Port Blair: A Travel Guide

Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is a hidden gem in the Bay of Bengal. Known for its picturesque beaches, lush green forests, and rich marine life, this city is a perfect destination for those looking for a peaceful and serene vacation.

One of the most popular attractions in Port Blair is the Cellular Jail, also known as Kala Pani. This colonial-era prison was used by the British to exile Indian freedom fighters during the Indian independence movement. Visitors can take a tour of the prison and learn about its history through an audio-visual presentation.

Another must-see destination in Port Blair is the Chatham Saw Mill, which is one of the oldest and largest saw mills in Asia. Visitors can watch the process of cutting and preparing wood, and also purchase souvenirs made of wood.

For nature lovers, Ross Island, which is just a short boat ride from Port Blair, is a must-visit. The island was once the administrative capital of the British in the Andamans, and today it’s a popular spot for visitors to explore the ruins of colonial-era buildings and enjoy the lush greenery and diverse wildlife.

A visit to Port Blair would be incomplete without a trip to Havelock Island, which is famous for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and coral reefs. Visitors can indulge in a variety of water sports such as snorkeling and scuba diving to get a closer look at the colorful marine life.

In addition to its natural beauty, Port Blair is also known for its diverse culture. The city is home to several tribes such as the Great Andamanese, Onge, and Jarwa, who have their own unique customs and traditions. Visitors can learn about the culture and lifestyle of these tribes by visiting the Anthropological Museum or by taking a tour of the reserve forests.

Overall, Port Blair is a perfect destination for those looking for a peaceful and serene vacation, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With its picturesque beaches, lush green forests, and rich marine life, it’s a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Places to visit in Port Blair

1. Cellular Jail: Also known as Kala Pani, this colonial-era prison was used by the British to exile Indian freedom fighters during the Indian independence movement. Visitors can take a tour of the prison and learn about its history through an audio-visual presentation.
2. Chatham Saw Mill: One of the oldest and largest saw mills in Asia, visitors can watch the process of cutting and preparing wood and also purchase souvenirs made of wood.
3. Ross Island: A short boat ride from Port Blair, this island was once the administrative capital of the British in the Andamans. Visitors can explore the ruins of colonial-era buildings and enjoy the lush greenery and diverse wildlife.
4. Havelock Island: Famous for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and coral reefs, visitors can indulge in a variety of water sports such as snorkeling and scuba diving to get a closer look at the colorful marine life.
5. Anthropological Museum: This museum provides an insight into the culture and lifestyle of the tribes that inhabit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, such as the Great Andamanese, Onge, and Jarwa.
6. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park: This park is home to a wide variety of marine life and coral reefs, making it a great destination for snorkeling and scuba diving.
7. Corbyn’s Cove Beach: A beautiful and serene beach, known for its palm-fringed shore and clear waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
8. Samudrika Marine Museum: This museum showcases the marine life of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and also provides information on the tribes and their culture.
9. Forest Museum: This museum provides an insight into the diverse flora and fauna of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and is a great place to learn about the conservation efforts in the region.
10. Naval Marine Museum (Samudrika): This museum showcases the maritime history of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and provides information on the naval operations in the region.

