Port Blair is capital and largest city of the Andaman and Nicobar island group, with a population of around 100,000.
Port Blair is an upcoming city not very different from many other smaller Indian cities. It doesn't share the beauty of the rest of the Andamans, although the seaside has been tarted up a bit. It comprises people from all over India and one can imagine it as mini India with no conflicts on region and religion. Aside from Cellular Jail, there are quite few places which include Ross Island, Barren Island (known for the only active volcano) and few others known for its historical importance. A week's trip can cover the must-see places at the islands. You can, however, do day trips to other places close by like Wandoor, Ross Island etc.
See also: Andaman and Nicobar Islands#Climate
- Anthropological Museum. closed Thursdays and Public Holidays.. Interesting Anthropological museum which gives the history of the various A&N tribes.
- Cellular Jail. closed on Mondays. Built by the British to house political prisoners far away from the mainland. All prisoners were kept in isolation cells and subjected to a brutal work regime, with regular whippings and executions. Briefly taken over by the Japanese during WW2, who added torture to the palette. Today, however, the jail has been transformed into an immaculately kept national monument complete with a garden that seems very much at odds with the earlier horrors.You can watch it from morning 09:30 to 16:00 A light-and-sound show in Hindi (17:00) and English (18:00) available in the evenings. ₹20.
- Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI). CARI scientists are conducting research on different aspects of island agriculture. Landscaping of CARI is beautiful and it is worth seeing. Here you can see farms of different livestocks and poultry viz. Cattle, pig, goat, rabbit, turkey, quail, Guinea fowl, duck, fisheries ponds, integrated farming system model etc and fodder blocks as well.
- Chatam Saw Mill, Chatam (15 mins by bus from STS bus terminal, private buses available ₹6 per person. A saw mill, oldest in Asia. Also the Chatam jetty is where ships from Calcutta/Chennai loaded with goods enter Port Blair. From the jetty passenger jetty is available for Bamboo flat and Dundus Point.
- Corbyn's Cove. An OK beach, and the closest to Port Blair. Popular with locals for swimming and watching the sunset. However, part of the beach was washed away by the 2004 tsunami and currents can be very strong, so be careful if you decide to swim.
- Japanese Bunkers, near Corbyn's Cove. Bunkers built by the Japanese army during World War II. There's one more right down the hill from Cellular Jail.
- Mini Zoo. A medium size zoo containing some species only found on the islands. Has now moved to Chidiya Tapu.
Anthropological Museum. closed Thursdays and Public Holidays.. Interesting Anthropological museum which gives the history of the various A&N tribes.
Cellular Jail. closed on Mondays. Built by the British to house political prisoners far away from the mainland. All prisoners were kept in isolation cells and subjected to a brutal work regime, with regular whippings and executions. Briefly taken over by the Japanese during WW2, who added torture to the palette. Today, however, the jail has been transformed into an immaculately kept national monument complete with a garden that seems very much at odds with the earlier horrors.You can watch it from morning 09:30 to 16:00 A light-and-sound show in Hindi (17:00) and English (18:00) available in the evenings. ₹20.
Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI). CARI scientists are conducting research on different aspects of island agriculture. Landscaping of CARI is beautiful and it is worth seeing. Here you can see farms of different livestocks and poultry viz. Cattle, pig, goat, rabbit, turkey, quail, Guinea fowl, duck, fisheries ponds, integrated farming system model etc and fodder blocks as well.
Chatam Saw Mill, Chatam (15 mins by bus from STS bus terminal, private buses available ₹6 per person. A saw mill, oldest in Asia. Also the Chatam jetty is where ships from Calcutta/Chennai loaded with goods enter Port Blair. From the jetty passenger jetty is available for Bamboo flat and Dundus Point.
Corbyn's Cove. An OK beach, and the closest to Port Blair. Popular with locals for swimming and watching the sunset. However, part of the beach was washed away by the 2004 tsunami and currents can be very strong, so be careful if you decide to swim.
Japanese Bunkers, near Corbyn's Cove. Bunkers built by the Japanese army during World War II. There's one more right down the hill from Cellular Jail.
Mini Zoo. A medium size zoo containing some species only found on the islands. Has now moved to Chidiya Tapu.
You can also visit the new workshop of Champion Filters Mfg. Co exactly opposite to the third gate of Aberdeen Bazar.
The unit here makes polyurethane products for mining sector. The products include Self Cleaning Filters & PolyurethaneScreens
- Boat tours from Port Blair You would be lured by agents to do a 3 island packaged tour (Ross + North Bay + Viper) in Port Blair for ₹400. The trip starts at 09:00 and ends at 17:00. Complimentary lunch and breakfast is provided by the tour operator. Please don’t fall into that trap. Since, Viper Island has now become a landfill for all the refuse and complete waste of time and money. It is much better to do a 2 island tour, which are North Bay + Ross Island for ₹225 . Tour for North Bay + Ross island starts at 10:00 from Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports complex. Agents also try to sell single tour of Viper Island by the name of ‘Harbour Cruise’ for ₹90. That tour starts at 15:00. and ends at 17:00.
