Latest Information on Travelling to Andaman Islands?
  • Runway Status for Port Blair Airport From October,22 to February, 23

    Updated: 19 Sep 2022
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  • Andaman Tourism Opens

    Updated: 14 Aug 2021

    Andaman Tourism Opens: The Andaman & Nicobar administration has announced that all tourist spots in the South Andaman district will be opened for tourism activities with immediate effect 8 Feb 2022.

  • RT PCR report on arrival

    Updated: 14 Aug 2021

    A negative RT PCR report has to be presented by all passengers on arrival.

  • What is the advisory to travel to North & Middle Andaman District?

    Updated: 14 Aug 2021

    The tourists are allowed to visit Baratang/North & Middle Andaman on production of double dose covid certificate/ All other passengers viz. unvaccinated and partially vaccinated passengers (those who have taken only 1S1 dose of COVID vaccine) shall have to produce RT-PCR negative test report

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  • All asymptomatic fully vaccinated persons coming to these islands from mainland are exempted from the requirement of carrying RT-PCR negative test report,irrespective of the type of vaccine received and country of origin. Such fullyvaccinated individuals shall produce the final vaccination certificate at the origin airport, sea port in the mainland and at Port Blair Airport / sea port.
  • Alt asymptomatic children below 5 years of age are exempted from carrying RT-PCR negative test report and further RT-PCR testing at Port Blair Airport.
  • All other passengers viz. unvaccinated and partially vaccinated passengers (those who have taken only 1S1 dose of COVID vaccine) shall have to produce RT-PCR negative test report to travel to Port Blair from the mainland, as is the practice now. Such an RT-PCR test should have been taken within 48 hours prior to commencement of journey from the origin airport connecting Port Blair. Such passengers will also have to undergo additional RT-PCR test on arrival at Port Blair. Such passengers shall remain in self-quarantine till the arrival of the test report.
  • If a passenger on arrival is tested positive then, the prescribed quarantine protocol is to be followed.
  • All Airlines shall ensure strict compliance of this order and observance of COVID Appropriate Behaviour. Any non-compliance shall invite action under Disaster Management Act and other applicable laws. 
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General Guidelines defined for traveling to Andaman Islands during COVID :

  1. The Tourism Activities are permitted only in South Andaman & North & Middle Andaman District except Nicobar District.
  2. Persons above 65 years of age, persons with home co-morbidities, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 years advised not to travel for tourism purposes.
  3. Tourists/Visitors who are at higher risk due to some medical history are advised to take extra precautions.
  4. Tourists/visitors shall minimize contact with other staff and visitors as far as possible and zero contact policy should be followed at all tourist destinations.
  5. All tourists/visitors shall be briefed by the hotel concerned about do’s & don’ts to be mandatorily followed during their stay and movements.
  6. While travelling tourists/visitors should wear a face mask and carry their own sanitizer and wet wipes for personal use.
  7. At all tourist destinations, staff must wear face masks and wash/sanitize hands regularly while performing their duties.
  8. Arogya Setu App shall be mandatory for all incoming tourists/visitors.
  9. Respiratory etiquettes to be strictly followed. This involves strict practice of covering one’s mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing with a tissue handkerchief/flexed elbow and disposing off used tissues properly after use.
  10. The tourists/visitors on arrival at Port Blair airport have to undergo mandatory Covid-19 screening with RTPCR test free of cost. Thereafter the tourists/ visitors are allowed to move to their respective hotels. However, they will have to be under quarantine at Port Blair in their hotel rooms until the result of RTPCR tests are received. In case of RTPCR positive test results, the tourists/visitors shall remain in institutional quarantine in hotels notified by the Hoteliers Association in consent with the A&%N Administration, on rate as specified or to the designated hospital/ Covid 19 care centre on case to case basis.
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What are the guidelines for testing for tourists coming to Andaman after August 03 2021?

On arrival at Port Blair :

1. The tourists need to carry COVID-19 negative test report from mainland based 1CMR approved lab using Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RTPCR). However, the sample for RTPCR test should have been taken within 48 hours prior to starting the journey from the origin station. (For e.g. if the tourist takes a flight from Delhi at 0600 hrs. on 1st September, 2021, the sample for RTPCR test should have been taken not before 0600 hrs. on 30th August, 2021).

2. The tourists/visitors on arrival at Port Blair airport have to undergo mandatory Covid-19 screening with RTPCR test free of cost. Thereafter the tourists/visitors are allowed to move to their respective hotels. However, they will have to be under quarantine at Port Blair in their hotel rooms until the result of RTPCR tests are received. In case of RTPCR positive test results, the tourists/visitors shall remain in
institutional quarantine in hotels notified by the Hoteliers Association in consent with the A&N Administration, on rates as specified or to the designated hospital/ Covid-19 care centre on case-to-case basis.

