When people think of India and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands together, they often don’t realize India has such a vast island territory so far from its mainland. But there you have it. The A&N Islands are slowly becoming popular with both India’s domestic and foreign tourists.
Port Blair is the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. For most travelers, it is the entry point into a tropical paradise surrounded by clear blue waters and coral reefs. However, Port Blair is much more than just a transit stop before heading to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) or Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep). The town has a deep colonial history, scenic coastal viewpoints, rich marine sanctuaries, and vibrant local markets.
Whether you are traveling with family, on your honeymoon, or exploring solo, here is your definitive guide to the best places to visit in Port Blair.
Quick Overview: Top Attractions in Port Blair
| Attraction | Best Known For | Ideal Time | Entry Fee | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cellular Jail (Kala Pani) | Freedom struggle history, martyr memorials, and the evening Light & Sound show. | Afternoon / Eve |
₹30 (Jail) ₹50–₹150 (Show) |
2–3 hrs |
| Ross Island (Netaji Dweep) | Ruins wrapped in banyan roots, British-era church & bakery, wild deer, and peacocks. | 8:30 AM – 1 PM |
₹50 (Entry) + ₹300+ (Boat) |
2–3 hrs |
| Corbyn’s Cove Beach | Jet ski rides, speed boating, relaxed seaside cafes, and picturesque palm-lined drives. | Late Afternoon |
Free (Rides extra) |
1.5–2 hrs |
| North Bay Island | Vibrant coral reefs, Sea Walk, scuba diving, and the lighthouse on the old ₹20 note. | Morning to Midday | ₹600–₹800 (Ferry) | 3–4 hrs |
| Chidiya Tapu | Panoramic ocean sunsets, native birdwatching, biological park, and coastal trekking trails. | 3:30 – 6:00 PM |
Free (₹20 Bio Park) |
2–3 hrs |
| Samudrika Museum | Massive blue whale skeleton at the entrance, rare sea shells, and marine life exhibits. | Morning / Midday |
₹50 (Adult) ₹25 (Child) |
1–1.5 hrs |
| Anthropological Museum | Deep dive into customs, handcrafted tools, canoes, and history of indigenous island tribes. | Morning / Noon |
₹20 (Adult) ₹10 (Student) |
1 hr |
| Wandoor Marine Park | Quiet white-sand beach, mangrove forests, and the official boat boarding point for Jolly Buoy. | 8 AM – 2 PM |
₹50 entry + Boat permit |
4–5 hrs |
| Mount Manipur (Mt Harriet) | Third-highest island peak, panoramic lookout over North Bay lighthouse, and butterfly trails. | Early Morning / Noon |
₹50 (Park fee) + Ferry / Cab |
3–4 hrs |
| Chatham Saw Mill | One of Asia’s oldest sawmills, timber conversion exhibits, WWII bomb crater, and Forest Museum. | 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM |
₹10 – ₹50 (Guide extra) |
1–2 hrs |
1. Cellular Jail (Kala Pani)
Cellular Jail stands as India’s most prominent memorial honoring the sacrifices of its freedom fighters. Built by the British between 1896 and 1906, the fortress featured 693 individual solitary cells designed to prevent political prisoners from communicating with each other.
- What to See: Walk through the remaining three brick wings, explore the central watchtower, and visit Veer Savarkar’s cell on the top floor. You can also view historical photo archives and pay tribute at the Eternal Flame (Swatantrya Jyot).
- The Light & Sound Show: In the evening, the courtyard hosts a performance narrating the struggle for independence through the voice of a banyan tree. Shows run in both Hindi and English.
- Travel Tip: Book your entry tickets and evening show passes on the official Andaman tourism portal in advance, as slots fill up quickly during peak season.
2. Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep)
Situated a 15-minute boat ride across the water from Aberdeen Jetty, Ross Island served as the administrative headquarters for the British in the Andamans. Once dubbed the “Paris of the East,” the island housed ballrooms, paved pathways, a bakery, and a Presbyterian church.
