Baratang Island tour

Baratang Island Tour

Nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts find the Baratang Island tour to be the perfect trip, offering a unique experience. To reach Baratang, you need to leave the port early in the morning, around 3 AM, as the distance is approximately 100 km. There are two ways to reach Baratang: by road or by ship. If you’re planning a day tour, traveling by road is the best option. If you’re considering taking a ship, there could be some challenges, as the service is not very regular. Ships typically operate only once or twice a week, so planning a day trip by ship isn’t the ideal choice. You can plan a solo day tour to Baratang Island. Among the many famous places in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Baratang offers a unique glimpse of natural beauty that's different from the rest.

Location
Baratang Island lies between Middle Andaman and South Andaman, acting as a natural link between the two larger islands.

Natural Beauty

You can explore nature in its raw form here, with lush greenery, pristine beaches, and unspoiled landscapes that anyone who loves nature will truly enjoy.

Limestone Caves

Baratang’s main attraction is its limestone cave system.

The caves sit deep inside dense mangroves; you reach them by speedboat (about 30 minutes).

After arriving, there’s a 10- to 15-minute forest walk to the cave entrance.

Formed by long-term marine sedimentation, the caves are full of striking stalactites and stalagmites that create pillar-like formations, with gentle shafts of light, water seepage, and cool breezes inside.

Mud Volcanoes

Baratang’s mud volcanoes are a natural curiosity.

Before 2004, they were dormant, but the 26 December 2004 earthquake reactivated them.

For about four days afterward, flames and gases escaped; by the fifth day, activity subsided, and only bubbling mud remained.

Accessibility

You can reach Baratang either by road or by ship, but most travelers prefer the road journey because it’s more fun. You pass through thick forest, tribal territory, and the convoy system all in one trip.

Parrot Island

Famous for its beautiful mangroves and huge flocks of parrots.

You must take a speedboat, and because the birds arrive at dusk, you’ll need to stay overnight in Baratang. The best time to visit is the late afternoon; the best months are November to April.

Jarawa Tribes of Andaman

As part of the Baratang Island tour, travelers pass through the Jarawa Tribal Reserve in a strictly monitored government convoy. This dense forest region is home to the Jarawa tribe, one of the earliest known inhabitants of the Andaman Islands, believed to have migrated from Africa over 50,000 years ago. The Jarawas have chosen to live in isolation, maintaining their traditional way of life without outside interference. This isolation is crucial for their protection, as exposure to outsiders can transmit infections and diseases to which they have little or no immunity. To safeguard their well-being and preserve their culture, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulation, 1956 (ANPATR) strictly prohibits any interaction, photography, offering of food, or halting of vehicles near the Jarawas. Violation of this law is a punishable offense, with penalties including imprisonment and heavy fines. Travelers are strongly urged to respect these regulations, both for their own safety and to ensure the dignity and protection of the Jarawa community.

Convoy Timings for Baratang Island

Four daily convoys leave Jirgatang for the Jarawa reserve: 6 AM, 9 AM, 12:30 PM, and 3:30 PM. The schedule is designed around tribal areas for safety.

 Click here for more info on Baratang Island

Tips for a Baratang Day Trip

To catch the first convoy, leave Port Blair around 3 AM–3:30 AM.

Bring a packed breakfast from your hotel, or you can eat at Jirgatang, where plenty of stalls are open early.

Enjoy the mangrove ride by speedboat and the scenic forest views along the road. Overall, the overland trip is usually better than traveling by ship.

Best Time to Visit

November to April offers the most comfortable weather for sightseeing and trekking.

Things to Carry:

1. Some cash, as digital payments may not always work due to weak network connectivity.
2. Comfortable clothes and footwear suitable for trekking.
3. A fully charged mobile phone and a power bank for capturing photos and videos.
4. Some snacks and a water bottle to stay energized and hydrated.
5. Medicines, especially if you have motion sickness or any other health condition.
6. An ID card, which is required for form filling during convoy travel.

FAQs

1. How much time does it take to reach Baratang from Port Blair?
It takes approximately 4 to 5 hours by road, depending on convoy timing and traffic.

2. Can we stay overnight at Baratang Island?
Yes, overnight stay is possible. There are a few basic hotels and guesthouses in Baratang, especially if you want to visit Parrot Island in the evening.

3. Where is Baratang located?
Baratang is located between South Andaman and Middle Andaman, around 100 km north of Port Blair, in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

4. What are the main attractions to see in Baratang?

Limestone Caves
Mud Volcanoes
Mangrove boat rides
Parrot Island (evening visit)
Drive through the Jarawa Reserve Forest        

5. Can we interact with the Jarawa tribe?
No. Interacting, photographing, or offering food to the Jarawa tribe is strictly prohibited by law. They are a protected indigenous group.

6. What is the best option for a day tour to Baratang?
A road trip starting early from Port Blair, around 3 AM, is the best option. You can return the same evening after covering key sites.

7. Are there any water activities available on Baratang Island?
No major water sports like scuba diving or snorkeling are offered. However, boat rides through mangroves are a scenic and peaceful experience.

8. Can we drive ourselves to Baratang?
Yes, self-driving is allowed, but you must join the government convoy to pass through the tribal reserve. All vehicles must follow convoy rules.

9. How many places can we visit in Baratang on a day tour?
On a typical day tour, you can visit:

Limestone Caves
Mud Volcano
Mangrove Boat Ride
(Parrot Island requires an overnight stay.)

10 Are there restaurants or food options available on Baratang Island?
Yes, there are a few local eateries and food stalls, especially near the jetty area. Food is simple, mostly South Indian, and seafood.

Discover Andaman Holidays Pvt. Ltd.

Phone: 7063955900 / 8001123888
Email: [email protected]

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