The Capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands – Port Blair

Andaman and Nicobar Islands belong to India and lie in the Indian Ocean about 850 miles. Nowadays, it’s the most relieving and refreshing travel destination. Start your tour from Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

However, you plan Andaman any time of the year. Hop around from one island to another, viewing the scenic beauty of Mother Nature. Be a part of exciting activities on the sparkling beaches. Enjoy a relaxed and thrilling getaway from the daily monotony.

“A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.”– John A. Shedd.

About Port Blair City and Andaman Nicobar travel guide

Port Blair is the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Union territory in India. A rugged coastline and tropical forest surround this city. It houses the Cellular Jail National Memorial or Kala Pani, where the British imprisoned many freedom fighters. The pin code for Port Blair is 744101.

Veer Savarkar International Airport, or Port Blair Airport, is the only commercial airport of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Tourists enjoy scuba diving, parasailing, sea walking, and banana rides on the beaches. Port Blair is a clean city with beautiful corals, which attract many tourists all year round. 

7-day 6-night Andaman and Nicobar Tour Plan

For family or honeymoon travel, adventure or relaxed travel, a 7-day itinerary package is ideal. Sharing a circular Andaman Nicobar and Port Blair tourism guide.

• Day 1: Cellular Jail and Ross Island after reaching Port Blair, the Capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• Day 2: Set out early to see coral reefs at Jolly Buoy Island. Spend sunset and evening at Chidiyatapu.
• Day 3: Ferry to Havelock Island and indulge in water sports like scuba diving. After the afternoon, go to the museums and shop at Port Blair.
• Day 4: Sail to Mayabunder via Limestone Caves of Baratang, followed by a halt at Rangat from Port Blair.
• Day 5: Go to Diglipur from Mayabunder to trek to the Saddle Peak and limestone caves. Return to Port Blair.
• Day 6: Spend the entire day at Port Blair visiting museums, Chatham Saw Mill, and shopping.
• Day 7: Depart home journey from Port Blair.

18 Best tourist visiting places in Port Blair, Andaman

Port Blair is the capital city and gateway of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. There are plenty of things you can do and visit in Port Blair. There are many places to enjoy, from natural to human-built, historical to contemporary.

Here are the 18 famous places to visit from Port Blair:

1. Cellular Jail
2. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island)
3. Viper Island
4. Chatham Island
5. Balidan Bedi
6. Netaji Flag Hoisting Memorial
7. Samudrika
8. Kalapani Museum
9. Corbyn’s Cove Beach
10. Chidiyatappu scenic beauty
11. Mundapahar Beach & Trek route
12. Sagarika shopping complex
13. The ferry ride on Cinque Island
14. Outdoor activity in Gandhi Park
15. Chatham Saw Mill
16. Wandoor and Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
17. Jolly Buoy Island
18. Bay Beach – Lighthouse

1. Cellular Jail Port Blair

The top tourist place in Andaman to visit is the historic Cellular Jail. Built during the British colonization of India, they constructed this Jail for punishing the Indian freedom fighters. British made the cells where the prisoners couldn’t even interact amongst themselves. This historical monument has now become a popular heritage tourist attraction.

Take a guided tour of the entire Jail, see exhibits of the National Freedom Fighters, the Art Gallery and Netaji Gallery, and a library filled with stories of the freedom movement. See the Swatantratya Jyot–an eternal flame burning for the brave heroes of the freedom struggle.

Also, watch the Light and Sound show at Son-et-Lumiere at the National Memorial. In Andaman, you should be a part of this fascinating heritage tour of the Cellular Jail.

2. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island)

The British first colonized this 160-year-old tiny island. The freedom movement prisoners were brought here. Later, many British administrative buildings were built here. In 1941, the earthquake Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island was damaged heavily. Soon after World War II, Japanese intruders destroyed much of the built territory of this island.

The Indian Defense Forces now control it after independence, the land. It’s a popular travel destination now. Tourists flock here to see the ruins of this island, the famous museum Smritika, the Ross Memorial (a memoir of the freedom fighters), etc. On an island, you like a ‘Light and Sound show’ in the evening.

Avail a ferry from Aberdeen jetty and reach here—book tickets from 8:30 am to 3 pm to enter the museum. Enjoy the Light and Sound show starting at 5:30 pm. Open on all days except Wednesday.

