The Natural Sandbar of Ross & Smith &
the Baratang Limestone Caves

The Natural Sandbar of Ross & Smith & the Rainforest Peaks

Spanning 3,227 square kilometers across the northern half of the Andaman archipelago, North & Middle Andaman district is a paradise of virgin tropical rainforests, coral reefs, and volcanic wonders. Created in 2006 with Mayabunder as headquarters, the district encompasses the major settlements of **Baratang, Rangat, Mayabunder, and Diglipur**.

The visual identity of North & Middle Andaman is island emerald teal and sandbar coral amber gold. Defining the district is the **Ross & Smith Sandbar**—a 500-meter white sand bridge connecting two tropical islands that emerges during low tide amidst crystal-clear turquoise waters. Inland lies **Baratang Island** (famous for mangrove boat rides to ancient limestone caves and mud volcanoes), **Saddle Peak** (732m high point), and **Kalipur Beach**.

Culturally, the district is a fascinating melting pot, most notably highlighted by the Karen community residing in the villages around Mayabunder. Originating from Burma, the Karen people were brought to the islands by Christian missionaries in the 1920s to assist with forest clearance and timber work. Over the decades, they have maintained their distinct language, traditional weaving skills, and expert boat-building techniques, living in harmony with the island's ecosystems. In addition to the Karen settlers, the district is home to early Bengali refugees settled under the post-partition rehabilitation schemes, creating a vibrant multi-cultural fabric that coexists with the protected zones reserved for the indigenous Jarawa tribe.

Geologically, the district is home to India’s only active mud volcanoes, located in the dense forests of Baratang Island. Known locally as *Jalki*, these mud volcanoes are created by the geothermal extrusion of underground clay, gases, and saline water, forming small grey craters that continuously bubble with methane gas. This rare phenomenon attracts geologists and nature enthusiasts alike. The journey to Baratang is itself a slow-travel adventure, involving a drive through the Jarawa Tribal Reserve corridor followed by a wooden boat ride through a network of ancient mangrove creeks, where the giant roots of *Rhizophora* trees form natural arched tunnels over the water.

"Where the white sandbar of Ross & Smith parts the turquoise sea at low tide, Baratang's mangrove creeks wind toward underground limestone caves."

The Chronology of the Island Wilderness

From ancient Jarawa tribal migrations and 1858 British island survey to 1950s Karen settler migration and 2006 district creation, North & Middle Andaman's timeline tracks island history. The chronicle below outlines this evolution.

The Twin Island Sandbar & the Baratang Limestone Caves

Explore the primary heritage of North & Middle Andaman. From walking across the Ross & Smith sandbar to cruising Baratang mangrove creeks and hiking Saddle Peak, these experiences define the northern Andaman wilderness. Click through the tabs below.

The Twin Island Sandbar and the Limestone Caves

Explore the primary landmarks of North & Middle Andaman. From walking across the Ross & Smith sandbar to cruising Baratang mangrove creeks and hiking Saddle Peak, these destinations showcase the northern Andaman wilderness. Click or hover on the cards below.

The Island Staples & the Grilled Sea Fish

North & Middle Andaman's cuisine is world-renowned for fresh grilled red snapper, Karen coconut fish curry, banana fritters, and tender coconut water.

Plan Your Journey

The Unhurried 4-Day Route

North & Middle Andaman is best experienced at a slow pace. Cruising Baratang mangrove creeks to limestone caves, walking across the Ross & Smith sandbar at low tide, trekking Saddle Peak, and watching sea turtles nest at Kalipur require time to settle. This curated route captures the northern island highlights.

Frequently Asked