15

Things to Do in Port Blair

Cellular Jail, located at Port Blair, stood mute witness to the tortures meted out to the freedom fighters, who were incarcerated in this jail. This jail was completed in the year 1906 acquired the name ‘Cellular’ because it is entirely made up of individual cells for the solitary confinement. It stands as a dark reminiscence of the British rule in the Indian subcontinent. This most dreaded and grueling colonial prison, situated in the remote archipelago was used by the British, particularly to exile Indian political prisoners. 

Over the years, the building was damaged and only three wings and the tower remains. In 1969, it was converted into a National Memorial. It remains open on all days excepting national holidays. This place is a must-visit for all the history lovers who are inquisitive to know more about the rich history of Cellular Jail and loves to delve deep into it. Visit this jail is considered as one of the best things to do in Port Blair.

Location: Atlanta Point, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Entry fee: Entry fee per person is Rs. 30/-. Other charges include Rs. 200/- for a still camera, Rs. 1000/- for a video camera and Rs. 10,000/- for film shooting per day with prior permission.

Click here to check out the best cruise packages in Andaman for your next trip.

Attending the light and sound show is one of the important things to do in Port Blair. Isolated from the mainland, this jail, also referred to as Kala Pani (where Kala means death or time and Pani means water in Sanskrit) witnessed the most atrocious punishments imposed on prisoners. A national memorial is a must visit attraction to remind us of the hardship our freedom fighters had to go through for the freedom that we are enjoying today. 

It should certainly be a ‘not-to-be-missed’ activity where the people not only will get a chance to know more about the history but also witness the beautiful event like this. Light and Sound Hindi show start from 6:00 pm to 7:15 pm on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. English show starts at 7:15 pm. Jail Museum opens from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, and from 1:30 pm to 4:45 pm. It remains closed on Mondays.

Location: Atlanta Point, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Entry fee: The price of a ticket for the light and sound show is Rs. 50/- per adult.

Chidiya Tapu is 30 kilometres from the main city of Port Blair and is popularly known for its sunset views and bird watching activity. There are varieties of birds that visit this place, some are known while some are rare. The road passes through forest and small hills up to the Chidiya Tapu. From Port Blair, the journey takes around one hour to reach Chidiya Tapu beach. 

If you are interested in watching the sunset here, it is advisable to take an afternoon trip to this place. There are no restaurants or food stalls available inside the park; however, small hotels are present at the entrance, so you can feed your stomach there.

On your way, you pass through the Kalapathar, a trail of black rocks and beach. It is a good idea to stop here to take some pictures and proceed to Chidiya Tapu. Also known as "Sunset Point" and "Bird Island," it is one of the best places to see the sunset in Port Blair.

Location: Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Island.

Entry fee: There is no entrance fee.

Gandhi Park, located in the centre of Port Blair, provides the kind of peace one seeks, away from the persistent madness of the fast life. Once the only source of drinking of the city, the Park today is a symbol of natural splendour and manmade brilliance. This beautiful park makes for a lovely visit with family, especially if one is bringing along an entourage of tiny feet who will really enjoy the amusement rides, the nature trail around the lake and boating. 

The park, with an imposing statue of Mahatma Gandhi in the centre, has a few other historical monuments- the remains of a Japanese temple and a bunker ensuring an interesting time. Outside the park, various food stalls greet the hungry visitor, with pani puri stalls, ice cream carts and Chinese fast food stalls adorning the wayside. Visiting Gandhi Park is, of course, one of the things to do in Port Blair.

Location: AHW Colony, Shadipur, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Entry fee: The entry fee is Rs 50 each for adults, Rs 25 each for kids, Rs 500 each for foreigners.

Don't forget to check out the best places to visit in Andaman before you start planning your next trip.

Pinpointed at a considerable distance of about 25 kilometres from the capital city of Port Blair exists the very exotic Munda Pahar Beach. The luxuriant green mangrove lumps, the tweeting birds, the rich dense forests and the crystal clear waters all seem to add up the magnificence of the Munda Pahar Beach. The beauty of the place is such that it creates a charm on its visitors. The Munda Pahar Beach is one of the most visited beaches in the Andaman Islands. 

Residing in the lap of nature, the Munda Pahar Beach is truly a sight to behold. The Munda Pahar Beach is a mind blasting beach with an extensive collection of birds possessing over 46 varieties of endemic birds. The Munda Pahar Beach has become a dwelling place for these vibrant, pulsating and beautiful birds. 

The Munda Pahar Beach, being an inseparable and significant part of the Andaman Islands is of splendid tourism value. The beach tends to create a charm on innumerable tourists who keep flocking to the place all through the year.

Location: Chidyatapu, Port Blair, South Andaman Island

Entry fee: No entrance fee

Mount Harriet is the most noteworthy crest in the South Andaman archipelago and is named after Harriet Tytler, the second spouse of Robert Christopher Tytler, a British trooper, naturalist and picture taker, who was selected directing Superintendent of the Convict Settlement at Port Blair in the Andamans from April 1862 to February 1864. 

Its common appeal and excellence draw in a lot of guests. The normal greenery couldn't be coordinated. The greenery wherever gives you gigantic feel that you are in a profound woods. One can have a look at various types of feathered creatures starting here. From the highest point of the pinnacle, one can get a wonderful perspective of the Port Blair city, the Ross Island and the Havelock Island.

Location: Mount Harriet, positioned at 55 km by street and 15 km by ship from Port Blair.

