Steeped in colonial history, Port Blair, officially named Sri Vijaya Puram is home to pristine beaches, coral reefs, and mangrove forests, with attractions like Corbyn's Cove Beach. Port Blair tourism offers a journey through history with landmarks like the Cellular Jail, a reminder of India's struggle for freedom, and the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island. Whether exploring historical sites, diving into underwater adventures, or experiencing local culture at the Aberdeen Bazaar, visiting Port Blair promises an unforgettable odyssey. Let this Port Blair tour guide help you make your trip a memorable and enriching experience.
How to reach Port Blair
- By air: Port Blair Airport (IXZ), or Veer Savarkar International Airport, is the primary air gateway to the city, with a single terminal facilitating domestic and international flights to Port Blair. Conveniently located approximately 2 km from the city centre, it ensures easy access for travellers.
- By sea: Port Blair is accessible via sea routes, with regular passenger ferries and ships connecting the city to mainland India and neighbouring islands. The town is a significant port for maritime travel in the region and offers scenic journeys amidst the serene waters of the Bay of Bengal.
- Getting around/local transport in Port Blair: Port Blair offers various regional transportation modes, including taxis, buses, auto-rickshaws, and rented scooters or bicycles. These options make it convenient for travellers to explore the city's attractions.
Places to visit
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Corbyn's Cove Beach
A popular destination for swimming and sunbathing, known for its soft, sandy shore, clear blue waters, and serene ambience.
Experience Time: 1 - 2hrs
Cellular Jail National Memorial
Exploration time: 2-3 hours
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island
Exploration time: 2-3 hours
North Bay Island
Exploration time: 4-5 hours
Chidiya Tapu
Exploration time: 1-2 hours
Mount Harriet National Park
Exploration time: 2-3 hoursView All 6 places
Places to eat
Port Blair is home to several international cuisines and delectable dishes. Here are some eateries you can visit during your stay.
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Annapurna Restaurant
Annapurna Restaurant is renowned for its vegetarian South Indian and North Indian cuisine in a relaxed ambience. From crispy dosas to flavourful sambar, it promises an authentic culinary experience that delights diners.
Popular dishes: Masala dosa, idli sambar, and filter coffee.
New Lighthouse Restaurant
New Lighthouse Restaurant is a seafood lover's paradise known for its fresh catch and delightful preparations. Situated by the sea, it offers stunning views alongside mouthwatering dishes that keep patrons returning for more.
Popular dishes: Grilled fish, prawn curry, and lobster thermidor.
Ananda Restaurant
Ananda Restaurant is celebrated for its multi-cuisine. The warm hospitality and varied dishes provide a culinary journey and make it a tourist favourite.
Popular dishes: Fish chilli, egg aloo masala, and shanghai prawn.
Mandalay Restaurant
Mandalay Restaurant specialises in Burmese cuisine, with a stunning sea view. Its exotic dishes allow diners to explore several culinary delights in the heart of Port Blair.
Popular dishes: Mohinga (fish soup), tea leaf salad, and palak paneer.
Icy Spicy Restaurant
Icy Spicy Restaurant is famous for those craving delicious vegetarian street food and quick bites. Its diverse menu and affordable prices attract locals and tourists, offering a taste of local flavours in a casual setting.
Popular dishes: Aloo tikki chaat, french fries, and pani puri.
Blue Marlin Restaurant
Blue Marlin Restaurant is famous for its seafood delicacies and seaside dining experience. Nestled along the coast, it offers panoramic ocean views while serving various freshly prepared dishes highlighting the sea's bounty.
Popular dishes: Grilled lobster, prawn masala, and fish tikka.
Things To Do
Port Blair offers several exciting activities to make your visit unforgettable. Here are some recommendations to ensure a fulfilling experience in the city.
Nature walk
Historical sites
Shopping trips
Wildlife sanctuaries
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Beach outing
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Trekking excursion
Nature and wildlife
Water sports
Best time to visit
The optimal time to explore Port Blair is between October and February. The weather remains pleasant in Port Blair, making your time on the island peaceful.
View MoreMost commonly spoken languages
The primary languages spoken in Port Blair are Bengali, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and English. Knowledge of these languages can facilitate communication and enhance your travel experience in the city.
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Shopping
Explore the vibrant street markets of Port Blair to indulge in some local shopping experiences and take memorable souvenirs home.
- Aberdeen Bazaar: Aberdeen Bazaar is a bustling market known for its diverse handicrafts, souvenirs, and local artefacts. It offers an unmissable chance to take home a piece of Andaman's culture.
- Sagarika Government Emporium: The Sagarika Government Emporium is a treasure trove of traditional Andamanese handicrafts showcasing intricate wood carvings, shell crafts, and handwoven textiles, perfect for souvenir hunting.
- Junglighat Market: Junglighat Market is a local market in the Junglighat area of Port Blair. It is known for its fresh produce, including fruits, vegetables, and seafood, as well as its variety of street food stalls offering local delicacies. The market also features shops selling clothing, accessories, and souvenirs.
- Gandhi Market: Gandhi Market is a traditional market located in the heart of Port Blair. You can shop for various goods, including fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, groceries, clothing, and household items.
Festivals
Port Blair celebrates various festivals yearly, reflecting the cultural richness of the Andaman Islands.
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Island Tourism Festival
The Island Tourism Festival showcases the vibrant culture and heritage of the Andaman Islands through cultural performances, traditional music and dance, handicraft exhibitions, and delicious local cuisine, attracting tourists and locals alike.
Durga Puja
Durga Puja is celebrated enthusiastically in Port Blair, with colourful pandals, elaborate decorations, and cultural programs honouring the goddess Durga. It symbolises the victory of good over evil.
Subhash Mela
Subhash Mela commemorates the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose in January, a revered freedom fighter with patriotic fervour through cultural events, exhibitions, and processions. It highlights his contributions to India's independence struggle.
Vivekananda Jayanti
Vivekananda Jayanti is an annual festival commemorating the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, a revered spiritual leader and philosopher. The festival, observed on January 12th, is marked by various events, including seminars, lectures, spiritual discourses, cultural programs, and community service activities.
More reasons to visit
Here are some more places you can visit in Port Blair to have a truly enriching experience in the city.
- Naval Marine Museum Samudrika: Naval Marine Museum Samudrika, run by the Indian Navy, offers insights into the diverse marine life, ecosystems, and tribal culture of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Explore exhibits showcasing coral reefs, endemic species, and naval artefacts.
- Zonal Anthropological Museum: The Zonal Anthropological Museum in Port Blair is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich cultural heritage and lifestyle of the indigenous tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Exhibits include traditional artefacts, tools, weapons, clothing, and photographs.
- Aberdeen Clock Tower: The Aberdeen Clock Tower is a historic landmark symbolising the city's colonial past. It is a reminder of Port Blair's rich heritage and architectural legacy. With its distinctive design and prominent position, it can be another great addition to your trip to the island.
