Things to Do in Port Blair

Also known as Kala Pani, Cellular Jail is one of the unmissable tourist attractions located at Port Blair in Andaman. The three storied building has 698 cells that are connected to each other in the shape of a starfish. The place is famous for offering a fantastic sound and light show in the evening offering a delightful insight into the historical struggle for independence.

It is one of the remnants of past colonial rule in India and today stands as a testimony to all those brave hearts who laid down their lives at the hands of British atrocities. Some of the famous freedom fighters who were captured here include Veer Savarkar and Bakuteshwar Dutt.

The place was one of the most infamous prisons of the past as the freedom fighters were punished inhumanly by the Britishers. The place is a must visit for history lovers to have a sneak peek into the history and struggle that went down in the construction of this jail. The place is recognised as a national memorial monument and owned by the Government of India.

Highlights: Tourists should try to explore the jail by visiting the picture gallery that houses a number of photos of freedom fighters. Often used as background for filming Hindi movies about the colonial past, the place has many fascinating remnants of history like the hanging cell and condemned cell. Some of the other unmissable attractions of Cellular Jail included its Exhibition Gallery, Art Gallery, Old Photographs Gallery, Gallery on First War of Independence and Netaji Gallery. There is also the Swatantrya Jyoti, an eternal flame of freedom keeps glowing in the memory of freedom fighters

Activities: One of the popular activities to do here is sightseeing and revisiting the history of the grim colonial past Of India.

Distance from Port Blair: It takes around 15 kilometers to go there from Port Blair.

Timing: National Memorial: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)

Entry Fee: INR 30

As the name suggests, Chidiya Tapu is the perfect haven for unseen migratory birds and common native birds found in the Andaman Islands and it is one of the popular places to visit in Port Blair. Recognized as the most enchanting beach in Andaman and tourists arrive here on a large scale as the beach extends the best ever sights for them including the eye catching sunrise and sunset views. This is a silent yet crowded beach encircled by evergreen forests on one side and the short hills on the other side. 

As it is considered to be the presenter of the most finishing touch of sunset and sunrise views, it is the main hub in Andaman Islands. The beach is filled with 46 varieties of endangered species of birds, and white spotted deer. There are a lot of seasonal orchids and other varieties of plants.

Highlights: The major attractions of Chidiya Tapu are the Chidiya Tapu Biological Park, the Sylvan Sands, the Munda Pahar Beaches etc. You will be able to stay at a forest guesthouse located nearby atop a hillock and from there, the panoramic view of Chidiya Tapu in detail.

Activities: Apart from sunset and sunrise views, plenty of people come for an Andaman and Nicobar trip to see this beach, to identify the rare species appear in multiple colours and size. Even though many of the birds are commonly found on the beach, you would find it as a unique and unnatural scene to find the colourful gathering of them.

Boating is an attractive activity done here as well as snorkeling and swimming are also a part of the adventure activities usually experienced by those who visit here.

Distance from Port Blair: It is located about 25 kms from Port Blair.

Famous for the underwater corals, North Bay Island located near the Pheonix Jetty of Port Blair is yet another favorite places to visit in Port Blair. Multiple clubs providing exhilarating scuba diving, snorkeling and sea walking at the island give it a special space in the hearts of adventure lovers. And because of this factor, North Bay Island is crowded all the time. 

If you wish to do a tour of North Bay Island, then you have to come at the Andaman Water Sports Complex where it starts from and the boats can accommodate up to 60 people and every boat will have a guide as well. The glass bottom boat ride to the island will give you a lot of chances to see the world of fish, typical sea flora and reefs inhabited underwater in harmony.

Highlights: Scuba diving and snorkeling are the most important activities available at the island and along with those, glass bottom ride is also has significant importance. The coral reefs and the marine animals make the underwater world enthralling.

Also, sea walk is considered to be a mind blowing activity and it opens up the doors to mingle with the colourful, rare species of sea. To do sea walking, you will be taken to the spot from the stationed sea walk paltoon and the experience of walking along the soft sea bed is memorable for a lifetime.

Activities: Sea walking and scuba diving in Andaman are considered to be the best adventure activities that can be done, as there are umpteen number of travelers do these activities regularly.

Distance from Port Blair: The island lies at a distance of about 42.4 kms from Port Blair and it would take around 1 hours and 30 minutes to reach there.

Fulfil your zest for adventure by visiting the Jolly Buoy Island when you are vacationing in Andaman. Renowned for its beautiful corals and its scintillating beaches, this place can be accessed from Wandoor Beach and is one of the famous places to visit in Port Blair.  Often called a no man’ s land, this place can be visited by boats after bringing and taking back all the necessary things. Famous for snorkelling and scuba diving, Jolly Buoy Island will make you feel like you are at the end of the world with the infinite sea in front of your eyes.