Entry fee: No fee chargeable.

North Bay Island is another most visited attraction. There are amazing activities in Port Blair, like rich coral reefs and amazing water activities here which attracts tourist from all over the globe. Located nearer to Phoenix Jetty of Port Blair, this beach is also very famous for underwater corals. Snorkeling and scuba diving activities are also available in North Bay. There are one-day package trips include North Bay, Viper Island, and Ross Island. 

It is an ideal place for scuba diving and snorkeling. Coral Island with white sand beaches is surrounded by the pristine beauty of nature. The sea has gifted this island with all the splendor to attract any sea loving human. The Coral reefs are gorgeously decorated by nature to stun the visitor. Visitors to North Bay should be ready at Phoenix Bay Jetty, Port Blair before 9.00am.

The Japanese war bunkers were constructed during the Japanese occupation of the Andaman and Nicobar islands during World War II. The Japanese forces during their occupation of the islands had constructed a chain of war bunkers at strategic locations. Intended for surveillance, the structures are reportedly secure from air strikes. A majority of the bunkers in the civilian areas are currently in ruins because of the administration's apathy and failure to maintain them.

Many of them have been reduced to garbage dump yards, some are home to anti-social elements and the others have been demolished unlawfully like the one near a prominent resort at South Point. Although now The Andaman and Nicobar Command has taken a decision to operationalize the high-security bunkers located in strategic areas of the islands clusters.

Entry fee: There is no entry fee.

How to reach: To reach here, there are many private ferry services available.

Don't forget to check out the resorts in Neil Island before you plan your trip.

Clock Tower is the central landmark standing in the heart of Port Blair’s busy Aberdeen Bazaar. Also popularly known as the Ghanta Ghar in Andaman, it is a reminder from the British era. It also showcases one of the commendable steps taken by the Port Blair municipal council to promote international tourism. 

Contradictory to the people believing that the clock shows the wrong time, the four watches on each side of the clock tower shows different timings as per four different time zones! Have you noticed this? You can do much at this monument except read it and look at it that's all. Therefore, Clock Tower has to be one of the things to do in Port Blair for a traveler. So, what are you waiting for? Head to Andaman and make a visit to Clock Tower.

Location: RGT Rd, Aberdeen Bazar, Mohanpura, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Entry fee: No fee chargeable.

Planning a trip to Andaman? You must check out this list of best activities in Andaman.

If bargaining is your expertise, head to the Aberdeen Bazaar where you can pick up a number of items from the roadside stalls as well as government emporiums. Colored fabrics, wood artifacts, jewelry, Port Blair T-shirts much more as there are available in a good amount here. After a good shopping extravaganza, you can enjoy a delicious meal at the Lighthouse Residency in the market itself. 

Best things to pick from the Aberdeen Bazaar are pearl jewelry, home decor accessories made from shells, coconut lampshades and bangles and paper Mache tribal masks.  This is definitely a must-visit for all the shopaholics and shouldn’t be missed if you are in Andaman and love to shop. You will definitely be spoilt for choice in the market, the market will cater to all your needs.

Entry fee: No entry ticket.

How to reach: You can reach here by bus, which will be available from Port Blair Airport.

Plan your honeymoon trip to Andaman which is also known as one of the best destinations for the honeymoon.

MG Road in Port Blair is one such destination that is filled with numerous shopping possibilities. A perfect testimony to Port Blair’s shopping and commercial opportunities, this street is full of shops. Products ranging from exotic curios to household items are found here. This street also boasts of numerous hotels and classy restaurants. The idyllic setting of the shops and eateries make this a favorite shopping ground for tourists. It is advised to carry cash as many shops may not accept cards.

MG Road offers a decent mix of budget and value for money for hotels in Port Blair. Since this area offers a better accommodation option to the travelers, it is well suited for those who want the comfort of a decent hotel at a good price. The area is again well connected to other parts of Port Blair and is a popular location for those looking for a good value for money on their accommodation. 

Hotels in M G Road are good value for money. MG Road offers a decent range of 2 and 3-star hotels in Port Blair. The range of hotels available makes it an ideal place for those looking for decent accommodation without spending a lot.

Location: Near trunk road, Port Blair

Entry fee: No entry ticket

Check out the best hotels in Andaman Islands which will offer you a comfortable stay during your trip.

No one comes to Port Blair for the beach, but if you need a break from town, Corbyn’s Cove has a small curve of sand backed by palms. The coastal road here is a scenic journey and passes several Japanese WWII bunkers along the way. Located 7 kilometers south of town, an autorickshaw costs Rs.150, or you can rent a motorcycle. Crocodiles are occasionally spotted in the area. Secluded, and unspoiled, the Corbyn's Cove beach is just 8 kilometers from the City center and a prominent sightseeing place in Andaman. 

With pleasant blue sea water and lush green coconut palms, the beach allows visitors to relax alongside and enjoy several water sports available on the shore of the beach. Some of the water activities in Port Blair that one can undertake and enjoy over a visit to Corbyn's Cove Beach include scuba diving, surfing, and boating. Further, the beach is also a perfect location for taking pleasure in sunbathing, swimming and surfing. 

This coconut palm fringed beach is surrounded by a hotel and small offering refreshments and food. From here, tourists can also visit the Snake Island, which claims to have a lot of deadly snakes. The snake island is also known for colorful corals, mesmerizing fishes, and rock faces. One can take a motorboat to land at this island.

Location: Carbyns Cove, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Entry fee: No entry fee.