Port Blair, Andaman

Quick Facts About Port Blair

• Official name: Sri Vijaya Puram
• Popular and former name: Port Blair
• Location: South Andaman Island
• Status: Capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
• Main airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport
• Main role: Air, ferry, administrative and tourism gateway
• Known for: Cellular Jail, museums, beaches, harbour views and island excursions
• Recommended stay: Two to three nights
• Best travel period: October to May
• Ideal for: Families, couples, history lovers, solo travellers and first-time visitors
• Local transport: Taxi, auto-rickshaw, local bus and rented two-wheeler

Is Port Blair Now Called Sri Vijaya Puram?

Sri Vijaya Puram is the current official name of Port Blair. Government offices, airport information, ferry portals and official tourism platforms increasingly use the new name.

Port Blair remains widely recognised by travellers and continues to appear in hotel listings, older guidebooks, maps, flight searches and general travel conversations.

Both names refer to the same capital city. When checking flights, ferries, transfers or hotel reservations, look for Sri Vijaya Puram, Port Blair or a listing that displays both names together.

The airport code remains the identifier shown on flight bookings, so travellers should follow the destination details printed on their confirmed ticket.

Why Visit Port Blair?

Port Blair is the best place to understand the history, geography and cultural diversity of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands before travelling to the outer islands.

Cellular Jail introduces visitors to the freedom struggle and colonial penal settlement, while the city’s museums explain indigenous cultures, marine biodiversity, forestry and island geography.

The city also provides access to nearby attractions that cannot be reached directly from Havelock or Neil Island. These include Ross Island, North Bay, Chidiya Tapu, Wandoor, Jolly Buoy Island and several South Andaman road journeys.

Port Blair has the archipelago’s broadest selection of hospitals, markets, restaurants, banks, transport providers and government offices. It is therefore a practical place to purchase essentials and organise permits before travelling farther.

Spending at least one full day in the city allows travellers to experience an important part of Andaman history instead of treating it only as an airport stop.

Best Places to Visit in Port Blair

1. Cellular Jail National Memorial

Cellular Jail, also known as Kala Pani, is the most important historical attraction in the city. The former colonial prison was used to isolate and punish Indian freedom fighters.

Visitors can explore surviving prison wings, solitary cells, museum galleries, the central watchtower, memorial exhibits and areas associated with forced labour and executions.

An evening Sound and Light Show presents episodes from the jail’s history through narration and illumination. Daytime entry and the evening show normally require separate tickets.

Opening hours, weekly closures, show languages and ticket rates should be confirmed before visiting.

2. Ross Island

Ross Island, officially called Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep, is reached by authorised boat from Sri Vijaya Puram.

It was once a British administrative settlement and now contains atmospheric ruins of a church, officers’ residences, government buildings, a bakery and other colonial structures.

Large tree roots cover several ruins, while deer, peacocks and coastal views add a nature element to the historical visit.

Ross Island is commonly combined with North Bay in a half-day or full-day boat excursion.

3. North Bay Island

North Bay is a popular offshore destination for coral viewing and seasonal marine activities. Depending on weather and permissions, visitors may find snorkelling, glass-bottom boats, scuba diving, sea walking and other experiences.

The island is normally reached by authorised tourist boat, often as part of a combined Ross Island and North Bay excursion.

Activity prices are generally separate from the main boat fare. Confirm inclusions, safety equipment, duration and cancellation rules before paying.

4. Corbyn's Cove Beach

Corbyn's Cove Beach is one of the most accessible beaches near the city. Its palm-lined shoreline can be reached by road without taking a ferry.

Visitors can walk beside the sea, relax beneath coconut trees and participate in seasonal recreational activities when conditions are suitable.

The coastal drive between central Sri Vijaya Puram and the beach also offers scenic sea views.

5. Chidiya Tapu

Chidiya Tapu is a forested coastal destination south of the city. It is known for birdwatching, mangroves, the Biological Park, Munda Pahad and sunset views.

A typical half-day trip includes the Biological Park, Munda Pahad Beach and a sunset stop. Nature trails may open or close according to weather and forest conditions.

Return transport should be arranged in advance because public services may be limited after sunset.

