Question 1

Where is Baratang Island located? Distance from Port Blair?

Accepted Answer

Baratang Island is a part of the Andaman and Nicobar Island off the coast. It is located between South and Middle Andaman. Baratang is located at 100 kms away from Port Blair. One has to travel by road and cross a creek on a vehicle ferry at Middle Strait to reach Baratang.

Question 2

How to reach Baratang Island? What is the best way to travel?

Accepted Answer

You have to travel by road and cross a creek on a vehicle ferry at Middle Strair to reach Baratang. AC coaches to the Baratang Island are commonly provided by local service providers. They are really very comfortable and they also come inclusive of lunch. Moreover, these buses picks up tourists from their respective hotels and resorts. (Note: these buses do not provide pick up services from far away hotels such as Fortune Resort Bay Island, Peerless Sarovar Portico, Sea Princess resort, Rose valley resort and the ones which do not fall in the package).

The buses cover the following places : Goalghar->Delanipur->Phoenix bay->Aberdeen Bazaar->MG Road->Goal Ghar->Junglighat->Dairy Farm->Lambaline->School Line.

In case your hotel does not fall close to this locality, then you will need to reach the bus by yourself. However, depending upon the number of travelers it is also possible that the bus operators provide pick up services even from faraway localities. These buses come inclusive of Mangrove boat rides and all necessary entry tickets.

Question 3

How do I reach Baratang Island using public transportation?

Accepted Answer

You can avail the regular bus services, which are available from STS Bus Terminal, located in Aberdeen Bazar. This journey will take you around 2 hrs and 30 minutes to reach Middle Strait from Port Blair, and the fare is for the government bus is Rs 80.

The journey takes place in 2 phases – Port Blair to Jirkatang (which is 40 kms, and takes 1 hr 15 mins) and then from Jirkatang to Baratang (which is 49 kms, and it takes 1 hr 15 mins) There is no overtake zone through Jarwa Reserve Forest.

Question 4

What are the things that must be kept in mind before travelling to Baratang Island?

Accepted Answer

While traveling to Baratang make sure you carry enough water. The sun is usually very strong, so apply sunscreen, and carry sunglasses, umbrellas and caps to avoid sunburns. Since there will be a lot of walking, wear comfortable cloths and good quality sports shoes.

Question 5

What is the best time to visit Baratang Island?

Accepted Answer

The best time to visit Baratang Island is between October to May. Since the Andaman and Nicobar Islands does not have chilly winters at all, the climate these months remain neutral, mild and pleasant. The temperature fluctuates from anywhere between 20 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius, during this time. It will make a very comfortable journey.

Question 6

What sort of Climate I can find in Baratang Island?

Accepted Answer

If you visit the Baratang Island during the summers that is between the months of April to July the temperature will range between 24-37 degree Celsius. It gets super humid and the sun is really strong. If you visit during the months of July to September, that is the monsoon season, the temperatures range between 22 to 35 degrees Celsius.

July and August witness the maximum visits to the islands. The months of October to March, that is, during the winter season here the minimum temperature falls to 15 degree Celsius. The average temperature ranges between 20-30 degree Celsius.

Question 7

What kind of accommodations I can find in Baratang Island?

Accepted Answer

Finding a place to stay in Baratang can be a huge task (and a very expensive one too) if you have not made prior reservations. Even though there are three governmental guesthouses scattered around the jetty area, they are all most of the times reserved for governmental officials or locals. It is only possible to stay there but one has to book months in advance from Port Blair.

The only private resort there is called ‘Dew Dale’, which is then the best option. Though it is a little far away from the city center, the rooms are clean, spacious and the place is a good option to spend a night at.

Question 8

Which are some famous tourist attractions in Baratang Island?

Accepted Answer

Baratang is home to the very famous and rare Limestone caves in India. The other chief attractions that you must visit are the Parrot Islands, the Blue Beach at Baludera and the Mud Volcano. The resident and origin tribe of Jarawa’s also stir curiosity among the tourists.

Question 9

What things are must to do in Baratang Island?

Accepted Answer

If you are at Baratang, do visit the extremely famous Mud Volcanoes – one of the only kind in India, Limestone caves and Parrot Island.

Question 10

Can I find water sports/activities in Baratang Island?

Accepted Answer

No, Baratang Island does not have any water sports/activities. However, you will be taking a lot of boat rides to navigate between locations. These boat rides are very thrilling and adventurous.

Question 11

Are there any spots for photography in Baratang Island?

Accepted Answer

There are a lot of photography spots in Baratang, however please make sure you do not take photographs of the tribal people (Jarawas) in any circumstances as it is strictly prohibited.

Question 12

How can one reach Havelock from Baratang Island?

