Barren Island at Andaman Islands

– India’s Only Active Volcano

Located about 135 km northeast of Port Blair, Barren Island is home to India’s only active volcano, and one of the few in South Asia. This remote, uninhabited island is a stark contrast to the lush, beach-lined shores of the Andamans. Its dark, smoking crater and barren landscapes make it one of the most dramatic and unusual natural attractions in the Indian Ocean.

The volcano has been intermittently active since its recorded eruption in the 18th century, with the most recent visible activity noted in the last few years. While landing on the island is prohibited to protect its fragile environment, visitors can witness its raw power from the sea or air.

Boat trips to Barren Island are conducted under strict guidelines and depart early from Havelock or Port Blair, usually aboard licensed private charters. The journey takes several hours and often includes fishing or diving stops nearby. Scuba divers are especially drawn to the island’s surrounding waters, which feature stunning underwater cliffs, lava rock formations, and vibrant marine life, a surreal contrast to the starkness above.Ideal for photographers, nature lovers, and those in search of rare experiences, Barren Island offers a glimpse of nature at its most primal, undisturbed, uninhabited, and dramatically alive.