Also known as Kala Pani, Cellular Jail is one of the unmissable tourist attractions located at Port Blair in Andaman. The three storied building has 698 cells that are connected to each other in the shape of a starfish. The place is famous for offering a fantastic sound and light show in the evening offering a delightful insight into the historical struggle for independence.It is one of the remnants of past colonial rule in India and today stands as a testimony to all those brave hearts who laid down their lives at the hands of British atrocities. Some of the famous freedom fighters who were captured here include Veer Savarkar and Bakuteshwar Dutt.The place was one of the most infamous prisons of the past as the freedom fighters were punished inhumanly by the Britishers. The place is a must visit for history lovers to have a sneak peek into the history and struggle that went down in the construction of this jail. The place is recognised as a national memorial monument and owned by the Government of India.Highlights: Tourists should try to explore the jail by visiting the picture gallery that houses a number of photos of freedom fighters. Often used as background for filming Hindi movies about the colonial past, the place has many fascinating remnants of history like the hanging cell and condemned cell. Some of the other unmissable attractions of Cellular Jail included its Exhibition Gallery, Art Gallery, Old Photographs Gallery, Gallery on First War of Independence and Netaji Gallery. There is also the Swatantrya Jyoti, an eternal flame of freedom keeps glowing in the memory of freedom fightersActivities: One of the popular activities to do here is sightseeing and revisiting the history of the grim colonial past Of India.Distance from Port Blair: It takes around 15 kilometers to go there from Port Blair.Timing: National Memorial: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)Entry Fee: INR 30
A great park that has been accepted well by international tourists and is one of the best places to visit in Port Blair. It is a distinct idea and execution in India to preserve the sensitive and endangered species of marine species is Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park in Andaman. It consists of 15 islands of mangrove creeks, rainforests, splendid coral reefs which have around 50 types and a huge collection of rare but colourful fish etc. This park came into existence in the year of 1983 under the solid Wildlife Protection Act of 1973 to keep the lives of marine animals safe and preserved as the underwater ecosystem was on the verge of destruction. The best time to visit the park is during the months from November to February and during monsoon, it remains closed.Highlights: The park is comprised of two major island groups known as the Labyrinth Islands and Twin Islands which are situated about 16 km away from Port Blair to the south of it. This park boasts of the unimaginable size it spreads that is about 281.5 sq.km which have 17 small islands and the open sea creeks.The fringing reefs are abundantly found in the park and that is one of the special reef species found on the island. Each island holds different type of vegetation. Tarmugli is the highest island in the park that displays the vast area of mangrove vegetation, sand covered beaches, sheet rocks etc.Activities: One can get knowledge of marine species after visiting national park.Distance from Port Blair: The park is located in Wandoor which is lying about 29 kms away from Port Blair. There are ferry services every 30 minutes from Port Blair boat jetty. The park is easily accessible via road as well.
The largest wood processors in Andaman is the Chatham Saw Mill in Port Blair. It was established by the British in 1883 and it can be reached by a wooden bridge as it is located on Chatham Island. The saw mill is still working and it has an important role in the betterment of the economy and development and it is one of the best places to visit in Port Blair.But now the mill is under the control of state government. It was set up for meeting the requirements of timber and wood based constructions. One of the largest saw mills in Asia, Chatham Saw Mill has gained international acclaim through these years for the high-quality timber products. The mill is able to saw about 20000 cum logs annually and almost around 750 employees are working at the mill.Highlights: There is a modern museum in the compound of the Chatham Saw Mill complex exhibits the beautiful photographs and the working of Department of Environment and Forest and different handicrafts made of carvings, polishing, and paintings. The museum is a helping hand to know the history, culture, and development of the island through these years. Activities: You will be able to watch the different processes like bringing the woods into the mill, sorting, cutting and storing. You will be able to spot the bomb crater left by Japanese Ordnance in World War 2.Distance from Port Blair: Chatham Island, Port Blair. One can reach the mill via Foreshore Road in 24 minutes.
