Weather :

Tags : Island

Timings : One must be a part of a convoy to get through the jungle and eventually to the island. The first lot starts at 6:30 AM and the last one is at 2:30 PM (refer note). You can plan your trip accordingly. The first convoy timings are as follows -

- 6:30 AM – start from Jikaratang to Nilambar jetty escorted by security personnel
- 9:00 AM – take a ferry ride to Baratang Island – duration 20 minutes

Location : Bay of Bengal

Activities and Experiences : Popular activities at the Batarang Island include boating through the mangrove forests and limestone caves, untouched beaches, light treks and hikes and bird watching.

Area : 93.67 mi²

Best Time to Visit : October to May. Going during monsoons can be dangerous and must be avoided.

Facilities : - Availability of Forest and PWD guest houses. Advance booking required
- Toilets at Jirkatang check post
- Tea stalls and small South Indian food joints can be found at Jirkatang

Planning a Trip? Ask Your Question

Also Refered As:

Ranchiwalas Island

Baratang Island, Andaman Overview

Baratang Island, also known as Ranchiwalas Island, is a beautiful little island in the North and Middle Andaman Administrative district and is situated about 100 kilometres away from Port Blair by road. The island is well-known for its mangroves, mud volcanoes (only ones in India) and limestone caves. However, you may need to take permission from the Forest Department at Baratang to explore these caves.

Unlike Havelock Island, Baratang Island is not as developed for urban tourism and mostly serves as a hub for natural sightseeing. You can reach Baratang island via the government ferry service that runs between Port Blair city at the Phoenix Bay Jetty. Andaman Trunk Road that connects Rangat and Mayabunder passes through the Baratang Island and meanders through the lush green rainforests.

Must Know Before You Visit Baratang Island

How to Reach Baratang Island : Baratang island is located 100 km from the capital of Port Blair. You can choose to book a private taxi or take the government buses which run from Port Blair. There are also government ferry services that run between Port Blair and Baratang Island and onward to Havelock Island.

Ferry Services
Timings and Location: They start at the Phoenix Bay Jetty at 05:30 AM each day.
Tickets: You can avail the tickets for the same at the  Single Window, Tourist Information Center at the Directorate of I & P, between 09:00 AM to 04:00 PM.

  Arrival  Departure 
Port Blair  --- 05:30AM IST
Baratang  08:30 AM IST 1:00 PM IST
Port Blair  05:00 PM IST  ---

Private Jeeps: INR 400- INR 800 on average per vehicle. 
Private Cars: These aren't cost-effective but convenient to travel. It might cost you INR 6000 per vehicle/day. 
Bus: Government bus is comparatively cheaper as compared to private vehicles – INR 45 per head

Things to Note : 1. While visiting the limestone caves, do not try to make contact with the tribal people.
2. The mud volcano isn't an ideal destination for children below 10 years.
3. Always stick to your routes and not venture into the restricted areas.
4.The food outlets here serve delightful Indian cuisine as well.
5. Keep in mind that many locals here are not well versed in English.
6.  If you wish to halt for a night, a special permit is needed from the UT Administration
7. Avoid sunbathing because of ample sand flies swarming in the area

Baratang Island Highlights

1. Limestone Caves and Mangrove Forests

Limestone Caves  and Mangrove Forests
The limestone caves were formed millions of years ago due to the slow deposition of lime on the earth's surface. The caves can be accessed by a 45 minutes boat ride from Baratang via a scenic route th (Read More)rough the Andaman Sea. The ride through the mangrove reserves to the wonderful limestone caves is truly an exhilarating experience. Tourists are allowed to take calm boat rides through the tidal mangrove forests.

2. Mud Volcanoes

Mud Volcanoes
Endemic to Baratang Island in India, the mud volcanoes are sprawled over a huge area of 1000 to 2000 square metre. The first eruption of the mud volcano on the island of Baratang was seen in the year (Read More)1983 and the last eruption was seen in 2003. These volcanoes also emit a number of gasses and the eruptions in mud have formed various craters all over the island. The mud volcanoes are truly unique and attract nature lovers and geography enthusiasts from all over the world.

3. Parrot Island

Parrot Island
Parrot Island is a perfect spot for Bird watching lovers. There are a hundred different parrots and several species of birds here.

4. Baludera Beach

Baludera Beach
Situated 9km from Nilambur jetty, one can visit and swim at this beach during low tide. It's usually not that crowded and there aren't regular buses here. You'll have to carry your own snacks and refr (Read More)eshments. Lined with mangrove trees and old fallen trunks, this beach is a quiet getaway near Baratang island.

Read More on Baratang Island

History of Baratang Island

By the end of the nineteenth century India, due to a political disturbance in Ranchi, many locals converted to Christianity to seek refuge. India was still under the reign of the British Rule during that time. When the British realised the forests of Andaman and Nicobar had future growth prospects, they decided to send the people who converted to Christianity as labour to cultivate crops on Baratang Island. The island was therefore also known as the Ranchiwalas Island. The immigrants thus created new lives for themselves on Baratang Island.

Geography and Demographics

The Baratang Island expands over an area of about 243 square kilometres and is considered as one of the primary islands of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands archipelago in the Bay of Bengal. To the north of the Baratang Island is Middle Andaman; to the east is the archipelago of the Islands of Ritchie and Port Blair lies to the south of the Baratang Island.

The landscape consists of lush green tropical forests, limestone caves, mangrove creeks, pristine beaches, a couple of active volcanoes and a mud volcano. The island consists of three main villages, Nilambur, Adozig and Rangat and has an approximate population of about 5700 inhabitants which mainly include the Jarawa Tribe population. In India, the Jarawa tribe is identified as the Adivasi group who have avoided contact with non-locals to a great extent.

Andaman Travel Packages

Compare quotes from upto 3 travel agents for free

Baratang Island Reviews

Your rating

Have a Question on Baratang Island?

Ask a question from the travellers who have
experience.