Andaman 4 Natural Wonders Nominated for UNESCO world Heritage Status - Explore Now!

Introduction: Nature’s Hidden Gems Rise to Global Spotlight

The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are famed for their turquoise waters, untouched jungles, and rich biodiversity. But now, the archipelago is eyeing a global title — a coveted UNESCO World Heritage Tag — for four of its most breathtaking natural marvels.
In 2025, the Andaman administration officially proposed four geological and ecological sites to UNESCO's tentative list: Barren Island, Narcondam Island, Baratang Mud Volcanoes, and the Natural Bridge at Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island). These nominations aim to highlight the island’s unique natural heritage while promoting responsible tourism.

1. Barren Island – The Fiery Heart of the Indian Ocean

Highlight: India’s Only Active Volcano

Located about 138 km northeast of Port Blair, Barren Island is one of the most mysterious and awe-inspiring sites in India. This uninhabited island is home to the only confirmed active volcano in the entire Indian subcontinent. Its most recent eruption occurred in 2017, sending smoke and lava into the sky — a rare spectacle for geologists and adventurers alike.
Why It Deserves UNESCO Status:
- Geological rarity: It's one of the few active subaerial volcanoes in the region.
- Biodiversity hotspot: Despite its harsh terrain, Barren Island’s waters teem with marine life including manta rays, reef sharks, and coral reefs.
- Scuba diving paradise: Its crystal-clear waters and volcanic topography make it a bucket-list destination for divers worldwide.
Pro tip: While tourists aren’t allowed to land on the island, boat tours and scuba trips circle its perimeter, offering unforgettable views of its smoking crater.
2. Narcondam Island – The Sanctuary of the Hornbill
About 240 km northeast of Port Blair lies the volcanic Narcondam Island — a remote and pristine ecosystem with a secret: it’s the only place on Earth where the endangered Narcondam Hornbill lives. With less than 500 individuals in existence, this bird is a symbol of rare island endemism.
Why It Deserves UNESCO Status:
- Volcanic origin: Narcondam is an extinct volcano, older than Barren Island.
- Exclusive biodiversity: Apart from the hornbill, the island hosts unique flora and fauna not found elsewhere.
- Undisturbed ecosystem: It's one of India’s least-disturbed islands, making it invaluable for ecological research and conservation.
Travel note: The island is a notified wildlife sanctuary and not open for regular tourism, but its recognition could pave the way for controlled eco-tourism and educational expeditions.
3. Baratang's Mud volcanoes- Nature's Bubbly Phenomenon 

Highlight: India’s Largest Cluster of Mud Volcanoes
Located on Middle Andaman Island, Baratang is already known for its limestone caves and dense mangroves. But its mud volcanoes are perhaps the most curious feature of all. These miniature craters, bubbling with cool mud and gas, are formed by subterranean hydrocarbon activity — a rare geological process.
Why It Deserves UNESCO Status:
- Scientific importance: These volcanoes are natural indicators of underground gas movement and tectonic activity.
- Health and wellness tourism: Locals have long believed in the mud’s therapeutic properties.
- Unique tourism potential: The volcanoes can be developed as an eco-wellness destination with minimal environmental disruption.
Visitor tip: A short jeep ride from Baratang jetty takes you through a tropical forest trail to reach the main mud volcano site.

4. Natural Bridge at Shaheed Dweep- A Marvel of Wind and Waves 

Highlight: A Natural Archway Over the Sea
Formerly known as Neil Island, Shaheed Dweep is a tranquil paradise, and its Natural Bridge is one of the island’s most iconic sights. Formed over centuries by sea erosion and wind activity, this limestone rock arch looks like something out of a fantasy novel.
Why It Deserves UNESCO Status:
- Geo-heritage significance: It's a textbook example of erosional rock formation.
- Tourist magnet: The short forest trek to the site and the stunning sea view make it a popular spot for photography and nature walks.
- Cultural value: Locals call it 'Howrah Bridge' — a testament to its prominence in the island’s identity.
Best time to visit: During low tide when the natural bridge is fully visible and accessible.