The only active volcano in India and South Asia is in the surreal Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Sitting at the juncture of the Indian and Burmese plates, the Barren Island is tucked in the middle of the ocean. Located around 138 kilometres away from Port Blair, the island is extremely remote and can be reached only via boat or seaplane. The island witnessed the first volcanic eruption in 1787. The last eruption occurred in November 2020. Read on to know more.
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The Volcanic Crater Is Around 2 Kilometres Wide
One of the most pristine gems of Andaman, the 354-metre high Barren Island is the only active volcano in India, having a volcanic crater that is around 2 kilometres wide. Along a chain of volcanoes from Sumatra to Myanmar, Barren Island is the sole active volcano. The island had experienced a mammoth explosion in 1991, that destroyed the fauna of the region too, lessening the number of bird species and population.
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As reported by Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) Darwin, on November 5, 2020, the island spewed ash and lava that reached around 5000 feet altitude and spread southwest. Barren Island isn’t just noteworthy for the volcano, breathtaking marine species also inhibit in the region around it. Tourists can also enjoy scuba diving out here to explore the rich aquatic life. Why Andaman’s Radhanagar Beach Better Than Maldives?
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How To Reach Barren Island
There are two ways to reach Barren Island, either by seaplane or boat. The seaplane departs from Port Blair and gives a mesmerising aerial view of Barren Island, along with the vast waterbody. The nearest island to the volcanic island is Havelock, from where one can also avail a ferry. The ferry takes tourists on an 8 to 10 hours ride around Barren Island. A journey to this remote volcanic island is surely going to be one of the marvellous experiences to be cherished for the entire lifetime.