To delve into the mysterious limestone caves in the Andaman Islands, one has to travel a 100 kms from Port Blair to the Baratang Island which takes approximately 4 hours. The journey involves a bus and a boat journey from Middle Strait to Nilambur Jetty.
The boat ride to the Nilambur Jetty takes you across several densely forested islands and mangrove vegetation- a pleasant sight in the vast endless ocean.
From Nilambur Jetty another half an hour boat ride to the Nayadera Jetty.
After alighting at the Nayadera Jetty one has to walk for another half an hour along the Mangrove Canopy Walkway.The 'walkway' is 249 meters long narrow bridge made of non-timber forest produce which winds its way to the Limestone caves. The passage is through dense forest with faint rays of sunlight breaking through the dense foliage.
The Limestone Caves
The Limestone formations pendant from the ceiling of various sizes and shapes is phosphorescent in the dark. Some of the formations are massive in size. The caves are dark silent and mysterious!
The Baratang island has another has another attraction. The Mud Volcanoes.
It would also be worthwhile to visit another island called the Parrot island. As the name suggest the eponymous island is home to thousands of parrots who come in hordes to roost before sunset.
Accommodation
Accommodation is limited at Baratang island.Bookings would be required to be done in advance.
For more information:
The boat ride to the Nilambur Jetty takes you across several densely forested islands and mangrove vegetation- a pleasant sight in the vast endless ocean.
From Nilambur Jetty another half an hour boat ride to the Nayadera Jetty.
After alighting at the Nayadera Jetty one has to walk for another half an hour along the Mangrove Canopy Walkway.The 'walkway' is 249 meters long narrow bridge made of non-timber forest produce which winds its way to the Limestone caves. The passage is through dense forest with faint rays of sunlight breaking through the dense foliage.
The Limestone Caves
The Limestone formations pendant from the ceiling of various sizes and shapes is phosphorescent in the dark. Some of the formations are massive in size. The caves are dark silent and mysterious!
The Baratang island has another has another attraction. The Mud Volcanoes.
It would also be worthwhile to visit another island called the Parrot island. As the name suggest the eponymous island is home to thousands of parrots who come in hordes to roost before sunset.
Accommodation
Accommodation is limited at Baratang island.Bookings would be required to be done in advance.
For more information:
1. Principal Chief conservator of Forests,
Andaman &Nicobar Islands, Van Sadan,
Haddo P.O. Port Blair-744102,
Phone: 91-3192-233321
Fax: 91-3192-230113.
Andaman &Nicobar Islands, Van Sadan,
Haddo P.O. Port Blair-744102,
Phone: 91-3192-233321
Fax: 91-3192-230113.
2. Divisional forest Officer,
Department of Environment and Forest,
Baratang, Andaman &Nicobar Islands,
Telefax: 91-3192-279524.
email id: dfobt@and.nic.in
3. Tourist Information Center,
Directorate of Tourism,
Andaman & Nicobar Administration
Port Blair-744101
Tel: 91-3192-232694/ 232747
email: andaman_tourism@rediffmail.com
Website: www.and.nic.in/NewTourism
