Baratang

Limestone caves, mud volcanoes and the Andaman Trunk Road.

Ideal nights

Day trip from Port Blair

Best time to go

November to April. Avoid during heavy rain — creek crossings suspend.

Baratang is a long day trip north of Port Blair through the Jarawa Tribal Reserve on a convoy-controlled road. The limestone caves are reached by a mangrove creek boat ride that is the real highlight, and there are active mud volcanoes nearby. It is an early start — convoys leave before dawn — and it is not for everyone, but for travellers who want something other than beaches it is the most distinctive day in the islands.

What it's actually good for

• Limestone caves at Nayadera
• Mangrove creek boat ride
• Mud volcanoes at Jalakara
• Andaman Trunk Road convoy crossing
• Parrot Island evening roost (seasonal)

How to reach

Road convoy from Port Blair starting around 3:30 am, roughly 3 hours each way with vehicle ferry crossings.