6. Samudrika Naval Marine Museum

Samudrika Naval Marine Museum introduces visitors to the geography, marine ecosystems, island communities and natural history of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Displays may include coral, shells, marine specimens, maps, models and information about the region’s biodiversity.

The museum is useful for families and first-time travellers who want a broad introduction before visiting beaches and coral islands.

7. Anthropological Museum

The Anthropological Museum presents educational information about the indigenous communities of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Exhibits may include photographs, tools, models, clothing, boats and descriptions of traditional ways of life.

Visitors should approach the subject respectfully and avoid treating indigenous communities as entertainment or tourist attractions.

8. Chatham Saw Mill and Forest Museum

Chatham Saw Mill is a historic industrial site located on Chatham Island and connected to the city by road.

The complex is associated with the forestry and timber history of the islands. Visitors may also see displays in the Forest Museum and historical remains connected with the Second World War.

Operational hours and entry arrangements should be checked because industrial and visitor sections may follow different schedules.

9. Marina Park

Marina Park is a waterfront recreational area near Cellular Jail. It is suitable for evening walks, harbour views and relaxed family time.

The surrounding area becomes lively in the evening, and food stalls or local recreation facilities may operate nearby.

Marina Park can be combined with a daytime Cellular Jail visit or an evening Sound and Light Show.

10. Aberdeen Bazaar

Aberdeen Bazaar is one of the city’s main commercial areas. Travellers can shop for clothing, travel essentials, packaged food, souvenirs and everyday items.

The market area also has restaurants, pharmacies, banks and transport services.

Roads can become crowded during busy hours, so allow additional travel time when passing through the area.

11. Sagarika Government Emporium

Sagarika Emporium is a useful place to look for locally produced handicrafts and government-authorised souvenir items.

Products may include wooden crafts, coconut-shell items, decorative objects and textiles.

Avoid purchasing coral, protected shells or wildlife products from any seller.

12. Science Centre

The Science Centre is an educational attraction suitable for families and school-age children. Interactive displays introduce visitors to scientific principles and selected aspects of island geography.

Opening times, maintenance closures and programme availability should be confirmed locally.

13. Jogger's Park

Jogger's Park is an elevated recreational area known for city and airport views. It is often visited during the morning or early evening.

The park can be included in a relaxed city drive, particularly for travellers with limited time before an airport transfer.

14. Wandoor Beach

Wandoor Beach lies south-west of the city and serves as the principal gateway to Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park.

The beach can be visited independently or combined with a regulated marine-park excursion.

Road travel time varies according to traffic and weather, so leave early when reporting for a scheduled boat.

15. Jolly Buoy Island

Jolly Buoy Island is a protected coral island inside Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park.

The excursion normally involves a road transfer from Port Blair to Wandoor, permit verification and an authorised boat journey.

Access is seasonal and may alternate with another protected island. Confirm the island currently open before finalising the excursion.

Best Things to Do in Port Blair

Explore Freedom-Struggle History

Visit Cellular Jail during the day, read the museum displays and attend the evening Sound and Light Show for a more complete understanding of the penal settlement.

Take a Heritage Island Boat Trip

Travel to Ross Island to see colonial ruins, tree-covered structures, wartime remains and coastal viewpoints.

Experience Coral and Marine Life

Choose a regulated trip to North Bay, Jolly Buoy or another approved marine destination for snorkelling, glass-bottom boat rides or diving.

Visit Museums

Combine Samudrika, the Anthropological Museum, the Forest Museum and Cellular Jail according to their weekly closing days.

Relax at Corbyn's Cove

Spend a few hours beside the sea without leaving the main South Andaman road network.

Watch Sunset at Chidiya Tapu

Leave the city after lunch, explore the Biological Park and coastal areas, and remain for the evening light.

Shop for Local Handicrafts

Browse Aberdeen Bazaar and Sagarika Emporium for legal, locally made souvenirs.

Enjoy Local Seafood

Try fish, prawns, crab or other available seafood at established restaurants. Confirm prices before ordering items sold according to weight or daily catch.

Walk Along the Waterfront

Marina Park and selected harbour-facing areas provide pleasant evening walks and views of boats, islands and the coastal skyline.

How to Reach Port Blair

By Air

Veer Savarkar International Airport is the primary air gateway to Sri Vijaya Puram and the Andaman Islands.

Direct and connecting flights operate from selected Indian cities. Routes, frequencies and fares vary by airline and travel date.