One of the most fascinating things about visiting Jolly Buoy Island is that you can have a look at the gorgeous coral reefs through glass bottom when you are riding there. Moreover, the place is a no plastic zone and boasts of some of the cleanest natural surroundings that you will witness in your life. The stunning island is a must visit if you are a nature lover.

Highlights: The place is a no plastic zone and it is banned by the authorities to leave any plastic items there. It is one of the cleanest places to visit.

Activities: The adventure lovers can look forward to have an enthralling glass bottom boat ride and see the beautiful coral reefs beneath. Jolly Buoy Island is also an excellent place to enjoy activities like snorkelling and scuba diving.

Distance from Port Blair: It is located 30km south west of Port Blair.

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One of the most prominent tourist places in Andaman, Mount Harriet National Park is a place which will leave you speechless with its natural beauty. There is an awesome collection of places here that are sure to offer you some fantastic memories of Andaman holiday. Located at the second highest peak of Andaman which is the Ferargunj Tehsil, it is a great spot to catch the sunrise and bask in the glorious views of Andaman Sea.

A nice getaway if you seek relaxation away from all the noise and chaos, Mount Harriet National Park should not be missed when you are there. The natural beauty will leave you in surprise as you watch birds chirping and the soft wind blowing against your face. November to May is the most ideal time to pay a visit here when you are planning a holiday to Andaman. The park has watch towers, children's park, deer park, guest house and tourist sheds offering you everything for your recreational holiday. There are also long nature trails where you can savour an adrenaline rush by indulging in trekking.

Highlights: The astonishing feature of visiting Mount Harriet National Park is to capture the breathtaking sunrise over the panoramic blue ocean waters. The place is famous for its rainforests and all the nature lovers are in for a treat when they visit here.

Activities: It offers many enthralling activities like trekking, hopping on nature trails between the Guest house complex and kala pathar viewpoint. Other famous trekking route in Mount Harriet National Park is from Madhuban Beach- one till Mannarghat (10 km long) and the other till Guest house (15km long)

Distance from Port Blair: It is at a distance of 48 km from Port Blair Bus Stand.

Timing: 7 AM to 5 PM

Entry Fee: INR 25 for Indian Adult, INR 10 for Child

The Indian Navy is guarding the famous Samudrika Marine Museum which exhibits the richest collection of Andaman’s animal and floral lives and it is one of the best places to visit in Port Blair. The rare species of fish, other animals, plants, corals etc are preserved well over here and there is a small aquarium also. Rather, the different attraction on the island is this museum if you are completed visiting the beaches and the relishing islands.

A lot of tourists have recognized this museum as a perfect representation of what the island can offer to surprise the visitors but in a miniature form. The museum located just opposite to Andaman Teal House is occupied with five sections displaying the history of the islands, the geographical features, about the people and their lifestyles, the less explored archaeological information and of course the marine life.

The museum is established with the idea of creating awareness among people on various aspects regarding oceanic life and the importance of preserving this sensitive ecosystem well for a balanced future of human beings.

Highlights: Outside the museum, there is a skeleton of a blue whale preserved and it is a marvellous sight to look at. The first room shows facts like volcanoes, tribes, different types of woods, insects etc. The second room is displaying the reverberating underwater beauties through an aquarium.

Coral Reefs have an entire room that is the third room. Seashells in abundance have persevered in the fourth room and you will be surprised to the tremendous collection. Last but not least is the fifth room that is dedicated to the tribes of Andaman, the butterflies’ and the insects’ specimens as well.

Timing: The museum is open on all days from Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 am to 01:00 pm and from 02:00 pm t0 05:00 pm.

Entry fee: For adult: INR 50 and for child: INR 25. If you wish to take camera or video to the inside, you will have to pay INR 20 and INR 50 respectively.

Distance from Port Blair: The museum is situated in Port Blair itself, walkable distance only.

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Andaman Island’s tribes and their life stories are thoroughly displayed in the vast anthropological museum in Andaman. The museum exhibits the knowledge of four different and major tribes of Andaman named Jarawas, Sentinelese, Great Andamanese, and Onges and it is one of the popular places to visit in Port Blair. This museum was established with the aim of showcasing the cultural importance of the major tribes lived and continued to live here in Andaman.

