Port Blair, the capital city of the Andaman Islands, is your gateway to the rich expanse of Beauty and Serenity that the Islands have to offer. Explore the museums, discover the Flora and Fauna and the Rich Marine Life, or simply take a stroll at the Marina Park to enjoy the sweet Sea Breeze. Get familiarized with the land’s Rich Culture and Diversity as you walk past the Japanese Bunkers, get indulged in Water Sports, and discover the island’s High Peaks. Port Blair is the best thing that could ever happen to the Andaman Islands.
You can reach this place either by air or by sea. It will be the wisest if you take a flight as it is the least time taking. You can fly to Veer Savarkar International Airport which is in Port Blair, from almost all the major places of India. If you take the sea route then it might be a little tiresome and time taking for you. In case you are up for an adventure, you can definitely take the sea route.
Best time to visit Port Blair?
The best time to visit Port Blair is during falls and winters (September to February). Summers (March to May) in Port Blair is generally hot and humid. The rainy season starts from mid-June to August. You can go for a trip in May and June as it does not rain every day. Tourists prefer to take the trip season during December and January. Tropical cyclones are at its peak in April to June and around October to December.
Getting Around in Port Blair
You can find tourist taxis for rent anywhere in Port Blair, there will be drivers waiting at the Jetty, it is advisable that you to fix the prices before starting journey. It is usually included in the package if you are a part of any package tour.
You can hire bikes at a price of approximately INR 500 per day. Fuel Stations shut by 9 pm. Avoid riding during monsoons as roads can get really slippery, and you definitely don’t want to hurt yourself.
Auto-Rickshaws are also available and will cost you around INR 50 to 200 for short rides & around INR 200-250 for long rides.
Public Buses that ply in Port Blair are preferred by budget travellers. However, it can get quite tiresome and is not the best mode of transport.
Airport Picks Up and Drop
Taxis are available to/from the Airport to/from the Phoenix Bay Jetty, the Haddo Wharf, and Hotels. Taxis will cost you around INR 450-500 and it takes approximately 15-20 minutes from the Airport to get to the Private Jetty.
Port Blair, Havelock and Neil Island are connected by ferries. It takes 60 to 90 minutes to reach the respective Islands. The kinds of cruises available are Go Nautika, Sea Link etc. These ferries run on a daily basis. You can get your tickets from
Booking Page.
How many days are ideal for a Havelock Island Trip
Ideally, it takes 3 days and 2 nights to cover Port Blair. But we would recommend you to add 1 more day to totally immerse in the vibes of the island.
Although most travellers visit Port Blair just to get to the other islands, this Capital city of Andamans has so much more to offer than it has been credited for. Right from Historical Museums to Water sports, this place has it all.
Cellular Jail has been an integral part of the history of Port Blair. Veer Savarkar, Yogendra Shukla, Batukeshwar Dutt, and Babarao Savarkar were some of the notable freedom fighters. You mustn’t miss the Light and Sound Show (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) when you visit Cellular jail.
- Cost of Admission : Rs 30, Photo Camera: Rs 25, Video Camera: Rs 100
- Timings : 9 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 4 PM
- Light and sound show : Rs 50
- Timings :5.15 PM, 6.20 PM, 7.25 PM AND 8.30 PM.
Surrounded by lush green palms, this happens to be one of the busiest beaches in the Andamans. It’s located at about 8 kms in the outskirts of Port Blair. The drive in itself is a visual treat to the eyes. Water sports like Jet Ski and other activities make it a popular destination among tourists. Enjoy relaxing drinks with your friends at the beach facing the cafes over here. The blue benches lining the area makes for a great view.
Samudrika Naval Marine Museum
This museum is a perfect blend of Historical and Modern Andaman. You’ll be greeted by a skeletal form of massive Blue Whale, as you enter. There is a wide range of fishes that you’ll get to see in the aquarium. Starting from Parrotfish to a rare and Venomous Species of Stonefish and Corals can be seen.
You can get some souvenirs for your loved ones on back home.
