroves around. You will have to stay for a night and ask the boat association about 3 hours in advance to arrange a boat. It will cost 3500 for up to 5 people on a boat and 700/extra person – charges. Timing is between 4 pm to 6.30 pm.

4. Spend Some Time At Baludera Beach

Baludera beach is located at about 9 kms from the Nilambur jetty. You can reach this jetty easily by taking a boat rides or ferry ride from the capital town of Port Blair. Popular among (not so many) locals,  this beach is quite isolated and one of the few such beaches in the Nicobar Islands where  there are no shops/facilities/small eateries around and hardly a few food outlets and no fancy restaurants.So if you are someone who needs to have small bites every few minutes be prepared beforehand because this Baratang Island trip is unlike any other island  because of its little tourist infrastructure. If you want to swim or try scuba diving in the waters then get your own snorkel gear as there are no snorkel rental places or dive centres in Baludera Beach. The one thing the island boasts off is unadulterated natural beauty that will enamor nature lovers. All-in-all a captivating beach akin to the shimmering beaches of popular tourist islands and enveloped by mangrove fringed creeks. This is because it’s a hidden beach gem in middle Andaman.

Talking about this untouched beach, it has a long curved stretch; there is a big problem of sandflies if you are going to the beach in the evening so take necessary precautions. You can skip the beach if you are in Baratang Island for just a day and instead head to the dense mangrove forests that surround the island. But if you are staying for a night you can go and see the sunrise – which is one amongst the best in the Andaman Islands. All in all this beach is a fine attraction worth spending your time on.

5. Eat Local Thalis

 There are several small dhabas around the Nilambur jetty where you can relish the taste of local Andamani food. The Andaman cuisine is actually a  blend of cuisines from different parts of the country because of the diversity in settlers from all over India. The dhaba thalis (meals) serve a mixture of dishes with north and south Indian influence ranging from Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Though don’t expect fancy restaurant style food or you will be disappointed. The local shops and local food stalls though take pride in serving yummy food that satiates your hunger pangs. You can  also try some local snacks. My personal favorite is “Goli”, a snack prepared by frying a paste of refined flour mixed with sugar. It has a crispy outer crust and a soft inner core and is best with a cup of tea leaving your belly with a very pleasant feel. Talking about thalis, the Nilambur jetty has a canteen at the jetty itself (Port Canteen) where you can try “macchi suruva” and ”bhaath” I.e. fish curry and rice. After a long day of hiking and trekking activities or bumpy ride, under the sun, having this as lunch will make your day and makes for a famous sight amongst food lovers.

The journey to Baratang Island should be on your list as an adventure lover, especially if you are visiting the Andaman Islands. The major attractions we mentioned above are amazing and should not be missed. Make sure you have enough days at hand because there is so much to see and often people get stuck with the limited time in the Baratang Islands. I also suggest you stay a night in Baratang Island, so you can take a trip to see Parrot island.