Port Blair tourism is where almost every Andaman holiday begins. Officially renamed Sri Vijaya Puram, the city is the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the main gateway to the archipelago. It sits on the south-eastern shore of South Andaman, with a busy harbour, a historic jail, quiet beaches, small museums and boat jetties that lead to some of the most beautiful islands in the Bay of Bengal.
Many visitors treat Port Blair as a one-night stop before rushing to Havelock. That is a mistake. The city holds the best of Andaman’s history and offers easy access to coral islands, marine parks and sunset viewpoints. This guide covers the top places to visit, the best time to go, how to reach the city, what to eat, where to stay and how to plan your days. If you would rather have everything arranged for you, explore our handpicked Andaman tour packages, planned by Andaman Emerald Travels, a travel team based right here in Port Blair.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | South Andaman Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India |
| Official name | Sri Vijaya Puram (still widely called Port Blair) |
| Airport | Veer Savarkar International Airport, a short drive from the city centre |
| Known for | Cellular Jail, Ross Island, North Bay Island, Chidiya Tapu sunsets, marine national park islands |
| Best season | October to May |
| Ideal stay | 2 to 3 days (more for every museum and island) |
| Good for | Couples, families, friends, history lovers and first-time Andaman travellers |
The islands have been home to indigenous communities for thousands of years, and you can learn about them at the Anthropological Museum and in our guide to the tribes of Andaman. The modern city grew out of a British penal settlement established in the 19th century. The colonial authorities sent prisoners here, including many freedom fighters, and built the administrative centre on Ross Island. During the Second World War the islands were occupied by Japanese forces, and traces of that period, such as bunkers, can still be seen today.
After Independence, Port Blair developed into the administrative, commercial and tourism hub of the archipelago. Today it combines that heavy history with a relaxed island pace. For a deeper read before you travel, see our page on the history of the Andaman Islands.
Port Blair has more to see than most travellers expect. Below are the main attractions, grouped by what they offer, so you can build the right plan for your group. You can also browse all Andaman destinations on our site.
| Attraction | Type | Best For | Approx. Time Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cellular Jail | History | Families, history lovers | 1.5 to 2 hours, plus the evening show |
| Ross Island | History and nature | Photographers, couples | 2 to 3 hours |
| North Bay Island | Water activities | Snorkellers, families | Half day |
| Corbyn’s Cove Beach | Beach | Relaxing, first-day stop | 1 to 2 hours |
| Chidiya Tapu Beach | Sunset and birdlife | Couples, nature lovers | 2 to 3 hours |
| Wandoor Beach | Beach and marine park gateway | Quiet escape | 1 to 2 hours |
| Jolly Buoy / Red Skin Island | Snorkelling and coral | Snorkellers, nature lovers | Half to full day (weather and permit dependent) |
| Mount Harriet National Park | Trek and viewpoint | Nature lovers | 2 to 3 hours |
| Museums | Culture and education | Rainy days, children | 1 to 2 hours each |
Timings are approximate and vary with season, crowds and weather.
No visit to Port Blair is complete without the Cellular Jail. This colonial-era prison was built by the British between the late 1890s and early 1900s and was used to hold political prisoners from the mainland. Its red-brick wings, narrow cells and central watchtower show how isolated and harsh life here was. The jail is now a national memorial, with galleries, photographs and exhibits that honour the freedom fighters held within its walls.
The evening Light and Sound Show brings the story to life with narration and lighting against the old walls, and it is the best way to understand what the building meant. Arrive a little early to walk through the galleries, as the grounds can be busy in peak season. Check current show timings and language schedules before you plan your evening.
A short boat ride from the city, Ross Island was once the headquarters of the British administration. The island has since been reclaimed by nature. Giant tree roots wrap around crumbling walls, and deer and peacocks walk among the ruins of a church, a bakery, a residence and other buildings. It is one of the most photogenic places in the Andamans and takes about two to three hours to explore comfortably.
Viper Island is another reminder of the penal settlement era. The island holds the remains of a prison and gallows, set against a quiet harbour view. It is a short visit, but a meaningful one for anyone interested in the history of the islands.
Near the shore, the Japanese Bunker is a relic of the Second World War occupation. It is a brief stop that fits easily alongside a beach visit.
