For most people Port Blair is primarily the erstwhile penal colony, while for some it’s the gateway to the ‘pristine’ islands and beaches of the Andamans. Port Blair is both these, but it is also an island town offering small cruises in the sea, water-based activities like snorkelling and scuba diving, and a glimpse of the history and culture of this region.

Things to See & Do

Cellular Jail
The most prominent landmark in Port Blair, the Cellular Jail is where many of India’s freedom fighters were incarcerated during the British rule.

Ross Island
A short 15-minute ferry ride from Port Blair, Ross Island was the capital from 1858–1941, when the Japanese occupied it and converted it into a POW site. The ruins of the church and the Chief Commissioner’s house are the most evocative of the remains.

Out on a sailboat, Andaman Water Sports Complex
Out on a sailboat, Andaman Water Sports Complex
Atul Loke

North Bay
A beach on an island just north of Port Blair, North Bay can be reached by ferry from Aberdeen Jetty. The beach and the snorkelling opportunities in its coral reef are the closest you will find to Port Blair, so it can be quite crowded.

Mahatma Gandhi Marine NP
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is at Wandoor (29km southwest of Port Blair). Only two islands – Jolly Buoy and Red Skin – are open to visitors, alternatively for six months each. The tour begins at Wandoor village with a ferry ride, and includes a tour of the coral reef in a glass-bottomed boat, snorkelling and time on the beach.

Chidiya Tapu
The island, located 30km south of Port Blair, has gorgeous sunsets. Local operators offer a range of tours that include diving, snorkelling and glass-bottomed boat rides at the Munde Pahar Beach.

Other activities
The Harbour Cruise takes you around the Port Blair Harbour and stops at North Bay Island, Ross Island and Viper Island. The Andaman Water Sports Complex offers a host of water sports.

Where to Stay & Eat

Fortune Resort Bay Island (Tel: 03192-234101; Tariff: ₹7,600) has an excellent location on the sea. Peerless Beach Resort (Tel: 229311/ 13; Tariff: ₹8,500–12,500) is next to the beach at Corbyn’s Cove. Hotel Shompen (Tel: 232644; Tariff: ₹4,999–6,999) at Middle Point in Aberdeen Bazaar is clean and centrally located.

Mandalay Restaurant in Fortune Resort is possibly the best place in Port Blair to have a meal, but it is by no means cheap. The Palm at Hotel Sinclairs serves Continental, Chinese and Indian cuisine. The New Lighthouse Restaurant, near Aberdeen Jetty, is a breezy place to have beer with fresh seafood.

The Information

When to go October to early May

Tourist Office

Andaman and Nicobar Tourism,  Kamraj Road, Port Blair, Tel: 03192-232694, W andamans.gov.in

STD code 03192

Permits Foreign nationals require permits, which are granted on arrival at Port Blair. Indians do not require permits

Getting There
Air Chennai and Kolkata have regular flights to Port Blair. Hire a full day cab (₹8–14 per km, plus ₹200 driver’s allowance). Autos are available for short forays within the islands. You can also rent motorcycles. Ferry connections are available for those inhabited islands that tourists are permitted to visit

Sea Ship connections from Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam through the Shipping Corporation of India