3. Tourists may also have to undergo random Rapid Antigen Test conducted from time to time on payment basis as prescribed by A8N Administration.

What if the tourists test positive after arriving at the Andaman Islands?


If the tourists tests positive during their stay in the Islands, he/she will need to undergo institutional isolation as per existing health protocols. The
cost of such isolation for govt. facility will be paid by the tourists as fixed by the administration from time to time.

If the patient wants to stay at hotels, he/she can stay in the hotels if all the conditions below are met:

a) Patients are not symptomatic and not more than 60 years old.
b) Request/ undertaking is made by patient in writing.
c)lf allowed by doctors.

Hotels will make necessary arrangements to designate a part of their rooms for institutional isolation for this purpose.

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  • Regular flights to Port Blair (the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands) are operational now.
  • There are direct flights from Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Delhi.
  • Public transports like cabs, taxis, and bus services are also functional.
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Travellers should carefully follow social distancing norms and wear masks as well. Also, before making any booking, they should refer to the latest travel news on the government website of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

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Places to Visit in Baratang Island

Top Baratang Island Tours

Places to Visit in Baratang Island

Baratang Island lies 90 kilometres from the capital city, Port Blair. Grand Andaman Trunk Road is the gateway to enter Northern Andamans, and one can reach the island via the same. The 2.5-hour-long journey splits into two phases- Port Blair to Jirkatang and Jirkatang to Bartang. Travellers can either choose government/private buses from the terminal or hire a taxi from the airport. The journey incorporates one short vehicle-ferry connection among the islands. The road cuts through a jungle that is home to the indigenous Jarawa tribe when travelling to Baratang from Jirkatang hence the vehicles are required to leave in convoys. A stretch of 49-kilometre of Jarawa Reserve Forest leads to Middle strait jetty which transports one to the other side of the strait, which then leads to Baratang.

  • Buses: The most cost-effective approach to reach Baratang is by taking a government bus. Adding a tad comfort and expense to that, and AC buses serve the same purpose. One can board buses from Mohanpura Bus Terminal at Aberdeen Bazaar. The journey to the Middle Strait takes roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes.
  • Cabs: If you are looking for the most convenient way to reach Baratang, private cabs are your best bet. Despite being a four-hour bumpy ride, the comfort of the car, wildernesses and cerulean waters makes the road trip quite exciting.

What's Noteworthy -

  1. Two-wheelers are not permitted to go all the way to Baratang.
  2. Interacting with the Jarawa tribe, offering them food, gifts or even clicking their photographs is strictly prohibited.

Getting Around -

Getting around Baratang is accessible for most as there are limited but enough means of transport. In the absence of tuk-tuks/auto-rickshaws, and no scooter or bike rentals possible, travel within the island can be in following ways.

  • Private Cabs: The most convenient means to travel to or within Baratang is also the more expensive one. Hiring a private cab gives you the flexibility to move as you please. Travellers often choose to drive down from Port Blair, see around Baratang and get back.
  • Shared Taxis: Mud Volcano at Baratang is almost 4 kilometre from the jetty, and the best means to reach there is by hiring a shared taxi at a nominal price for a round trip.
  • Buses: Route of government buses covers Mud Volcano as well as Baludera Beach, and can be a real pocket-friendly choice.
  • Ferries: Journey to Limestone Caves via sea takes nearly 50 minutes, and speed Boats are the best means to reach there. The boats are readily available at the jetty, and the prices are standard as well. The journey takes you through the heart of dense mangrove forest and is a lifetime experience for some.

What's Noteworthy -

  1. Remember to carry a torchlight on your trip to limestone caves as it gets pretty dark inside.
  2. Note the exact timings for the bus as there are only a few rides per day.
  3. Take note of the bus driver’s number after the journey in case you forget your whereabouts.
  • Places to Visit in Baratang Island

    About

    It is not easy to grasp what primarily constitutes Baratang Island. As soon as you fall for its beaches and mangrove creeks, limestone infested caves divert your awe. These caves, marsh woods, beaches, mud volcanoes, and what have you, Baratang is a massive island that has long been a favourite amongst travellers. How to Reach Baratang Island from Port Blair? Nestled between Middle and South Andaman, Baratang is the first gateway up north from Port Blair, the capital city which lies 100 kilometres away. The island sprawls over an area of 243 square kilometres and has everything to set your holiday mood. Despite its popularity as a one-day trip destination, Baratang offers umpteen experiences for travellers.

