Table of Contents
- Introduction: Budget Breakdown – 2 Days in Baratang
- 2-Day Budget Breakdown & Itinerary
- History & Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Things to Do
- Nearby Attractions
- How to Reach Baratang
- Accommodation Options
- Food, Shopping & Culture
- Estimated Costs at a Glance
- Practical Tips
- Traveler-Specific Tips
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction: Budget Breakdown – 2 Days in Baratang
Baratang Island is the wild heart of the Andamans—mangrove creeks, limestone caves, and India’s rare mud volcanoes. This 2-day, budget-minded guide helps you plan transport, permits, stays, and meals so you can experience Baratang comfortably without overspending.
2-Day Budget Breakdown & Itinerary
All prices are approximate, per person in INR, and can change with season and availability.
Assumptions
- Starting/ending in Port Blair
- 2 days/1 night in Baratang
- Mix of shared transport and budget stays for the baseline budget
Key Cost Components
- Port Blair–Baratang road transport (return):
- Government bus: 600–800
- Shared cab/tourist coach: 1,800–3,000
- Private cab (round trip, cost split across group): 7,000–10,000 per vehicle
- Boat to Limestone Caves (through mangroves):
- Seat in shared speedboat/fiber boat: 900–1,500
- Cave/forest entry + camera fees: 50–200
- Local guide (optional but useful): 300–500 per group
- Mud Volcano visit:
- Shared jeep/auto from jetty area: 150–300
- Entry fee: 10–30
- Meals: 600–1,000 per day (simple dhabas, seafood extras cost more)
- Stay (1 night):
- Budget lodge/homestay: 1,200–2,500
- Mid-range resort/guesthouse: 3,500–6,000
- Miscellaneous (snacks, water, tips): 200–400
Sample Totals (Per Person)
- Backpacker (govt bus + shared boats + budget lodge): 3,800–6,000
- Comfort (shared cab/coach + mid-range stay): 7,500–11,000
- Private-car convenience (cost split 2–4 pax, better stay): 10,000–15,000
Note: If you’re a couple and hire a private cab, per-person costs rise unless shared with friends.
2-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Port Blair to Baratang + Limestone Caves + Mud Volcano
- Early start from Port Blair (convoy/timing regulations apply on the Andaman Trunk Road). Carry ID and water. No photography is allowed within the Jarawa Reserve corridor.
- Arrive Baratang (Nilambur Jetty) and check in at your lodge.
- Boat to Limestone Caves through mangroves. Short village walk/trek (about 1–1.5 km) to the cave entrance; wear closed shoes.
- Lunch at local dhaba (try fish thali).
- Visit Mud Volcano area in the afternoon; brief boardwalk to see the active vents.
- Optional: Sunset birding at Parrot Island (operates seasonally—confirm boat availability locally).
Day 2: Baludera Beach or Creek Walk + Return to Port Blair
- Easy morning at Baludera Beach (quiet, shallow waters; limited facilities) or a guided mangrove/creek walk if available.
- Early lunch, then depart for Port Blair following the regulated road timings.
History & Importance
Baratang sits between South and Middle Andaman and is ecologically significant for its mangrove ecosystems and karst formations. The Limestone Caves formed over millennia as slightly acidic water dissolved ancient reef limestone, creating stalactites and stalagmites. The Mud Volcanoes here are rare surface expressions of subterranean gases mixing with clay and water.
The route to Baratang passes the Jarawa Tribal Reserve. Visitors cannot stop, photograph, or interact with tribe members; stringent protections exist to preserve their indigenous culture and safety.
Best Time to Visit
- November to April: Best weather and calmer seas; boat rides operate more reliably.
- October and May: Shoulder months; some humidity and occasional showers, fewer crowds.
- June to September (Monsoon): Heavy rain can disrupt boats and road travel; expect flexible plans.
Top Things to Do
- Limestone Caves: Boat through dense mangrove channels; short trek to dramatic cave chambers.
- Mud Volcano: Boardwalk to bubbling mud vents—short, unique stop.
- Mangrove Creeks: Scenic boat rides; watch for kingfishers, herons, and mudskippers.
- Parrot Island (seasonal): At sunset thousands of parrots/parakeets roost—local boat required.
- Baludera Beach: Serene, undeveloped shoreline; ideal for quiet hours and picnics.
Nearby Attractions
- Rangat (approx. 2–3 hours north, road): Yerrata Mangrove Park, Cutbert Bay turtle nesting (seasonal).
- Long Island: Off Rangat; for beaches, day hikes, and quieter stays.
- Port Blair (south): Cellular Jail, Corbyn’s Cove, Wandoor and Jolly Buoy (snorkeling, coral).
