Baratang Island

Baratang is an island in the North and Middle Andaman district. It is about 100 km by road from Port Blair, along the Andaman Trunk Road. The journey is the main attraction. Vehicles go through the Jarawa Tribal Reserve in escorted convoys at fixed times. Then they cross the Middle Strait on a vehicle ferry. After that comes a short speedboat ride through narrow mangrove creeks. A walk through the forest leads to the limestone caves, where stalactites and stalagmites have formed over a long time. There is also a small mud volcano in the wider area. Most visitors make it a long day trip from Port Blair. They leave very early to catch the first convoy and are back by evening. It is best to fit it into a gap between the beach days. By law you must not photograph or interact with the Jarawa. The convoy may not stop inside the reserve. Carry water, snacks and a photo ID, because facilities on the way are basic.