Madhuban Ranges: For A Bird’s Eye View
Out of the many national parks, the Mount Harriet National Park is located at the highest point in Andaman. You can enjoy a bird’s eye view of Port Blair from the top of the Madhuban mountain range, which is located in the park. Capture the beauty of the exquisite range of flora and fauna in your memories forever.
Things to do: You can either choose to trek to the top of the mountain or drive through the roads to reach the top, but before that, you must get a pass as the area is a reserved zone administered by the Forest Division.
Location : Hope Town, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744107
Timings : 7 AM – 5 PM
Fees : INR 25 for adults, INR 10 for children, INR 250 for foreigners
Murugan Temple: A Religious Excursion
Located in the centre of the city, Murugan Temple is the biggest pilgrim site in the Andaman Islands. The temple is known for its amazing Dravidian architecture. It is dedicated to Lord Murugan – the son of Lord Shiva. Plan your visit to the temple during festival time so that you can witness the grandeur decorations. You can get vegetarian and non- vegetarian platter right outside the temple. They serve authentic food from different cultures that are definitely worth a try.
Timings : 5 AM – 12 PM and 4 PM – 9 PM
If you are looking for a fun evening with some Live Music and a DJ with your loved ones, then TSG Bella Bay should be in your list. Every evening they arrange beautiful and luxurious dinner cruise which departs from the Junglighat Jetty. Have dinner under the stars as cool evening sea breeze embraces you while you listen to the Nicobar Band play live music. The buffet dinner cost you approximately 2999 per person and you take away memories of a lifetime.
The Chidiyatapu Beach is about 32kms away from Port Blair, and can be reached via road by hiring a cab. This is a perfect spot for bird watching, trekking, and a sunset. You can trek to the Mundapahad which is famous for birds and the amazing landscape. This place is open on all days but is closed after sunset and entry tickets are not required.
Places to stay in Port Blair
The capital of the archipelago is packed with hotels and luxurious resorts. Among these, Sinclairs Bayview, Seashell, Fortune Resort Bay Island, J Hotel, Aashiana Residency, Megapode Nes, Wildgrass Resort and Hotel Sentinel are the best places to stay in Port Blair.
Things to do in Port Blair
Water Sports and Boat Rides
If you interested in some thrilling sports that will give you adrenaline rush, then you must go for parasailing at the Water Sports Complex, organized by Coral Safari between 11 AM – 4 PM. They will charge around INR 3000 per person. The glass bottom boat ride by Andaman Dolphin lets you come in contact with the marine world without having to enter the water at all.
Light and Sound Show at Netaji Subash Chandra Bose (Ross) Island:
You can also go for a Light and Sound Show in Ross Island too. You can book tickets online from government website. However, the tickets for Light & Sound Show does not include boat rides to the island. In order to get boat ride you have to be purchase tickets from Aberdeen Jetty. You’ll need to show the hard copy or soft copy of the light and sound show while purchasing the boat tickets. The show commences at 5.30 PM and it is available in Hindi and English languages.
Scuba Diving in North Bay Island
People don’t get to do the thrilling water sports every now and then. So when they think of doing a water sport, they will always look out for the best one, so that they can be safe and they have the best time of their life. One such island is the North Bay Island. It is one of the best locations in Port Blair for water sport activities such as Scuba Diving, Sea Walk and Snorkelling. Infringed with rich coral reef this island a large number of traveller flock to this island every day. This course is for beginners who wish to experience and explore the underwater Scuba Diving. North Bay Island is the most popular location in Port Blair for under-water diving.
If you are fond of hiking, then the Munda Pahad is your place. At the top, you get the most enchanting view of the ocean along with the chirping of birds. You can even get to see the sunset from the top. Trust us, it is an experience that you won’t ever regret on your trip to Port Blair.
Port Blair is the main spot for souvenir shopping. You can get your hands on beautiful trinkets made of Bamboo, Seashells, and the Local Mahua Wood from the small shops on the streets of the main city. Sagarika is the Largest Government-Run Handicraft Store in Andaman. What are you waiting for? Go pack your bags and explore the fascinating history of Port Blair and do not forget to include these on your trip to Andaman. Make sure to visit all of these places and make your vacation memorable. Now go ahead and book the flight, hotel and ferry tickets from
Booking Page .
