“Day Seven took us beyond beaches and into the wild heart of Andaman — where forests whisper, mangroves guard ancient secrets, and limestone tells stories millions of years old.”
🌿 Day 7 – Into the Wild: Baratang, Tribal Routes & Limestone Mysteries
Before Sunrise, Into the Reserved Forest
Day seven did not begin with sunlight.
It began at 4:30 AM, in silence.
No traffic. No market noise. No birds yet. Just the stillness of Port Blair before dawn. We woke up quietly, knowing this was going to be one of the longest and most adventurous days of our Andaman journey.
Today’s destination — Baratang Island.
Distance from Port Blair — approximately 80 kilometers one way.
Total journey — nearly 160 kilometers up and down.
But the real highlight wasn’t just Baratang.
Almost 47 kilometers of the route passes through the protected Jarawa Forest Reserve — home to the indigenous Jarawa tribe. A restricted zone. A silent corridor of wilderness. A road where rules are strict and respect is mandatory.
Adventure was not waiting at the destination — it began on the road itself.
🌅 Morning in Half-Light
After freshening up, we had only bed tea. No heavy breakfast — that was packed for later. By 5:00 AM, we were ready.
Today, each family was given an individual car. No shared vehicle. No tour manager accompanying us. Our guide for the day would be the driver himself.
A white 7-seater Innova waited outside the hotel gate.
The air was cool. The sky was still dark blue. We clicked a few quick morning photos outside the hotel — sleepy smiles, silent excitement — and then, without much noise, our journey started.
📄 Permission to Enter the Forest
Entering the Jarawa Reserve is not like entering a normal highway.
You cannot just drive through anytime you want.
There are fixed convoy timings, controlled entry gates, and strict monitoring by forest and police authorities. Vehicles move in groups under supervision. Stopping inside the reserve is not allowed. Photography is prohibited. Interaction with tribal people is strictly forbidden.
Permission must be arranged in advance.
Thankfully, Andaman Kartik had already completed all formalities from Port Blair. Each tourist’s identity proof (Aadhar or Voter ID) had been submitted. Since our tour happened soon after the pandemic phase, Corona vaccination certificates were also required.
Our driver carried all documents safely with him.
Everything was set.
Now only the forest awaited us.
🚗 The Road to the Entry Gate
As the car moved through the quiet roads of Port Blair, the city slowly faded behind us. Streetlights glowed faintly. A few early tea stalls were just opening. The world was waking up — and we were already on our way into something deeper.
The first phase of the drive felt normal. Smooth roads. Occasional houses. A few scattered shops.
But slowly, civilization began thinning out.
Trees grew denser. Roads grew emptier.
We were heading toward the Jarawa Forest entry gate, where vehicles gather and wait for convoy clearance. You cannot cross independently. You must follow the slot system.
That part of the journey — the waiting, the convoy, the silence inside the forest — was still ahead.
For now, it was just us, the dim morning light, and the growing anticipation of entering one of the most protected forest corridors in India.
With packed breakfast beside us and curiosity in our hearts, Day 7 had officially begun.
And this time, Andaman was about to show us its wild side.
🌲 Waiting at the Edge of the Reserved World
Jirkatang Checkpost & the 9:00 AM Convoy
Around 8:00 AM, we reached Jirkatang Checkpost — the official entry point to the protected Jarawa Tribal Reserve.
This was not just another roadside stop.
This was the gateway to one of the most sensitive and protected forest corridors in India.
The famous Andaman Trunk Road (ATR) passes straight through this dense reserve — a road that connects Port Blair to North Andaman, including Baratang and Diglipur. But you cannot simply drive through it freely.
Here, the rules are different.
🚗 The Convoy System — Discipline Inside the Forest
To travel through the Jarawa Reserve, vehicles must move in a regulated police-escorted convoy.