    Locally known as Ranchiwalas Island, Baratang Island got the name when a group of people from Ranchi migrated here and settled in. The island, however, is home to the local Jarawa tribes who were the primary inhabitants followed by Ranchi settlers. The major attractions that draw tourists to Baratang continue to be the Limestone Caves and the Mud Volcano. With fascinating opportunities such as sea walk, a boat ride through the mangroves, limestone cave trekking, hiking the mud volcano and more, Baratang is an emerging destination to quench your thirst for adventure.

    Andamans being a beach destination draws imagery of the landscape painted in hues of blue, adding places to visit in Baratang Island to the itinerary brings a fresh and perhaps greener version of Andamans to light. Those who choose to spend a night or two in the island can revel upon the virgin beaches, rare bird watching opportunities, a rural way of life on an island, adventurous boat rides and plenty of inexpensive authentic local dishes. From trekking and hiking to underwater expeditions, Baratang Island is a treat for a gipsy soul! Not yet developed into a commercial tourist destination like its neighbours, Baratang is a natural delight.

    Sightseeing spots in Baratang Island are beyond what you ever imagined. Did you ever imagine yourself surrounded by volcanoes? Well, in Baratang you can even hike around these volcanoes that do not emit molten lava, but instead, natural gases like methane. Did you ever imagine yourself taking a casual stroll underwater? Well, in Baratang you can walk with the schools of fishes. What felt like a dream once can now be a reality. To top it all, a half an hour boat ride through mangrove creeks and a one and a half kilometre walk through the forest leads to caves with sedimentary limestone formations hanging from the top and growing on the ground. The exquisite limestone caves of Baratang island feels like stepping into the magical realm of Alice in Wonderland.

    And that is not all. Tourist attractions in Baratang Island also have some alluring beaches that are perfect for sitting by and taking in the view of the sun painting the skies crimson, or go traversing the land like the traveller you are. And if you want to get adventurous, then one can try canoeing, snorkelling, swimming or the epic sea walking. If your idea of paradise is serene and postcard-perfect landscape, then Baratang Island is the answer to all your prayers.

  • Do's & Don'ts

    Do's :

    1. Take a copy of your tickets and permits with you at all times.
    2. Check the certification of the tour operator before booking.
    3. Carry sunscreen because the tropical sea wind along with sun is harmful to the skin.
    4. Carry a waterproof bag to keep important documents.
    5. Contact Tourist information centres in the islands for any assistance.
    6. While driving, Carry legal documents like driving license, permit, passport and follow traffic rules.
    7. Do wear a helmet while riding two-wheeler motor vehicles.
    8. Swim in safe areas only. And Consult lifeguards at the coast before entering the sea.
    9. Remember to carry all the necessary items like sunscreen lotion, comfortable footwear, camera and sunglasses.
    10. If you want to capture a photo/video in any tourist attraction, then obtain permission. All the tourist attractions spots will carry notice boards about approval.
    11. Use the dustbins for disposing of garbage. Help keep the Andaman Islands litter-free, please do not throw waste in parks, on beaches, into the sea or public places.
    12. Carry essential documents like permits and driving license with you at all times while travelling in the Andaman Islands.
    13. Get necessary permits from the authorities for visiting National Parks of the island.
    14. Be sensitive to the privacy and lifestyle of the local tribes.
    15. Avail the service of qualified Instructors having certification of international organizations (PADI, CMAS, NAUI) for a safe scuba diving session.
    16. Inform authorities if you notice any illegal/undesirable activity on the island.
    17. Foreign nationals must keep their restricted area permit with them at all times.

    Don'ts :

    1. Do not smoke in public areas.
    2. Plastic carry-bags are prohibited in the Andaman Islands, kindly consider jute/ recycled bags for your comfort.
    3. The island is renowned for its flora and fauna - Do not hunt birds and animals both on land and on the sea.
    4. Travelling to tribal reserves without a special pass is prohibited.
    5. Overnight Stays in forest areas or beaches are not allowed. We advise you to return before the sunset.
    6. Unless permitted, Camping on the islands and lighting bonfires in beaches or forests is a punishable offence.
    7. Breaking and touching a live coral is prohibited. Visitors are advised not to collect any dead coral as well.
    8. Please do not take pictures of the aboriginal tribes of Andaman or record their activities. It is a punishable crime under the Indian Penal Code.
    9. Do not swim when drunk, it is not safe, and there are massive repercussions against the offender.
    10. Nudity is not acceptable on all Andaman beaches and public areas.
    11. Do not overstay at the islands past your permit time.
    12. Be very careful when visiting specific beaches where the crocodile sign is up. There have been some instances of people who ignored it and ended up getting attacked by the crocodile.
    13. Do not ride a bike or scooter without a helmet. The authorities in Andaman are strict about Road safety - both the rider and pillion must wear a helmet.
    14. Do not go for snorkelling by yourself, especially at prohibited areas of the beaches in Andaman island.

