Barren Island

Barren Island in the Andaman Archipelago is the only confirmed active volcano in the entirety of Southern Asia. Home to a number of wonders, Andaman and Nicobar Islands have in their boundary a great treasure in the form of this erupting beauty. Lying on a chain of active volcanoes that run from Sumatra in Indonesia to Myanmar, the Barren Island is located about 140 km from the capital town of Port Blair and is a must visit place during your trip to Andaman

Located on the meeting of the Indian and Burmese tectonic plates, the island is actually almost as old as 2 million years. Formed because of the eruptions of the past, the first ever recorded eruption here dates back to 1787 AD. The Barren Volcano, as it is called, had its last large-scale eruption about a 150 years ago. After about 26 years of being calm, the latest eruption happened in 2017 first, and then again in the year 2018, making it one of the best places to visit in Andaman. People from all over the world are traveling to this place to see the red streak of lava flowing from the top of a 2 km wide caldera of the volcano.

Although the place had been discovered way back in time, lack of research and permits for the same, thereof, has made the Barren Island a mysterious place. Not much is known about what really transpires on the ground in Barren Island, because of the aforementioned reason, and because the island is uninhabited. There is little vegetation on the island, with about a few birds, a small population of goats, bats (flying foxes), and some species of rats and other rodents who have learned to adapt to the harsh conditions of the island.

Because of such remoteness and close to zero activities on the ground and in the waters, the place is still in its most pristine conditions. And that is why, the areas around the island, especially the waters are known to be great spots for scuba diving experience in Andaman. If you are wondering what one can find on one of these dives, you can look for the crystal clear visibility, Manta Rays, interesting basalt formations, topography of the past lava flows and fast-growing coral gardens. You can get organizers for Scuba Diving based in Havelock Island, who will bring you out here on their ships for you to explore what can easily be called one of the world’s best diving spots.

Apart from this, the land on the island is a thing of beauty in itself. With an occasional sighting of the goats that live here, you will find black sand beaches in every direction as far as your eye goes. Underwater, this black sand has helped in preparing, nurturing and maintaining the beauty of the corals, sponges, and sea anemones. Standing on the deck of the boat, as you will look at the amazing island, the experience is something that will erupt like a happy shower inside you. Here is a guide that will tell you all you need to know about this heavenly attraction of the Andamans.