There are typically 4–5 convoy slots daily, usually around:
- 6:00 AM (least crowded and most recommended)
- 7:30 AM
- 9:00 AM
- 11:00 AM
- 2:30 PM (last major slot, depending on administration)
Entry gates open only at these fixed times. Once the convoy starts, all vehicles move together under police supervision. No overtaking. No stopping. No photography. No interaction with tribal people.
It is a protected zone — not a sightseeing stretch.
Since we reached around 8:00 AM, the earlier convoy had already left.
So we had to wait for the 9:00 AM slot.
But honestly, the waiting didn’t feel wasted.
🍞 Breakfast at the Forest Gate
We stepped out of the car and stretched a little. The area near the checkpost was surprisingly active.
Small local tea stalls, food counters, basic shops selling snacks and bottled water, even small souvenir items — everything lined up near the gate. There were also public toilet facilities, which was helpful considering the long journey ahead.
We opened our packed breakfast provided by the travel agent:
🥪 Bread with jelly
🥚 Boiled egg
🍌 Banana
🍬 A sweet
Simple. Effective. Exactly what early morning hunger needed.
Titli happily took the bread — but jelly is not her favorite. So she convinced us and ordered Maggi from a local stall instead. The smell of hot noodles in the cool forest air somehow made the morning better.
After breakfast, we sipped tea and coffee from a small roadside shop. Steam rising from paper cups. Vehicles slowly lining up behind us. Drivers chatting quietly.
Our driver also completed his breakfast and, in between, handled the necessary paperwork and permit confirmation at the checkpost. Today, he was not just a driver — he was our guide for the entire day.
🛕 A Quiet Temple Before the Wild
Near the entry gate stood a small Shiv Temple.
Simple. Peaceful. Almost symbolic.
Before entering the protected forest, many travelers stop here — maybe out of faith, maybe out of habit, maybe just for a moment of calm before the unknown.
We walked there slowly.
Morning sunlight had started filtering through the trees. Bells hung quietly. Incense smell lingered faintly in the air. We took a few photos and short videos — not rushed, just documenting the calm before movement.
Somewhere deep inside, the feeling was growing stronger.
The next 47 kilometers would not be ordinary road.
It would be a silent journey through one of the oldest forest reserves in the Andaman Islands.
⏳ The Clock Strikes Nine
By now, vehicles had lined up neatly. Police personnel moved between cars, checking discipline.
Engines started one by one.
The gate was about to open.
The forest was waiting.
🌲 Journey Through the Heart of Nature
Crossing the Jarawa Adivasi Forest
At exactly 9:00 AM, the gate opened.
One by one, engines started.
The convoy began moving.
And just like that, we entered the protected Jarawa Tribal Reserve — a world that feels older than time itself.
🌳 Where the Road Cuts Through the Wild
The Andaman Trunk Road (ATR) inside the reserve is not wide. It is a narrow ribbon of asphalt slicing quietly through dense tropical rainforest.
Tall trees rose on both sides — thick trunks, tangled roots, layers of green that seemed endless. Sunlight struggled to reach the ground in many places. The deeper we moved, the quieter everything became.
No markets.
No houses.
No network.
Only forest.
The sound of our vehicle felt loud in that silence. Even distant bird calls echoed differently here — softer, deeper.
It did not feel like tourism.
It felt like passing respectfully through someone else’s ancient homeland.
🚔 The Convoy Discipline
Every vehicle moved together in a police-escorted convoy. No overtaking. No slowing down unnecessarily. No sudden stops.
The convoy system is strictly regulated with fixed slots — typically early morning and selected afternoon timings. Without joining a convoy, entry is not permitted.
Before entering at Jirkatang Checkpost, all permits and identity proofs are verified. These permits are usually arranged by travel operators in advance.
This system exists for one purpose:
To protect the Jarawa tribe and prevent exploitation or disturbance.
⚖️ Strict Rules — And Why They Matter
Inside the reserve, the rules are clear and non-negotiable:
🚫 No photography or videography of tribe members
🚫 No stopping vehicles inside the forest
🚫 No offering food, clothes, or any items
🚫 No interaction of any kind
These are not just guidelines — they are legal regulations.
