When you talk about Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Port Blair cannot be left unheard. This is the capital city of Andaman and Nicobar, the union territory of India. This is where you can find Indians from almost every corner of the country. With pristine islands, secluded beaches, azure waters, crystal clear skies, and humble people, Port Blair is one of the best places to visit in Andaman. Not just this but Port Blair is the gateway to other remarkable islands of Andaman and Nicobar.
The island is surrounded by rocky coastline and tropical forest and offers a picturesque environment. Port Blair is popular for its infamous Cellular Jail National Memorial, which was once used as a prison to keep freedom fighters and people of other nationals. Today, this site is one major attraction because of its past and the Sound and Light Show. Corbyn’s Cove, Mini Zoo, Anthropological Museum, Samudrika Naval Museum, and Chatham Saw Mill are some other places to visit in Port Blair.
Since water sports is one of the main reasons why tourists visit Port Blair, thus, there is no dearth of activities to indulge on your trip. Sea walking, banana boat ride, scuba diving, etc. are a few water sports you can enjoy. From exploring museums, discovering flora and fauna to simply taking a stroll at the Marina Park and enjoying the breeze, there are a lot of pleasant experiences you will encounter on your tour to Port Blair. After all, Port Blair is the best place to kick start your holiday in Andaman.
Port Blair Tourism
If you want to know more about Port Blair, how to reach, the best time to visit, where to eat and stay, and some useful travel tips, here is our comprehensively curated Port Blair travel guide.
Why visit Port Blair?
If you have a love for clear skies and azure waters, Port Blair must be on top of the places to visit in Andaman. Be it families, honeymooners, couples, or adventure enthusiasts, Port Blair is an ultimate holiday destination that offers something for everybody.
Divers can plunge into the sea and explore the rich marine life while honeymooners can pump up their romance by spending quality time at serene beaches. If you are a history buff, you can visit historical sites like Cellular Jail, a colonial prison once used by British officials. Witness the beautiful coastlines, tropical forests, culture, and savour delicious seafood. You will also get an opportunity to rejuvenate at the islands around Port Blair like Havelock Island, Ross Island, and Viper Island.
How to reach Port Blair
There are two ways to reach Port Blair, by air or by sea. To reach Port Blair by air, you can book a flight to/from Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Bangalore to Veer Savarkar International Airport. Flights are fast and thus, are the preferred mode of transportation to reach Port Blair. You can also take a ship, which may seem cheaper as they are general passenger ships. However, they can be a little troublesome, so choose wisely. Nevertheless, you must take a journey on a ship once for the experience of a voyage on the sea.
How to get around Port Blair
Travelling around Port Blair is convenient. The roads are well-maintained and you can easily reach the place of your choosing. Tourist taxis can be rented from anywhere in the city while bike rentals are available daily and charged on a per-day basis. For short rides, you can take auto-rickshaws. Buses also operate in Port Blair and are common among budget travellers. You can book taxis to/from the airport.
Best time to visit Port Blair
It is important to know the best time to visit Port Blair as it helps you plan your trip a lot better. The tourist season in Port Blair falls between November and mid-May and the peak tourist season is between December and March. During this period, the weather remains cool and pleasant. This allows you to indulge in various activities and go on a sightseeing tour. The monsoon season starts in June and remains till September. You can expect light rains even during other seasons as Port Blair is a tropical island.
Places to visit in Port Blair
The alluring city of Port Blair is blessed with shimmering beaches, colonial sites, coral reefs and has museums, libraries, etc. Whether it is a history buff, a nature lover, or an adventure enthusiast, Port Blair has something for everyone that keeps them entertained throughout the trip.
Here are some of the must-visit places to visit in Port Blair -
- Chidiya Tapu
- Cellular Jail
- Viper Island
- Samudrika Marine Museum
- Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
- Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex
- North Bay Island
- Ross and Smith Island
- Marina Park
- Chatham Island
Things to do in Port Blair
Port Blair has ample things for tourists to enjoy on their trip to Port Blair. Right from exploring historical sites to engaging in thrilling water sports, you will have a great time indulging in the various activities offered by this city. Some of the famous and top things to do in Port Blair are -
- Attend the Sound and Light show at Cellular Jail.
- Witness colourful birds at Chidiya Tapu.
- Spend time at the secluded Munda Pahar Beach.
- Watch the only active Volcano in India at Barren Island.
- Go shopping at Aberdeen Bazaar.
- Visit Samudrika Naval marine museum.
- Explore Japanese bunkers.
How many days are enough to visit Port Blair?
2 days are enough to explore the famous tourist attractions of Port Blair, indulge in thrilling water sports, and relax amidst beautiful surroundings with your loved ones.
Average Port Blair Trip Cost
The cost of travelling to Port Blair will be around INR 15000 to INR 20,000 per person. This cost depends on the flight tickets/ship arrangements, the type of accommodation you choose, etc.
Accommodation in Port Blair
On your Port Blair tour, you can find a place to stay as per your budget range. From low budget to mid and premium accommodation, there are many great hotels/resorts in Port Blair. The fare may vary to peak and low depending on the tourist seasons. During the peak season in Port Blair, the price might shoot up and the accommodations may fill up fast. Therefore, it is advisable to book your hotels in advance.
Here are some top places to stay in Port Blair -
- The Seaview Residency
- WelcomHotel Bay Island
- Lemon Tree Hotel
- Peerless Resort
- SeaShell Coral Cave
Where to eat in Port Blair
Port Blair offers a variety of food options at various restaurants available throughout the city. From delicious seafood to mouth-watering South Indian delicacies, you can savour meals as per your liking. Here are some of the famous restaurants in Port Blair -
- Ananda, Annapurna, and Kattaboman - South Indian foods
- Icy Spicy - Kolkata style kachori sabji and jalebi
- New Lighthouse Restaurant and Lighthouse Residency - savoury seafood
- Amaya, Sea Sip, Wave - cocktails and sizzlers
Shopping in Port Blair
Besides sightseeing and watersports, one of the most loved things to do in Port Blair is shopping. The items you find here do not concern brands of pricey electronics as the island mostly has a standard collection of island crafts. If you are into that, you will enjoy shopping in Port Blair. Sagarika Government Emporium, Aberdeen Bazaar, Queen Sea Shell Craft, and MG Road are some of the shopping places in Port Blair where you can find items like ornaments made of shells, wooden artefacts, pearl jewellery, spices, sarongs and hats, and coconut carved decor pieces.
Useful Tips for Port Blair Trip
- Do not enter the restricted or tribal areas around the islands.
- If you visit during summer, carry essentials like sunscreen lotion, a sipper, and sunglasses.
- Drink enough water to keep yourself hydrated.
- For water activities, choose certified instructors of a professional organisation like PADI, CMAS, etc.
- Setting up camps or hammocks by the beaches or forest at night is not permitted.
- Nudity on the beaches and public places is not allowed.
- Entering national parks without permission is not allowed.
- Consult with the lifeguards before entering the sea.
- Do not take pictures of the airport, naval wharf, government dockyard, Dhanikhari dam, defence establishments, and Chatham Saw Mill.
- Dispose of garbage and plastics at proper places to keep the streets clean.
