Mud volcanoes are mud craters that spew mud due to increasing pressure from below. Even though they are mostly harmless, the space near them must be clear as violent eruption is always possible. In India, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are the only places where this natural wonder can be witnessed closely. A total of 11 mud volcanoes have been found in the islands; eight in Baratang Island village and three in Shyam Nagar. These types of volcanoes are an interesting natural phenomenon as they erupt at intervals of a few minutes piquing the curiosity of the young and old alike.
What Are Mud Volcanoes?
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Mud volcanoes are different than the regular volcanoes in many ways. Regular volcanoes are hazardous, and they emit ash, which is molten rock. A mud volcano emits gas, mud, water, and rocks. The regular volcano outflow can be between 800 degrees Celsius and 1200 degrees Celsius. On the other hand, a mud volcano’s outflow is cool to the touch even though you should not touch it under any circumstances. Mud volcanoes can cause serious damage to vegetation and anything on its path so it is better to stay away from it and observe it from afar.
The substances that the mud volcano emits are called mud flow. The ejection normally includes mud, saline water, and gas bubbles when the mud volcano is smaller. In the case of explosive eruptions, you can see bigger rocks and mud that are thrown hundreds of feet above the ground. It then scatters all around the close regions. This is why no settlement areas are near the mud volcano sites. Even some dormant mud volcanoes can erupt anytime, so it is safe for people to stay away from them.
A mud volcano is created because of the decay of organic matter beneath the earth’s surface, which causes the emission of natural gases. The gas puts pressure on the mud on the surface. The mud is pushed higher and outward. In this way, it deposits on the ground next to the place of eruption and gets harder. When a mud volcano erupts, its contents spill outward, which causes the edge of the volcano to become bigger. This slowly forms a volcano-like structure which eventually becomes a mud volcano. There are two mud volcano sites in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
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Where Is The Mud Volcano In Andaman?
Mud volcanoes can be found in Shyam Nagar, near Diglipur, and Baratang Island.
1. Mud Volcano Diglipur
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Three mud volcanoes are located in Shyam Nagar, 20 km from Diglipur. Shyam Nagar is part of the North and Middle Andaman District. You can find it near Hathi Level, and you need to go past the lush green jungle to get to the site of the volcanoes. The trek is about 15 minutes, and the surrounding nature will give you a sense of rejuvenation and peace.
You will come across one mud volcano which is by itself. It is the biggest one and the most dormant out of the three. Walking a little further, you will notice a set of mud volcanoes. Seating arrangements have been made to keep you safe from these eruptions. You can sit near the boards and enjoy the natural mud volcanoes erupting nearby.
2. Mud Volcano In Baratang
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When you go on the mud volcano Andaman tour, you will surely be taken to Jarwa Creek in Baratang Island village, which is part of the Middle Andaman District. You need to walk for less than 5 minutes to reach the site of the mud volcanoes, which the locals call Jalki. Mud volcanoes can erupt violently, but that is a rare occurrence.
At 7:45 p.m. on February 18, 2003, one of the mud volcanoes erupted loudly and violently near Jarwa Creek. A loud sound accompanied the explosion, and the village residents could feel tremors. This gave sufficient evidence that the mud volcano had the potential to cause damage, which is why the area is fenced.
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How To Reach Mud Volcanoes In Andaman
You must reach Port Blair first and then go to two mud volcano sites in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
1. Shyam Nagar
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You can go from Port Blair to Diglipur by road using the ATR bus services. Your other option is to use a boat to reach Kalipur which is situated near Diglipur. The boat service from Port Blair to Kalipur is available only twice weekly. You can hire a cab or take a bus to Shyam Nagar.
2. Baratang Island
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You can take a government or private bus to reach Baratang from Port Blair. Another option is to take a vehicle ferry from Middle Strait to get to Baratang Island as a creek must be crossed. You can take a government ferry or take boat services too. They start from Phoenix Bay Jetty in Port Blair.
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Where To Stay When Visiting Mud Volcanoes Port Blair
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You can stay in the Directorate of Tourism’s Turtle Resort in Kalipur, close to Diglipur. If you are visiting the mud volcanoes at Baratang Island, you can opt for forest guesthouses or PWD guesthouses, which are in a good neighbourhood and provide great services. It is best to make reservations in advance because they have limited suites. You can also opt for private resorts and guest houses in both areas, which will carry a higher price tag.
Tips When Going To Mud Volcano In Andaman
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- You should never smoke or light a fire near a mud volcano, as it can emit flammable gases such as methane.
- Exercise caution when visiting mud volcanoes in Port Blair. The terrain close to mud volcanoes is unstable and can be dangerous.
- Do not attempt to go close to the site of the mud volcano because it can harm you if it erupts with you nearby. Ensure you keep an eye on children so they don’t get close.
- You may find tribesmen on Baratang Island. Do not click their photographs and avoid interacting with them. It is strictly prohibited.
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When you plan your trip to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, add mud volcanoes to your tour! Visiting a mud volcano will be a visual treat for your whole family because it is so unique. As it is found only in the islands in India, it is better to catch a glimpse and visit the nearby attractions to make the most of your Andaman tour.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mud Volcanoes
Where is the world’s largest mud volcano located?
The biggest one is in Indonesia called the Lusi Mud Volcano. It is also among the fastest-growing mud volcanoes in the world.
Are mud volcanoes deep?
Yes, they can be as deep as 3 kilometres or more. Mud volcanoes can vary in size significantly so it depends.
Does the mud volcano eruption of mud and other substances have any type of medicinal properties?
No, they do not possess any such properties.
Can mud volcanoes cause harm to people and buildings?
Even though they do not cause the same extent of damage as volcanoes, mud volcanoes can still emit mud and gases over a hundred meters. This is why it is best to avoid building anything in their vicinity.
Do mud volcanoes smell like anything?
Some types of mud volcanoes have a pungent scent as they smell like rotten eggs while others don’t emit strong smells.
How often do mud volcanoes erupt?
It depends on many factors. Some mud volcanoes erupt every 2 to 3 minutes while others take much longer.
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