The city’s museums are excellent on a rainy afternoon or when you want a slower day:
The Chatham Saw Mill is one of the oldest saw mills in Asia and gives a look at the island’s timber industry and its long working history.
The closest beach to the city, Corbyn’s Cove Beach is lined with coconut palms and has calm, shallow water that suits a casual swim. Small stalls sell snacks and fresh coconut water, and light water activities such as jet skiing are available. It is a good first stop after you land.
About 25 km south of the city, Chidiya Tapu is known as the “Bird Island.” Its mangroves and forested hills attract birdwatchers, and the beach is famous for its sunsets. Go in the late afternoon so you can enjoy the drive, a short walk and the evening light. Because the sun sets early in winter, plan to arrive well before dusk.
Wandoor Beach is the entry point to Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. The beach is calm and uncrowded, and the jetty is where boats leave for several protected islands.
North Bay Island is one of the most popular day trips, thanks to its lighthouse, clear water and coral gardens. This is the place to try snorkelling, sea walking, glass-bottom boat rides and semi-submarine trips.
These islands lie within the marine national park and are famous for coral reefs and marine life. Jolly Buoy Island and Red Skin Island are among the best places for snorkelling near Port Blair, and Cinque Island is known for its pristine waters and sandbar. Access depends on weather, tides and permissions, and some islands operate on a rotating schedule, so confirm availability before you commit.
If you came for the sea, Port Blair is a great place to start. Beginners can try snorkelling and sea walking in calm, shallow water, while more experienced travellers can book scuba diving. For a burst of adrenaline, there are parasailing, jet skiing, speed boat rides and banana boat rides. Those who prefer a calmer pace can try kayaking or the semi-submarine.
| Activity | Suitable For | Experience Level |
|---|---|---|
| Snorkelling | Families, couples, beginners | Beginner |
| Sea walking | Non-swimmers, children, first-timers | Beginner |
| Scuba diving | Adventure lovers, couples | Beginner to advanced |
| Parasailing | Thrill seekers | Beginner |
| Jet skiing | Friends, couples | Beginner |
| Speed boat ride | Families, groups | Beginner |
| Banana boat ride | Groups, families | Beginner |
| Kayaking | Nature lovers, couples | Beginner |
| Semi-submarine | Families, seniors, children | No experience needed |
See the full list on our Andaman activities page, or choose one of our Andaman adventure packages, which combine several activities in one itinerary. Activities are weather-dependent, and safety briefings and life jackets are standard, so always follow your guide’s instructions.
The best time to visit is generally October to May. During these months the weather is pleasant, the sea is calmer and ferries and water activities run most reliably.
| Months | Season | What to Expect | Our Guides |
|---|---|---|---|
| October to November | Post-monsoon | Green islands, improving weather and sea conditions | October, November |
| December to February | Peak season | Most comfortable weather, busiest crowds, book early | December, January, February |
| March to May | Summer | Warmer days, good visibility for snorkelling and diving | March, April, May |
| June to September | Monsoon | Heavy rain, rougher seas, possible boat restrictions, usually lower prices | June, July, August, September |
| Mode | Best For | Things to Note |
|---|---|---|
| Air | Most travellers; the fastest option | Flights land at Veer Savarkar International Airport; book early in peak season |
| Sea | Slow, adventurous travel | Ships sail from Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam; schedules change, so confirm before booking |
| Local transport | Getting around once you arrive | Cabs and autos in the city, ferries to islands; a private cab suits families and groups |
Veer Savarkar International Airport connects Port Blair with major Indian cities. Because flights are the quickest option, most visitors fly in. If you are planning from your home city, see our packages from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad, among other cities.
Passenger ships sail from Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam. The journey takes a few days depending on the route and is a more adventurous, slower option. Schedules change, so confirm before you book.
Cabs, auto-rickshaws and local buses cover the city, while boats and ferries serve the islands. Because many attractions are spread out, a private cab for the day is the most comfortable choice for families and groups. All our packages include private transfers so you do not have to negotiate fares or check ferry timings yourself.
Port Blair offers hotels and resorts for every budget. Staying near Aberdeen Bazaar puts you close to restaurants, shops and the ferry jetties, and it suits travellers on a tight schedule. Hotels closer to Corbyn’s Cove offer a more relaxed, beachside feel. If you want peace and nature, look at stays toward Wandoor or Chidiya Tapu, though these are further from the city. Rooms fill quickly during peak season, so book early.