The Jarawa community has lived in these forests for thousands of years. The government enforces these rules to preserve their isolated lifestyle and protect them from cultural and health risks.
As travelers, we are only passing through.
Respect is not optional — it is responsibility.
🌿 A Glimpse of the Ancient World
As we moved deeper into the forest, something changed inside us.
The dense vegetation. The raw, untouched landscape. The feeling of entering a place that modern life has not completely claimed.
Even without stopping, even without interaction, the experience felt powerful.
It felt like time had slowed down.
This journey was not about spotting someone or capturing something.
It was about understanding how small we are compared to nature — and how important it is to travel responsibly.
🧭 Traveler Tip
If you plan to visit Baratang via the Jarawa Reserve:
✔️ Carry valid government ID
✔️ Ensure your permit is arranged in advance
✔️ Follow convoy timing strictly
✔️ Respect all do’s and don’ts
✔️ Avoid any attempt to record tribal people
This is not a sightseeing stretch — it is a protected human habitat.
🌲 Not Just a Road — A Reminder
Crossing the Jarawa Adivasi Forest is one of the most unique travel experiences in the Andaman Islands.
But it is not unique because of thrill.
It is unique because it teaches restraint.
Because sometimes, the most powerful travel memories are the ones you don’t capture on camera — only in your mind.
🎥 YouTube Episode:
👉Road Via Jarawa Adivasi Forest – A Journey Through the Heart of Nature – Andaman Tour: Day 7 Ep 1
🌊 From Forest Silence to Mangrove Waters
Arrival at Baratang Island
After nearly 90 minutes of driving through the Jarawa Reserve, the forest slowly began to thin out.
Light grew brighter. The road widened slightly.
And then — we reached the Middle Strait Jetty, the crossing point toward Baratang Island.
It was around 10:30 AM.
The convoy stopped. Engines turned off. People stepped out slowly — stretching, looking around, adjusting backpacks. After the silence of the forest, this place felt alive again.
🚢 The Middle Strait Ferry Crossing
Ahead of us lay calm backwaters, framed by dense mangroves. The water reflected the trees like a mirror — green above, green below.
To reach the main part of Baratang Island, every vehicle must cross this stretch of water by vehicle ferry.
And this ferry was not small.
Cars rolled in.
Buses followed.
Oil tankers.
Trucks.
Everything boarded together.
It felt very similar to our earlier Chatham to Bambooflat ferry ride, but this time the scale surprised us. Watching heavy vehicles stand silently over floating water always feels unreal.
Interestingly, there was no traditional ticket counter.
Instead, once we boarded, a man moved from vehicle to vehicle — like a bus conductor — collecting the fare directly. Simple. Efficient. Local style.
Within about 10 minutes, the ferry crossed the Middle Strait, and we reached the other side — officially stepping into Baratang Island.
🌉 A Bridge for the Future
While waiting near the jetty, we noticed something significant.
Beside the ferry route, a bridge was under construction across the Middle Strait. Once completed, vehicles will be able to reach Baratang directly by road without depending on the ferry crossing.
It felt like watching the island slowly preparing for the future — though part of us wondered if the ferry experience might be missed someday.
For now, the water crossing remains part of the adventure.
🧭 A Popular Yet Organized Chaos
By the time we reached the Baratang side — around 11:10 AM — the area was buzzing.
Crowds stood in lines. Tourists waited patiently. Drivers coordinated. Permits were checked again before proceeding further.
Baratang is famous mainly for two attractions:
🌿
Limestone Caves
🌋 Mud Volcano
Both require further travel from the jetty.
And reaching the Limestone Caves involves yet another stage of the journey — a speed boat ride through mangrove creeks.