You can get information about boat tours from A&N tourism, but not book the tour there. Instead, go to the aquarium jetty 1/2 hour before departure and you can buy the tickets from one of the four booths by the entrance.
You can also pay the local fishermen to take you on day trips to mangrove creeks (Bridget Creek is nice) or places like Mt Harriet National Park (where you can beach your boat and go birdwatching). Don't pay more than ₹2,000/day for the boat, and you can often bargain it down to much less. Check with the Forest Dept in advance as many destinations require certain permissions.
- Snorkeling at Jolly Buoy. To reach here, first you have to reach Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park at Wandoor. Wandoor is around 30 km from Port Blair. There is only one ferry which takes you from Wandoor to Jolly Buoy and leaves at around 09:00. In peak season (December – January), book in advance is advisable. Tickets cost around ₹50 per head. The cost for snorkelling is ₹550 per person. Note, there are no facilities to buy food or drink, and so whilst bringing these with you is recommended plastic bags are banned..
Boat tours from Port Blair You would be lured by agents to do a 3 island packaged tour (Ross + North Bay + Viper) in Port Blair for ₹400. The trip starts at 09:00 and ends at 17:00. Complimentary lunch and breakfast is provided by the tour operator. Please don’t fall into that trap. Since, Viper Island has now become a landfill for all the refuse and complete waste of time and money. It is much better to do a 2 island tour, which are North Bay + Ross Island for ₹225 . Tour for North Bay + Ross island starts at 10:00 from Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports complex. Agents also try to sell single tour of Viper Island by the name of ‘Harbour Cruise’ for ₹90. That tour starts at 15:00. and ends at 17:00.
Snorkeling at Jolly Buoy. To reach here, first you have to reach Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park at Wandoor. Wandoor is around 30 km from Port Blair. There is only one ferry which takes you from Wandoor to Jolly Buoy and leaves at around 09:00. In peak season (December – January), book in advance is advisable. Tickets cost around ₹50 per head. The cost for snorkelling is ₹550 per person. Note, there are no facilities to buy food or drink, and so whilst bringing these with you is recommended plastic bags are banned..
- Aberdeen Bazaar. Jewellery, wood-carvings and Port Blair t-shirts are available.
- Sagarika. This is a government emporium where local made goods are available.
- Samudrika. This is a governemt museum, ask anyone for directions.
Aberdeen Bazaar. Jewellery, wood-carvings and Port Blair t-shirts are available.
Sagarika. This is a government emporium where local made goods are available.
Samudrika. This is a governemt museum, ask anyone for directions.
Aberdeen Bazar (landmark is the clock tower) is a good place for lodging/accommodation as well as food. Quite a few restaurants are present.
- Annaporna Cafeteria, Aberdeen Bazaar (after Hanuman Temple, 200-yards from Clock Tower, Opposite Police Station., +91 234199. Pure vegetarian restaurant, offering both South and North Indian food. Costly. One of the few places that accept credit cards.
- Ananda Restaurant, Aberdeen Bazaar (after Hanuman Temple, about 200 yards from the Clock Tower. Beside Annaporna Cafeteria serving both veg and non-veg. Good and cheap.
- Blue Sea Hotel. Newly opened.
- Corbyn’s Delight, Peerless Sarovar Resort. The Peerless Sarovar Resort's restaurant caters to non-guests too. Jet Privilege customers get 10 % discount. It is a modern multi-cuisine restaurant with an attached bar. They serve great North Indian fare and decent continental and Italian. The resort is the only one situated on a beach in Port Blair but the restaurant doesn't offer a great view although you can see the ocean. ₹400-500.
- Gagan Restaurant. Bengali dishes available here. ₹100.
- Icy Spicy, Island Aracde (near Junglighat Jetty, Junglighat, +91 3192-232704. 08:00-22:00. Pure vegetarian restaurant in the North Indian taste. They also have a sweets and chaat counter which serves excellent sweets. Moderate.
- Katubomman, Aberdeen Bazaar (Opposite SBI ATM.. Vegetarian South Indian food.
- Lighthouse Residency, MA Rd (near Aberdeen Bazaar. One of Port Blair's best restaurants, with a good (Indianized) Chinese-Thai menu and North Indian favorites. The speciality is fresh seafood; check the price and pick your fish. The tandoori masala fish is outstanding, and they also have one of the few decent bars in Port Blair. ₹50-200.
