Deep inside the forests of Baratang Island, the famous Limestone Caves offer one of the most unique travel experiences in the Andaman Islands.

This is not beach tourism.

This is early-morning departure.
Convoy travel through tribal reserve.
Mangrove boat ride.
Forest walk.
Ancient cave exploration.

If you want to see a different side of Andaman – this is it.

Where Are Limestone Caves Located?

• Around 100 km from Port Blair
• Located in Baratang Island (Middle Andaman region)

The journey takes around 3.5-4.5 hours depending on convoy timing and road conditions.

Step-by-Step: How to Reach Limestone Caves

Reaching the caves is an experience in itself.

Step 1: Travel from Port Blair to Baratang (Convoy System)

You must travel via Andaman Trunk Road (ATR), which passes through the Jarawa Tribal Reserve Area.

Important Rules:

• Vehicles move only in government-controlled convoy
• No stopping inside tribal reserve
• No photography allowed
• No interaction with Jarawa tribe

Most travellers leave Port Blair around 3:00-4:00 AM to catch the 6:00 AM convoy.

If you leave later and take the 9:00 AM convoy, your schedule becomes tight – especially if you want to visit Mud Volcano as well.

Travel options:

• Private cab
• Shared vehicle
• Pre-booked Baratang day tour

Step 2: Middle Strait Ferry Crossing

After crossing the tribal reserve, you reach Middle Strait.

Here:

• Your vehicle boards a government ferry
• Ferry ride takes 10-15 minutes
• The vehicle crosses along with passengers

After crossing, you reach Baratang Island.

Step 3: Mangrove Boat Ride to Limestone Caves

Once you reach Baratang Jetty:

• You purchase boat tickets
• Board a small fiber boat
• Boat usually accommodates 6-8 people (depending on size)

You’ll see breathing roots of mangrove trees forming a natural gateway-like tunnel.
The narrow waterway feels almost cinematic.

The boat operator also acts as your guide during this journey.

This mangrove stretch is one of the most scenic parts of the trip.

Step 4: Wooden Bridge & Forest Walk

The boat anchors near a narrow wooden bridge.

From here:

• You cross the wooden bridge
• Climb a few small steps
• Then walk approximately 1.2 km to reach the cave entrance

The walking path is manageable and mostly flat.

Along the way, you may find:

• Small stalls selling fresh juice
• Basic refreshments

The forest atmosphere feels calm and slightly humid.

Step 5: Inside the Limestone Caves

At the entrance, a local guide accompanies visitors.

The guide:

• Explains cave formations
• Shares significance and geological details
• Briefs in Hindi language

Inside the cave you will see:

The cave interior is cool, slightly dark, and safe to explore. It feels ancient.

Return Journey

After completing the cave visit:

• Walk back 1.2 km
• Take the same boat ride back to Baratang Jetty
• Board your cab or vehicle

From here:

• Return to Port Blair
  OR
• Continue further north to Rangat or Diglipur (if included in your Andaman itinerary)

Planning Tip: Combining Limestone Caves & Mud Volcano

If your itinerary includes:

• Mud Volcano

Then timing is crucial.

Recommended:

• Start from Port Blair around 3:00 AM
• Take the 6:00 AM convoy
• Visit Limestone Caves first
• Then visit Mud Volcano

If you take the 9:00 AM convoy, you may not have enough time to cover both attractions in one day.

Proper planning makes a big difference here.

Limestone Caves Gallery

Best Time to Visit Limestone Caves

Best season:

• October to April

Avoid heavy monsoon (May-September) due to:

• Slippery walking path
• Travel delays
• Rough road conditions

Since this is a full-day excursion, expect to return to Port Blair by evening (around 5-7 PM).

Entry Fees & Charges

Costs generally include:

• Convoy road travel (transport cost separate)
• Boat ride charges
• Forest department entry
• Local guide

Carry cash as digital payments may not always work smoothly in Baratang.

Important Travel Tips

• Carry valid government ID
• Start early
• Wear comfortable walking shoes
• Carry drinking water
• Follow convoy rules strictly
• Do not litter
• Respect tribal laws

Baratang is a sensitive ecological and tribal region. Responsible tourism is extremely important.

Why Limestone Caves Are Worth It

It’s not just about seeing rock formations.

It’s about:

• Driving through dense forest at dawn
• Watching mangrove roots form natural tunnels
• Walking through quiet woodland
• Standing inside a cave shaped by time itself

Beaches relax you.

Baratang humbles you.

The Limestone Caves remind you how slowly and patiently nature works.