The airport is located within the urban area, making transfers to central hotels relatively convenient.

Keep your arrival day flexible because flight schedules can be affected by weather, operational restrictions or changes in aircraft rotation.

By Passenger Ship

Government passenger ships operate between mainland India and the Andaman Islands according to published sailing schedules.

Sea travel takes substantially longer than flying and is different from a short tourist cruise. Cabin categories, reporting procedures and sailing duration depend on the vessel.

Travellers considering a passenger ship should verify the latest schedule, ticket process, medical requirements and baggage conditions through the authorised shipping service.

From Havelock Island

Scheduled government and private ferries connect Havelock Island, officially Swaraj Dweep, with Sri Vijaya Puram.

The arrival terminal depends on the ferry operator and current port arrangements. Check the terminal shown on the ticket.

From Neil Island

Ferries connect Neil Island, officially Shaheed Dweep, with Sri Vijaya Puram on scheduled routes.

Ferry timing can change according to weather and operating requirements, so avoid booking a tightly connected flight on the same day.

Port Blair Airport Guide

Veer Savarkar International Airport is close to central city areas and serves as the principal arrival point for air travellers.

Airport Arrival Tips

• Keep hotel and transfer details available offline.
• Collect checked baggage before leaving the arrival area.
• Use a pre-arranged vehicle or recognised taxi service.
• Confirm the fare before beginning the journey.
• Keep identification and ferry tickets in hand baggage.
• Purchase essential medicines before travelling to smaller islands.

Airport Departure Tips

• Reach the airport according to the airline’s reporting requirement.
• Allow extra time during holidays and busy travel periods.
• Do not depend on a same-day island ferry arriving exactly on schedule.
• Keep prohibited marine items, coral and restricted shells out of your luggage.
• Check baggage limits before travelling.
• Keep photo identification and boarding documents easily accessible.

Port Blair Ferry Guide

Sri Vijaya Puram is the main starting point for passenger ferries to Havelock Island, Neil Island and selected other destinations.

Government and private ferries use different booking systems, vessels, terminals and baggage rules.

Ferry Booking Tips

• Book popular routes early during the peak season.
• Enter passenger names exactly as shown on identification.
• Check the departure terminal on the confirmed ticket.
• Review baggage allowances and restricted items.
• Arrive before the stated reporting time.
• Carry original photo identification.
• Save digital tickets for offline access.
• Keep essential medicines in hand baggage.
• Reconfirm the service one day before travel.
• Understand cancellation and rescheduling conditions.
• Keep a buffer before important flights.

Government vs Private Ferry

Private ferries generally offer reserved seating and advance booking through their authorised system or registered agents.

Government ferries may offer different fare categories and booking procedures. Availability can be limited during busy periods.

The better choice depends on schedule, route, budget and seat availability rather than one service always being superior.

Getting Around Port Blair

Private Taxi

A private taxi is convenient for airport transfers, family sightseeing and longer trips to Chidiya Tapu or Wandoor.

Confirm the fare, waiting time, parking charges and included stops before departure.

Auto-Rickshaw

Auto-rickshaws are useful for short city journeys between hotels, markets, museums and Cellular Jail.

Agree on the fare before travelling or confirm whether the driver will use the applicable local system.

Local Bus

Local buses provide an economical way to travel within the city and towards selected South Andaman destinations.

Routes and frequencies may not be convenient for tightly planned sightseeing, especially in the evening.

Rented Scooter

Scooter rental provides flexibility for confident riders exploring city attractions and nearby beaches.

Carry a valid driving licence, wear a helmet and avoid riding during heavy rain or after consuming alcohol.

Parking can be difficult in crowded market areas, and road conditions become slippery during rain.

Best Time to Visit Port Blair

The most convenient time to visit Port Blair is generally from October to May. These months usually offer better conditions for city sightseeing, ferry journeys, beach visits and offshore excursions.

October to February

This is the busiest travel season. Weather conditions are generally comfortable for museums, beaches and island trips.

Christmas, New Year and school holidays can create strong demand for flights, ferries and hotels.

March to May

The weather becomes warmer and more humid, but most attractions remain accessible.

Plan outdoor visits during the morning or late afternoon and use midday for museums or rest.

