Port Blair, the gateway to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Andaman Sea, is the capital of the Union Territory, located in the Bay of Bengal. Located on the Southern Andaman Island, Port Blair is at the very heart of tourism in the Andamans. Greatly connected to the mainland of India, Port Blair is also the centre of finance, culture, and other major activities in the Union Territory.
Be it sightseeing, engaging with local tribes, learning about the region’s history, or enjoying thrilling water sports in Andaman, Port Blair encapsulates everything that makes the islands a perfect tropical getaway. It is often a key highlight in most Andaman tour packages, offering visitors a complete introduction to the archipelago.
Surrounded by the rugged yet beautiful coastlines and tropical yet mesmerising forests, Port Blair is a culmination of not just the most beautiful of sceneries but also of various cultures. Bengalis, Tamils, Telugus, Nicobarese, and Burmese are the main inhabitants of the capital, with Bengali being the most spoken language, followed closely by Hindi.
Major things to do in Port Blair include sightseeing at Cellular Jail, birdwatching at Chidiya Tapu, and shopping at Aberdeen Market, and must-visit places near Port Blair are Havelock Island, Ross Island, Corbyn’s Cove, and Viper Island.
Places to visit in Port Blair
Here are some of the best places to visit in Port Blair:
1. Chidiya Tapu
As is clear from the name itself, Chidiya Tapu is a heaven for bird lovers. With a lot of rare migratory birds approaching this island and a number of other indigenous species calling this place their home, Chidiya Tapu is a famous attraction near Port Blair. Another great thing to do here is to watch a mesmerising sunset from the beach, which is flanked by hills on one side and forests on the other.
2. Cellular Jail
Popularly known as the Kala Paani Jail, the Cellular Jail was a colonial prison built on the Andaman islands because of the remoteness of the place. The British sent exiled prisoners here, including the notable names of Batukeshwar Dutt, Yogendra Shukla, and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar (in whose honour Port Blair’s airport was named). The place is now an important historical monument and hosts an amazing light and sound show every evening.
3. Viper Island
Named after the ship that brought Lieutenant Archibald Blair to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in 1789, the viper island was the site of the British Exile Prison before the construction of the famous Cellular Jail. With the ruins of the old gallows still sitting on the top of a hillock on the island, the place is a scenic as well as biodiverse wonder. Interestingly, the wreckage of the ship HMS Viper was also found near the island itself.
4. Samudrika Marine Museum
Ran by the Indian Navy, the Samudrika Marine Museum is situated in the capital itself and was built with a significant initiative in mind. The museum works to generate awareness about the situations in the ocean and about marine life. Divided into 5 sections, the museum presents exhibits dealing with the Islands, the geography, people and demographics, the archaeology, and the marine life. It houses a great collection of shells, corals, and a few colourful fish species from the waters around it.
5. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, a stretch of unparalleled natural beauty, received its official status on 24th May 1983. With the main aim of preserving marine life, especially the rare coral life and the nesting sea turtles, the National Park is divided into 2 major island groups: Labyrinth Islands and Twin Islands. The place, spanning an area of 281.5 sq km, is a haven for nature lovers and diving enthusiasts.
6. Rajeev Gandhi Water Sports Complex
The Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex is the hub for most water sports and related activities. Offering a safe place for enjoying water sports, you can enjoy joyrides on speedboats, Jet Skis & Banana rides. Kayaking, Canoeing, Parasailing, Paragliding, Waterskiing, and Boat Tours are also available.
7. North Bay Island
North Bay Island, the heaven of life underwater, is an adventurer's paradise. With a number of excellent diving sites, the island offers endless opportunities for underwater exploration. You can enjoy scuba diving, snorkelling, sea walking, and glass-bottom boat rides to spot rare and vibrant marine species. It stands out as one of the top places to visit in Andaman, especially for thrill-seekers and marine life enthusiasts.
8. Cinque Island
The North and South Cinque Islands, a group of islands, are renowned for having sandbars connecting them. With this passage being named the Manners Strait, both islands have some features that make them favourites of visitors year-round. While North Cinque is famous for water sports like diving and snorkelling, the South Cinque island is a part of the famous Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park.