Highlights: Jarawa chest guards that have geometrical figures embalmed on them are one of the most attractive items in the museum. It depicts the lifestyle of the simple Jarawa tribes. The gothic lifestyle followed by the Sentenelese tribes is portrayed by keeping a skull recovered from the place they lived.

Another important item is the different types of boats with different sizes that explain the life of coastal people and natives. 

Activities: Handicraft items made of coconut or palm leaves showcase the artistic culture prevailed among the tribal groups in the forests. Some clothing materials and apparels preserved in the museum tell us that there was no gender bias among the tribal people as both men and women were using the same type of dresses. The huge library inside the museum throws light upon the unknown facts and knowledge of tribes, the old natives and their life styles, the cultural transitions and livelihood followed by almost all the people on the island.

A collection of weapons and armors used in the ancient time depicts how important and fearful the maritime attacks and insurgence happened during the time and the way the tribes prepared to face them.

Timing: The museum is opened on all days from Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 am to 01:00 pm and from 01:30 pm to 04:30 pm.

Entry fee: Entry fee is INR 10 and for camera the fee is INR 20.

Distance from Port Blair: It is located at Pheonix Bay, which would need a drive of 7 kms or for 8 minutes from Port Blair.

A great park that has been accepted well by international tourists and is one of the best places to visit in Port Blair. It is a distinct idea and execution in India to preserve the sensitive and endangered species of marine species is Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park in Andaman. It consists of 15 islands of mangrove creeks, rainforests, splendid coral reefs which have around 50 types and a huge collection of rare but colourful fish etc. 

This park came into existence in the year of 1983 under the solid Wildlife Protection Act of 1973 to keep the lives of marine animals safe and preserved as the underwater ecosystem was on the verge of destruction. The best time to visit the park is during the months from November to February and during monsoon, it remains closed.

Highlights: The park is comprised of two major island groups known as the Labyrinth Islands and Twin Islands which are situated about 16 km away from Port Blair to the south of it. This park boasts of the unimaginable size it spreads that is about 281.5 sq.km which have 17 small islands and the open sea creeks.

The fringing reefs are abundantly found in the park and that is one of the special reef species found on the island. Each island holds different type of vegetation. Tarmugli is the highest island in the park that displays the vast area of mangrove vegetation, sand covered beaches, sheet rocks etc.

Activities: One can get knowledge of marine species after visiting national park.

Distance from Port Blair: The park is located in Wandoor which is lying about 29 kms away from Port Blair. There are ferry services every 30 minutes from Port Blair boat jetty. The park is easily accessible via road as well.

The largest wood processors in Andaman is the Chatham Saw Mill in Port Blair. It was established by the British in 1883 and it can be reached by a wooden bridge as it is located on Chatham Island. The saw mill is still working and it has an important role in the betterment of the economy and development and it is one of the best places to visit in Port Blair.

But now the mill is under the control of state government. It was set up for meeting the requirements of timber and wood based constructions. One of the largest saw mills in Asia, Chatham Saw Mill has gained international acclaim through these years for the high-quality timber products. The mill is able to saw about 20000 cum logs annually and almost around 750 employees are working at the mill.

Highlights: There is a modern museum in the compound of the Chatham Saw Mill complex exhibits the beautiful photographs and the working of Department of Environment and Forest and different handicrafts made of carvings, polishing, and paintings. The museum is a helping hand to know the history, culture, and development of the island through these years. 

Activities: You will be able to watch the different processes like bringing the woods into the mill, sorting, cutting and storing. You will be able to spot the bomb crater left by Japanese Ordnance in World War 2.

Distance from Port Blair: Chatham Island, Port Blair. One can reach the mill via Foreshore Road in 24 minutes.

Close to Port Blair, a superb, silent beach is Corbyn’s Cove Beach. The fringes of coconut leaves make the beach look adorable. The clear white sandy beach hearing lullabies from the azure water is a remarkable bed for complete relaxation. The shallow water does not support a lot of adventure activities. Still, Corbyn’s Cove Beach is a favourite beach for many due to the calmness and cherish-able time it can provide and it is one of the famous places to visit in Port Blair.

The crescent shape of the beach with complete greenery on its sides has an inevitable role in showcasing the simple beach look stunning. Families are found in large numbers here as the waves are not trickier and the long extension of sand bed to the sea and suitable places to do swimming and bathing.

Activities: Since the beach is a silent one, not much adventure activities are done here but it is considered to be one of the best beaches in Andaman for relaxed swimming and bathing.

Distance from Port Blair: 7 kms are the distance from Port Blair to this beach and autos will take around INR 100-150 to drop you at the location. But you can take a taxi as well.