3. Viper Island

The Tourism Department preserved another ruinous island. Viper Island is close to Port Blair Harbour; spend a good time at the surreal beaches and the jungles. Also, visit the old Jail, built during the British era operational before the construction of the Cellular Jail. The Japanese extorted most of the minerals here, leaving the place in ruins.

4. Chatham Island

Chatham Island, formerly known as Mark Island, was also colonized by the British to establish a Penal Settlement. A prisoner-run Saw Mill was built pre-independence in India, later becoming the biggest Saw Mill in Asia. The RAF Aircraft bombed the island during the Japanese takeover, later reconstructed by the British. Explore the lush evergreen forests and visit the Forest Museum.

5. Balidan Bedi

Balidan Bedi is on the way to Jolly Buoy Island. This State Martyrs Memorial at Humphrey Ganj is yet another historical place. With 44 freedom fighters shot dead and buried in an L-shaped grave at the island’s hillock. The Balidan Bedi has been erected as a mark of respect. The brutality of the Japanese and British colonists on locals and the martyrs makes this place memorable.

6. Netaji Flag Hoisting Memorial

On 30th December 1943, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose first hoisted the Indian national flag at the Netaji Stadium. Visit the place on your vacation in Andaman and celebrate this Memorial Day inside the stadium.

7. Samudrika

Visit the marine museum to witness the enthralling marine floral and faunal species. It is open every day except Mondays from 9 am to 12 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm.

8. Kalapani Museum

Rediscover the history of India’s freedom struggle in this privately owned three-storeyed museum. Storing archival photos, miniature models, and artefacts of tribes and history, the museum takes you on a tour of the past. Open throughout the week from 9 pm to 7 pm.

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9. Corbyn’s Cove Beach

Enjoy the tropical island under the blue skies at Carbyn’s Cove Beach. Spend an ideal time with activities on this coconut and palm-lined beach. Have a relaxing vacation at this beach’s wide range of restaurants, hotels, and bars. Also, you can go scuba diving at the nearby Snake Island.

10. Chidiyatappu scenic beauty

Chidiya Tapu offers mystique scenic beauty and colourful birds with a pleasant sunset. Be cautious of the predating crocodiles while swimming near the beach. Enjoy a lavish and relaxing stay amidst the forest at the Forest Guest House.

11. Mundapahar Beach & Trek route

Do Mundapahar Beach Trek inside the lush green forests. Enjoy the panoramic view of the adjacent islands and have a great picnic here. In the south of Andaman, it is the best picnic spot.

12. Sagarika shopping complex

Visit the Sagarika exhibition for handmade items, seashells, mother pearls, and coconut shells. Open from 8:45 am to 6:45 pm. This beautiful handicraft exhibit-cum-store remains closed on Sundays and holidays.

13. Ferry ride on Cinque Island

Cinque Island has offered a lot to visitors. Take a permit and book your private ferry service before visiting Andaman and Nicobar. Treat your mind and soul to viewing the white sandy beaches, coral reefs, and lush green tropical forests.

14. Outdoor activity in Gandhi Park

Are you looking for fun outdoor activities, including water sports in Andaman? Visit Gandhi Park to enjoy amusement rides and water rides. Have fun amidst nature and also visit the Japanese temple. Eat, trek and repeat till your heart’s content at this place.

15. Chatham Saw Mill

This mill is the largest and the oldest in Asia. Chatham Saw Mill reaches via a bridge connected with the island. The sawmill-turned-museum now showcases a variety of timber and its by-products found in the mystic Isles.

16. Wandoor and Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

When in Andaman, you definitely cannot miss out on this place. From Wandoor Beach, avail a government ferry ride to the Marine National Park for a great experience. The rich marine biodiversity, beautifully conserved and exhibited in a semi-natural environment, will amaze you.

17. Jolly Buoy Island

Ferries take tourists to Jolly Buoy Island from December to May and Red Skin Island from May to November. Also, visit the Marine Interpretation Centre to see a model of the marine world.

18. North Bay Beach – Lighthouse

Ever noticed the lighthouse on the Indian 20 rupee note? Find the iconic lighthouse at this pristine beach. Enjoy water activities like snorkelling and fun ferry rides from Aberdeen Jetty to North Bay Beach. See the colourful, fringing coral reef and dive underwater for a breathtaking view of marine life. Full of colourful fish and seaweeds found here.

