55

Best Things to Do in Andaman

Cellular Jail is one of the most historically significant monuments in the Andaman Islands, as it used to be the place where Britisher officers used to send prisoners for exile, during the period of their rule. The walls of this jail hold many stories of the brave Indian freedom fighters and prisoners who have withstood torment in the cells of this very building. The jail is also referred to as Kala Pani, meaning black water in Hindi, and what was the term for prison cell confinement during that period.The construction of the jail took place the years of 1896 and 1906, however, the British officers had been using the prison as an exile for prisoners right from the period of the Sepoy mutiny, during the late 1950s. The mutiny caused the death of a large number of Indian soldiers by the hands of the British, and those who were managed to survive were sent to the islands to live the rest of their days there.This prison, in particular, was considered to be the best place to send the soldiers who protested against the British, as they were completely isolated from their homes, their families and all their loved ones. Therefore, sending the rebels here was considered the highest form of punishment as it not only received torment in the form of physical punishments and torture, but their spirit was broken as well due to the fact that they were far from everything that was familiar to them.After India got its Independence in 1947, many of the former prisoners went back and visited the prison where they have spent months, and even years. An organization that has been formed by said prisoners, named the “Ex-Andaman Political Prisoner’s Fraternity Circle” had decided to move a petition forward to the government to acknowledge the prison as a national memorial, and that no changes were to be made to it on a  large scale. Honoring their struggle, the Prime Minister of India dedicated the prison to the nation on 11th February 1979.Today, the stories and struggles of the freedom and political fighters of our country are proudly displayed on the walls of the prison, and there is even a gallery dedicated to the photos and exhibitions of the movement of the freedom fighters, and the tales of the hardships faced by the brave soldiers who were unfortunate enough to face the torment of the British in this prison.Apart from the gallery, the prison also houses a library on the first floor, which has a lot of books related to the freedom movement, and a gallery showcasing the important moments from the first war of Independence. One of the key attractions the prison is the eternal flame of the Freedom-Swatantrya Jyot that has been built in honor of the soldiers who have given their lives to the freedom movement. This place welcomes many travelers who are on their trip to Andaman. If you're planning a visit to this important National Monument, make sure to read all the details in our guide below.Also, check out the best things to do in Andaman.How to Reach Cellular Jail from Port BlairIf you are planning a vacation to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, then make sure to visit the Cellular Jail, which is one of the most important historical and National monuments in the country.The jail is located in Port Blair, which is the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar islands, and one of the best towns to visit in the region. To get to Port Blair from India, you will have to take a flight, as it is the only way to reach the islands.Air: The Port Blair International Airport, also known as the Veer Savarkar International Airport, is very close to the town center, and many of the key tourist attractions can easily be accessed from the airport.When you reach Port Blair, you can travel to the jail by road, using any of the following modes:Car: You can rent a car and travel to the jail if you want to travel leisurely at your own schedule.Scooter: Scooters are also available for hire, and they are also more economical, so if you are traveling in small groups, then we recommend renting a scooter.Tuk-tuk: Tuk-tuk rickshaws are the most common and cheapest mode of transportation on the islands, and you can easily get a rickshaw on any of the streets in Port Blair. The drivers all speak English pretty well and you will have no trouble reaching the Cellular Jail.Cab: You can either take a cab or hire a car with a driver. This works best if you have an itinerary planned and you are traveling in a larger group.TheCellular Jail is located in Atlanta Point and takes around 15 kilometers to go there from Port Blair.Address: Atlanta Point, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744104Click Here to check out the best hotels in Andaman which will offer you a wonderful stay during your trip.Best Time to VisitThe Andaman and Nicobar Islands are blessed with warm and pleasant tropical climate throughout the year, so it's always a good time to visit.During the summer season, during the months of April to June, the weather is really sunny and warm, so if you don't mind sweating a little, then this is the perfect time to visit, as summer is the best time to hit the islands and the beaches.The rainy season in Andaman begins in the month of June and goes on till the month of November. This is usually the offseason in Andaman, and there are not many tourists on the island during this period. This is also the cheapest time to visit the island as all the hotels and resorts offer great discounts during this period. If you are not scared of getting a little wet in the rain, you can consider visiting during this season.The most popular season to visit the islands among the tourists is the winter season, during the months of November to March. The climate during this season is optimal for tourists, as it is not too hot to explore the tourist attraction in the towns, but also still warm and pleasant enough to spend time at the beaches.Also, check out