In a historic stride for Indian tourism, the passenger vessel ‘Sindhu’ has completed its maiden voyage to Barren Island, India’s only active volcano, marking a pivotal moment in Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ maritime tourism. The journey, initiated by the Andaman Administration, is being hailed as a breakthrough in connecting the public with the natural marvels of the Indian Ocean region.
Barren Island: India’s Fiery Landmark
- Barren Island, located about 140 kilometres from Port Blair, sits at the convergence of the Indian and Burmese tectonic plates.
- It is home to the only confirmed active volcano in the Indian subcontinent, last erupting intermittently in recent decades.
- Known for its glowing crater and geological significance, the island was previously accessible only to scientists or via aerial glimpses.
- This voyage offers the first structured, civilian sea-based access to the volcanic island, offering tourists and students a rare view of a live volcano under a controlled, safe tourism model.
The Maiden Voyage Experience
- The Sindhu set sail from Haddo Wharf at 9 PM on October 24, carrying 500 passengers, including 125 students from government schools across the islands.
- The voyage was flagged off by Chief Secretary Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, who lauded the initiative as a step towards unlocking the archipelago’s tourism potential.
- Passengers onboard described the view of the glowing red volcano at sunrise as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- Archana Devi, a passenger, noted the surreal beauty of seeing the red-lit peak from a few nautical miles away.
- Tourists praised the cleanliness, food quality, and staff courtesy on the ship.
- The vessel circled Barren Island at sunrise before heading back to Port Blair, completing the round trip in under 24 hours.
Features of the ‘Sindhu’ Vessel
The Sindhu has been specially equipped to offer a comfortable maritime experience with four accommodation types,
- Coral Suite
- Reef Suite
- Island Breeze
- Lagoon Class
An additional ₹2,000 covers all onboard meals, with facilities tailored for both tourists and student groups. The voyage blends comfort with adventure, designed to accommodate both recreational tourism and educational outreach.
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