Accepted Answer

If you do not wish to travel back to Port Blair from Baratang Island and then make a fresh journey to Havelock, there is one option available. There is a daily ferry service from Rangat to Havelock, which is about 75km from Baratang.

Question 13

What kind of internet access is available in Baratang Island? How are the mobile network services?

Accepted Answer

The Internet services in small islands like Baratang can be poor. Even though you will get mobile network, the internet usually does not work in the small islands, and if they do the network is super dodgy and slow.

Question 14

What are the drinking laws in Baratang Island?

Accepted Answer

Drinking is prohibited in Baratang Island by the government. This has been done with a view to protect the interest of the tribals of these islands. However, tourist areas such as Port Blair, Havelock etc. are not covered under this restriction and you can get cheap booze there as the tax is very low.

Question 15

Are there any native tribes in Baratang Island? Can I meet them?

Accepted Answer

The Jarawas are the native tribes in the Baratang Island. They are a self-sufficient hunter-gatherer community, who show no sign of wanting to join the mainstream.

No, you cannot meet them as interacting with the Jarawa is prohibited by the government as it risks passing on diseases to which the tribe may have no immunity to. Taking their photographs is prohibited as well.

Question 16

What are the things considered to be dangerous in Baratang Island?

Accepted Answer

While traveling to the Baratang Islands, you need to take ferries. The Middle strait jetty is infested with salt water crocodiles. Hence, it is strongly advisable to not put your hands underwater during the boat ride, till you reach the starting point of the trek to Baratang Island Limestone Caves.

Do not under any situation, try to talk, mingle or photograph the Jarawas. Not only are they dangerous, but it is against the government rules to disturb them in any manner.

Question 17

Can I see Mud Volcano in Baratang Island?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for seeing the Mud Volcano, you will have to start your journey at 3 in the morning from port Blair. The Mud Volcano is closer to the Baratang Jetty of Andaman Islands (middle Andaman), so if you wish to visit the Mud Volcano, this trip will be perfect for you.

People have to travel through road in a Jarwan tribal reserve (forest area) and cross the sea at Baratang jetty. After crossing the sea, you will reach the Uttara Jetty. From Uttara Jetty this place is 20 minutes journey by road.

Question 18

Can I see Limestone caves in Baratang Island?

Accepted Answer

The Limestone caves in Baratang are the most interesting things to see in Andaman. These limestone caves are sedimentary rock formations. They are compressed over millions of years by the continuous deposits of several components and elements such as seashells, marine life, corals, and skeletons. As soon as you enter the caves, you are bound to start rubbernecking, as you will find limestone formations hanging from the top and bottom.

Besides, these caves are regularly emerging and growing in shapes and sizes – so regardless when you go, or how many times, you are always in for a surprise! The journey to the caves is probably the best part, though as you will witness some really mesmerizing views which cover all the way through Tribal reserves, a bay crossing between Baratang and Uttara Jetty, and an hour journey from Uttara Jetty including Mangrove area.

The sea journey starts from the other side of the sea called Uttara Jetty, which will be covered through boats. The journey takes about 45 minutes to one hour to cover from Uttara jetty. The journey is made through country diesel boats. Lives saving jackets are provided, and a maximum 8 people are allowed in one boat. The journey passes through the narrow mangroves (nearly one kilometer) to reach the limestone cave. However, this area is very congested and the boys in each boat guide the boats using poles manually. This journey costs around INR 100 per person.

Question 19

How to reach Parrot Island in Baratang?

Accepted Answer

The Parrot Island is the most famous location for anyone who is visiting Baratang. The magnificent sight of millions of parrots and parakeets flying, hovering over the skies at the sun dawn is not exclusive to any other place in the world. It is only here that you can witness such breathtaking views. If you are visiting the Parrot Islands, it is mandatory for you to spend the night in Baratang to experience the wonder.

To reach to Parrot Islands located near the Baratang Jetty, one has to take a dunghi boat from Baratang Jetty and cross through a creek. As you approach nearer, you see a uniquely different group of Mangrove trees that looks more like a uniformly cut Mangrove garden. This island with its beautiful beach and wondrous wildlife is a must visit sightseeing tour in Andaman.

Question 20

What should I do in case of any medical emergency in Baratang Island?

Accepted Answer

Most Islands, including Baratang Island, have a Primary Health Centre (PHC); however the services here are usually limited and sadly, poor. Hence, it is strongly advisable to go to the nearest PHC first for immediate assistance and as soon as possible move to the G.B Pant hospital in Port Blair, which is better equipped and have better facilities.

However, at this hospital as well, the treatment facilities are not what can be expected in mainland India. Therefore, for any condition that could be serious, life threatening or needing special care, it is advised to fly to mainland India.