the best places to visit in Portblair.Other Essential Info about Cellular JailHere are some other important points to note before making a visit to Cellular Jail:1) Mobile ConnectivityYou will not need to purchase a new SIM card as the same networks that work in other parts of the country, work on the island as well. However, certain networks like Jio and Reliance have been said to receive lesser reception and network compared to other networks. According to tourists, the networks that work the best on the island are Vodafone and Airtel, and you should make sure that you or someone in your travel group has that network to be on the safer side.2) Medical FacilitiesThe premises of the cellular Jail are equipped with a first aid kit, however, there are no in-house doctors or nurses available in the vicinity of the jail. However, there are quite a few medical stores and hospitals located nearby in Port Blair. The closest and best hospital to Cellular Jail would be the GB Pant Hospital, located right at Atlanta point, only 400 meters away from the jail. If you take some specific medications, then we advise you to carry your own medicines and not rely on the cellular jail for medical aid3) Timings of Light and Sound ShowOne of the key attractions of the Cellular Jail is the light and sound show. The show happens every day in the evening, and there are both Hindi and English options for the show. The timings of the shows are as follows:English: Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PMHindi: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday at 05:30 pm to 06:30 pm, 06:45 pm to 07:45 pm, 08:00 pm to 09:00 pm, 09:15 pm to 10:15 pm.You can plan your visit according to your show of preference so that you can visit the jail and watch the show on the same day.4) Places to eat near Cellular JailThe Cellular Jail is located in Port Blair, and there are quite a few good restaurants nearby that are worth visiting. Some of the best restaurants that need to be on your list while visiting Port Blair are:-Icy Spicy - a vegetarian restaurant specializing in Indian and Chinese cuisines.-New Lighthouse Restaurant - known for its delicious seafood dishes.-Fortune Resort Bay Island - a high-end restaurant known for its great hospitality and food.-Ananda Multi-cuisine Restaurant - specializing in Indian and seafood.5) Minimum Duration for Visiting Cellular JailCellular Jail has, in total, 3 major tourist attractions:The gallery of photos and exhibitions that narrate the tales of the freedom fighters and soldiers.The library showcasing various books related to the freedom movement.The eternal flame that has been established in honor of the soldiers and martyrs who gave their lives to the freedom movement.To cover all these things with time to spare, and to watch the light and sound show as well, which is one hour long, we recommend that you visit at least two hours prior to the beginning to the show so you have ample time to explore the premises.Planning a trip to Andaman? You must check out the best attractions in Andaman which will allow you to have the best experience.Frequently Asked Questions1. What is Kalapani punishment?The soldiers who stood up against the British officers in the freedom movement were captured and subjected to Kalapani punishment, which involved being locked up in the Cellular Jail in Andaman, away from their homes and families. Very few made it out alive from the torturous experience.2. Who made cellular jail?Cellular Jail was built by The British Raj, or the British Crown as it is otherwise known and it was built for the purpose of sending all the soldiers who protested against the British rule, to exile on a faraway island.3. Why is it called Kalapani?The Cellular Jail is otherwise referred to as Kalapani prison, which means black water in Hindi, is called so because of the Kalapani punishment that is sentenced to the freedom fighters in the freedom movement, which involved them being sent to exile to the island and have to spend the rest of their days in this prison4. Who escaped cellular jail?There was once an escape attempt in the prison, during the month of March in 1868. A group of 238 prisoners ran away but were caught a month later. Among them, one committed suicide, and from the rest, 87 were ordered to be hanged by the general in charge.5. What are the timings of the light and sound show at the cellular jail?The timings are as follows:English: Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PMHindi: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday at 05:30 pm to 06:30 pm, 06:45 pm to 07:45 pm, 08:00 pm to 09:00 pm, 09:15 pm to 10:15 pm.6. How much time do we need to visit cellular jail properly?There are three main attractions in the jail, namely:-The gallery of photos and exhibits-The library-The everlasting flameYou will need around 2 hours to cover them all, excluding the light and sound show.7. What is the entry fees in Cellular jail?The entry fees for the jail id around INR 30 per head, both adults and children, and there are extra costs for photo and video cameras.-INR 200 for photo camera-INR 1000 for a video camera8. What kind of punishment was given to the prisoners of kalapani?The prisoners of the Kalapani prison were subjected to many different forms of unspeakable torment, such as:-Whipping-Beating-Quarantine-Starvation-Standing in the sun for long hours, and more.9. How far is cellular jail from Port Blair?Cellular Jail is around 15 kilometers away from Port Blair and it takes around 30 minutes to get there by road. You can either rent a car or scooter or hire a rickshaw or a cab to get there.10. Which places can I visit near cellular jail?There are quite a few other interesting tourist attractions near Cellular Jail that you can visit, such as:-Marina Park and Aquarium-Anthropological Museum-MakruzzDon't forget to check out the best honeymoon packages in Andaman to have the most romantic time with your other half.

