Hidden Gems of Andaman (Part 1)

When someone talks about Andaman & Nicobar, the first thing comes to your mind about South Andaman PORT BLAIR – Capital of Andaman, Havelock – Known for Asia’s Cleanest Beach. But in this I am not going to talk about the Destinations that have been explored widely, rather I will make you explore the Hidden Gems of Andaman – Middle Andaman & North Andaman. You will know about how you can reach there, what to explore, what makes it different from South Andaman.

Let’s Start with Middle Andaman, there is only one Airport / Jetty from where you can reach Andaman and start your Journey, Port Blair. From here you can Hire Taxi (bit Expensive though) or you can opt for Local Bus / Sharing Cabs.

Middle Andaman’s main Towns are Baratang, Rangat, Mayabunder. Start your journey early in the morning to Baratang, the first halt is at Jirkatang Check Post which is around 42 km from Port Blair and takes around 1.5 hrs. Beyond the check post there is 50 km Jarwah Reserve Forest, where you cannot park your vehicle or walk or do photography. This is the most exciting part of the journey, where you can see the Tribes (JARWAH). The vehicles have to leave in convoys. There are 4 Conveys throughout the day to cross the Reserved Forest 06:00 am, 09:00 am, 12:00 pm, 02:30 pm. On the other end of the Jarwah Reserve forest is Middle strait jetty. The jetty will take you to the other side of the strait in about 15 minutes and you reached Baratang islands.

At Baratang Islands, you can see Mud Volcano, it is created by natural gases emitted by decaying organic matter underground. As the mud containing rock fragments of marine sediments, sandstone, red and green colored shales, quartz-calcite, pyrites is pushed upwards by the gas, it deposits and hardens above ground. There are 11 mud Volcano reported so far from Andaman group of islands. Out of which 8 are located in Baratang and Middle Andaman Islands, three are Located in North Andaman Islands. Andaman is the only place in South-Asia which has Mud Volcano. While in Baratang, this site should not be skipped.

Limestone Caves, these ancient caves are located about 30 minutes (by speedboat) away from Baratang jetty. The fare of boat is ₹ 700/- Per head for both ways. Travel isn’t only about the destination. It is about the journey too. When it comes to the Limestones caves in Andaman, this saying rings true. It is the Visual treat to a nature lover. The boat journey through the heart of dense mangrove forest is simply breathtaking. It is the lifetime experience. Remember to carry a torchlight, its very dark inside.

Another must-see attraction is Parrot Island. The experience at Parrot Island is sunset, when all the parrots are returning home is indeed a mesmerizing experience. Boats to Parrot Island start after 4 pm and cost 1800-2000 per boat so do find a company to share.