Limestone Caves of Andaman

Andaman and Nicobar islands are visited by most tourists in search of peace, serenity, white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. Tourists from different parts of the world throng the place looking for a place to rejuvenate and relax, leaving behind all their issues and work problems. But the Andaman is also known for other reasons apart from beaches and water sports. The islands within the union territory have more to them than just corals and dense forests.


Located about 90 kilometers from the centre of the capital city of Port Blair, is one such peculiar tourist spot that can make tourists feel as if they have drifted away to some other region away from the Andaman. This place is about a 2 hours ride away from the city via bus and is well connected with the STS Bus terminus at the Port Blair city. This mysterious and intoxicating place is referred to the Limestone Caves of the Baratang Island within the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

These caves are a treat for those who are exhausted with the beaches, bathing and other water sports. They offer a whole new view and showcase a different aspect of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. But there are some fun facts about the Limestone Caves that add to the attraction of the place, some of which are mentioned below:

5 fun facts about the Limestone Caves

1. The journey to the caves is more mesmerizing than the trip to any other island as the boat travels through the Tribal reserves of the Baratung island which is actually known for its rich tribal population.

2. The sojourn becomes even more fun when travelers can spot sun-bathing sea crocodiles, when they are almost about to reach the caves. The crocodiles are found with their jaws wide open and sit still like stones to camouflage with their surroundings.

3. The Limestone Caves are surrounded by mangroves and offers all the delights of a mangrove forests except for tigers that are found more commonly in the other Mangrove forest of India, which is the Sunderbans.

4. For the geography lovers, this is one of those rare caves that has both stalactites and stalagmites existing in the same cave unlike popularly known fact that these can’t coexist.

5. Another interesting fact about these caves is that he lime stone structures have been formed over ages and have not been traversed or exploited in anyway. It is one of those sites that have remained untouched by humans and have retained their form and structure since the beginning of its formation.


Although these lime stone formations are found primarily in caves at least on this island, there are several deposits of layers of limes forming stones, providing different shades to single massive rock. It is relatively longer travel to the limestone caves unlike the other short ferry rides to different islands from the capital city.

The best way to reach there is to drive or take a bus from Port Blair via the Andaman Trunk Road, then take a short jetty from the Middle Strait to the Baratang Island followed by a half an hour ride on a speedboat to the region with the limestone caves and depositions. If you intend to explore a different and mysterious side of the Andaman then a trip to the Limestone caves is a must.