  • FAQs About Baratang Island

    • Q1.   How can I reach Baratang Island?

      To reach Baratang Island, first you have to reach Port Blair as it is the entry point for the Andamans. You can hire a private car or catch a private AC bus to reach Baratang Island from Port Blair. It is the best and the most convenient way. If you are on a tight budget, then taking a government bus from Port Blair is the best option. You will have to drive via the Andaman Trunk Road (ATR) and move in a group with one short vehicle-ferry connection. It will take a total of four hours but the lush greens and blue waters will make the whole experience unforgettable. Please note that two-wheelers are not allowed to go all the way to the island.

    • Q2.   Which are the best places to see in Baratang Island?

      Offering magnificent natural sights and diverse wildlife scenery, the island is a perfect destination for nature lovers. You can visit the below-mentioned spots to appreciate its splendor:

      • Limestone Caves-These are highly impressive and one of a kind natural marvel on earth. The caves feature rare stalactites, stalagmites and rock formations.
      • Parrot Island- If you are fond of bird watching or want to try it once, then this is another fine attraction worth your attention. Imagine looking at hundreds of colorful parrots and listening to their voice while they return to their nests in the evening, with a lovely background as the sun sets in the backdrop. Wow, doesn’t that sound extremely magical!
      • Mud Volcano- It is a famous sight and one of its kind in India. It is a small bubbling puddle of mud, which makes it worth visiting. Some people marvel at the science behind it while some consider it as a great natural marvel. You cannot miss this place if you are really willing to see something rare in the Andaman Islands.
      • Baludera Beach- An untouched beach, you will not see any crowd here. It is a hidden beach gem. Don’t forget to go for a refreshing swim all by yourself in low tide. It will offer you an energising beach experience. Also, you can indulge yourself in snorkeling in its warm green and blue waters. But let us tell you that the island has little tourist infrastructure. 
    • Q3.   How can I commute around Baratang Island?

      Getting around the island is quite easy. You can hire a private taxi/cab from Port Blair. You can explore Baratang Island in any of the following ways:

      • You can take a private jeep to a place like Mud Volcano from the Baratang Jetty.
      • A government bus can take you to the Mud Volcano as well as Baludera Beach. There is no fixed schedule but a few rides per day are for sure. 
      • Private cars are expensive but are definitely the most convenient. You can drive from Port Blair, around Baratang Island and back. 

      Please note that no scooter or bike rentals are available on the island. Also, there are no auto-rickshaws as well. 

    • Q4.   Which are the best hotels and resorts in Baratang Island?

      Finding nice accommodation here is tricky as well as expensive. Also, the properties usually don’t welcome walk-ins. So, you have to book in advance. The best options are as follows: 

      • Dew Dale Resort
      • Coral Creek Resort
      • Hotel Avis
    • Q5.   Where can I get the best food in Baratang Island?

      Don’t expect fancy restaurants on this island, but for sure you won’t stay hungry. The Nilambur jetty is dotted with a few food outlets and small eateries that serve mainly South Indian and Bengali dishes. On almost every corner, you can find refreshments, snacks, and tea. The food is pocket-friendly, and is served with a smile!

      Some of the best restaurants here serving yummy food are mentioned below:

      1. Dew Dale Restaurant
      2. Jetty Hotel 
      3. AMS Restaurant
      4. Port Canteen 
      5. Sujath Bar & Restaurant 
      6. Deeya Baroi Hotel

      You will not find any lavish restaurants on this island but you will surely get to experience the rich taste through its food stalls and small eateries. One thing that you should not miss out on this island is its coconut water. It will help you beat the scorching heat. Along with this, you will also spot various street vendors selling spicy cucumbers, lassis, and buttermilk at affordable prices. 

    • Q6.   How is the weather of Baratang Island? What is the best time to visit?

      Visitors can travel to the island at any time as it witnesses comforting weather throughout the year. But when it comes to choosing the best season to visit there, winter stands tall as one of the best times of the year to visit the secluded isle. With the dry weather facilitating easy commutation, the summer season is also beneficial for tourists.