- Mandalay Restaurant, Fortune Resort, Marine Hill. The Fortune Resort restaurant but caters to non-guests. Not cheap but the food is quite good, the location peaceful, and the view is excellent. Does a good buffet for breakfast at about ₹250.
- New India Cafe, MA Rd (near Jagannath Guesthouse. A cheap, local cafe, great if you're on a budget. Thalis available. Food not so good.
- TSG Emerald View, Moulana Azad Rd, Phoenix Bay. Great seafood. Has a ship-deck themed bar with a good view of the phoenix bay jetty.
Annaporna Cafeteria, Aberdeen Bazaar (after Hanuman Temple, 200-yards from Clock Tower, Opposite Police Station., +91 234199. Pure vegetarian restaurant, offering both South and North Indian food. Costly. One of the few places that accept credit cards.
Ananda Restaurant, Aberdeen Bazaar (after Hanuman Temple, about 200 yards from the Clock Tower. Beside Annaporna Cafeteria serving both veg and non-veg. Good and cheap.
Blue Sea Hotel. Newly opened.
Corbyn’s Delight, Peerless Sarovar Resort. The Peerless Sarovar Resort's restaurant caters to non-guests too. Jet Privilege customers get 10 % discount. It is a modern multi-cuisine restaurant with an attached bar. They serve great North Indian fare and decent continental and Italian. The resort is the only one situated on a beach in Port Blair but the restaurant doesn't offer a great view although you can see the ocean. ₹400-500.
Gagan Restaurant. Bengali dishes available here. ₹100.
Icy Spicy, Island Aracde (near Junglighat Jetty, Junglighat, +91 3192-232704. 08:00-22:00. Pure vegetarian restaurant in the North Indian taste. They also have a sweets and chaat counter which serves excellent sweets. Moderate.
Katubomman, Aberdeen Bazaar (Opposite SBI ATM.. Vegetarian South Indian food.
Lighthouse Residency, MA Rd (near Aberdeen Bazaar. One of Port Blair's best restaurants, with a good (Indianized) Chinese-Thai menu and North Indian favorites. The speciality is fresh seafood; check the price and pick your fish. The tandoori masala fish is outstanding, and they also have one of the few decent bars in Port Blair. ₹50-200.
Mandalay Restaurant, Fortune Resort, Marine Hill. The Fortune Resort restaurant but caters to non-guests. Not cheap but the food is quite good, the location peaceful, and the view is excellent. Does a good buffet for breakfast at about ₹250.
New India Cafe, MA Rd (near Jagannath Guesthouse. A cheap, local cafe, great if you're on a budget. Thalis available. Food not so good.
TSG Emerald View, Moulana Azad Rd, Phoenix Bay. Great seafood. Has a ship-deck themed bar with a good view of the phoenix bay jetty.
Coconut water (daap or naaryal pani) is available everywhere for ₹10-15 (March 2011). One green coconut costs ₹15 in front of Cellular jail and they charge ₹20 at North bay island (March 2011).
There are two jetties in Port Blair. Phoenix Bay Jetty to go to Havelock and other far destinations. Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex to take smaller ferries to Ross Island, North Bay and Viper Island.
- Baratang Island - Mud volcano, limestone caves, and Parrot Island, 2.5 hrs by bus and ferry from Port Blair. On your way to Baratang you can see local Jarwa tribals. However, the tribals have been moved to a separate island (update: 27/22/2011) and there's not much to see. Limestone caves are closed on Monday.
- Barren Island is a volcano island and the only volcano in India. Day trips can be arranged from Port Blair. No additional permit is required to visit the island, however it is not possible to set foot on the island, only to view it from the boat.
- Chidya Tapu - a small fishing village with good snorkeling, located at the southern tip of South Andaman. Buses run several times per day from Port Blair and take 1.5 hours. The last bus that leaves the STS bus terminal is at 17:00 and once it reaches Chiriya Tapu, the same will return to Port Blair. So plan your trip accordingly. The best snorkeling is at a beach about 2 km south. Chiriya Tapu is a very good sunset point. Auto fare for a return journey plus waiting time is ₹500-600.
- Diglipur. A few times weekly and takes 10 hours, overnight.
- Havelock Island Government ferry - Port Blair to Havelock at 06:00 and 14:00. Ferry tickets ₹500 and ₹600 per person 1 way. Havelock to Port Blair 14:00 and 16:00. Travel time 150 minutes.
Recently a private operator has started a fast catamaran day ferry M.V.Makruzz. 09.00 departure from Port Blair to Havelock. Departure from Havelock to Port Blair - 16:00. Takes 90 minutes. Tickets ₹750, ₹850 and ₹1,100 per person 1 way. Here you can get tickets on the same day. Of course, it's always better to book the ticket a day ahead. The inside is really good and clean. To get a window seat you must reach the ticket counter early. - Little Andaman. Several times weekly from Hut Bay, takes 8 hours.