Pure science have clearly defined how mud volcanoes are formed and Andaman archipelago is quite popular for its multiple mud volcanoes. They are formed due to the large scale emissions of de-pressurized pore water and some natural gases such as hydrocarbon gases that included Methane. These gases are emitted by the decaying organic matter found underground.

Although there are 25 active mud volcanoes have discovered at different parts of the island, the mud volcanoes found on Baratang Island and Diglipur Island are the important ones and tourists visit these islands will take a look at this unique phenomenon of nature happening often..

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If you are in the hunt for undiscovered gems of Andaman, Baratang Islands should definitely be on your list as it is one of the best places to visit in Port Blair. It is known for its dense mangrove forests, exotic fauna and its ethnic population. A haven for shutterbugs, Baratang Islands is one of the most panoramic places to visit in Andaman. Even though it is slightly underdeveloped, Baratang Islands is where you can have your full dose of adventure. Tucked between South and Middle Andaman, Baratang Islands is a place which you will love if you like things untouched and unspoiled.

It is home to one of the oldest existing human races- the Jarawa tribe and many virgin beaches to let you bask in nature’s beauty. Some of the most exciting places to see in Baratang Islands include its gorgeous beaches, mangrove creeks, mud-volcanoes and mostly its limestone caves. It is one of the must visit tourist places in Andaman if you are a nature lover and wildlife enthusiast for the diversity of things it offers to the tourists. For a comforting stay after a day full of activities, you must check the resorts in Andaman.

Highlights: This island is one of the most striking places in Andaman for nature lovers as it offers myriad attractions like its limestone caves, mangrove creeks, tidal swamp forests and its interesting mud volcanoes.

Activities: Being a nature’s paradise, Baratang Island is a delight for witnessing nature at its best and involving yourself in activities like trekking and bird watching. One can indulge in boat riding through the mangrove forests and explore the limestone caves here. For the beach lovers, there in Baludera Beach where one can swimming and snorkeling.

Distance from Port Blair: Baratang Island is about 100 km away from the capital city, Port Blair.

South Cinque Island and North Cinque Island are the two major portions that make the huge Cinque Island a vibrant and captivating beauty in Andaman. This famous underwater diving spot is located on the north side of the popular Duncan Passage and in the middle of Rutland and Passage Islands. The inhabited island is a surprising beauty to all the tourists arrive here. But the two divisions of the island are beautifully separated by a sandbar. 

Another important factor to know about Cinque Island is that it is a part of the very famous Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park in Wandoor. And thus, the abundant presence of colourful marine lives is not a surprising feature. Tourists mainly arrive at Cinque to enjoy adventure activities, especially diving and snorkeling. The beautiful corals and fish species give away the admiring time underwater to every nature lover.

Highlights: Mostly, day visits are allowed on the island that too with the permission in advance from Chief Wildlife Warden. The astonishingly beautiful corals are the main feature of Cinque Island. The island itself is a sanctuary as it houses a large collection of variety coral reefs, sea weeds, multi coloured fish species, starfish, sea anemones, turtles and water snakes.

There is an authentic declaration on the name of the island which says that Cinque Island is the mostly visited island in Andaman archipelago.

Activities: As everyone is quite clear about the fact that Cinque Island is an incomparable destination for the best scuba diving spots, tourists arrive here in large numbers every year. Those who would not want to be so adventurous also will not be disappointed since the island gives opportunities to do snorkeling and swimming at their best.

Distance from Port Blair: It is at a distance of 38.9 kms from Port Blair.

Ross and Smith Islands offer a mesmerizing escape in the Andamans. Connected by a sandbar, they boast crystal-clear turquoise waters and pristine beaches. Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkelling, these islands are also home to lush forests and vibrant marine life. The Ross and Smith islands are perfect for having a tranquil as well as an adventurous experience amidst nature's untouched beauty.

Activities: Snorkeling and swimming are the most suitable and well acknowledged activities on both the islands. Adventure lovers find the space marvelous to do scuba diving tours as well.

Distance from Port Blair: By road, about 191 kms are there from Port Blair to Ross and Smith Islands, Aerial Jetty is the right spot to take a private boat from and travel to the island.

Almost 13% of India’s mangrove cover is in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and among that, majority is appearing in Baratang Island, an ecologically important and a famous tourist destination. In terms of density and growth, Andaman’s mangroves seem to be the best. 

Mangroves are found in abundance where there is brackish water and that is the reason behind Baratang Island’s consecutive support in the growth of thick mangrove creeks there.