9. Ross and Smith Island
Located far away from the mainland of Andaman are these twin islands connected by a sandbar in the middle. The entryway to this majestic pair of islands is from the small town of Diglipur, and one needs formal permission from the forest department to visit. The clear blue waters and an amazing marine life, alongside animals in the forests, make this place a great experience to visit
10. Mount Harriet National Park
Covering the area around the third-highest peak in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mount Harriet National Park is named after the wife of Robert Christopher Tytler, a British naturalist and photographer. The iconic image on the back of the 20-rupee note originates from this scenic park. A visit here is one of the top things to do in Andaman, offering nature trails, wildlife, and panoramic views.
11. Forest Museum
A famous attraction of the Andamans, the Forest Museum is located in Chatham, on the very outskirts of Port Blair. Managed by the forest department, the place is famous for exhibiting artefacts made with timber, gurjan, oak, satinwood, and paduak. As an added flavour, the museum also has a mini zoo and a small zoological garden inside the complex.
12. Marina Park
Home to more than 350 species of marine animals, including creatures like fishes, turtles, sharks, and crabs, the place was built with the thought of preservation and showcasing the natural assets of Andaman. Ideal for all age groups, you can also see a lot of corals, clam shells, and lobsters as well.
13. Ross Island
With a rather sad history attached to it, the ruins present on the island speak volumes about the time that this place has seen. Once the administrative headquarters of the British colony in Andaman, the place was abandoned after the earthquake in 1941. Forests now engulf Ross Island, adding an unsettling atmosphere to the entire area.
14. Jolly Buoy Island
Home to majestic corals and the unmatched beauty of a beach, the Jolly Buoy is a part of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. A haven for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts, the corals here are in their most pristine form and have been attracting travellers and adventurers from all around the world.
15. Chatham Island
3 km away from Port Blair, Chatham Island has had an important part to play in the history of Andaman, as this is where the earliest of British Settlements arose. The British established the Chatham Saw Mill in the year 1883 to help with supplementing the need for timber, and it is now an attraction in the Andaman group of islands.
Things to do in Port Blair
Here is the list of the best things to do in Port Blair:
1. Attend the Light and Sound show in Cellular Jail
The cellular jail sound and light show is one of the best things to do in Port Blair. Displaying the story of the struggle behind the fight for freedom in India, it is a popular attraction among tourists. The show runs in both English and Hindi, taking care of all the audience that comes to view it.
2. Spot beautiful birds at Chidiya Tapu
Chidiya Tapu is one of the most colourful places around Port Blair to explore, as it is not just visited by the tourists but also by some of the rarest bird species in migration and native to the archipelago. You can spot the Andaman Serpent Eagle, White-breasted Kingfisher, Oriental Scops-owl, and many other such rare species.
3. Visit Rajeev Gandhi Water Complex
The Rajeev Gandhi Water Complex, named after the deceased ex-Prime Minister of the country, is a great place to go to when you seek adventure and a calling for water sports. You can enjoy jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat riding, kayaking, water skiing, and more adrenaline-spiking sports right here.
4. Visit at Munda Pahar Beach
Located right on the Chidiya Tapu, the Munda Pahar Beach is covered by hills on one side and with mangrove forests on the other. Apart from the views of some of the rarest birds, this secluded beach is a great spot to witness a mesmerising sunset and thus attracts a large number of visitors. You can also take a look at our article on the best beaches in andaman which you must visit on your vacation.
5. Visit Mount Harriet
The third highest hill on the Andaman and Nicobar Group of Islands, the area around the hill is densely forested and makes for what is known as the Mount Harriet National Park. Named after Harriet Tytler, the British Officer who documented the buildings and monuments of Delhi and her notes on the 1857 uprising in India.
6. Watch the only active Volcano in India at Barren Island
Home to the only active volcano in South Asia, the smoking hill on Barren Island is also the only active volcano in a chain of volcanoes that runs from Sumatra in Indonesia to Myanmar. Just like the name, the place is barren yet beautiful, with the latest eruption recorded in the year 2017.
