Baratang Island in Andaman – A Nature lover’s Delight

Once in a while, we all want to pack our duffle bags, book a ticket and head for a weekend retreat for 3 to 4 days. When it comes to international destinations we Indians prefer the Maldives or Sri Lanka or Singapore, but for the domestic travellers, embarking on Andaman tour packages is the first thing that comes to mind. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a series of 300 Islands in the Indian Ocean. They also happen to be a Union territory of India.

Baratang Island

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a collection of over 300 islands and is home to a lot of secret nooks and hidden gems. Baratang Island is a large island located 100 km above Port Blair. This 243 Sq.km island is filled with dense forests, mangrove creeks, greenery and wildlife all over. Baratang Island in Andaman is one of the best places to visit in the islands and is a nature lover’s delight.  

The History and Significance of the Baratang Island

Baratang Island has been historically significant in the Andaman region due to the events before independence. Baratang Island was first inhabited by the people of Ranchi in the 19th-century post a political turmoil in the region. The group of people converted into Christianity and were sent to the Baratang Island in Andaman by the Britishers to cultivate agriculture in the region. The British saw immense potential in the Island and its natural resources. 

Places to visit in the Baratang Island 

Baratang Island is home to some of the most interesting places in Andaman. Parrot Island and the Guitar Island are two beautiful islands to explore if you are looking for something offbeat. The Parrot Island is a treat to your heart and eyes for the bird watchers. Whilst the guitar island is a beautiful piece of land that flaunts its guitar-shaped land and is a beautiful trek along the coast. The Mud Volcano at Baratang Island is India’s only active mud volcano. The limestone caves at Baratang Island are hidden away in the mangrove creeks of the Island. It is also home to a lot of beaches. These are some of the must-do activities during your visit.

Things to do in Baratang Island 

Boat rides exploring the mangrove creeks, exploring the limestone creeks, exploring nearby islands are some of the things one can do here. You can also go for underwater sea walking. 

It is advised to go with a local guide for your explorations. A local guide will know the do’s and do not’s of a place and navigate you safely. You can also pre-book a guide as a part of your Andaman vacation package if it is your first time visiting to the Andaman Islands.

How to reach the island

The Baratang Island is 100 km from Port Blair and can be reached via road or by ferry. The ferry from Port Blair takes anywhere between 90 to 120 minutes. The road journey can take up to 3 hours. 

Things to keep in mind while visiting the Baratang Island 

1. Always go with a local guide for your explorations across the island. A local guide will navigate you with safety and show you the best places around. 

2. Do not litter the island. Natural resources are the USP of the Baratang islands and it is every travellers responsibility to take care of it. 

3. Bikes are not allowed past the Baratang Island check post. 

Reach out to the destination experts at Pickyourtrail to craft a customized itinerary for your Andaman vacation package.