Things to do in Port Blair

1. Take a tour of the Cellular Jail: Experience the history and learn about the freedom fighters exiled by the British during the Indian independence movement.
2. Explore the Chatham Saw Mill: Watch the process of cutting and preparing wood and purchase souvenirs made of wood.
3. Visit Ross Island: Explore the ruins of colonial-era buildings, and enjoy the lush greenery and diverse wildlife.
4. Go snorkeling or scuba diving at Havelock Island: Explore the colorful marine life and coral reefs.
5. Learn about the culture and lifestyle of the tribes: Visit the Anthropological Museum or take a tour of the reserve forests.
6. Visit Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park: See a variety of marine life and coral reefs.
7. Relax at Corbyn’s Cove Beach: Enjoy the palm-fringed shore and clear waters for swimming and sunbathing.
8. Visit the Samudrika Marine Museum: Learn about the marine life of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the culture of the tribes that inhabit the islands.
9. Visit the Forest Museum: Learn about the diverse flora and fauna of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and conservation efforts in the region.
10. Visit the Naval Marine Museum (Samudrika): Learn about the maritime history of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and naval operations in the region.
11. Visit the Light and Sound Show at Cellular Jail: Experience the history of the prison come to life in the evening with the light and sound show.
12. Take a ferry ride to the nearby islands: Experience the Andaman sea and the nearby islands, like Neil and Havelock.
13. Take a trek in the middle and south Andaman: Experience the lush green forests and diverse wildlife.
14. Shopping at the local market: Purchase souvenirs like shells, pearls, wood carvings, and handicrafts to take home.

How to Reach Port Blair

1. By Air: The Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair is well-connected to major cities in India such as Kolkata, Chennai, and Delhi. There are regular flights operated by Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and some other airlines.
2. By Sea: Port Blair also can be reached by ship from Kolkata, Visakhapatnam, and Chennai. The journey by ship takes around 55 to 60 hours, and tickets can be booked through the Shipping Corporation of India.
3. By Road: Port Blair is not connected by road to mainland India, the only way to reach it by road is through the Andaman Trunk Road, which connects the different islands of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago.

It is important to note that Indian citizens require a permit to visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which can be obtained from the Indian authorities in Port Blair. Foreign nationals are also required to obtain a permit, and the process for obtaining it can vary depending on the country of origin.

Hotels in Port Plair

1. Sinclair’s Bay View: A luxurious hotel located on the beachfront, offering stunning views of the sea and the surrounding islands. It offers a range of amenities including a spa, a fitness center, and an outdoor swimming pool.
2. Hotel Sentinel: A budget-friendly hotel that offers comfortable accommodations with modern amenities. It’s located close to the city center and the main tourist attractions.
3. Sea Shell: A mid-range hotel that offers comfortable accommodation with modern amenities. It’s located close to the beach and offers great views of the sea.
4. Hotel Sea Lord: A budget-friendly hotel that offers comfortable accommodations with modern amenities. It’s located close to the beach and offers great views of the sea.
5. Hotel Pankaj: A budget-friendly hotel that offers comfortable accommodations with modern amenities. It’s located close to the city center and the main tourist attractions.
6. Hotel Sea Pearl: A budget-friendly hotel that offers comfortable accommodations with modern amenities. It’s located close to the beach and offers great views of the sea.
7. Hotel Megapode Nest: A mid-range hotel that offers comfortable accommodation with modern amenities. It’s located close to the city center and the main tourist attractions.
8. Hotel Sun Sea Resort: A luxurious hotel located on the beachfront, offering stunning views of the sea and the surrounding islands. It offers a range of amenities including a spa, a fitness center, and an outdoor swimming pool.
9. Hotel Sinclairs Bay View: A luxurious hotel located on the beachfront, offering stunning views of the sea and the surrounding islands. It offers a range of amenities including a spa, a fitness center, and an outdoor swimming pool.
10. Hotel Coco Palms: A mid-range hotel that offers comfortable accommodation with modern amenities. It’s located close to the beach and offers great views of the sea.

It’s worth to note that prices and availability of these hotels may vary based on the season, so it’s always a good idea to check the official website or a travel agency for the most current information and make a reservation in advance.

Port Blair Airport

Veer Savarkar International Airport, also known as Port Blair Airport, is the main airport serving the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India. It is located in the town of Port Blair and is named after Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, an Indian independence activist, and writer.

The airport operates regular flights to and from major cities in India such as Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, and Bhubaneswar. There are several airlines that operate flights to and from Port Blair, including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet. The airport also has a customs and immigration facility for international travelers.

