Barren Island, approximately 135 kilometres northeast of Port Blair, is located at the confluence of the active seismic Indian and Burmese plates. Because of the regular volcanic explosions that occur here, the island is essentially abandoned, as its name implies. Although touring on the island is not very frequent, authorization from the local forest authority is required. A variety of chattered boats are available to transport you around the island. Due to the unpredictability of volcanic eruptions, guests are not able to land on the beaches and are instead given a beautiful view from the water.

The Barren Island volcano’s crater is roughly half a kilometre from the beach. The island’s black bedrock gives the beach sand a rich purple-black tint that contrasts nicely with the ocean’s vivid blue and undersea abundant aquatic life. What’s noteworthy is that, despite the fact that the presence of this volcano has been known for centuries, the island remains an uncharted enigma due to little-publicized study with restricted and limited access.

Best Time to Visit Barren Island

Since the temperature will be apparent during this time, visitors will have a better opportunity of seeing both the island and the volcano. The ideal time to visit Barren Island is from November to February.

How to Reach Barren Island

Barren Island can only be reached by boat or by aircraft due to its remoteness and location in the middle of the ocean. To get to Barren Island, you must first go to Havelock, the closest inhabited island. From there, you may hire a boat to get you here. It takes about 4 to 5 hours’ drive from Havelock to reach the island.

By Boat:

The government ferries are no longer permitted to go to the island. A few private players transport small parties to the island on ferries, where they will make about three circuits of the island’s perimeter before returning. The whole journey takes around 8 to 10 hours to complete, giving you plenty of time to take in the views and sounds of the island’s beauty and residents. Depending on the itinerary, these have set departure dates and may cost anything from INR 15,000 to INR 20,000.

Things to Do at Barren Island

• Barren Island is home to the only active volcano in South Asia, which is located on the island. According to historical records, the first reported eruption of the volcano occurred in 1787. More than ten eruptions of the volcano have occurred since 1787. One of the latest eruptions began in September 2010 and lasted until January 2011, when the volcano erupted again!

• Scuba Diving: The seas around Barren Island are an excellent place to go scuba diving in the summertime. Despite the fact that it is a secluded diving site, there is a lot to see there. The crystal blue seas, fascinating basalt formations, and coral reef gardens are just a few interests that you should not forget when visiting this destination.

• The lonely island is barren and abandoned by humans, making it a serene and secluded retreat. Because it is difficult to get to Barren Island, only a small number of people opt to visit there, despite being well worth the effort. To see the island, one must foremost get permission from the Forest Department. Those hoping for a safe haven away from other tourists, on the other hand, will need to plan a day’s journey to get here!

• Barren Island is a photographer’s dream since it is home to a tiny population of goats, flying foxes, and a variety of rodent species. Because of the extreme circumstances, only a few creatures can live in this environment. Despite this, the region is beautiful since crystal-clear lakes surround it. The aesthetic appeal is rather striking, we must admit!

More Important Points to Keep in Mind

• A permit from the Andaman and Nicobar Government’s forest department is required to visit Barren Island.
• Carry your identification cards, such as your Adhar card, Pan card, passport, and driving license, since these will be necessary in order to get a permit and tickets.
• Because overnight stays are not permitted, plan your travel and make your appointment for the morning.
• Govt. Ferry and Private Ferry services are available from Port Blair to Havelock like; Makruzz, Sealink, Green Ocean, ITT Majestic these are the popular private ferries which is available in Andaman and Nicobar Island.
• Bring some snacks and water with you in case you become hungry.

FAQs:

Q1: Is it possible for us to visit Barren Island?

Ans: Visitors must get special permission from the Indian Forest Department to visit Barren Island. No one is permitted to stay overnight on the island because it is one of the country’s restricted zones. Visits are only permitted during business hours.

Q2. Can you tell me how many times the desolate island has erupted?

Ans: It is currently unclear how many eruptions have taken place at this volcano, which was determined to be around 1.8 million years old. However, in the documented history of 2-3 hundred years, the volcano has erupted more than ten times, with the first eruption being in 1787 and the last occurring in 2000.

Q3. Is Barren Island the only active volcano in India?

Ans: Yes, Barren Island is the only known active volcano in India, and it is located in the country’s northwest.

Q4. Is it risky to go to Barren Island?

Ans: No. If you keep an eye on things from a safe distance in your boat but getting much closer to the island will not be a brilliant idea. Because of this, the forest service requires that you get permission.

Q5. When was the last time Barren Island erupted?

Ans: According to historical records, the most recent eruption occurred in 2017. Following the eruption that occurred in 2004.

Q6. What is the significance of Barren Island to the world?

Ans: Barren Island is located in the Andaman Sea and is the only known active volcano in India and South Asia. It is also the only volcano globally with a lava flow and is a well-known scuba diving destination.