How to Reach Baratang
- By Road from Port Blair (common way):
- Andaman Trunk Road (ATR) via the Jarawa Reserve with regulated timings and security checks.
- Options: Government buses (budget), shared tourist coaches/cabs, or private taxis arranged via tour operators/hotels.
- Middle Strait crossing: Depending on current infrastructure, you may cross via ferry or bridge—check locally for the latest status and timings.
- By Sea: No regular direct tourist ferries from Port Blair to Baratang. Day boats operate locally around Baratang for caves and nearby creeks.
- Permits/IDs:
- Indians: No separate permit for Baratang day trips; carry government-issued photo ID.
- Foreign nationals: Andaman Restricted Area Permit is required for the islands (usually facilitated on arrival). Local tickets/entries for cave/mangrove rides are obtained at the jetty.
Accommodation Options
- Budget Lodges/Homestays: Simple rooms near Nilambur/Baratang market; basic amenities, intermittent power and network.
- Mid-Range Resorts/Guesthouses: Limited inventory; book ahead in peak season.
- Where to Book: Through Port Blair-based agents, phone numbers listed by the local tourism office, or your hotel concierge. Online inventory is limited and may not reflect real-time availability.
Expected price range: 1,200–2,500 INR (budget) and 3,500–6,000 INR (mid-range), per night per room.
Food, Shopping & Culture
- Food: Family-run dhabas serve rice, dal, vegetables, eggs, and fresh catch of the day. Fish thalis are good value.
- Costs: Breakfast 80–150; thali 150–250; seafood dish 300–600; tea 15–30; water 30–40.
- Shopping: Minimal—small kiosks for snacks and essentials. Do not buy anything sourced from protected forest/tribal areas.
- Culture: Rural island life; be respectful, dress modestly, and keep noise low in villages and on boats.
Estimated Costs at a Glance
- Shoestring (govt bus + shared boat + budget stay): 3,800–6,000 INR per person (2 days)
- Mid-Budget (shared cab/coach + mid-range stay): 7,500–11,000 INR per person
- Comfort/Private (private cab split among 2–4 + better stay): 10,000–15,000 INR per person
Inclusions: Return road transport, cave boat/entries, mud volcano visit, 1 night stay, simple meals, and misc. Excludes: alcohol, premium activities, special guides, and contingency costs.
Practical Tips
- Regulated Corridor: No stopping, photography, or interaction in the Jarawa Reserve. Follow convoy/security instructions.
- Start Early: Morning departures face smoother traffic and better boat slots for caves.
- What to Pack: Closed shoes, sun hat, light rain layer (year-round humidity), insect repellent, dry bag for boat rides, cash.
- Connectivity: Network is patchy; BSNL has the best chance of signal. Download maps offline.
- Cash & ATMs: Carry sufficient cash; ATMs are limited and may be out of service.
- Safety: Boats provide lifejackets; wear them. Trails can be slippery—watch your step in caves and on boardwalks.
- Environment: Do not litter; avoid plastics; respect mangroves and wildlife.
Traveler-Specific Tips
- Families:
- Carry snacks and ORS for kids; ensure everyone wears lifejackets on boats.
- Choose midday cave slots to avoid peak heat for younger children.
- Honeymooners:
- Pick a mid-range stay for privacy and plan a sunset Parrot Island ride if boats operate.
- Visit Baludera Beach early for quiet time and soft light.
- Friends/Groups:
- Hire a private cab and split costs; it becomes economical and saves time.
- Pre-book the cave boat as a group to keep everyone on the same schedule.
FAQs
Q: Is Baratang possible as a day trip from Port Blair?
A: Yes, but staying one night lets you travel unrushed, add Baludera Beach or Parrot Island, and often reduces stress around convoy timings.
Q: Do I need special permits for Baratang?
A: Indians do not need a separate permit for day visits. Foreign nationals require the Andaman Restricted Area Permit for the islands in general. Cave boat tickets and small entry/camera fees are paid locally at the jetty.
Q: Can I photograph along the Andaman Trunk Road?
A: No. Photography and videography are prohibited within the Jarawa Tribal Reserve corridor. Follow all rules and do not stop.
Q: What should I wear for the Limestone Caves?
A: Closed-toe shoes with grip, light breathable clothing, and a small flashlight or phone torch. The trail can be uneven or slippery.
Q: Are ATMs and mobile networks reliable in Baratang?
A: Both are limited. Carry cash and expect patchy connectivity; BSNL works best when available.
Conclusion
In two days, Baratang delivers rare geology, raw mangroves, and quiet beaches—without straining your wallet. Plan around road regulations, carry cash, choose boats and stays wisely, and you’ll enjoy an affordable, nature-forward escape in the Andamans.