- Long Island. Several times weekly and takes 8 hours. This ferry continues on to Ranghat on Middle Andaman.
- Neil Island once a day, 1.5 hours. Some boats go from Havelock.
- North Bay Island - Nice place to do snorkeling. You won’t find any canteen but there are small stalls serving tea, biscuits, chips and coconut water. There is a stop gap arrangement for ladies changing room too. You can also see coral from a glass-bottomed boat. They charge around ₹300 per head for snorkel and ₹200 per head for glass boat.
- Ross Island - It was British administrative capital. You’ll find lots of deer on this island. There is a small canteen for some snacks and lunch. You need to walk a lot to see to cover entire place. A great 1/2 day side trip from Port Blair. Ferries daily at 08:30, 10:30, 12:00, 14:00. Buy tickets at the jetty behind the aquarium where the boat leaves from.
[[Baratang Island]] - Mud volcano, limestone caves, and Parrot Island, 2.5 hrs by bus and ferry from Port Blair. On your way to Baratang you can see local Jarwa tribals. However, the tribals have been moved to a separate island (update: 27/22/2011) and there's not much to see. Limestone caves are closed on Monday.
Barren Island is a volcano island and the only volcano in [[India]]. Day trips can be arranged from Port Blair. No additional permit is required to visit the island, however it is not possible to set foot on the island, only to view it from the boat.
Chidya Tapu - a small fishing village with good snorkeling, located at the southern tip of South Andaman. Buses run several times per day from Port Blair and take 1.5 hours. The last bus that leaves the STS bus terminal is at 17:00 and once it reaches Chiriya Tapu, the same will return to Port Blair. So plan your trip accordingly. The best snorkeling is at a beach about 2 km south. Chiriya Tapu is a very good sunset point. Auto fare for a return journey plus waiting time is ₹500-600.
[[Diglipur]]. A few times weekly and takes 10 hours, overnight.
[[Havelock Island]] Government ferry - Port Blair to Havelock at 06:00 and 14:00. Ferry tickets ₹500 and ₹600 per person 1 way. Havelock to Port Blair 14:00 and 16:00. Travel time 150 minutes.
Recently a private operator has started a fast catamaran day ferry M.V.Makruzz. 09.00 departure from Port Blair to Havelock. Departure from Havelock to Port Blair - 16:00. Takes 90 minutes. Tickets ₹750, ₹850 and ₹1,100 per person 1 way. Here you can get tickets on the same day. Of course, it's always better to book the ticket a day ahead. The inside is really good and clean. To get a window seat you must reach the ticket counter early.
[[Little Andaman]]. Several times weekly from Hut Bay, takes 8 hours.
[[Long Island (Andamans)|Long Island]]. Several times weekly and takes 8 hours. This ferry continues on to [[Ranghat]] on Middle Andaman.
[[Neil Island]] once a day, 1.5 hours. Some boats go from Havelock.
North Bay Island - Nice place to do snorkeling. You won’t find any canteen but there are small stalls serving tea, biscuits, chips and coconut water. There is a stop gap arrangement for ladies changing room too. You can also see coral from a glass-bottomed boat. They charge around ₹300 per head for snorkel and ₹200 per head for glass boat.
[[Ross Island]] - It was British administrative capital. You’ll find lots of deer on this island. There is a small canteen for some snacks and lunch. You need to walk a lot to see to cover entire place. A great 1/2 day side trip from Port Blair. Ferries daily at 08:30, 10:30, 12:00, 14:00. Buy tickets at the jetty behind the aquarium where the boat leaves from.
Buses connect Port Blair with other points on Grand Andaman, including Baratang Island (2.5 hrs), Rangat (6 hrs) and Diglipur (8 hrs).
To get "deluxe" bus tickets, go to the little arena of shops across the road from the bus station. Ask around, but the man is in the fourth shop along on the left on the ground floor.
If you're going further than Rangat the road is somewhat bumpy, so it's recommended not to get seat number greater than 20 (as this is over or behind the rear axle). Don't get the rear seats as they are a bench - you'd be better off on a public bus.
Helicopters used to run from inter island helicopter service just 1 km from the airport terminal. There are scheduled services to Havelock, Neil, Carnicobar, Hutbay, Campbellbay and other islands. Pawan Hans Helicopter Ltd is operating its fleet of 03 Dauphin Helicopters from Port Vlair under Andaman & Nicobar Islands Administration. But you have to book ticket in advance for a comfortable journey to the other islands. A new air service, MEHAIR, operates an amphibious Cessna Caravan to the outer islands