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8 Things to do in Andaman Nicobar and Port Blair

The Andaman beaches and the islands offer a wide range of things to do for tourists. Enjoy many other water activities at the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex.

1. Jet Ski Ride – Tourists gather worldwide for a beach vacation at Andaman every year. A variety of water activities are offered here. Wear a life jacket and try Jet Ski in the blue seawater.
2. Scuba Diving – The best time to visit Andaman for scuba diving is between December to April. See the beautiful coral ecosystem and the mesmerizing aquatic life under the water with guided supervision. You will have a lifetime experience.
3. Sea-kart – Enjoy driving at the sparkling seawater with an instructor—a safe and fun ride from Corbyn’s Cove Beach to Ross Island. See the scenic beauty while driving in the water.
4. Trekking – Trek to Mount Harriot, a few kilometres from Port Blair. A sandy-white beach ahead on your journey through the Madhuban forests. Also, trek from Chidiyatapu to Kalapahar. Climb up to the peak and view rich wildlife in the dense forests.
5. Game fishing – Enjoy fishing activities on the Barren Island of South Andaman. With a wide variety of species, you can catch red snapper, coral trout, big Spanish mackerel, etc.
6. Bird Watching – In Andaman, over 270 species of endemic and migratory birds were found. A bird watcher’s paradise is the Mount Harriet National Park in Port Blair and the enchanting Chidiyatapu Island. Anytime, spot many birds like the Andaman Cuckoo Dove, Andaman Treepie, Andaman Boobook, etc.
7. Nature & Wildlife – Visit the famous Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park and national parks at Mount Harriet, Campbell Bay, and North Button Island. Wildlife sanctuaries exist at Ariel Island, Brush Island, Clyde Island, and Blister Island.
8. Shopping – Shop at the famous Aberdeen Bazaar, Sagarika Government Emporium, Goalghat, Andaman Handicraft Emporium, and Delanipur. I found eco-friendly shopping, small souvenirs to handmade wooden and shell jewellery.

11 Great Islands to Explore from Port Blair Andaman

1. Swaraj Deep (Havelock Island)
2. Shaheed Deep (Neil Island)
3. Little Island
4. Long Island
5. Baratang Island
6. Diglipur Island
7. Rangat
8. Mayurbundar
9. Barren Island
10. Great Nicobar
11. Campbell Bay

1. Swaraj Deep (Havelock Island) – Located 39 km northeast of Port Blair, enjoy amidst the lush evergreen rainforests and the sandy beaches. It’s the most populated beach and offers tourists various activities.
2. Shaheed Deep (Neil Island) – Walk through the rich biodiversity for 2 hours. It is 37 km away to the south of the Andaman Islands. Shaheed Deep is easy to reach and explore.
3. Little Island – Enter Little Island via Hut Bay, 120 km away from Port Blair. Enjoy Elephant Safari, Elephant Lumbering, and boating in the channel creeks. Take surfing lessons on the swirling waves at Butler Bay. It’s another famous surfing destination in India.
4. Long Island – Have a relaxing time at Long Island, nestled on all sides. Walk along the 4 km wide sea-facing island lined with casuarina trees. Take a cruise to this island 47 nautical miles from Port Blair.
5. Baratang Island – The Andaman Trunk Road connects this place from Port Blair. Baratang Island boasts of its beautiful beaches. Enjoy a relaxing nature time watching mud volcanoes and limestone caves.
6. Diglipur Island – Diglipur village in North Andaman Island is a perfect eco-friendly tourist destination. Popular attractions are Saddle Peak and the charming banks of Kalpong River, which beautify the village.
7. Rangat – Yet another famous spot for eco-tourism lovers is the Rangat village. Treat your heart and soul to the pristine beauty of Andaman here.
8. Mayurbundar – Mayurbundar is Just 3 hours north of Rangat; head to this mangrove-lined swampy island. Burmese Karen tribes live here.
9. Barren Island – Houses, the only active volcano in India, erupted in 1994-95. Take a breezy ferry ride to see the volcano’s crater on Barren Island and the mountain. The place is 1/2 kilometre away offshore.
10. Great Nicobar – The Great Nicobar Islands are reserved only for Indian tourists. Stand at the southernmost tip of India at the Indira Point. Find Megapode and Giant Robber Crab at the mystic beaches.
11. Campbell Bay – Enjoy a helicopter ride from Port Blair to Campbell Bay. Take a breathtaking tour of the Andaman and Nicobar Biosphere Reserve. Being Nicobar Island’s headquarters, I found plenty of tourist lodges and hotels.

