|
 |
Baratang, less commonly known
as Baratang Island, is an island in the Andaman Islands, India, with an
area of approximately 297.6 square kilometres (114.9 sq mi). It is one
of the main islands of the Great Andaman 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 some 20 kilometres (12 mi) to the east. Port Blair, the
capital of the Indian Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is
located approximately 100 kilometres (62 mi) to the south. 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.
How to
reach
Veer Savarkar International Airport also known as
Port Blair Airport
(IATA: IXZ, ICAO: VOPB), is a customs airport located 2 km (1.2 mi)
south of Port Blair and is the main airport of the Andaman and
Nicobar Islands of India.
Baratang is about 90 km away
from Port Blair. Regular bus services are available from STS Bus
Terminal, Aberdeen Bazar. Journey takes about 2 hrs and 30 minutes from
Port Blair.
|
