Table of Contents
- Eco-friendly Resorts near Baratang Island: Introduction
- History and Ecological Importance of Baratang
- Best Time to Visit
- Accommodation Options: Eco-friendly Resorts near Baratang Island
- How to Reach Baratang and Nearby Stays
- Estimated Costs and Budgeting
- Top Things to Do around Baratang
- Nearby Attractions and Suggested Circuits
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Travel Tips and Responsible Travel
- Tips for Different Traveler Types
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Eco-friendly Resorts near Baratang Island: Introduction
Baratang Island, set in the Middle Andaman region, is a wild tangle of mangroves, limestone caves, mud volcanoes, and quiet beaches. If you’re seeking eco-friendly resorts near Baratang Island, expect small-scale stays that work with nature: simple cottages, government-run beachfront huts, and community-forward resorts that keep their footprint light. This guide curates sustainable places to stay around Baratang and shares practical travel tips to plan a low-impact escape.
History and Ecological Importance of Baratang
Baratang sits along the Andaman Trunk Road (ATR) between South Andaman and the northern isles. The area is ecologically sensitive: thick mangrove creeks support diverse birdlife, while limestone formations and mud volcanoes show the islands’ geological story. Parts of the route traverse the Jarawa Tribal Reserve, a strictly protected landscape. The island’s low-key tourism model is designed to minimize disturbance and conserve habitats, making eco-conscious travel especially important here.
Best Time to Visit
- Peak pleasant season: November to March (dry, cooler, best for boat trips to limestone caves and Parrot Island).
- Shoulder months: October and April (warmer; manageable seas most days).
- Monsoon: May/June to September (frequent rain, occasional service disruptions; not ideal for creek boating).
Accommodation Options: Eco-friendly Resorts near Baratang Island
Stay options at Baratang are limited and lean simple. The following are traveler-favorite and sustainability-forward choices within Baratang or a short hop away in Middle Andaman. Always check current operating status and road/boat timings before booking.
Dew Dale Resorts (Sundergarh, Middle Andaman – near Baratang)
- Location: Along the ATR in Middle Andaman, within easy reach of Baratang Jetty via road.
- Why it’s eco-friendly: Locally sourced materials, community employment, low-rise design, garden-to-table approach.
- Ideal for: Couples, families, birders using it as a base for Baratang and Rangat day trips.
- Typical price range: Mid-range.
- Booking notes: Book in advance; ask about current ATR convoy/time regulations for day trips to Baratang.
Baludera Eco Huts (Baratang Island – Tourism-run; operational status varies)
- Location: Near Baludera Beach on Baratang Island.
- Why it’s eco-friendly: Simple beachfront huts, low-impact infrastructure in a quiet coastal zone.
- Ideal for: Nature lovers wanting a rustic stay close to Baratang attractions.
- Typical price range: Budget to lower mid-range.
- Booking notes: Availability can be seasonal; verify at the Andaman Tourism office or local counters.
Hawksbill Nest (Rangat – Andaman Tourism)
- Location: Rangat town, roughly 70–80 km north of Baratang via ATR.
- Why it’s eco-friendly: Government-run, modest facilities, generally smaller footprint than large resorts.
- Ideal for: Travelers combining Baratang with Middle Andaman beaches and mangrove walks.
- Typical price range: Budget to mid-range.
- Booking notes: Reserve through Andaman Tourism; carry ID.
Long Island Eco Huts/Guesthouses (Long Island – seasonal)
- Location: Long Island, accessed from Rangat/ Yeratta Jetty by boat.
- Why it’s eco-friendly: Basic huts often using solar/limited power and local materials; car-free island.
- Ideal for: Off-grid seekers planning Lalaji Bay treks and quiet beaches after a Baratang visit.
- Typical price range: Budget.
- Booking notes: Boat schedules and accommodation operations are seasonal; confirm locally.
Community Homestays (Baratang, Kadamtala, and nearby villages)
- Location: Scattered across villages along the ATR near Baratang.
- Why they’re eco-friendly: Small-scale lodging, local food, cultural exchange, minimal resource use.
- Ideal for: Responsible travelers and long-stayers.
- Typical price range: Budget.
- Booking notes: Enquire via local tourism offices or guides; options change frequently.
How to Reach Baratang and Nearby Stays
From Port Blair
- By road (most common): 2.5–4 hours to Baratang via the Andaman Trunk Road (ATR), including a vehicle ferry crossing at Middle Strait.
- Transport options: Government bus, private bus, shared jeeps, or chartered taxi from Port Blair.
- Regulations: The ATR segment near the Jarawa Reserve operates with regulated timings. Do not stop in the reserve, avoid photography, and follow all instructions at check posts. Timings can change; confirm the latest schedule in Port Blair before departure.
From Rangat/Mayabunder (for stays north of Baratang)
- Rangat is connected to Baratang by the ATR (approx. 70–80 km).
- Long Island is reached by boat from Yeratta/ Rangat jetties (schedules vary by season and sea conditions).
Practical Notes
- Carry a government-issued photo ID.
- Mobile networks can be patchy; download maps and keep cash for remote areas.
- Ferry and boat seats are limited; arrive early, especially in peak months.