Start with the Cellular Jail galleries, then visit one museum, stop at Corbyn’s Cove Beach, and finish with the Light and Sound Show in the evening.
Want a ready-made plan? See our 3 nights 4 days, 4 nights 5 days, 5 nights 6 days, 6 nights 7 days, 7 nights 8 days and 8 nights 9 days Andaman packages.
Port Blair is the base for the rest of the archipelago. Many travellers continue to Havelock Island for Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach and Kalapathar Beach, or to Neil Island with its calm beaches such as Bharatpur, Laxmanpur and Sitapur. A longer road journey leads to Baratang Island, home to limestone caves and a mud volcano. If you have more time, go further north to Rangat, Mayabunder and Diglipur, or discover our guide to offbeat places in Andaman.
| Island | Known For | Best For | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Havelock Island | Beautiful beaches, diving and snorkelling | Couples, adventure lovers | Havelock Island |
| Neil Island | Calm beaches and a relaxed pace | Families, honeymooners, slow travellers | Neil Island |
| Baratang Island | Limestone caves, mangrove creeks and a mud volcano | Nature lovers (long day trip) | Baratang Island |
| Rangat, Mayabunder, Diglipur | Quiet beaches, mangrove walkways and offbeat sights | Travellers with extra time | Rangat, Mayabunder, Diglipur |
Port Blair is a seafood lover’s city. Fresh fish, crab, prawns and lobster are common on menus, along with coconut-based curries and North and South Indian dishes. Aberdeen Bazaar is the main place to eat and shop. Explore our guides to Andaman food and restaurants in Andaman to plan your meals, and see nightlife in Andaman if you want an evening out.
For souvenirs, look for handicrafts, wooden items, pearls and local artwork. Please do not buy items made from coral or protected sea creatures, as collecting these damages the reef and is restricted. Our list of things to buy in Andaman shows what is safe and worth bringing home.
Every traveller has different needs, so we offer a package for each of them:
| Traveller Type | Package | What It Offers |
|---|---|---|
| Couples | Andaman honeymoon packages | Romance, privacy and scenic stays |
| Families | Andaman family packages | Comfortable, child-friendly plans |
| Friends and colleagues | Andaman group packages | Shared planning for large parties |
| Value-focused travellers | Andaman budget packages | Affordable trips without missing the highlights |
| Government employees | Andaman LTC packages | Plans designed for LTC travel |
| Thrill seekers | Andaman adventure packages | Water sports and active excursions |
Planning something more special? We can also help with a destination wedding in Andaman or a pre-wedding shoot in Andaman. Not sure which option suits you? View all our Andaman tour packages or contact us for a customised itinerary.
Planning an island trip involves flights, ferries, permits, hotels and weather, and it is easy to get it wrong. Our local team handles the details so you can enjoy the holiday.
See what travellers say about us on Andaman Emerald Travels on Google, then call +91 9933245630 or send an enquiry for a free quote on your Andaman tour packages.
Yes. It combines history, beaches, museums and water activities, and it is the base for the rest of the Andamans. Even a short stay gives you a good sense of the islands.
Two to three days cover the main sights. Add a day if you plan to visit the marine park islands, or continue to Havelock or Neil Island.
Yes. Port Blair was officially renamed Sri Vijaya Puram, though most travellers and travel websites still use the name Port Blair.
October to May is the best period for pleasant weather and calmer seas. December to February is the busiest time, while June to September is monsoon season.
Visit in the afternoon to see the galleries and stay for the evening Light and Sound Show. Check the current show timings and language schedule before you go.
Yes. North Bay Island and the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex offer snorkelling, sea walking, jet skiing and boat rides, depending on weather and season.
Port Blair is generally considered a relaxed and safe destination for families, couples and solo travellers. As anywhere, take normal precautions, follow safety guidance on boats and in the water, and keep your valuables secure.
It depends on your travel style. Couples often choose a honeymoon package, families a family package, and budget travellers a budget package. Our team can also customise any plan.
C-43 WARD NO. 12, DIGNABAD, PORT BLAIR, South Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 744101
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