But before that, a quick note every traveler should know:
✔️ Always start early from Port Blair (3:00–4:00 AM is ideal)
✔️ Carry valid ID and permits
✔️ Be prepared for waiting time at ferries
✔️ Respect convoy timings strictly
Baratang is not a casual drop-in destination — it requires planning and patience.
🌱 Setting the Stage for Exploration
Standing there at the jetty, after crossing forest and water, it felt like we had already traveled far — not just in distance, but in experience.
From silent tribal reserve roads
to ferry crossings with trucks and buses
to mangrove reflections under a bright sun —
The island was slowly unfolding its layers.
And now, it was time for the next chapter:
The mysterious Limestone Caves.
🚤 Baratang Island – Gateway to Nature’s Hidden Wonders
After hours of early morning travel through the dense forest roads of the Jarawa Tribal Reserve, we finally reached Baratang Island jetty — a place where adventure truly begins.
Baratang Island, located around 100 km from Port Blair, feels completely different from the usual island vibes of Havelock Island. It is raw, untouched, and full of mystery. No luxury resorts, no fancy beaches — only dense forests, quiet waterways, ferries, and hidden caves waiting to be explored.
🌿 Arrival at Baratang Jetty
By the time we reached, the place was already buzzing with travelers. Vehicles lined up near the jetty — cars, buses, trucks — all waiting to cross the Middle Strait.
The ferry crossing here is an experience in itself. Unlike the small ferry we experienced earlier between Chatham and Bambooflat, this vessel carried everything — passengers, heavy vehicles, even oil tankers. It felt like a floating highway over calm waters.
There is no ticket counter system like usual. Once onboard, a man moves around collecting ferry charges, almost like a bus conductor. Simple, practical, and very local.
The crossing takes only about 10 minutes, but those 10 minutes are beautiful — mangroves reflecting on the water, cool breeze, and that excitement of reaching somewhere remote.
We also noticed a new bridge under construction over the Middle Strait, which in the future will allow vehicles to cross without ferry dependency. Baratang is slowly developing, but thankfully, it still holds its untouched charm.
🌿 Decision Time – Limestone Cave or Rest?
After reaching Baratang Island, we had to decide our next move.
From the jetty, tourists usually book speed boats to visit the famous Limestone Caves through mangrove creeks. That’s the main attraction here.
However, Baba was already tired after the long early morning journey and convoy movement. He decided not to go to the caves and preferred to rest near the jetty area.
And honestly, the jetty area itself is lively — small shops, local food stalls, tea counters, and resting spots. You can feel the pulse of rural island life here. Simple wooden structures, local snacks, coconut water, and travelers discussing their plans.
Meanwhile, the rest of us prepared for the next adventure — booking a speed boat to explore the Limestone Caves.
🌿 About Baratang Island
Baratang is one of the most unique destinations in the Andaman Islands because of:
- Dense tropical forests
- Mangrove creek boat rides
- Naturally formed Limestone Caves
- Mud Volcano (another rare geological attraction)
Unlike the beaches of Radhanagar Beach, Baratang is about forests and geology rather than sea waves.
The island gives you a feeling of exploring something ancient and hidden.
🌿 Travel Tips for Baratang
✔ Start Early: Leave Port Blair by 3:00–4:00 AM to catch the first convoy through the Jarawa forest.
✔ Carry ID Proof: Permits and checks are common before entering restricted areas.
✔ Be Patient: Ferry wait times can vary depending on rush.
✔ Respect Tribal Rules: Photography and interaction inside Jarawa Reserve are strictly prohibited.
✔ Keep Water & Snacks: Facilities are basic.
Standing at the jetty, watching boats come and go, I felt that Baratang is not just a destination — it is an experience.
Not glamorous.
Not luxurious.
But real, raw, and deeply connected to nature.
And now… it was time to step into the mangroves and head towards the mysterious Limestone Caves. 🌿🚤
🎥 YouTube Episode:
👉Discover the Enchanting Beauty of Baratang Island – Andaman Tour: Day 7 Ep 2
🚤 Through Mangrove Tunnels to Nature’s Secret Chamber
Speed Boat Ride & Limestone Cave Exploration
At around 11:30 AM, we boarded the speed boat from Baratang Jetty.