Estimated Costs and Budgeting
- Eco stays near Baratang: Approx. INR 2,000–6,000 per night (property and season dependent).
- Homestays/basic huts: Approx. INR 1,000–2,500 per night.
- Port Blair–Baratang taxi (return day trip): Approx. INR 7,000–10,000 depending on vehicle and waiting.
- Government/Private bus: Approx. INR 200–500 per person one way.
- Limestone Caves boat + permits: Approx. INR 800–1,500 per person (varies by boat sharing and fee updates).
- Meals: INR 250–600 per person per meal at dhabas and small eateries.
Top Things to Do around Baratang
- Limestone Caves: Scenic mangrove creek boat ride followed by a short walk to striking stalactite formations.
- Mud Volcano: A rare geological feature accessible via a marked trail.
- Parrot Island (near Baratang): Sunset boat to watch thousands of parrots flocking back to roost.
- Baludera Beach: Quiet shoreline for walks and sunrise/sunset.
- Mangrove Boardwalks (Middle Andaman): Short, family-friendly nature strolls; great for birding.
Nearby Attractions and Suggested Circuits
- Rangat: Cuthbert Bay (turtle nesting seasonally), Amkunj and Dhani Nalla beaches, Yeratta Mangrove Park.
- Long Island: Lalaji Bay trek, calm lagoons, minimal development.
- Mayabunder: Karmatang Beach, Avis Island (check local permissions), quieter coastal villages.
Sample 3–4 Day Sustainable Circuit
- Day 1: Port Blair to Baratang; Limestone Caves and Mud Volcano; overnight near Baratang.
- Day 2: Parrot Island at sunset; transfer to Rangat; stay at a simple eco lodge.
- Day 3: Boat to Long Island; eco hut stay; walk or boat to Lalaji Bay.
- Day 4: Return to Rangat, then south to Port Blair or continue north to Mayabunder/Diglipur.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Food: Simple seafood thalis, Bengali and South Indian plates at Baratang bazaar and Rangat eateries; try fresh coconuts and local bananas.
- Shopping: Minimal near Baratang; pick up spices, shell-free handicrafts, and honey in Port Blair or Rangat markets.
- Culture: Respect village rhythms; dress modestly; ask before photographing people. Absolutely no interaction or photography with members of the Jarawa community within the reserve.
Travel Tips and Responsible Travel
- Pack light: Quick-dry clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, insect repellent, reusable water bottle, and dry bags for boat rides.
- Cash is king: ATMs are limited; carry small change for permits and snacks.
- Waste-free travel: Carry back all non-biodegradable waste; avoid single-use plastics.
- Boating etiquette: Wear life jackets, avoid loud music, and maintain silence near bird roosting areas.
- Wildlife-first: Stick to marked trails; do not feed animals or collect shells/corals.
- Regulations: Obey all ATR and check-post rules; convoy/time rules can change—verify the latest before setting out.
Tips for Different Traveler Types
Families
- Choose stays with private bathrooms and on-site dining (e.g., Dew Dale or Tourism-run lodges).
- Plan cave and mud volcano visits in the morning to avoid midday heat.
- Carry snacks, ORS, and sun protection for kids.
Honeymooners/Couples
- Pick quieter cottages or eco huts near beaches; time Parrot Island at golden hour.
- Arrange candlelight dinners with local, seasonal menus when possible.
- Travel with flexible days to buffer for weather-related boat changes.
Friends/Backpackers
- Use buses/shared jeeps to keep costs low; share boat hires to the caves.
- Opt for homestays or basic huts; carry a portable charger and headlamp.
- Combine Baratang with Long Island for an off-grid add-on.
FAQs
Q: Are there many eco-friendly resorts right on Baratang Island?
A: Options on Baratang are limited and simple, with occasional Tourism-run huts near Baludera Beach. Many eco-conscious travelers base themselves at nearby Middle Andaman stays (e.g., Sundergarh/Rangat) and day-trip to Baratang.
Q: Do I need a permit to visit Baratang?
A: Indian citizens typically don’t require special permits for Baratang day trips. Foreign nationals can visit but must follow regulations on the ATR and within protected areas. Always carry ID and confirm the latest rules in Port Blair before travel.
Q: What is the best time for Parrot Island?
A: Dry season (Nov–Mar) with a sunset boat departure. Boat timings depend on tides and weather—check locally on the day of travel.
Q: Can I book Long Island eco huts online?
A: Online systems are inconsistent. Most travelers confirm boat schedules and accommodation on arrival in Rangat/ Yeratta or through local operators.
Q: Is it safe to travel the ATR with kids?
A: Yes, if you follow convoy/time rules, carry essentials, and plan rest stops. Do not stop in restricted zones and adhere to all check-post instructions.
Conclusion
Eco-friendly resorts near Baratang Island are modest, locally rooted stays that complement the region’s sensitive ecosystems. Use Baratang as a springboard to explore limestone caves, mangroves, and quiet beaches, while basing yourself at sustainable cottages, Tourism-run lodges, or village homestays in Middle Andaman. Travel light, respect regulations, and let the calm of Baratang’s creeks set the pace.