7. Explore North Bay Island
A beautiful island full of beaches, the North Bay Island is one of the best places to visit near Port Blair. You can enjoy many water-related activities on the North Bay Island, with the most amazing ones being Scuba Diving, snorkelling, Sea Walking, and glass-bottom boat riding.
8. Visit Japanese Bunker
Telling the story of the Japanese invasion of the Andamans, these bunkers are located at various strategic points across Port Blair. Built during World War II, they served as defence structures for Japanese forces. One prominent bunker is located near Corbyn’s Cove. A visit here adds a historical touch to your trip and is often included in an Andaman honeymoon package for a blend of history and scenic beauty.
9. Visit Clock Tower
In the very centre of the city of Port Blair, not far away from the water sports complex and on the main bazaar road, the Aberdeen Clock Tower is surrounded by many shops and is lit up in the evening, making for a great place to hang around. Forming a reference for the city, this landmark is also amongst the most photographed ones.
10. Do Shopping Aberdeen Bazaar
The most popular shopping area in not just Port Blair but also in the entire Andaman Island, the place is also the commercial hub of the capital. Be it the festive season, weekends, or any normal day, the place is just packed with shoppers buying clothes, household items, coconut shell lamps, bamboo cane crafts, and jewellery made out of shells as souvenirs or just for use.
11. Go on Samudrika Museum tour
Divided into 5 sections dedicated to Andaman and the marine life around it, the famous museum is a great place to gain knowledge about the history, geography, and biology attached to this amazing tropical destination. Also, get to witness some rare species of corals and fishes in the museum.
Other Essential Info about Port Blair
1. Mobile Connectivity
The mobile connectivity in Andaman has always been a concern for the modern traveller and is a question often asked. The prefered connections that usually work in Port Blair are Vodafone, BSNL, and Airtel, with Vodafone being the best service. Reliance Jio and Tata Docomo do not work in Andaman at all.
2. Medical Facilities
Unlike the rest of India, people in Andaman and Nicobar enjoy free healthcare services from government hospitals, meaning the people do not pay consultation fees or medication prices. On Port Blair, the GB Pant Hospital and ANIIMS together form the best medical facility, with the Maricar Hospital following closely in keeping the people of the islands and the travellers healthy.
3. ATM
Cash is something that you will always need when you are travelling to a new place. The same applies to Port Blair, and the question of unavailability is something that will surely inconvenience anyone. As it turns out, many major banks have ATMs at strategic places in Port Blair, including Canara Bank, HDFC, United Bank of India, Syndicate Bank, Bank Of Baroda, and United Commercial Bank.
Places to eat in Port Blair
Food is another major concern of a traveller. Although the experience of going to a new place and trying their cuisine sounds exhilarating and tasty, the best thing is always to enjoy it all from the best of the restaurants around. Some of the most favourite and highly rated restaurants of Port Blair are Icy Spicy, Hotel Kattabomman, Amaya, Annapurna, New Lighthouse Restaurant, Ananda Restaurant, Brewberry’s, and many more. The taste here ranges from Indian, South Indian, Chinese, Continental, Seafood, to Cafes and Breweries.
Minimum Duration for Visiting Port Blair
For covering all that Port Blair and surrounding regions have to offer, you would need at least a 4-day trip to Port Blair. If you're looking for hotels to stay in andaman, there are many amazing options to choose from.
Things to Keep in Mind
Following are a few pointers to keep in mind while visiting here:
1. Mondays are a holiday in Andaman, and you will find most of the places closed on that day, including the Cellular Jail.
2. For foreigners and NRIs arriving here, a Protected Area Permit is a must for entry into the capital as well as the Union Territory.
3. The locals are very helpful and cooperative, and you must talk to them for a better experience of everything.
4. The local transport here is as effective as public transportation, and again the people are very cooperative in this scenario. You can also go on a cruise ride for leisure.
5. ATMs are easily available throughout the city. Also, due to network issues, cards may not work here, so keep cash on hand.
rt Blair Weather can change any time of the year because this is a tropical monsoon zone.
7. Do not litter, as the locals do not like tourists who do that.
