You're Going to Love Portblair
The capital city of the Andaman Islands, Port Blair is your entryway to the rich expanse of Beauty and Serenity that the Islands have to offer. Explore its many 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. Walk past the Japanese Bunkers, indulge in Water Sports, discover the island’s High Peaks, and get familiarized with the land’s Rich Culture and Diversity. Port Blair is the best introduction to the Andaman Islands that one could hope for.
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- Andaman’s only Commercial Airport (Veer Savarkar International Airport) is in Port Blair, thus making it your only entry and exit point into the Islands.
- Port Blair is your One-Stop Destination to know about the Culture and Heritage of the Islands. With only one beach in town, there isn’t much of a seascape to enjoy. So, if you are looking for beaches exclusively, then take the afternoon Ferry to Havelock or Neil.
- Port Blair is connected to all Islands by Ferries. Phoenix Bay Jetty and Haddo Wharf, are the most busy harbors.
- Port Blair is connected to North Andaman by road. (Diglipur, Baratang, Rangat, and Mayabundar) by Road. See all-day trips to the North here.
- Internet is easily available in Port Blair, albeit slow.
Best Time to Visit Port Blair
The tourist season falls between November and mid-May and the peak season is between December- March.
Monsoon season is between June and September.
One should always expect light rains even during other seasons since it’s a tropical island.
For more details on when to visit Port Blair, check this out: when to visit
How to Reach Port Blair
Port Blair is home to the only Commercial Airport of the Islands – The Veer Savarkar International Airport. Direct flights to and fro Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, and Bangalore are available
Port Blair can be reached in two ways:
- By Air
- By Sea.
Flights are certainly faster which takes 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’s an unusual adventure in itself.
Related Articles: Transfers in Port Blair, Ship trip to Andaman, Best Time to travel
Getting Around in Port Blair
Tourist Taxis
Bike Rentals
Auto-Rickshaws
Public transport
Airport Picks Up and Drop
Transfers – Port Blair to other Islands
Port Blair is connected to all other islands through Land and by the sea that can be visited by tourists.
Transfers between islands are possible in four ways:
Private Ferries
They connect only Port Blair, Havelock, Baratang, and Neil Island. A One-Way Trip takes about 60 minutes to 90 minutes to reach the respective Islands. Though expensive, Ferries are the most convenient and preferred modes of transport in Andamans. The kinds of cruises available are Makruzz, Green Ocean, Nautika/ Sea Link Ferry, ITT Majestic, Bhagya Express, and Aashi Ferry. These ferries run on a daily basis providing easy accessibility to the Islands.
Government Ferries
These connect Port Blair to Havelock, Neil, Little Andaman, Diglipur, and Nicobar (not accessible to tourists).
Helicopter
Pavan Hans operates from Port Blair to Havelock, Diglipur, Hut Bay in Little Andaman, and Neil Island, this service is mainly for Govt Official travel and Medical Emergencies. Only on very rare occasions, travellers are allowed to fly.
By Road
Only North Andaman that consists of Baratang, Rangat, Mayabundar, and Diglipur are connected by the road. There is a national highway that connects Port Blair to Diglipur. Regular buses, Taxis also operate. This was the only way to travel to Baratang until recently when ferry services started to Baratang.
Top Things to Do in Port Blair
Although most travelers visit Port Blair as a port of transit to 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.
1. Cellular Jail
It has been an important historical part of Port Blair. Notable freedom fighters such as Veer Savarkar, Yogendra Shukla, Batukeshwar Dutt, and Babarao Savarkar were some of the inmates here. Don’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.
2. Corbyn’s Cove
Surrounded by lush green palms, this happens to be one of the busier beaches in the Andamans. It’s 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 amongst 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.
3. 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.
4. Dinner Cruise
TSG Bella Bay hosts a beautiful and luxurious Dinner Cruise that departs every evening from the Junglighat Jetty. If you are looking for a fun evening with some Live Music and a DJ with your loved ones or a special someone, we recommend this to be one of the best things in Port Blair. A cool evening sea breeze greets you while you listen to the Nicobar Band play live music, right under the stars.
5. Unwind at the Qua Spa
Port Blair’s luxurious Spa offers a wide range of services and one of the best ways to unwind from the daily hustle of life. If you are looking to relax and unwind, we recommend this spa. A little birdie tells us not to miss their Balinese massage.
The spa operates from 11 AM – 9 PM, please plan accordingly.
6. Souvenir Shopping
Shopping in Andaman is often limited to Port Blair. Small shops dot the main roads in several areas, offering trinkets made of Bamboo, Seashells, and the Local Mahua Wood. Sagarika is the Largest Government-Run Handicraft Store in Andaman.
7. Water Sports and Boat Rides
Go Parasailing at the Water Sports Complex, organized by Coral Safari between 11 AM – 4 PM. The cost per person is around INR 3000 and the duration is (3 minutes Airborne). Port Blair also offers Glass Bottom Boat Ride by Andaman Dolphin which is a Luxury Speed Boat, especially for families.
8. Hire a Candid Photographer
Gone are those days when we said the best moments can’t be captured. 10 Degrees Photography in Port Blair offers a Candid Photoshoot for you and your loved ones. Found a location you think is best for a photoshoot? These guys have got you covered.
9. Yoga Studio
For all the Yoga Fans out there, Myoho Yoga Studio offers some amazing sessions with experienced Yoga Instructors on a Rooftop amidst Nature. Enjoy some refreshing tea and healthy snacks post the session.