Limstone cave is a treat to watch. The journey on to these caves is equally mesmerizing which covers all the way through Tribal reserves. Travellers may also catch as a glimpse of a sun-bathing crocodile with its jaws wide open and a stone like still that camouflaged in the mangroves. It is a cave with interesting limestone structures and stalactite and stalagmites. These natural caves are a splendid sight.
Location of Limestone Caves
Limestone Caves are some of the most attractive sites of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is located at a distance of 90 kilometres from Port Blair.
Speciality of Limestone Caves
Limestone caves are the biggest treat to the visitors of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These are the unique pre historic structures which are made of limestone containing unique structures of stalagmites and stalactites which make natural formations inside the cave. To reach this exclusive site one has to travel through the vast tribal region and some marshy lands where one can witness the crocodiles taking sun bath. There is nearly 300 limestone caves located in Baratang Island, particularly at Nayadera near Wrafters Creef. While some of these deposits are found in the form of caves the rest of the deposit is found in the form of layers depositing one layer above the other. The formation of these unique caves is one of the wonders of nature. Though the scientific composition and the chemistry is quite complex yet in simple words it can be said that these are formed by the compression of some main ingredients like marine life forms , shells, skeletons and corals which are gradually deposited over million of years. These deposits create a chemical composition which finally results in formation of limestone firstly in the form of layers and then in the form of caves which are extensively found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Some caves are so dense, deep and dark inside that people need to light a torch to see anything. That is the reason photos are clicked with a flash. Also it may get slippery inside the caves so it is advisable to come in floaters or shoes.
The boat ride that connects the location of these caves with Baratang jetty is magnificent. It passes through a narrow mangrove creek and that is an experience in itself.
Visiting Information to Limestone Caves
It is about 90 km away from Port Blair. Regular bus services are available from STS Bus Terminal, Aberdeen Bazar. Journey takes about 2 hrs and 30 minutes from Port Blair to Middle Strait and the fare is not much. The journey is in 2 phases - Port Blair to Jirkatang (40 kms, 1 hr 15 mins) and then Jirkatang to Baratang (49 kms, 1 hr 15 mins, no overtake zone through Jarwa Reserve Forest). From Nilambur Jetty at middle strait one can ferry to Baratang Island to see Limstone cave.
