Port Blair, the capital of India’s biggest island chain Andaman and Nicobar Islands, was formerly a prison town during the British colonial rule in India. This little island city, covering a little over 90 square kilometres, blends in like a tiny fleck in the majestic Bay of Bengal. Today, this coastal city has its fair share of wonders to offer to the wanderlust souls.
This town was named in honour of Archibald Blair of the English East India Company who sought to colonise it and build a penal settlement for prisoners of the East India Company. The Great Revolt of 1857 and Port Blair are very closely connected as the construction of the enormous Cellular Jail began in the same year of the revolt to house the newly incarcerated revolutionaries.
Things to do at Port Blair
The most famous tourist attraction of Port Blair in the Cellular Jail or the Kala Pani but there are quite a few other places to visit and leisure activities to rejuvenate your soul. One can immerse themselves in the rediscovery of a distant and remote tribal culture, be a shopaholic at the Aberdeen bazaar, dive into the green waters for underwater walks and so much more!
Popular tourist attractions of Port Blair
From witnessing the astounding educational light and sound show at Cellular Jail to setting foot on South Asia’s only active volcano at Barren Island, there’s just too much to do and too little time. Witnessing marine life up close and personal at Mahatma Gandhi National Park, enjoying glass bottom boat ferries at Jolly Buoy Island and getting lost in the colonial era at Ross Island can make your day memorable. Hence, don’t forget to visit these places!
Places to shop at Port Blair
The handicrafts paradise of Port Blair, Sagarika Government Emporium, Aberdeen Bazaar, and MG Road are a few of the popular shopping destinations of Port Blair which are famous for wooden handicrafts, shell ornaments, pearl jewellery and spices.
Best time to visit Port Blair
October to February being the winter season is the perfect season to catch a glimpse of the Island Tourism Festival in Port Blair. March to May being the summer months also comprise a good time for scuba diving and other water sports.
Modes of transport
The major transportation happens by roads, along with the island’s water transport. Buses, tourist taxis, call cabs and the likes run from Port Blair to south Andaman, providing ample media of transportation.
Weather in Port Blair
Port Blair has a wet tropical climate with average temperatures never going to extremes. The city usually receives a lot of rainfall throughout the year and witnesses very few dry spells.
Airport in Port Blair
The Veer Savarkar International Airport (IATA: IXZ) has only one civilian terminal and IndiGo swiftly operates domestic and international flights to and from this airport. The rest of the air traffic of this airport is controlled by the Indian Navy. For more details, visit the official website of IndiGo.
