Port Blair at Andaman Islands
Port Blair on South Andaman Island is the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, an Indian territory in the Bay of Bengal.
Its seafront Cellular Jail, completed in 1906, hints at its past as a British penal colony and is now a memorial to Indian independence activists. Inland, the Samudrika Marine Museum showcases local marine life. The Anthropological Museum focuses on the island indigenous tribes.
Given the beauty of the rest of the Andamans, Port Blair is an upcoming city no different from any other smaller Indian city, although the seaside has been started up a bit. It comprises of 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 trip will cover the must see places at the island. You can however do day trip to other close by places like Wandoor, Ross Island etc. These islands are a true paradise for ecologists and ornithologists with more than 242 species of birds, 46 species of mammals and 78 species of reptiles, some of them almost extinct still walk these islands. Port Blair supports a population of around 300,000 that are mostly dependent on the tourists for their lively hood. Port Blair also supports a lot of museums that are part of the town. The best museum is the city is the navy museum that is about various coral reefs and shells that are found around this city. Also zoological park and the mini zoo in the area offering various wildlife species are quiet popular with locals and tourists. Port Blair is also famous for the historic Cellular Jail and other small islands like Corbyn Cove, Wandoor, Ross Island, Viper Island etc. which were once home to British colonists. Port Blair has been selected as one of the cities to be developed as a smart city under the Smart Cities Mission.
Basic Information
Port Blair is also famous for the historic Cellular Jail and other small islands like Corbyn Cove, Wandoor, Ross Island, Viper Island etc. which were once home to British colonists.
₹ 50 for adults
₹ 25 for kids
₹ 500 for foreigners.
November and mid-May
All Day
At least 2-3 days
Interesting Facts
- A penal settlement, including the dreaded Kala Pani Jail (Cellular Jail), was established here by the British after the revolt of 1857.
- Ross Island was once an important headquarters for the British and the Japanese.
- The view from Mount Harriet in Port Blair is seen in India’s 20-rupee note.
Things to DO
- Snorkeling
- Sea Walk
- Jet ski
- Game fishing
Traveller Tips
- Before photo shooting or video recording do take care to check if it is allowed.
- Stay away from the strictly prohibited areas. Andaman being the home of many aboriginals, some portions of several islands are fiercely protected from intrusions. Avoid dire consequences by avoiding these localities.
- Avoid swimming out into the ocean depths. It is wise to stick to close to the shores.
- While venturing into the water sports and water activities, even while in cruise or speed boat rides always wear life jackets in case you do not know swimming.
- While planning a trek through dense tropical forests always get accompanied and guided by local guides. Wear suitable clothes and shoes according to the vegetation, density and soil conditions of the trekking terrain. Water bottles, map, communication device, flash light, basic first aid are some other requisites.
How to reach
Port Blair can be reached in two ways – By air or by sea. Flights are certainly faster which take about 2.5-3 hours to reach mainland India, more comfortable and therefore the preferred option. Ships, although seem cheaper, are general passenger ships and are more troublesome than they might seem. However, we recommend a journey on a ship for the experience of a voyage on the sea; it is an unusual adventure in itself.
Nearby Attractions
Corbyn's Cove Beach
Surrounded by lush green palms, this happens to be one of the busier beaches in the Andaman. It is located right outside of Port Blair about 8 km. The drive there itself is a scenic treat to the eyes. Many entertainment options like jet ski and other water activities make it a popular destination among tourists. Enjoy a relaxing drink with your friends at the beach facing the cafe when you are here. The blue benches lining the area make for a great seat to enjoy the view. You will also find clean and well-maintained bathrooms and changing rooms at your convenience.
Samudrika Naval marine museum
This museum is a perfect blend of historical and modern Andaman. A massive blue whale, in its skeletal form, of course, greets you as you enter the museum. There is also an aquarium with fish of all shapes and sizes, from a parrotfish to the rare and venomous species of stonefish and corals. Do stop by the gift shop on your way back to get some souvenirs back home for your loved ones.
Cellular Jail
The Cellular Jail, also known as Kala Pani located at Port Blair, stood mute witness to the tortures meted out to the freedom fighters, who were incarcerated in this jail. The jail, completed in the year 1906 acquired the name Cellular because it is entirely made up of individual cells for the solitary confinement. The saga of the heroic freedom struggle, brought alive in a moving Son-et-Lumiere, in the Cellular Jail, is very popular among the tourists.
Restaurants Facility
- Icy Spicy
- New Lighthouse Restaurant
- Rola Costa Restaurant & Juice Corner
- Ananda Multi-Cuisine Restaurant
- Adi Bengali Hotel
- Punjabi Dhaba
- Ocean Blue Restaurant
- Hotel Sea Rock
- Feel Good Restaurant & Karaoke Night
Places to stay near Port Blair
- Andaman Castle
- Sun Ray Homes
- The Mainak
- Hotel TSG Grand
- Rainforest Resort,Port Blair
- Hotel Shompen
- Tango Waves
- GKM Grand Hotel
Frequently Asked Questions
Rs. 25 for kids
Rs. 500 for foreigners.
Samudrika Naval marine museum
Cellular Jail
- Icy Spicy
- New Lighthouse Restaurant
- Rola Costa Restaurant & Juice Corner
- Ananda Multi-Cuisine Restaurant
- Adi Bengali Hotel
- Punjabi Dhaba
- Ocean Blue Restaurant
- Hotel Sea Rock
- Feel Good Restaurant & Karaoke Night