      Summer (March to May): The weather in the summer season maintains higher temperatures, constantly fluctuating between 25°C and 32°C. Early mornings and evenings are amazingly pleasant. If you are visiting Baratang Island during this time of the year, then you should also pay a visit to the popular Beach Festival that is held every year. 

      Monsoon (June to September): Owing to its tropical proximity, the monsoons in Baratang witnesses a substantial amount of rainfall. With temperatures alternating between 25°C and 30°C, conditions turn extremely humid. 

      Winter (October to February): During the winter season in Baratang Island, temperatures sometimes hit a minimum of 20°C and occasionally touch 30°C too. This season is the most favorable time of the year to explore the island as it offers a very pleasant feel. You can also catch up on the Island Tourism Festival and the Film Festival on your visit during this time of the year.

    • Q7.   How is the mobile connectivity in Baratang Island?

      It is a major concern for tourists visiting Baratang Island. Almost all networks fail to function properly there and the ones that work, offer very basic services. Call drop, bad network, not being able to download applications, etc. are some of the issues that you may face at the island. However, it is found that BSNL provides better service than other networks around this area. So make sure that you carry a BSNL sim card on your trip to Baratang Island. It is recommended to take the help of a tour operator in order to avoid any kind of risk.

    • Q8.   Are there proper medical facilities in Baratang Island?

      The island has very limited access to medical facilities but its close proximity to Port Blair makes things easier for the tourists. The capital town has a good healthcare service with several medical stores and hospitals. The health infrastructure here is limited but you can easily see improvement and modernization in medical services. There are enough medical facilities to support the outsiders that include ambulances, X-ray machines, captive power generators, and a lot more. One can also find few homeopathy dispensaries here. GB Pant hospital is the most reputed hospital in the city. It is known for providing affordable and genuine treatments to patients.

    • Q9.   Are there any ATMs in Baratang Island?

      It is advisable to carry a decent amount of cash with you as you will find only a few ATMs around Baratang Island. The ATMs here are replenished with cash in four to five days. Thus, while visiting Baratang Island, you should carry enough cash with you. In case you visit Port Blair on this trip, then you don’t have to worry about cash as it has various ATMs and you will not face any trouble there.

    • Q10.   How many days should I spend in Baratang Island?

      It is a tiny island having a couple of major attractions including limestone caves, mud volcano, Parrot Island, etc. You can easily cover these places in around two days if you are on a short trip and don’t want to extend your vacation.

    • Q11.   What kind of clothes should I wear in Baratang Island?

      You should wear and carry cotton and lose fit clothes as most of the time, the weather in Baratang Island is quite humid. This will make you feel comfortable and easy throughout the journey. Don’t forget to carry good walking shoes with yourself if you are an adventure lover who is willing to engage in hiking and trekking activities. Don’t forget to carry an umbrella with you if you are planning your journey in the rainy season.

    • Q12.   Can I see any tribal people in Baratang Island?

      Baratang Island is a gorgeous place offering a plethora of activities and attractions. However, travelling to this lovely destination is not that easy as you have to cross the tribal zone that is protected by the Government of India (GOI). Therefore, there are a few important things that you must consider on your journey to this island. You should not offer any food items to the tribal people as it might prove to be injurious to their health. Also, taking pictures with tribal people is strictly prohibited in this area.

    • Q13.   Is it required to make an advance booking for the hotel in Baratang Island?

      As the island remains crowded with tourists throughout the year and last-minute booking might result in inconvenience, you should book decent accommodation well in advance.

    • Q14.   Is Baratang Island worth it?

      Absolutely! Baratang Island has everything that will set your holiday mood on. It is home to captivating beaches, limestone caves, and mangrove creeks. Cradled between Middle and South Andaman, it is sprawled over an area of 243 square kilometers. From Port Blair, the island is situated at a distance of 90 kilometers. Baratang Island is known for its geological and natural wonders. It has emerged as a preferred tourist destination among travellers and adventure enthusiasts owing to the alluring sites such as mud volcanoes and Parrot Island. The island serves you with umpteen opportunities to quench your thirst for adventure in spite of being one of the lesser-visited tourist places due to the accessibility hindrance.

    • Q15.   Is Diglipur worth visiting?

      If you want to witness the ingenious version of the Andaman Islands which is a serene parallel world mostly unnoticed, then you have to visit Diglipur to fulfill your travel dream. It is a small town with lodges, a vegetable and fish market, a temple, bakeries, and a water stream swarmed with hyacinth. Tourists are an unusual sight here, which is a good thing if you don’t like crowds.