Highlights: There are tremendous scopes for bird watching as the thick wilderness is a haven for rare species of colorful birds. Also, there are sleeping crocodiles in the water. Hence, people are not supposed to insert their hands inside because the crocodiles will pull you toward the water.

Activities: The island offers a relaxing boat ride through these mangroves which would lead you to reach the prestigious attraction of Baratang that is the Lime Stone Caves. Apart from Baratang mangrove creek safari, the tourists are directed to enjoy other safaris like Yerrata Creek, Dhaninalla Mangrove Creek and Sabari Village in Rangat etc.

Distance from Port Blair: Baratang Island is located 100 km's away from the beautiful Port Blair. There are plenty of boats will be available to take you through the dense forests but one thing to remember is that you should sit firmly on the boat since even a single movement will cause you fall into the mangrove roots filled water.

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Things related to the wild animals and forest ranges are displayed very effectively in Forest Museum in Port Blair, Andaman. A major attraction of Andaman is this museum run by the forest department of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The museum has a wide collection of artefacts created out of timber, oak, sating wood and paduak. They show the wellness appear in the vast wilderness of Andaman, the rich flora of the island. 

As the area of forests is huge in Andaman, researchers from all over the world have come to study about the dense greenery and the forest museum depicts the outcomes of all those research as well. To entertain the tourists more, the museum has set up a mini zoo and a zoological garden inside the building itself.

Highlights: The museum is located on Chatham road, an outskirt of the capital city of Port Blair. It is inside Chatham Saw Mill complex. It will take around 1 hour to watch everything displayed inside. 

Activities: People love to spend time in the zoological garden and the mini zoo. The species which are rarely found in the wild arena of Andaman are in lesser number appearing here.

Timing: The working hours of the museum is from 10:00 am to 02:00 pm on all days of the week except on Sundays.

Entry fee: INR 2.

Distance from Port Blair: The location of the museum is Chatham Island, Foreshore Road, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar. You can take a bus or taxi to reach the museum from Port Blair as it is 10 km away from the city.

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Located in South Andaman district, Ross Island is a major part of Andaman and tourists have visited the island often because of the flabbergasting beauty of it. Earlier, it was headquarters of Andaman and after 1941 Port Blair became the administrative headquarters. What one can watch on this island is the remnants of an old church existed there, a swimming pool, the chief commissioner’s residence with gardens and ballrooms. 

There is a cemetery and a museum maintained by the Indian Navy. These historically significant sights in Ross Island gives a serious appeal to it rather than of a relaxed laid-back island. But everyone who visits Andaman would not love to miss Ross Island that is closely connected to the capital city that is Port Blair.

Highlights: The diminished beauty of Ross Island was preserved as a historical piece of representation of the glory the island once possessed but for many reasons, people love this island. All the buildings and the ruins found here on the island are covered by the thick roots of banyan trees and that itself is a vivacious aspect the structures on the island have to showcase. At the northern end of the island, there is a new concreted light house that is 10 meters high and it is in circular shape which was constructed during the year of 1977. 

The lighthouse is located on an offshoot rock that measures to be located at 50 meters away from the shore line. The thick, regularly swaying forest ranges and the impression it gives as a secluded and deserted space without no humans are another highlights the island displays. A wide collection of rare fauna and flora has its own authentic space on the island.

Activities: Boating, beachwalk, swimming, snorkeling etc are some of the easily available and refreshing water based activities done on Ross Island.

Distance from Port Blair: The island lies 3 km east from Port Blair.

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The most unique feature of Andaman is the distinct vegetation the island supports. Rubber is one of the most significant cultivation the natives on Andaman Islands are so happy about. A place near Wandoor has the largest areas of rubber trees planted and those who would like to do something different and unique on the island can choose a visit to this large plantation.

 The entry to the plantation will itself give you a clear picture of the interiors. Thousands of golden colour rubber sheets and the collecting jars fitted on each tree are together exhibiting a mesmerizing view of the large areas. A total of 931 hectares of rubber plantations are found on the islands as a whole.

Highlights: You will be able to watch the processes of taking the rubber milk and placing the coconut shells on each tree and other important procedures before producing the final rubber sheet. Manglutan is the largest producer of rubber in the region, located very close to Port Blair. This was established in the year of 1960 and now the plantation is a 60 acre wide production centre of quality rubber.

Manglutan village is the prominent rubber plantation space in Andaman and this village has a school, a hospital, a police station and other major centres as well.

Activities: One can indulge in rubber plantation activity here.

Distance from Port Blair: Manglutan Rubber Plantation is located about 21 kms away from Port Blair, the south east part of the island. To reach the village, you can hire a cab or auto or bus from Port Blair.

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