Major islands Baratang Max length 28 km Elevation 76 m Postal code 744202 | Total islands 1 Width 14 km (8.7 mi) Area 242.6 km² Literacy 75.4% Area code 031927 | |
Island groups | ||
Baratang Island is an island of the Andaman Islands. It belongs to the North and Middle Andaman administrative district, part of the Indian union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. the island is lying 150 km (93 mi) north from Port Blair.
Contents
Map of Baratang
History
A lighthouse was commissioned in 1985 at the eastern entrance to the andaman strait.
Geography
The island belongs to the Great Andaman Chain, and with an area of 242.6 square kilometres (93.7 sq mi) it is one of the main islands of the group, a closely set archipelago in the Bay of Bengal, adjoining the Andaman Sea. Middle Andaman is to its north, and South Andaman to the south. The islands of Ritchie's Archipelago lie 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) to the east. Port Blair, the capital of the Indian Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is located approximately 45 kilometres (28 mi) from the southern tip of Baratang. Baratang contains the only known examples of mud volcanoes in India. These mud volcanoes have erupted sporadically, with recent eruptions in 2005 believed to have been associated with the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake. The previous major eruption recorded was on 18 February 2003. The locals call this mud volcano jalki. There are other volcanoes in the area. The Barren Island volcano which is the only active volcano in South Asia and the Narcondum volcano which is considered to be a potentially active volcano.
Administration
Politically, Baratang Island is part of Rangat Taluk.
Transportation
the Andaman trunk road crosses Baratang. there are 2 ferry crosses: "Bamboo Trikery" Jetty and "Nilambur" Jetty.
Demographics
There are a couple of villages on Baratang, most noted are Adozig and Nilambur, Rangat. According to the 2011 census of India, the Island has 5691 inhabitants. The effective literacy rate (i.e. the literacy rate of population excluding children aged 6 and below) is 100%.
This island is inhabited mainly by the local Jarawa tribals.
Tourism
Baratang has plenty of private accommodations. Forest and PWD guest houses are also available. Visitors should book well in advance for a confirmed reservation. The major attractions are the limestone caves, the Mud volcano, Parrot Island, and Baludera Beach.