Have you ever wondered what it’s like to visit an Indian island with an active volcano? If yes, the Barren Island of Andaman and Nicobar archipelago is waiting for you. Famously known as the home to the only-active volcano in India, adventurers and people in search of offbeat places, plan their trip to Barren Island. You too, can give an adventurous touch to your Andaman vacation by visiting the Barren Island.
There is no native population that resides on the Barren Island due to its remote location and perils surrounding the volcanic activity. Tourists usually go on a day trip from the capital Sri Vijaya Puram and return. They halt over for water sports like scuba diving, game fishing or casual exploration around the island.
Barren island is a part of a chain of volcanoes ranging from Sumatra (Indonesia) to Myanmar. This small island spans over three kilometers and is covered primarily with volcanic cones and ash. Little to no vegetation takes place on this island yet a vibrant and healthy population of corals thrives in its vicinity.
Why You Should Visit Barren Island on an Andaman Trip?
Wondering whether a trip to Barren Island would be worth it or not? Well, it most definitely is and below are more reasons:
1. Incredible Marine Life Around the Island
Despite the presence of an active volcano on Barren Island, there is hardly any impact on marine life. The Andaman Sea which encircles the island has beautiful manta rays, a school of tropical fish, and sea turtles. Along with that you can watch snappers, barracudas and whitetip reef sharks and the blacktip reef sharks. Apart from marine life, several goats, rodents, flying foxes, bats and more than fifty species of insects are found in Barren Island.
2. Raw and Unspoilt Natural Beauty
Barren Island is located approximately 138 kilometres northeast of Sri Vijaya Puram. The island is not usually a part of mainstream tourist destinations of Andaman. However, it still holds an enchanting and raw beauty, difficult to find anywhere else. The absence of tourists and human population has left this island in its pristine condition. Craters, small volcanic cones, and moon-like surface blanket the landmass of this island. Surrounded by the blue Andaman Sea and very little vegetation, it is a scenery that leaves quite an impression in one’s mind.
3. Adventure Activities for the Thrill Chasers
Barren Island is an incredible destination for snorkellers and divers who like challenging marine adventures. You can enjoy a deep dive (quite literally) around Barren Island and watch the gorgeous marine life. The healthy and beautiful coral reefs are a sight to behold. Both snorkellers and divers are bound to have unlimited fun and thrill. Besides, game fishing is also becoming a popular activity around the island. The presence of marine species Wahoo, Tuna, Yellow Marlin and Sail fish makes Game fishing an enjoyable experience.
4. Presence of an Active Volcano
How many travellers can claim that they have visited an active volcano site? Perhaps very few. But, a trip to the Andaman Islands gives an incredible chance to witness the coveted site and check it off the tourist’s bucket list. Many scientists, researchers and geologists visit Barren Island to track and study any volcanic activity that has erupted or might erupt in future. Eruptions in the Barren island whether major or too small to notice have contributed towards data necessary for scientific research and exploration of volcanoes.
5. Geological Marvel at its Best
If you want to witness the ever changing of geological processes, a trip to Barren Island is a must. Igneous rocks, lava flows, craters and many such marvels are found on Barren Island. The landscape of the island is always under a change and hence must be a fascinating sight for geology enthusiasts and scientists.
6. Islands to Visit Around Barren Island
Barren Island is a fascinating place to visit, but so are the islands around it. With an Andaman tour package, book a multiple island tour. Visit the gorgeous islands like Shaheed Dweep, Jolly Buoy and Swaraj Dweep to make your trip enriching and worthwhile. The first stop of your Andaman trip, Sri Vijaya Puram offers opportunities to visit Aberdeen Bazaar, Cellular Jail, Museum, Parks, etc.
Best Time to Visit Barren Island, Andamans
A trip planned at the right time can elevate your travel experience to manifolds. Similarly, a trip to Barren Island or Andaman Islands in general must be done at a time when you can enjoy it to the fullest.
Being a tropical destination, the best time to visit Barren Island, Andamans is in the cool season. The cool season, which sees less humidity and rainfall with pleasant and clear days, is the best time to visit Barren Island. Consider the month of October to March (a mix of peak travel and shoulder season). During such a time, you can get unobstructed sightseeing opportunities. The water of Andaman sea gives clear visibility underneath and the balmy weather makes exploring the island a wonderful experience.
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How to Reach Barren Island?
Travelling to Barren Island requires planning. Here is all of the information you need to know about reaching Barren Island from Sri Vijaya Puram:
- Sri Vijaya Puram is the gateway to access all the tourist attractions of Andamans, including the Barren Island. The distance between the Barren Island and Sri Vijaya Puram is approximately 140 kilometres.
- You can take either a chartered boat or a sea plane to cover the distance between Sri Vijaya Puram and Barren Island. The total time to reach the island can take anywhere between four to five hours.
Note: Please note that government passenger ferries do not operate from the capital to Barren Island. Since Barren Island is a sensitive area, several permits are required from different authorities before taking a trip. Indian Coast Guard, Department of Fisheries, Port Management Board, and Police Marine Force are all required to give their permission. Don’t worry about the permits, ask your Andaman tour operator to arrange the permit for you.
Has the volcano on the Barren Island erupted recently?
The latest volcanic eruption on Barren Island was recorded in September 2018 and it ended in January 2022. The heat was detected coming from the conical opening of the volcano which raised several thermal alarms. Emission of ash was also recorded on Barren Island.
