Limestone Caves in Andaman and Nicobar

Limestone caves are found in Baratang Island which is about 100 kms from Port Blair. These colossal limestone deposits are particularly at Nayadera near Wrafters Creef. Some of these deposits of limestone are in form of caves and some are in form of layers or beds. These deposits are both above the soil and under the ground. Underground portions are caves. These caves are extremely unique. If you want to witness the rare beauty of these caves, visit Andaman Islands. If you want to know more about these caves before stepping there, go through the following account.

Location of Limestone Caves

Lime stone caves are at a distance of about 90 km from Port Blair.

How to Reach Limestone Caves

There are regular bus services from STS Bus Terminal, Aberdeen Bazar. It takes about 2.5 hrs from Port Blair to Middle Straits. There are two phases of journey: Port Blair to Jirkatang (40 kms, 1 hr 15 mins) and then Jirkatang to Baratang (49 kms, 1 hr 15 mins). There is no overtaking zone through Jarwa Reserve Forest.

Best Time to Visit

November to April is the ideal time to visit limestone caves in Andaman.

Limestone Caves in Andaman

Limestone caves give you a sight to behold- gigantic limestone formations swinging from ceiling like chandeliers. They glow from the sides and sprout from the ground like short pilasters. One is suspended like a chunky pillar from ceiling of the cave. The ragged edges of the limestone blocks burnish in the dark.

A narrow walkway inside the caves gives you a glimpse of their depth. Water constantly drips from the ceiling. You can also see sinkholes inside the caves. A sinkhole is a natural depression in the surface caused by the removal of bedrock or soil by water after wash. More than 300 big and small deposits of limestone are there, out of which only one in the cave form is opened for the tourists to be explored. Beauty of stalactites is worth seeing. Stalactites are the formations on the ceilings of caves.

The tourist guide will explain you how the calcium carbonate rocks surface from the earth because of an earthquake which lead to creation of caves.You can see the sights of these caves with prior permission from the Forest Department (from Baratang) and appropriate local guidance. Very inadequate Government lodging is available at Baratang. While visiting limestone caves, keep packed food and drinking water with you. These limestone caves have been opened to visitors to encourage eco-tourism.

Limestone caves are a delight to watch. A trip to these caves is equally exciting which wraps all the way throughout Tribal reserves. Tourists can also grab a glimpse of a crocodile basking in sun with its jaws open wide and stone like still look that masked in the mangroves. These caves of limestone have interesting limestone structures and stalactite and stalagmites. These natural caves are a superb sight. Tourists are gradually being attracted to these exotic caves.