There are several picturesque and popular islands near Port Blair that you can explore during your trip to Andaman and Nicobar Islands. However, few can match the quaint and soothing charm of Neil Island. This island is preferred by visitors for its amazing biodiversity, white sandy beaches, unspoiled and pretty coral reefs and tropical woodlands. If you want to get away from bustle and crowd of popular places in the Andaman’s, this is the perfect weekend getaway!Located approximately 36 km northeast of port Blair, this island exudes a certain type of laid back charm and you can feel that sometime after setting your foot in. Besides, it is a small island which makes it ideal for spending a couple of days, ideally. The widest part is about 5 kilometers. If you start walking, covering the island may take just 2 hours or so. It is somewhat warmer than neighboring Havelock and so lacks forest cover.This island has enough places where you can relax or laze around in afternoon watching the sunset and staring at the vast blue sea. There are not many amenities and the beaches may not be lavish but that can actually be bliss in disguise, more so if you prefer serenity.

Chidiya Tapu is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Andaman, and if you are on a trip to the islands, do not forget to spend a few hours at this wonderful place. Chidiya Tapu is mainly popular for its wide range of birds and is a haven for bird watchers. Indigenous and migratory birds can be seen decorating the skies here, enticing nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts visiting the place.This island in Andaman is also a treasure trove of thick forests and stunning views of the ocean. At almost every turn, the mesmerizing views of a thick green blanket and azure sea waters await you. Experience serenity as the dense mangroves cover the entirety of the island and provide a sense of calm to the senses. A walk through the jungles will make you forget everything about your hectic lifestyle.The island is also an attractive option for adventure sports lovers. It has a rich underwater sea life, including colourful corals and vibrant marine wildlife. Go snorkelling or scuba diving and experience the rich world under the surface, explore the labyrinthine reefs, get caught in the whirlpool of tiny fishes, and swim with majestic sea turtles. The island also has an option of sea walking, for those of you who do not know how to swim. Now you can witness the mesmerizing underwater view under the guidance of experienced and helpful staff.Pre-book your Andaman tour package for most comfortable and lavish experience.If you like staying on land, you can check out the trail that leads to the famous Mund Pahad, or the Black Mountain. The path is rife with mesmerizing views of the island, and the vantage point will take your breath away, as you witness the blue sea stretched out as far as the eye can see. The biological park is another good destination, where you can enjoy a picnic with your family in the middle of dense forests and witness wild animals in their natural habitat. Chidiya Tapu is also famous as The Sunset Point, so you can simply head over to the beach at the end of a long day and be enthralled by the tangerine sun setting over turquoise sea waters.Chidiya Tapu Biological ParkCatch the rich biodiversity and a wide range of tropical flora and fauna of the Andaman islands at this biological park that was established in 2001. The park aims towards conservation and the study of endemic and endangered species of plants and animals that are indigenous to the islands. The place is covered with thick green jungles that provide the animals with natural habitat and act as a source of physical and mental relief towards its visitors.The park features exotic plant species like Mahuas and Padauks, to exquisite birds and animals. It is spread over 40 hectares and there is a lot to see here, including wild pigs and spotted deers roaming openly in the jungle. There is also a reptile centre for those of you who are interested in watching crocodiles and snakes. For bird watchers, it is a heavenly delight, as indigenous and migratory birds can often be spotted flying without any reserve in the park.The serpentine treks, the sound of birds singing in the background, and the occasional sighting of a wild animal is a thrilling experience. For the nature admirer and photography enthusiast, there is no better place on Chidiya Tapu than spending a few hours here.Andaman is popular among newly wedded couples and so we bring you some of the best honeymoon packages of Andaman for a perfect romantic retreat.- Highlights: endemic and endangered species of plants and animals in their natural habitat- Visiting time: 10 am to 5 pm, open from Tuesday to Sunday, closed on Mondays- Visiting Duration: people usually spend 2-3 hours here- Location: Chidiyatapu, Andaman and Nicobar Islands- Entry Fee: INR 20 for Indians, and INR 50 for foreigners- Guides: Guides are recommended because there are many hidden gems here that you may otherwise miss. They are available for rates as low as 1500 INR.How to reach Chidiya Tapu- From Port BlairChidiya Tapu is located nearly 30 kilometres from Port Blair, and there are several ways to reach the island from there. Most people tend to take a bike and cycle to reach the exotic island, as the serpentine road offers stunning vistas and spectacular views. If you take this route, you will get to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the dense jungles, rolling hills, and the rocky beach of Kalapathar. You can also hire a car to get to Chidiya Tapu from Port Blair.