Barren Island

Barren Island is an uninhabited volcanic island in the Andaman Sea, about 135 km northeast of Port Blair. It hosts the only active volcano in India and South Asia, rising about 354 metres above sea level. The island is part of the Andaman Islands volcanic arc, is largely barren with black sand and lava fields, and is accessible only by chartered boats with permission for viewing from the sea.

Visitors can expect a long boat journey from Port Blair to view the active volcano from a safe distance at sea, as landing on the island is prohibited for general tourists. The setting is remote and uninhabited with a conical volcanic peak, black lava slopes, surrounding deep blue waters and no facilities on shore. Activities are limited to sightseeing and photography from the boat, with opportunities to see dolphins and clear waters around the island.

Barren Island volcano first recorded eruption in 1787. It is the only active volcano in India and has had frequent eruptions in recent decades, including notable activity in 1991, 2005, 2017 and 2022. The island lies on the tectonic subduction zone of the Indian and Burmese plates and forms part of a volcanic chain extending from Sumatra to Myanmar.