Baratang Limestone Caves
Limestone Caves, Baratang
A natural limestone cave reached by speedboat through mangrove waterways and then a forest walk. It is the classic day trip from Port Blair.
The Baratang Limestone Caves are on Baratang Island, about 100 km north of Port Blair. They are part of the Baratang Karst–Mud Volcano Complex, on India's tentative list for World Heritage status. Day trips usually depart at 4–5 a.m. and follow the Andaman Trunk Road (ATR) through the Jarawa Tribal Reserve. Vehicles must travel in convoy, and stopping, photographing and feeding are prohibited. After crossing by ferry at Middle Strait, passengers take a speedboat from the Baratang jetty through dense mangrove channels, then walk about 1.5 km along a forest path to the caves, where stalactites and stalagmites can be seen. Permits must be obtained at the jetty, and boat tickets bought there. The caves are unlit, so bring a torch and non-slip shoes. Schedules occasionally change on Mondays or public holidays. The trip can be combined with the mud volcano and Parrot Island.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:00–15:00 (depends on convoy and ferry schedules)
Nearby sights
- Baratang Mud Volcano
- Mount Harriet National Park (Mount Manipur)
- North Bay Island
- Chatham Saw Mill
- Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep)
- Cellular Jail
- Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex & Marina Park
- Samudrika Naval Marine Museum