Port Blair is a unique blend of history, scenic beauty, and culture that will captivate every traveller. This guide is for first-time travellers, history buffs exploring India’s colonial past, and nature lovers who are on an Andaman and Nicobar Islands trip.
You will discover some of the best places to visit in Port Blair, starting from the mysterious hallways of the Cellular Jail, where India’s freedom fighters were held captive, to sultry beaches where you can watch the sunset paint the sky orange. Every destination has something for everyone. One day, you will be bargaining for spices at Aberdeen Bazaar, and another day you’ll be trekking Mount Harriet National Park. Every moment will reveal stories, sights, and experiences you will remember for a lifetime.
Cellular Jail
Visiting the Cellular Jail is stepping into one of the most significant historical landmarks in India. It is a structure that is a reminder of India’s independence movement. Constructed from 1896 to 1906 by the British Colonial Administration to house prisoners of war. The fort is an imposing brick and mortar structure designed with a unique seven-wing radial structure, which earned it the name “Kala Pani” from the freedom fighters. With bitter reminders of colonial oppression, the jail building contains wings with three storeys of solitary cells intended to intimidate political prisoners.
Strolling through the old halls today, you can hear the echoes of the hundreds of freedom fighters who spent time in prison here, including well-known nationalists, such as Batukeshwar Dutt, Yogendra Shukla, and Shadan Chandra Chatterjee. The jail’s museum showcases photos, documents, and belongings of the prisoners, which bring their stories to life. All these make the Cellular Jail one of the important places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Corbyn’s Cove Beach
You will be fascinated by this beach, which is one of the favourite places to visit in Port Blair. This beach, fringed by dairy palm trees, is an excellent place to experience each day as nature showcases its beauty along the horizon. When the sun sets, your evening here would be filled with the sky colourfully shaded in orange, pink, and purple that reflects off the calm water.
The beach is a great place to swim with its shallow water and calm, gentle waves, making it great for families and those who simply enjoy the water. You can also enjoy a variety of water sports, from jet skiing, speed boating, and parasailing, bringing excitement to your beach experience. There are local vendors on the beach selling fresh coconut water, along with tasty seafood snacks that complement your beach getaway. Whether you are looking for leisure, adventure, or simply a romantic walk in the sunset, this beach offers a memorable experience, embodying the true spirit of the Andaman Islands.
North Bay Island
Underwater adventure awaits. Your time at North Bay Island would become an experience to remember as the sparkling, clear waters reveal vibrant coral reefs filled with tropical fish. You will be compelled to halt and gaze at the colourful marine life swimming beneath the water. You will definitely get to see an electric blue parrotfish or the natural movement of a sea turtle in its natural habitat.
Experience the excitement of water activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, and glass-bottom boat rides that highlight the island’s stunning underwater ecosystem. The gentle currents are ideal for beginners, while experienced divers can explore deeper coral formations and observe exotic marine species going about their routine. After this tiring adventure, you might want to rest well and continue sightseeing the next day. It is recommended to opt for well-known hotel chains like Treebo Hotels for a seamless stay experience.
Aberdeen Bazaar
You will find the beating heart of Port Blair’s local life at Aberdeen Bazaar. You get to feel what it is to be local, visiting the vibrant street markets filled with true Andamanese culture. Strolling through each stall filled with handcrafted souvenirs, while talking to the vendors about life on the island and sampling the fresh coconut water and regional snacks, you get to understand the essence of how the local commerce here thrives.
Your immersion into local culture only grows as you walk through the haphazard maze of shops that offer anything from pearl jewellery to wooden crafts made by local artisans. You can pause and observe the skilled work-groups create beautiful shell ornaments or bamboo products. The bazaar’s authentic charm provides an unfiltered glimpse into daily island life, making it the perfect place to pick up meaningful mementoes and support the local community.
Chidiya Tapu Biological Park
When visiting Chidiya Tapu, or Bird Island, you will be charmed by an orchestra of birdsongs. This untouched biological park serves as your introduction to the avifauna of the Andaman Islands. You will see bright birds such as white-bellied sea eagles, emerald doves, and red-breasted parakeets dashing through the thick mangrove forests. You will be able to walk into their natural habitat while taking in the fresh, clean air thanks to the park’s well-marked paths.
The magic of your experience will expand as night approaches, when Chidiya Tapu is one of Port Blair’s best and most beautiful sunset experiences. You will see the sun fall into the horizon of the Bay of Bengal and be decorated in bold orange, pink, and gold tones. The park’s raised overlooks will allow you to take in wide-ranging views of the islands and beaches. This will also be the time for you to fully embrace your photography abilities, capturing stunning scenes and wildlife.
Anthropological Museum
The Anthropological Museum in Port Blair is where you will experience first-hand the intense traditions and cultures of the tribes that consist of anthropological history and culture. The exhibit represents the tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands through enticing authentic artefacts, tools, and photographs from the lost history of the Great Andamanese, Onge, and Jarawa clans.
Your time at the museum allows you to find fascinating tribal jewellery, hunting tools, and ceremonial items preserved for many generations. There are detailed displays on traditional fishing methods, ancient boat building, and the spiritual beliefs shared by members of these island communities.