- From Havelock IslandIf you are in Havelock and want to get to Chidiya Tapu, you will have to go via Port Blair, as there is no direct route between the two islands. From Havelock to Port Blair, there are several routes, including cheap ones like a government tourist ferry that leaves thrice a week, or a thrilling helicopter ride that will offer stunning views of the islands. Once you reach Port Blair, you can simply take a bike or a ferry to Chidiya Tapu.Best time to visit Chidiya TapuAlthough the island experiences pleasant weather throughout the year, it is best to visit Chidiya Tapu in the months between October and April which is also the best time to visit Andaman.In the summer months of May to July, the temperature notches over 40 degrees and the weather can be quite hot. It is not ideal to venture out in these harsh conditions, the beaches are scorching, the roads are empty, and even birds and animals retreat to the jungles to keep themselves cool.During the monsoon months of August to September, heavy rainfall can result in dangerous conditions on the beaches, as the waves can be quite high in this weather. These months see the ocean get unpredictable and tsunami warnings are quite common.So, the best time to visit is during the spring and winter months. The weather during these months is clear, pleasant, and ideal for exploration. Since the temperatures do not drop to extremes, it is also the perfect weather for relaxing on the beaches and indulging in water sports.Click here to know more about the best places to visit in Port Blair.Essential Info:1. Places to visit near Chidiya TapuThere are several tourist destinations near the island, where you can romance with nature and enjoy the scenery around.The most prominent tourist destination near Chidiya Tapu is Kalapathar Beach. You will encounter this place on your way from Port Blair to Chidiya Tapu. Spend a few moments admiring the long trail of black rocks and boulders on the beach. Once you reach the island, there is a trekking trail to Munda Pahad that is strewn with mesmerizing views of the islands. You can also check out Cinque Island, another place that is ideal for a retreat towards all the beauty nature has to offer.2. Things/ Activities to do in Chidiya TapuChidiya Tapu is a paradise for nature lovers, and one of the most popular things to do in Chidiya Tapu is bird watching. The island is famous all over the country for hosting a wide variety of bird species, some of them endemic and endangered. You will also get to witness exotic migratory birds along with the indigenous ones.To up your adrenaline levels at the island, indulge in activities like snorkelling, pearl hunting, boating, deep sea walking and scuba diving. If you are travelling with your family, a quiet picnic in the biological park will be an ideal getaway for you.Chidiya Tapu is also famous as The Sunset Point. The colourful hues splashed around the sky at dusk are not a sigh to be missed.Also, check out the best things to do in Andaman and Nicobar for your next trip.3. Places to eat in and near Chidiya TapuThere are several places in and around the island where you can get some delicious food without burning a hole in your pocket. The cuisines included are local as well as continental.Some of the most famous restaurants include Brewberrys and Waves. Both these places are a bit on the expensive side, but the gourmet food and stunning decor make up for it. There are also some resorts on the island that offer some mouth-watering snacks, like Palm Grove, Rose Valley, and Fortune Resorts. Along with the food, you get to enjoy the stunning views of the island at these places.Enjoy your trip to the island with these amazing water sports in Andaman.4. Places to stay near Chidiya TapuIf you are planning on spending a few days on the island, there are several options for a luxurious stay.Sea Princess Beach Resort offers the perfect blend of modern facilities and stunning views. The hotel is only 15 kilometres from the island, so you can go sightseeing anytime you want. Hotel Blue Marlin offers spacious and airy rooms at an affordable price. If you are looking for a truly pampering stay and are not afraid of paying extra cash for it, check out Comfort Inn Blue Waves. On the flip side is The North Reef that is cheap and cosy - ideal for students and backpackers.Here are the best resorts in Andaman that you should book for a comfortable stay.5. Medical Facilities in Chidiya TapuPort Blair is only a few kilometres from Chidiya Tapu and the capital city has state of the art medical facilities and several hospitals to take care of emergency medical problems. Qualified doctors, nurses, medicines, imaging equipment are easily available here. The island itself also has a PHC that is equipped with 10 beds.6. Timing to visit Chidiya TapuThe island is famous for its gorgeous sunsets, so it is best to go here at dusk. But if you want to explore the biological park, it is better to plan your trip during the afternoon, so that you can spend a few hours at the park before heading to the beach to watch the famed sunset.Here is the list of best hotels in Andaman that won't let you feel homesick.7. Mobile Connectivity in Chidiya TapuA network connection is dicey at best on the island, because of the remoteness of this place. The connection is good in parts of Port Blair, and Havelock island, but Chidiya Tapu is covered mostly by deep woods, and therefore, internet connection is slow. If you can get a satellite connection, the connectivity is good, but that is an expensive option.8. Travellers' Tip before visiting Chidiya TapuIt is best to get some malaria vaccinations before going to the islands, as well as take precautions when it comes to food and water. Do not drink tap water here, and carry a first aid kit with you. If you are a foreign national, always keep your visa and passport with you, and do not enter restricted areas.