- What to See: Following an earthquake in 1941 and subsequent wartime evacuation, the island was abandoned to nature. Wild banyan roots now entangle the ruined stone walls and arches. Peacocks and spotted deer roam freely across the pathways.
- Travel Tip: If traveling with young children or elders, hire an electric golf cart near the boat jetty to tour the hilly paths comfortably.
3. Corbyn’s Cove Beach
Corbyn’s Cove is the nearest beach to central Port Blair, roughly 7 kilometers south of the main market. Framed by coconut palm groves and an ocean promenade, it provides an easy seaside escape without requiring a ferry.
- What to See & Do: Enjoy water sports like jet skiing and speedboat rides, or sit along the paved walkway with fresh coconut water while watching waves crash against the shoreline.
- Travel Tip: Rent a scooter or hail an auto-rickshaw in the late afternoon. The scenic coastal drive from Marine Hill to Corbyn’s Cove offers great viewpoints of the open sea.
4. North Bay Island
For travelers looking to experience coral reefs and marine life close to Port Blair, North Bay Island might be a great choice for them. The island is recognizable as the background setting featured on the older Indian 20-rupee currency note. See it once😉
- What to See & Do: The shallow reefs surrounding the island feature hard corals and schools of reef fish. You can go snorkeling, try an introductory scuba dive, or do a guided Sea Walk with a weighted breathing helmet. Glass-bottom boats and semi-submarine rides are also available.
- Travel Tip: Ferries departing from the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex often sell combined tickets covering both Ross Island and North Bay in a single trip.
5. Chidiya Tapu (Sunset Point)
Chidiya Tapu lies at the southern tip of South Andaman Island, approximately 25 kilometers from Port Blair. Dense coastal mangroves, thick evergreen trees, and calm tidal bays define the landscape.
- What to See & Do: The area is a haven for birdwatching, home to parakeets, drongos, sea eagles, and kingfishers. Visitors can walk along the pebble beach, tour the Chidiya Tapu Biological Park, or take the 1.5-kilometer trekking trail through the forest up to the cliff edge of Munda Pahad.
- Travel Tip: Hire a round-trip taxi with a fixed waiting time. Mobile reception drops around the beach, making it difficult to book a return vehicle after sunset.
6. Samudrika Marine Museum
The Samudrika Marine Museum offers an educational look into the underwater ecology, geography, and tribal heritage of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is operated by the Indian Navy.
- What to See: Greeted at the entrance by an enormous skeleton of a blue whale, the museum opens into five themed galleries showcasing preserved sea fauna, vibrant coral varieties, seashells, and educational charts detailing island geography.
- Travel Tip: Plan this as an air-conditioned indoor visit between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM to escape the midday heat.
7. Anthropological Museum
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands host six distinct indigenous tribes: the Great Andamanese, Onge, Jarawa, Sentinelese, Nicobarese, and Shompen. The Anthropological Museum provides an informative look into their traditional lifestyle, shelter models, and survival techniques.
- What to See: View genuine wooden canoes, bone tools, fishing nets, hand-carved hunting arrows, and historic photographs capturing tribal customs.
- Travel Tip: Set aside about 1 hour for your visit. Note that the museum remains closed on Mondays and national public holidays.
8. Wandoor Beach & Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
Located 29 kilometers west of Port Blair, Wandoor features an unhurried coastline with shallow waters and weathered driftwood trees. It acts as the gateway to the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, a protected marine reserve encompassing 15 islands.
- What to See & Do: Between November and May, tourists board forest-department-authorized ferries from Wandoor Jetty to Jolly Buoy Island (or Red Skin Island when Jolly Buoy rests for coral regeneration). The protected status keeps the waters crystal clear with thriving coral systems.
- Travel Tip: The marine park enforces a strict zero-plastic policy. Single-use plastic bottles must be deposited at Wandoor Jetty before departure.
9. Mount Manipur National Park (Formerly Mount Harriet)
Standing at 383 meters, Mount Manipur is the third-highest peak in the Andaman archipelago. Originally named Mount Harriet, it was officially rechristened in 2021 to honor the Manipuri freedom fighters exiled here following the 1891 Anglo-Manipur War.
