Port Blair,Andaman

Port Blair is the administrative capital of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and a key historical gateway to India's island territories. It is notable for the Cellular Jail (Kala Pani), a colonial-era penal settlement where Indian freedom fighters were imprisoned. The city also preserves WWII relics and colonial ruins, and serves as a base for exploring rich coral reefs, tropical rainforests and unique island ecosystems.

Port Blair, Andamans
Sunrise-Port Blair
DSCF0619 port blair
Wandoor....
Port Blair Science Center, A&N Islands
Port Blair Port

Places to visit

  • Cellular Jail (Kala Pani) — museum and evening light & sound show
  • Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island) — colonial ruins and museum
  • Corbyn's Cove Beach — popular beach close to town
  • Chidiya Tapu (Bird Island) — birdwatching, sunset viewpoint and small treks
  • North Bay Island — coral gardens, snorkeling and glass-bottom boat rides
  • Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (Wandoor/Jolly Buoy access) — marine life and snorkeling (seasonal)
  • Anthropological & Samudrika Museums — natural history, tribal culture and marine exhibits
  • Chatham Saw Mill and Cellular Jail complex — industrial heritage and local history

Unique Aspects

  • Rich coral reefs and diverse marine life close to Port Blair (good for snorkeling and introductory dives)
  • WWII-era ruins, colonial architecture and convict-era history centered at Cellular Jail and Ross Island
  • Tropical evergreen forests, birdlife at Chidiya Tapu and coastal mangroves
  • A gateway for island-hopping to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), Neil (Shaheed Dweep) and other islands

Things to do

  • Attend the Cellular Jail light & sound show (evening) to learn the freedom struggle history
  • Island hopping by ferry — day trips to North Bay, Ross Island, Chidiya Tapu and Wandoor
  • Snorkeling and glass-bottom boat rides to view coral gardens; beginner scuba experiences available nearby
  • Beach time and sunset at Corbyn's Cove and Chidiya Tapu
  • Walking tours of colonial ruins on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island) and WWII sites
  • Visit Samudrika and Anthropological museums for context on marine ecology and tribal cultures
  • Local shopping for handicrafts, shell jewelry and island specialties

Festivals & Events

  • Andaman Tourism Festival / Island Tourism Festival (seasonal — often held in winter months)
  • Cultural programmes and craft fairs timed with the tourist season (Nov–Feb)
  • Local celebrations for national holidays (Independence/Republic Day) with events at Cellular Jail

Best Time to Visit

October to May (pleasant weather and calm seas). Peak season: November to February. Monsoon months (June–September) bring heavy rain and rough seas, affecting inter-island ferries.

Weather Conditions

Tropical maritime climate — warm and humid year-round. Typical daytime temperatures range from about 24–32°C (75–90°F). Monsoon: heavy rainfall and high humidity; winter: mild and comfortable.

Accessibility

Port Blair is served by Veer Savarkar International Airport (Port Blair) with regular flights from major Indian cities (Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, etc.). Sea connectivity: passenger ferries link Port Blair to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), Neil (Shaheed Dweep) and other islands — schedules vary seasonally. Local transport: taxis, auto-rickshaws, rental bikes and limited public buses. Note for foreign nationals: travel to some islands may require Protected/Restricted Area permits — verify current visitor permit rules before travel.

Recommended Duration

For Port Blair alone: 2–3 days to cover main museums, Cellular Jail show and nearby islands. For a broader Andaman trip including Havelock/Neil: 6–10 days is recommended.

Clothing & Gear Tips

Light cotton clothing, a sunhat, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, water shoes for rocky beaches, swimwear, and a light rain jacket during monsoon months. Carry insect repellent and basic medications.

Local Food & Souvenirs

Try fresh seafood specialities (fish curries, grilled/tandoori fish and local shellfish), coconut-based dishes and small beachside eateries. Popular souvenirs: shell jewelry, coconut-shell handicrafts, local honey, handloom items and shell art. Avoid buying or trading protected coral pieces or items of doubtful provenance.

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