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How to reach from Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai

Andaman’s accessibility via air and water routes is travel-friendly, and it’s enjoyable as well.

Air Route: Avail air tickets from most Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and other Indian states and reach Port Blair, the capital city of Andaman. There are five airlines carrying passengers to Andaman: Indian Airlines, Jet Airlines, SpiceJet, GoAir, and Jet Airways.

Sea Route: You can have a more exciting Andaman trip, sailing through the Bay of Bengal Sea to reach Andaman. There are 3 Indian seaports to book your ship rides from Kolkata, Chennai, and Vizag. Chennai to Port Blair ship travel time is approx 60 hours.

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Kolkata to Port Blair ship booking

Kolkata to Andaman Nicobar distance is 2193 km by road and by Flight is 1288 Km. The Kolkata to Andaman ship journey is memorable. Those who want to go via ship bring two passport-sized photos of the travellers and address proof to fill up the voyage booking form for the offline book. Go to the STAR (Ship Ticket Advance Reservation System) at any of the three places and book your ship journey:

1. Kolkata–Shipping House(Millennium Park Kolkata) No. 13, Strand Road, Kolkata–17 (Govt) Near Fairlie Place (033 22484921/ 22543507) 033-284456
2. Chennai–Gate No. 1, Rajaji Salai, Opposite Customs Office, Chennai – 01. (044)5231401
3. Visakhapatnam–M/S A.V Bhanoji Rao Garuda Pattabhiramayya& Co. Ltd Post Box–17, Visakhapatnam.

Best Hotels in Port Blair

Sea Shell Coral Cove

Sea Shell is a pet-friendly hotel with AC and flat-screen television with satellite channels in every room. The hotel provides guests with free WiFi and parking, a restaurant, room service, and a spa Centre. It’s 1 km from Port Blair Airport and 2.4 km from Corbyn’s Cove Beach. For a night, the hotel charges 119 USD (approx). 

Adhvasaha Beach Spa Resort

Adhvasaha offers a restaurant, swimming pool, garden, room service, private beach area, etc. They have a kids’ club and a bowling alley for the guests. The resort is 10 km from the airport and Corbyn’s Cove Beach. For one night, the hotel charges 173 USD (approx). 

Kokari Guesthouse

The accommodation at Kokari Guesthouse includes free WiFi, room service, a patio or balcony, TV, a shared lounge, a terrace, an airport shuttle, etc. Guests enjoy Continental and à la carte options for breakfast every morning. From Kokari Guesthouse, the airport and Corbyn’s Cove Beach are approximately 5 km. For one night, the guest house charges 73 USD (approx). 

About Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Andaman & Nicobar Islands is a group of 572 tropical islands with a maritime climate. Find the most negligible climatic fluctuations with warm summers and mild winters here. Frequent cyclones with strong winds are expected.

The Andaman Islands are open for domestic Indian and international tourists year-round. Except for 28 islands solely inhabited by the native tribes, all islands are easily accessible. The local people speak Hindi, Bengali, and English languages.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands population

The island saw an increase of 9.58% in its growth rate from 2011 to 2021. As per the last census, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands population is 4.01 lakhs (400,647 people). 

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Best Time to Visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Different seasons offer different adventures. Hence, here is a complete season-wise and month-wise report for you:

Travel Months	Season	Min/Max Temperature
April to June	Summer	27°c – 34°c
July to September	Monsoon	22°c – 30°c
October to March	Winter	18°c – 325°c

1. Summer In Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Summers are the most lively and peak time for family tourists in this tropical paradise. Experience a warm yet windy summer season. Day temperatures swing between 27 and 34 degrees and stop below 24 degrees at night. Enjoy cheerful water activities on your vacation at Andaman. To enjoy the beaches in the sun-kissed summers, the best time to visit Andaman is between April to June.

Summer Things to Do in Andaman

• Stroll at the beach in Havelock, Ross Island, and other beaches you visit: Wake up for an early morning beach walk. Watching the sunrise is an enchanting experience. 
• Enjoy a calming sunbathing session. The famous beaches are Radhanagar, Laxmanpur, Baludera, Vijaynagar, Little Andaman, etc.
• Water activities at Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex. Andaman offers a variety of water sports like diving, jet skiing and paragliding. Guided water activities are available for non-swimmers. Talking of water fun, snorkelling, scuba diving, and underwater walking are the most famous in Andaman.
• Watch the evening Light Show at the famous Cellular Jail of Andaman.
• Go for trekking trails like Saddle Peak.