The airport has several facilities for passengers, including a baggage handling service, a duty-free shop, and several food and beverage outlets. There is also a pre-paid taxi service available for passengers who want to travel to the city.

It’s worth to note that Port Blair airport is a small airport and it has a limited number of flights, so it’s always a good idea to check the official website or a travel agency for the most current information and make a reservation in advance.

Port Blair Weather

Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has a tropical climate, with temperatures remaining fairly constant throughout the year. The city experiences high humidity and receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, which typically runs from May to September.

The best time to visit Port Blair is from October to May, during the winter months, when the weather is pleasant and cool, with temperatures ranging between 20 to 30 degree Celsius. This is also the peak tourist season and the best time for activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and island hopping.

During the monsoon season, Port Blair experiences heavy rainfall and strong winds, which can make it difficult to travel and enjoy outdoor activities. The sea is also rough during this period, and many of the beaches and islands are closed to visitors.

It’s worth to note that the weather in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands can be unpredictable and can change rapidly, so it’s always a good idea to check the forecast before planning any activities and pack accordingly.

Best Time to Visit Port Blair

The best time to visit Port Blair is from October to May, during the winter months. During this time, the weather is pleasant and cool, with temperatures ranging between 20 to 30 degree Celsius, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and island hopping. The sea is also relatively calm during this period, which makes it ideal for water sports and activities. The skies are clear and you can expect to have a good time at the beaches with pleasant weather conditions.

The peak tourist season in Port Blair is from December to March, during which the city is filled with tourists from all over the country. During this time, accommodation and transportation can be more expensive, and some of the popular tourist spots can be crowded.

The monsoon season, which typically runs from May to September, is best avoided as the city experiences heavy rainfall and strong winds during this period. The sea is also rough during this time, and many of the beaches and islands are closed to visitors. The weather is also not favorable for outdoor activities and the sea is not suitable for water sports.

It’s worth to note that the weather in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands can be unpredictable and can change rapidly, so it’s always a good idea to check the forecast before planning any activities and pack accordingly.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Port Blair

Q. What is the best time to visit Port Blair?

A – The best time to visit Port Blair is from October to May, during the winter months, when the weather is pleasant and cool, with temperatures ranging between 20 to 30 degree Celsius, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and island hopping.

Q. How to reach Port Blair?

A – Port Blair can be reached by air, sea, or by road. The Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair is well-connected to major cities in India such as Kolkata, Chennai, and Delhi. Port Blair also can be reached by ship from Kolkata, Visakhapatnam, and Chennai. The journey by ship takes around 55 to 60 hours, and tickets can be booked through the Shipping Corporation of India. Port Blair is not connected by road to mainland India, the only way to reach it by road is through the Andaman Trunk Road, which connects the different islands of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago.

Q. How many days are enough to explore Port Blair?

A – A minimum of 3 to 4 days are required to explore the main tourist attractions in Port Blair. But if you want to visit nearby islands and participate in water activities, you should plan for a longer stay.

Q. What are the famous places to visit in Port Blair?

A – Some of the famous places to visit in Port Blair include Cellular Jail, Chatham Saw Mill, Ross Island, Havelock Island, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Corbyn’s Cove Beach, and the Anthropological Museum.

Q. What are the things to do in Port Blair?

A – Things to do in Port Blair include visiting the Cellular Jail, exploring the Chatham Saw Mill, visiting Ross Island, going snorkeling or scuba diving at Havelock Island, visiting the Anthropological Museum, visiting Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, relaxing at Corbyn’s Cove Beach, visiting the Samudrika Marine Museum, and visiting the Forest Museum.

Q. Are permits required for Indian citizens to visit Port Blair?

A – Yes, Indian citizens are required to obtain a permit to visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which can be obtained from the Indian authorities in Port Blair.

Q. Is there a visa requirement for foreign nationals to visit Port Blair?

A – Yes, foreign nationals are also required to obtain a permit to visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and the process for obtaining it can vary depending on the country of origin.