- What to See: The summit viewpoint overlooks the open sea and offers the precise angle of the famous North Bay lighthouse. The surrounding national park has quiet trails filled with tropical butterflies, orchids, and endemic bird species.
- Travel Tip: You can drive all the way around via Bambooflat or take the vehicle ferry from Chatham Jetty across the channel to cut down driving distance.
10. Chatham Saw Mill
Chatham Saw Mill was constructed by the British in 1883 on Chatham Island; and one of the oldest and largest wood-processing sawmills in Asia. It is connected to northern Port Blair by a 100-meter road bridge.
- What to See: Tour the operational factory floor to watch giant Padauk and Gurjan timber logs being cut by vintage machinery. The complex houses a Forest Museum showing intricate timber carvings, along with a bomb crater left behind by Japanese air raids during World War II.
- Travel Tip: The sawmill shuts early in the afternoon (around 2:30 PM) and remains closed on Sundays. Schedule your visit for the morning.
FAQs
How many days are enough to explore Port Blair?
Two to three full days are ideal. This allows you to explore major historical sites like Cellular Jail and Chatham Saw Mill, visit the key museums, take a day-trip ferry to Ross and North Bay Islands, and catch a sunset at Chidiya Tapu without feeling rushed.
Do Indian tourists need a passport or special permit to visit Port Blair?
No. Indian citizens do not need a passport, visa, or Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to visit Port Blair or nearby popular islands like Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil (Shaheed Dweep). You only need a valid government-issued photo ID (such as an Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License).
What is the best time of year to visit Port Blair?
The best months are between October and April. During this period, the skies are clear, sea waters are calm, and ferry services operate smoothly. The monsoon months (late May through September) bring heavy rains and strong winds, which frequently cause boat trips and water sports to be canceled.
Can we visit Ross Island and North Bay Island on the same day?
Yes, and most travelers do. Tourist boats departing from the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex (Aberdeen Jetty) offer convenient combined two-island boat tickets. You typically explore the historic ruins of Ross Island in the morning and head to North Bay for water sports in the afternoon.
How can I book tickets for Cellular Jail and the Light & Sound show?
You can book your entry and show passes online via the official Andaman Tourism portal or purchase them at the ticket counter near the jail entrance. During peak travel months (December to January), it is strongly recommended to book online 3 to 5 days in advance, as evening show slots sell out quickly.
Which beach is best for water sports in Port Blair: Corbyn’s Cove or North Bay?
Both offer water activities, but with different focuses:
- North Bay Island is superior for underwater experiences like snorkeling, Sea Walk, and introductory scuba diving because of its coral reefs.
- Corbyn’s Cove Beach is on the main island and is best for surface sports like jet skiing and speedboat rides, along with relaxed evening strolls.
What is the best way to travel locally around Port Blair?
- For families and groups: Booking a full-day private cab is the most comfortable and hassle-free option.
- For couples and solo travelers: Renting a scooter/scooty (around ₹500–₹600/day) is economical and convenient for city sights like Corbyn’s Cove, museums, and Cellular Jail.
- Auto-rickshaws: Readily available across the town for short point-to-point hops.
How is the mobile network and internet connectivity in Port Blair?
Airtel, BSNL, and Jio provide 4G/5G mobile connectivity across Port Blair city, airport, and main market areas. However, signal strength can drop significantly once you travel toward isolated outer spots like Chidiya Tapu or Wandoor Beach. Most hotels offer Wi-Fi, though speeds may vary.
Are digital payments (UPI / Cards) widely accepted in Port Blair?
UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm) and credit/debit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops in Port Blair. However, carry adequate cash with you because boat operators, entry ticket counters, water sport vendors, auto drivers, and beach food stalls often face internet outages and require cash payments.
Can we cover Jolly Buoy and Chidiya Tapu on the same day?
It is not recommended. Jolly Buoy Island requires an early morning drive to Wandoor Jetty, forest permits, boat rides, and returns only around 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Combining that with Chidiya Tapu (which sits on the opposite southern end of the island) will leave you rushed and exhausted. Dedicate separate half-days to each.