Tip:  Use sunscreen to avoid sunburn from the sunny weather and salty water.

2. Monsoon in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The green beauty of the islands amplifies during the monsoons. A planned eventful trip to the Andaman in the monsoons might make it fantastic. In this off-season, prices are slashed down up to 50%. Monsoon might be a hazel to visit Andaman & Nicobar Islands because of rain (July to September).

Monsoon Things to Do in Andaman

• Let the rains pour while you enjoy your trip. Enjoy delicious food and relax with a rejuvenating spa at your hotel or resort.
• Experience the adventure of rolling waves with professional surfers
• Visit the Limestone Caves at Diglipur. See the complex limestone carvings made by Mother Nature inside caves.
• The marine museum at Samudrika remains open any time of the year. Take an umbrella, wear beach sandals and go to the beautiful museum.

Tip: Clear sky is the green signal of your tour. Use a raincoat, umbrella, and mobile power bank. Keep handy first aid and also check the weather forecast frequently.

3. Winter in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Andaman always has pleasant weather. The temperature rises to 25 degrees Celsius Maximum and sticks to 18 degrees Celsius minimum. Winters in Andaman are moderately mild. October to March is winter in Andaman, and the cool weather makes the peak season for tourists.

Winter Things to Do in Andaman

• Andaman is another of the best honeymoon destination in India. Travelling to the beautiful islands in the cool weather will be fun and romantic.
• The blue-worn water sports activities are cheaper than in the summer. You can snorkel and scuba dive at a reasonable cost.
• A traveller takes a cruise ride to view the picturesque scenic beauty of the Andamans.
• You can avail of a private or government ferry to travel the different islets.
• Coral Watching: The mild winters are the best time to witness the coral reefs in full bloom. Enjoy a boat ride to the breathtaking, colourful, fringing reef near Jolly Buoy Island.
• Visit the Chatham Saw Mill Museum, Cellular Jail, Samudrika, and other museums.
• Spend a blissful time watching the sunset at Chidiyatapu. Get mesmerized by the cool evening sea breeze.

Tip: You can experience a little winter rainfall on your trip. So carrying an umbrella and light winter clothes is always an excellent choice.

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Port Blair to Havelock

The distance from Port Blair to Havelock is 70 km. Travellers undertake this magical journey either by ferry or cruise. 

Phoenix Bay Jetty is a government-run jetty available daily from 6:20 AM to 2:00 PM. The journey takes two and a half hours and costs INR 500 per person (approx). 

Several cruises like Green Ocean, Coastal Cruise, and Bella Bay, ranging from normal to luxurious, are available from Port Blair to Havelock. The 70 km journey takes approximately 90 minutes and costs INR 1000 to 2500 (approx).  

Things to do on Havelock Island

You can do several things on Andaman’s famous Havelock Island. This island was previously known as the Swaraj Deep. Reach Havelock Island from Port Blair via private or government ferry services. Step into the white sandy beaches of the Havelock within 1.5 hours. Spend a day or two travelling enormously on this island.

Here is a list of things to do on Havelock Island:

• Enjoy snorkelling or relaxing at Elephant Beach. The beach opens from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm on all days.
• The Great Radhanagar Beach is internationally famous. The position is the 8th beach in the world. Enjoy a great family vacation on this well-guarded beach with Kids and friends.
• Explore the natural beauty and the sparkling silvery sands with blue waters at Neil Island. It is a delightful place for relaxation.
• The Vijayanagar beach is an excellent destination for honeymoon couples. Spend a romantic time at this beautiful beach.
• The calming Laxmanpur beach can relax you in busy daily living.
• Enjoy a day with waves and night-time star-gazing at the guitar-shaped beach at Guitar Island.
• Do guided snorkelling and scuba diving at the Bharatpur beach in Andaman. Open from 5 am–6 pm. Spend your time watching the sunrise and sunset at this pristine beach.
• See the waves crashing on the big black rocks at the Kalapathar beach—a quiet and couple-friendly beach surrounded by lush greenery, blue waters, and white sands.