And from that moment — the adventure changed its rhythm.
🌊 20 Minutes of Pure Adrenaline
The boat didn’t just move.
It flew.
This river is connected to the sea, so even inside the mangrove stretch, we could feel the waves. The boat jumped over the water, splashing sprays on both sides. Wind hit our faces. Engines roared loudly.
For almost 20 minutes, it felt like we were part of a racing sequence.
We were 10 passengers in total — our three, another family we had met earlier, and a third group of three. All of us wore life jackets.
Our captain was a young local boy, maybe around 20–24 years old. He had just completed his college education and belonged to a village in Baratang itself. Today, he was not just a boat driver — he was our guide for the Limestone Caves and back.
At one point, our boat even raced another one heading toward the caves. Who would reach first? The thrill was real. I genuinely don’t have words to describe that feeling.
🌿 Mangrove Creek — Nature’s Green Tunnel
As the speed slowed down near narrow creeks, the real beauty appeared.
Dense mangrove forests rose from the water on both sides. Their twisted roots stood like sculptures. It felt cinematic — like entering a secret world hidden inside the forest.
These mangroves are not just beautiful. During the 2004 Tsunami, they acted as natural barriers, absorbing wave energy and protecting parts of the island from severe destruction.
Sometimes nature protects itself better than any wall.
🛶 Arrival at Limestone Jetty
Around 11:55 AM, we reached the Limestone Cave jetty.
A bamboo walkway stretched ahead — around 500 meters long, built above the muddy mangrove stretch. During high tide, water rises near the path. During low tide, visitors must walk slightly farther.
Walking over that bamboo bridge, surrounded by silence and forest sounds, felt magical.
No traffic.
No horns.
Only birds and wind.
🌳 The Forest Walk
From the jetty, a 2–2.5 km forest trail leads to the cave entrance.
The path is mostly flat but can feel tiring under midday sun. About 500 meters before the cave entrance, there is a small resting area — local villagers have set up drink stalls and seating arrangements.
We stopped there briefly.
There was even a small pond with Raj Hans (white geese) swimming peacefully, and a wooden bridge above it — perfect for photos and short videos.
Suchismita felt a bit tired after the walk and decided to rest there.
So it was just me and Titli who continued toward the cave entrance with our guide.
🪨 Inside the Limestone Cave — A World Carved by Time
Stepping inside felt like entering another planet.
Cool air.
Dripping water sounds.
Dim natural light filtering from small openings above.
No artificial lighting. Just nature.
The Limestone Caves of Baratang are around 100 meters deep, formed over millions of years through the slow deposition of calcium carbonate.
Inside, you can clearly see:
- Stalactites hanging from the ceiling
- Stalagmites rising from the ground
- Pillar formations where both meet
Our guide explained the three stages of limestone formation:
1️⃣ New formations — wet and actively growing
2️⃣ Mature formations — shiny white and smooth
3️⃣ Older formations — darker due to long exposure
Some formations resembled shapes like Lord Ganesha, elephant heads, flowers, and pillars. Whether imagination or nature’s coincidence — it added a mystical feeling.
Standing there with Titli beside me, listening to our young guide explain geology and history — it felt surreal.
Millions of years of slow creation.
And we were just visitors for a few minutes.
🏡 About Baratang & Village Life
During our walk, the guide shared stories of local life.
Baratang Island has around 16 villages, mostly dependent on fishing, small-scale farming, and tourism. Life here is simple but challenging. Education facilities exist, but higher studies require traveling to Port Blair. The 2004 Tsunami changed many lives, but the mangrove forests helped reduce massive destruction in certain parts.
Baratang is developing slowly, but it still feels authentic and grounded.