Ross Island
Visiting Ross Island, formerly the seat of the British Raj administration in the Andaman Islands, transports you into a part of history that is both active and static. Here, the crumbling colonial structures tell captivating stories of a distant time, while a great banyan tree and thick foliage show how nature has been repurposing them for years. Walking through the remnants of the Chief Commissioner’s house, church, and hospital offers thought-provoking glimpses of what once was, while peacocks stroll briskly down the pathways.
You will begin your adventure on Ross Island’s secluded beaches and calm water, ideal for introspection. The island is small enough to wander leisurely, discovering the sights and sounds of deer grazing quietly in one of the corners of the ruins. The convenience of a short boat ride from Aberdeen Jetty allows a quick escape from the chaos of Port Blair into a currently lived historical site, retreat, and wherever nature has reclaimed its rightful place. This island is easily one of the top 10 places to visit in Port Blair.
Mount Harriet National Park
Your adventure at Mount Harriet National Park kicks off as you embark on a hike up the Andaman’s tallest mountain, which is at an impressive 365 metres above sea level. The hike takes you through a lush tropical forest, which, by the time you reach the top, rewards you with a beautiful 360-degree view of Port Blair and its surrounding islands. You might get to see unique species of birds, including the Andaman wood pigeon and white-headed starling, while traversing the well-marked trails that lead through thriving biodiversity.
At Mount Harriet National Park, the “focal” point of the park is the spectacular viewpoint where you can sit and watch Mother Nature’s light show, which produces brilliant sunset hues. There are calming patches, ideal for leisurely picnics or casual photography, and the historic Mount Harriet House provides colonial charm to your visit. The gentle sea breeze with a sense of calmness makes this natural refuge an ideal getaway from the bustling city, and it gives you rare encounters of unforgettable memories in Andaman’s remarkable wilderness, to take home.
Pristine Wandoor Beach
You will be completely mesmerised by the untouched beauty of Wandoor’s white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, draped indefinitely down the coastline. This beach is the ideal getaway from Port Blair’s busy streets, where gentle waves with the sound of the ocean wash against your feet whilst sun-kissed palm trees provide natural shade. With every breath of fresh air and rhythm of the sea, all your stress will melt away while you experience the beautifully un-commercialised tropical paradise.
With your visit to Wandoor Beach, you have access to amazing underwater adventures, as Wandoor Beach is the starting point for excursions to the adjacent coral reefs and the marine sanctuaries. From there, you can enjoy a visit to the widely known Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, where you can find impressive coral formations with diverse marine species. The calm water is perfect for swimming, snorkelling, or simply floating while admiring the incredible surrounding natural beauty. You will remember the stunning views when the sun paints the sky in brilliant orange and pink hues.
Chatham Saw Mill
You can discover one of Port Blair’s most beloved industrial heritage sites by visiting Chatham Saw Mill, where nature and history collide. Chatham Saw Mill is a century-old timber processing factory located among the tropical forests, with excellent views of the green environment, depth and wildlife all around you. You will encounter the tallest trees forming a natural canopy above. This vintage mill is one of the special places to visit in Port Blair that can share stories of the island’s colonial period.
With the saw mill being situated at this special place, there are also unique opportunities for photography, and it’s great for a lazy morning birdwatching when the forest comes to life. During the season, you can witness the sun breaking through the early light while observing various species of birds and butterflies. You can also learn about the sustainable forestry practices that have been implemented in the Andaman Islands. While walking through the Chatham Saw Mill area, there are hints of traditional timber processing methods, scenery that will take your breath away, and panoramic views of the beautiful, forested landscape.
Best Time to Visit Port Blair
October to April: The best time to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands or Port Blair during these months, when the weather is the most comfortable and dry. The pleasant weather makes for the ideal time to spend time outdoors on excursions and sightseeing (20°C to 30°C). The weather ensures calm seas, making this a great time for water sports, being on the beach, or diving. The region’s flora and fauna are at their best, too, and this is a great time for those who love nature and for photographers looking to capture great examples of the stunning natural areas and ecological sceneries.
Essential Travel Tips to Keep Note
As long as you follow the tips below, you should have a great time that flows smoothly while you experience the charm of Port Blair.
Plan Ahead: Schedule your flights and accommodations ahead of time, choose well-known hotel chains like Treebo Hotels to avoid last-minute hassles, particularly during the high season from October to April.
Pack Carefully: Bring light, breathable clothing for a tropical climate. Don’t forget to pack swimwear, sunscreen and a hat to shield you from the sun.
Stay Hydrated: Always carry a water bottle with you and remain hydrated while you’re out. The heat can be intense, so drinking water frequently is necessary.
Carry Cash: Some places take cards, but many of the local vendors, especially in the markets, only take cash. Consider having enough cash for the purchases that you have planned.
Be Mindful of Local Attire: Educate yourself on local customs and practices. Additionally, dress accordingly to religious establishments and traditions.
Be Eco-Friendly: Preserve the beautiful landscape every chance you get by not littering. Again, when in nature or with wildlife (especially in national parks or beach areas), be mindful and responsible.
Port Blair has an amazing mix of history, nature, and culture to keep you entertained long enough and create lasting memories. You can walk through the old halls of Cellular Jail, enjoy the stunning sunset at Corbyn’s Cove Beach, and experience the underwater world at North Bay Island. These 10 places to visit in Port Blair are the perfect highlights for your island getaway, and give you the chance to see why the Andaman Islands are an exquisite tropical paradise.
