Overview
About Port Blair
Port Blair, now officially renamed Sri Vijaya Puram, is the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the entry point for almost every visitor to the archipelago. Set around a sheltered harbour on South Andaman, it is a compact, hilly town of government buildings, markets, jetties and viewpoints, with the blue of the Andaman Sea never far from sight.
The town carries a heavy history. The British established a penal settlement here in the nineteenth century, and the Cellular Jail, where many freedom fighters were imprisoned in solitary cells, is today a national memorial. Ross Island, once the administrative headquarters, is now a hauntingly beautiful ruin overtaken by trees, while museums in town tell the story of the islands' indigenous peoples and marine life.
Most travellers spend a day or two in Port Blair before taking ferries to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil (Shaheed Dweep), but the town deserves time of its own. From here you can snorkel at North Bay, watch the sunset at Chidiya Tapu, visit the marine national park at Wandoor and make the long road and boat journey to the limestone caves of Baratang.
- Cellular Jail
- Ross Island
- Coral reefs and snorkelling
- Island hopping
- Seafood
- Sunsets at Chidiya Tapu
Sightseeing
Best Places to Visit in Port Blair
History & Museums
Cellular Jail
A national memorial built as a colonial prison, with wings of tiny solitary cells radiating from a central tower. The evening light and sound show recounts the stories of the freedom fighters held here.
Ross Island
Officially renamed Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep, this small island near the harbour holds the ruins of the old British headquarters, now wrapped in roots, with deer roaming freely.
Samudrika Naval Marine Museum
A museum run by the Navy that introduces the islands' geography, coral, shells and marine life, a good first stop before snorkelling.
Anthropological Museum
Displays on the indigenous communities of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, including tools, dwellings and photographs.
Beaches & Islands
Corbyn's Cove Beach
A palm-fringed beach a short drive from town, the most convenient spot in Port Blair for a seaside evening.
North Bay Island
A short boat ride from the harbour, known for coral reefs, glass-bottom boat rides, snorkelling and sea walks.
Chidiya Tapu
A forested headland at the southern tip of South Andaman, famous for its birdlife and its sunsets over the sea.
Nature & Viewpoints
Mount Harriet
A forested hill across the harbour, within Mount Harriet (Mount Manipur) National Park, with trails and views over the sea and surrounding islands.
Wandoor and the Marine National Park
Boats from Wandoor visit islands of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, such as Jolly Buoy and Red Skin, when they are open for the season.
Nearby Excursions
Havelock and Neil Islands
Ferries from Port Blair reach Swaraj Dweep (Havelock), home to Radhanagar Beach, and Shaheed Dweep (Neil), known for its quiet beaches and natural rock formations.
Baratang Island
A full-day trip by road and boat to see limestone caves and mangrove creeks, with the drive passing through protected forest under strict rules.
Experiences
Top Things to Do in Port Blair
- 1
Watch the Cellular Jail light and sound show
The evening show brings the history of the jail and the freedom movement to life. Book tickets early, as seats are limited.
- 2
Snorkel or sea walk at North Bay
Shallow reefs make North Bay ideal for first-time snorkellers and for helmet sea walks with trained operators.
- 3
Go island hopping
Use Port Blair as a base to take ferries to Havelock and Neil, where beaches, scuba diving and relaxed stays await.
- 4
Catch the sunset at Chidiya Tapu
Drive to the southern tip in the late afternoon to watch the sun sink into the sea.
- 5
Explore Ross Island
Wander the ruined bungalows, church and bakery of the old British settlement, and stay for the evening show if it is running.
- 6
Try scuba diving
Certified dive operators run introductory dives and courses around South Andaman and the nearby islands.
Weather
Best Time to Visit Port Blair
The best time to visit Port Blair is November to April. Here is what each season is like.
Summer
March to May
25°C to 33°C
Warm and humid but generally sunny, with good visibility for snorkelling and diving. Pre-monsoon showers may arrive in May.
Monsoon
June to October
23°C to 30°C
The islands receive heavy rain and rough seas. Ferries and water activities may be cancelled at short notice, though the forests are at their greenest.
Winter
November to February
22°C to 30°C
The best and busiest season, with calm seas, pleasant temperatures and clear water. Book flights, ferries and stays well ahead.
Getting there
How to Reach Port Blair
By Air
Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair has direct flights from Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Bengaluru and a few other cities. It is a short drive from the town centre and the main harbour.
By Rail
There is no railway in the Andaman Islands. Passenger ships run from Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam to Port Blair on a schedule set by the island administration, and the voyage takes a few days.
By Road
Port Blair cannot be reached by road from the mainland. Within South Andaman, taxis, autos and buses cover the main sights, and the Andaman Trunk Road runs north towards Baratang and beyond.
Taste of the city
Famous Food of Port Blair
Grilled fish
Fresh catch such as red snapper or mackerel, marinated in spices and grilled over coals.
Fish and prawn curry
Coconut-based curries that show Bengali and South Indian influences, served with steamed rice.
Crab masala
Mud crab cooked in a thick, spicy gravy, a favourite in local seafood restaurants.
Coconut prawn curry
Prawns simmered in a mild, creamy coconut gravy, a gentle introduction to island cooking.
Tender coconut
Fresh tender coconuts sold everywhere, the best way to beat the tropical heat.
What to Buy in Port Blair
- Wooden and cane handicrafts
- Coconut shell crafts
- Spices and cashews
Travel Tips for Port Blair
- Do not buy or carry coral, shells collected from beaches or protected species; this is illegal and penalties are strict.
- Book ferries to Havelock and Neil in advance during peak season.
- Mobile network and internet can be patchy, so carry some cash and download maps offline.
- Foreign nationals should check the current permit rules for the islands before travelling.
FAQs
Port Blair Travel FAQs
What is the best time to visit Port Blair?
November to April is the best time to visit Port Blair, with calm seas and clear skies. The monsoon from June to October brings heavy rain and ferry disruptions.
How many days are enough for Port Blair?
Two to three days are enough for Port Blair itself. For a complete Andaman trip including Havelock and Neil, plan five to seven days.
What is Port Blair famous for?
Port Blair is famous for the Cellular Jail, Ross Island, North Bay's coral reefs and its role as the gateway to the Andaman Islands.
What is the new name of Port Blair?
Port Blair has been officially renamed Sri Vijaya Puram, though the old name is still widely used by travellers.
How do I reach Havelock from Port Blair?
Government and private ferries run from Port Blair to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep). Booking in advance is wise in the busy season.
Can you reach Port Blair by ship?
Yes. Passenger ships sail to Port Blair from Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam, though most travellers prefer to fly.