💰 Tickets & Practical Info
✔ Speed boat charges are usually paid per person (rates may vary seasonally)
✔ Entry fees for Limestone Caves are collected locally
✔ A local guide is typically mandatory for cave exploration
✔ Carry water and wear good walking shoes
✔ Do NOT touch limestone formations — human touch stops their natural growth
🌌 A Hidden Underground Masterpiece
The Limestone Caves of Baratang are not just a tourist attraction.
They are a lesson in patience.
Water dripping drop by drop.
Stone shaping slowly over millions of years.
Nature working without hurry.
When we stepped back outside into daylight, it felt like returning from another era.
And the adventure was still not over — we had to walk back, boat back, ferry back… and drive another long stretch home.
But for that moment, standing inside that cave with my daughter, I felt grateful.
Grateful to witness something so ancient.
🎥 YouTube Episode:
👉Exploring the Limestone Caves of Baratang – A Hidden Wonder – Andaman Tour: Day 7 Ep 3
🌿 Day 7 – Farewell Andaman: From Baratang’s Wilderness to a Heartfelt Goodbye
After exploring the magnificent Limestone Caves, we returned to the Baratang Island jetty where Baba had been patiently waiting. The jetty area was lively, with small local shops and simple restaurants serving fresh meals to travelers. We took a well-deserved lunch break at one of these local eateries — simple food, but satisfying after a long and adventurous morning.
The return journey felt different — calmer, slower, more reflective. As our boat moved through the mangrove-lined creeks, we watched rivers flowing lazily, trees swaying gently in the breeze, and sunlight filtering beautifully through the forest canopy. It was the perfect peaceful ending to an adventurous day in Baratang Island.
We reached back at the Jarawa jetty parking area where our car was waiting and began our drive toward Port Blair. On the way, we stopped for small tea breaks and refreshing coconut water — those little roadside moments that make a journey even more memorable.
By evening, we reached our hotel. Tired — but deeply satisfied. Day Seven had taken us far from the usual tourist spots and closer to the untouched, raw heart of the Andaman Islands. It reminded us how powerful, pristine, and pure nature can truly be.
🌙 Last Night in Andaman
Today was our final night in Andaman. Tomorrow morning, after breakfast, we would catch our flight back home to Kolkata.
So dinner had to be special. The menu?
🍗 Pollo
🥘 Mutton Kosa
🍰 Sweet dish
🍨 Ice Cream
After dinner, we met Mr. Kartik, the owner of our travel agency. I cleared the remaining payment and requested him to arrange a packed lunch for our flight the next day. With a warm smile, he assured us everything would be arranged.
We spent some time chatting, promising to stay in touch — and yes, even after four years, we are still connected. Some travel relationships turn into lasting memories beyond just business.
With hearts full and bags packed, we went to sleep — grateful for every moment this island journey had gifted us.
✈️ Day 7 Travel Tips – Baratang Island
✔️ Start early from Port Blair (convoy timing is important).
✔️ Carry valid ID proof for Jarawa reserve crossing.
✔️ Wear comfortable shoes for Limestone Cave walking.
✔️ Keep drinking water & light snacks with you.
✔️ Respect tribal reserve rules – photography strictly prohibited in Jarawa area.
✔️ Carry cash for local eateries (card payment may not always work).
✔️ Keep buffer time while returning if you have next-day flights.
🌊 End of Day Seven – Summary
Day Seven was a blend of adventure and emotion — exploring geological wonders, cruising through mangroves, enjoying local flavors, and finally bidding farewell to Andaman.
From caves and creeks to conversations and connections, it was more than just travel — it was an experience of nature, culture, and heartfelt moments.
And as we prepared to return home, one thought stayed with us —
“Andaman is not just a destination; it’s a feeling that stays long after the journey ends.” 🌿✨
🏨 Overnight Stay: Hotel Rhishabh, Port Blair
➡️ Continue Reading: Day 8 – A Gentle Goodbye: Carrying Andaman Home in Memories
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