Description

Port Blair Guide

The capital city of the Andaman Islands, Port Blair is your entryway to the rich expanse of Beauty and Serenity that the Islands have to offer. Explore its many Museums, discover the Flora and Fauna and the Rich Marine Life, or simply take a stroll at the Marina Park to enjoy the sweet Sea Breeze. Walk past the Japanese Bunkers, indulge in Water Sports, discover the island’s High Peaks, and get familiarized with the land’s Rich Culture and Diversity.

Port Blair is the best introduction to the Andaman Islands that one could hope for.

Port Blair at a Glance

• Andaman’s only commercial airport (Veer Savarkar International Airport) is in Port Blair, thus making it your only entry and exit point into the Islands.
• Port Blair is the cultural hub of the Andamans. With only one beach in town, there isn’t much of a seascape to enjoy. So, if you are looking for beaches exclusively, then take the afternoon Ferry to Havelock or Neil.
• Port Blair is connected to all islands by ferries. Phoenix Bay Jetty and Haddo Wharf, are the most busy harbours.
• Port Blair is connected to North Andaman by road. Diglipur, Baratang, Rangat, and Mayabunder are accessible via road from Port Blair, although it can take about 5 to 6 hours.
• Internet is easily available in Port Blair, although it can often be slow.

Best Time to Visit Port Blair

The tourist season falls between November and mid-May and the peak season is between December- March.

Monsoon season is between June and September.

One should always expect light rains even during other seasons since it’s a tropical island.

How to Reach Port Blair?

Port Blair is home to the only Commercial Airport of the Islands – The Veer Savarkar International Airport. Direct flights to and fro Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, and Bangalore are available

Port Blair can be reached in two ways:

• By Air
• By Sea.

Flights are certainly faster which takes about 2.5 – 3 hours to reach mainland India, more comfortable, and therefore the preferred option. Ships, although seem cheaper, are general passenger ships and are more troublesome than they might seem. However, we recommend a journey on a ship for the experience of a voyage on the sea; it’s an unusual adventure in itself.

Getting Around in Port Blair

1. Tourist Taxis

Tourist taxis can be rented from anywhere in Port Blair, there will be drivers waiting at the Jetty, it is advisable that you fix the prices before starting the journey. If you are part of a package tour, is usually included in the package..

2. Bike Rentals

You can hire Bikes in Port Blair on a daily basis at approximately INR 500 per day. Fuel Stations shut by 9 pm. Avoid during monsoons as roads can get slippery.

3. Auto-Rickshaws

Auto-Rickshaws are also available and cost around INR 50 to 200 for short rides & around INR 200-250 for long rides.

4. Public transport

Public Buses ply in Port Blair and budget travelers prefer this. However, it can get quite tiresome and is not advised as the best mode of transport.

5. Airport Picks Up and Drop

Taxis are conveniently available to/from the Airport to/from the Phoenix Bay Jetty, the Haddo Wharf, and Hotels. Taxis cost  INR 450-500 and it takes around 15-20 minutes from the Airport to get to the Private Jetty.

Transfers: Port Blair to other Islands

Port Blair is connected to all other islands by land and by sea.

Transfers between islands are possible in four ways:

1. Private Ferries

They connect only Port Blair, Havelock, Baratang, and Neil Island. A One-Way Trip takes about 60 minutes to 90 minutes to reach the respective Islands. Though expensive, Ferries are the most convenient and preferred modes of transport in Andamans. The kinds of cruises available are Makruzz, Green Ocean, Nautika/ Sea Link Ferry and ITT Majestic. These ferries run on a daily basis providing easy accessibility to the Islands.

2. Government Ferries

These connect Port Blair to Havelock, Neil, Little Andaman, Diglipur, and Nicobar (not accessible to tourists).

3. Helicopter

Pavan Hans operates from Port Blair to Havelock, Diglipur, Hut Bay in Little Andaman, and Neil Island, this service is mainly for Govt Official travel and Medical Emergencies. Only on very rare occasions, travellers are allowed to fly.

4. By Road

Only North Andaman that consists of Baratang, Rangat, Mayabundar, and Diglipur are connected by the road. There is a national highway that connects Port Blair to Diglipur. Regular buses, Taxis also operate. This was the only way to travel to Baratang until recently when ferry services started to Baratang

Top Things to Do in Port Blair

Although most travelers visit Port Blair as a port of transit to other islands, this Capital city of Andamans has so much more to offer than it has been credited for. Right from Historical Museums to Water sports, this place has it all.

1. Cellular Jail

It has been an important historical part of Port Blair. Notable freedom fighters such as Veer Savarkar, Yogendra Shukla, Batukeshwar Dutt, and Babarao Savarkar were some of the inmates here. Don’t miss the Light and Sound Show (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) when you visit Cellular jail.

Entry Fees of the National Memorial Cellular Jail

Entry Fees of the Sound & Light Show at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island

2. Corbyn’s Cove

Surrounded by lush green palms, this happens to be one of the busier beaches in the Andamans. It’s located right outside of Port Blair about 8 km. The drive there itself is a scenic treat to the eyes. Many entertainment options like Jet Ski and other water activities make it a popular destination amongst tourists.

Enjoy a relaxing drink with your friends at the beach facing the cafe when you are here. The blue benches lining the area make for a great seat to enjoy the view. You will also find clean and well-maintained bathrooms and changing rooms at your convenience.

3. Samudrika Naval Marine Museum

This museum is a perfect blend of Historical and Modern Andaman. A Massive Blue Whale, in its Skeletal Form, of course, greets you as you enter the museum. There is also an Aquarium with fish of all shapes and sizes, from a Parrotfish to the rare and Venomous Species of Stonefish and Corals.

Do stop by the gift shop on your way back to get some souvenirs back home for your loved ones.

4. Dinner Cruise

TSG Bella Bay hosts a beautiful and luxurious Dinner Cruise that departs every evening from the Junglighat Jetty. If you are looking for a fun evening with some live music and a DJ accompanied by your loved ones, this is one of the best things to try out in Port Blair. A cool evening sea breeze greets you while you listen to the Nicobar Band play, right under the stars.

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