Explore Port Blair
The capital city and gateway to the Andaman Islands — where colonial history, tribal heritage, and coastal beauty meet.
The Gateway to Andaman
Port Blair (officially renamed Sri Vijaya Puram) is the capital city and the primary entry hub of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is a vibrant town that seamlessly blends profound Indian colonial history, indigenous tribal heritage, and serene coastal landscapes. Every traveler visiting the archipelago must land here before heading out to Havelock or Neil Island.
A Brief History of Port Blair
"Port Blair" got its name from Bombay Marine lieutenant Archibald Blair, who discovered this place. Though it lacks the full facilities of mainland India, Port Blair remains the lifeline of the entire island group, with imports and urban services flowing through the capital.
The famous Battle of Aberdeen was fought here between the native Andamanese and the British. The islands passed through Maratha and Chola control before the British took over, and the Japanese occupied the island during World War II. In 1943, the first flag hoisting took place in Port Blair — the site is now a preserved tourist landmark.
Key Geography & FactsArchipelago Spread: The Andaman group contains over 300 islands, but only around two dozen support permanent human settlements. The Divides: The Ten Degree Channel separates the Andaman cluster from the southern Nicobar cluster. Volcanic Marvels: It features Barren Island, South Asia's only active volcano. Demoraphics: While Hindi and English are official, Bengali is the most widely spoken language due to historical migration. Indigenous Tribes: The islands host ancient tribal communities, including the Jarawa, Onge, and the Sentinelese—the world's last uncontacted tribe.
Top Attractions in & Around Port Blair
Cellular Jail National Memorial
The historic colonial prison where Indian freedom fighters were exiled — "Kala Pani." Built by the British between 1896–1906, this Panopticon-style structure originally housed 693 solitary cells across 7 wings, designed so prisoners could never see or speak to one another. It held prominent freedom fighters including Veer Savarkar, Batukeshwar Dutt, and Yogendra Shukla.
Today it stands as a National Memorial Monument, with a museum, art gallery, and the deeply moving evening Light & Sound Show — a mandatory experience for every visitor.
The Cellular Jail Light and Sound Show is highly regarded as one of the most moving experiences in the Andaman Islands. It is an open-air son-et-lumière where the history of the prison is dramatically narrated from the perspective of an old Peepal tree that stood witness to the colonial atrocities.
North Bay Island
A bustling coral island dedicated entirely to water sports — sea walking, scuba diving, parasailing, and semi-submarine rides. Its iconic red-and-white lighthouse is featured on the old Indian ₹20 note. Uninhabited and reef-fringed, it's purely a day-trip destination reached via a 15–30 minute ferry from Aberdeen Jetty.
Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep)
The first British administrative settlement in the islands, once nicknamed the "Paris of the East" for its lavish social life. Following the 1941 earthquake, nature reclaimed the island — massive Ficus tree roots now wrap around crumbling colonial structures, while free-roaming deer and peacocks wander the ruins.
See the Chief Commissioner's House, the roofless Presbyterian Church, and Japanese WWII bunkers. A 10–15 minute speedboat ride from Aberdeen Jetty; most visitors combine it with North Bay Island (~₹870 combined ticket).
Chidiya Tapu (Bird Island)
Located 25 km south of the city, celebrated as South Andaman's ultimate sunset spot. A birdwatcher's paradise with over 46 species, plus the Munda Pahar Trek — a 1.5 km trail to a cliffside viewpoint known as "Suicide Point," rewarding hikers with uninterrupted ocean views.
Safety note: Waters here are strictly off-limits for swimming due to sharp coral rocks and saltwater crocodile sightings. Cellular network vanishes near the forest reserve.
Corbyn's Cove Beach
Corbyn’s Cove Beach is the most prominent, accessible, and lively city beach located in Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair). Fringed by swaying, lush green coconut palms and a gentle curved shoreline, it is the ultimate quick coastal escape for travelers who want to experience the tropical sea without taking a ferry to more remote islands.
The closest beach to the main town, just a 15–20 minute drive along a scenic coastal road lined with old Japanese WWII bunkers. Popular for jet skiing, speed boat rides, and sea karting, framed by tall coconut palms and calm, swimmable waters. Entirely free to enter, busiest on weekends.
Baratang Island
A day trip into Middle Andaman featuring Limestone Caves (reached via a mangrove-tunnel speedboat safari + forest trek), bubbling Mud Volcanoes, and Parrot Island. The overland route passes through the protected Jarawa Tribal Reserve via a strictly regulated security convoy — photography of the tribal community is a serious offense. A new direct ferry (Haddo Jetty, 5:45 AM) now bypasses the road convoy entirely, reaching Baratang in 2 hours.
Jolly Buoy Island
Part of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, with some of the cleanest waters and richest coral gardens in India. A strictly enforced zero-plastic zone, open only 6 months a year (Nov–Apr/May) to protect the reef — its twin, Red Skin Island, takes over the remaining months. A Forest Department Permit is mandatory, and all visitors must depart by 2:00 PM.
Museums & Parks
While Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram) is primarily famous for its beautiful coastlines and historical landmarks, it also hosts a remarkable selection of museums and parks. These spots offer a profound look into the region's tribal heritage, marine biodiversity, and unique local ecosystem, serving as excellent places to unwind.
Port Blair is also home to several museums and parks worth a visit during the day — a quieter way to round out your understanding of the islands' natural and cultural history between the bigger excursions.
Essential Travel Tips
Carry Cash
Network connectivity is unstable on outer islands like North Bay and Baratang — digital payments fail often. Carry physical cash for activities and food.
Book Combined Ferries
Most travelers combine Ross Island + North Bay on a single ferry ticket (~₹870) to see both in one day.
No Photos in Jarawa Reserve
It is a serious legal offense to stop, lower windows, take photos, or interact with the Jarawa tribal community during Baratang convoys.
Pack Food for Remote Islands
Jolly Buoy and Baratang have no proper restaurants — dining is limited to basic shacks or nothing at all on Jolly Buoy.
Ready to Explore Port Blair?
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