June to September

The monsoon period brings rain, strong winds and changing sea conditions. Ferries and boat excursions may be delayed, modified or cancelled.

City museums and historical attractions can still be visited, but travellers should maintain a flexible schedule.

Best Time of Day

Visit museums and Cellular Jail during their daytime sessions, beaches in the morning or late afternoon, and Chidiya Tapu before sunset.

Boat excursions normally require early reporting and should not be planned immediately after a morning flight arrival.

How Many Days Are Enough for Port Blair?

One Day

One full day is enough for a basic city tour covering Cellular Jail, a museum, Marina Park and Corbyn's Cove.

It does not provide enough time for a major island excursion and detailed museum visits.

Two Days

Two days allow one city sightseeing day and one Ross Island–North Bay or Chidiya Tapu excursion.

This is a practical minimum for most first-time travellers.

Three Days

Three days provide time for Cellular Jail and museums, Ross Island and North Bay, plus Chidiya Tapu or Wandoor.

Travellers taking an early onward ferry should include an additional arrival night rather than counting it as a full sightseeing day.

One-Day Port Blair Itinerary

• Morning: Visit Samudrika Naval Marine Museum.
• Late morning: Explore the Anthropological Museum.
• Lunch: Eat at a restaurant around Aberdeen Bazaar.
• Afternoon: Visit Cellular Jail and its galleries.
• Late afternoon: Drive to Corbyn's Cove Beach.
• Evening: Return for the Cellular Jail Sound and Light Show if booked.

Check museum closing days before following this itinerary.

Two-Day Port Blair Itinerary

Day 1: History, Museums and Beach

• Visit Samudrika Naval Marine Museum.
• Explore the Anthropological Museum.
• Have lunch near Aberdeen Bazaar.
• Tour Cellular Jail during the afternoon.
• Visit Corbyn's Cove or Marina Park.
• Attend the evening Sound and Light Show.

Day 2: Ross Island and North Bay

• Report at the designated boat jetty in the morning.
• Travel to Ross Island and explore the heritage ruins.
• Continue to North Bay according to the boat route.
• Choose optional coral-viewing or marine activities.
• Return to Sri Vijaya Puram during the afternoon.
• Spend the evening shopping or relaxing at Marina Park.

Three-Day Port Blair Itinerary

Day 1: City Heritage Tour

• Visit Chatham Saw Mill and Forest Museum.
• Explore Samudrika Naval Marine Museum.
• Visit Cellular Jail in the afternoon.
• Attend the evening Sound and Light Show.

Day 2: Ross Island and North Bay

• Take a scheduled boat excursion.
• Explore Ross Island's colonial ruins.
• Continue to North Bay for optional marine activities.
• Return to the city and visit Aberdeen Bazaar.

Day 3: Chidiya Tapu

• Enjoy a relaxed morning or visit the Anthropological Museum.
• Have lunch in the city.
• Travel to Chidiya Tapu during the afternoon.
• Explore the Biological Park or Munda Pahad area.
• Watch sunset and return with pre-arranged transport.

Best Day Trips from Port Blair

Ross Island and North Bay

This is one of the most popular boat excursions, combining colonial history with coral-viewing opportunities.

Chidiya Tapu

A road-based nature and sunset trip suitable for birdwatchers, families and photographers.

Jolly Buoy Island

A regulated full-day marine-park excursion involving permits, an early road transfer and authorised boat travel.

Baratang Island

Baratang Island can be visited on a long, organised road excursion involving convoy procedures and multiple transport stages.

The trip begins very early and is not suitable for travellers seeking a relaxed sightseeing day.

Wandoor and South Andaman

Wandoor Beach and surrounding South Andaman areas can be visited by road, either independently or with a marine-park excursion.

Best Areas to Stay in Port Blair

Aberdeen Bazaar and Central City

Central locations provide convenient access to restaurants, shopping, Cellular Jail, Marina Park and local transport.

The area can be busy and noisy during commercial hours.

Near Cellular Jail and Marina Park

This area is suitable for travellers prioritising heritage sightseeing, waterfront walks and the Sound and Light Show.

Near the Airport

Airport-area accommodation is practical for short stays, late arrivals and early departures.

Check the distance from the ferry terminal when an island transfer is planned the following morning.

Haddo and Harbour Areas

Harbour-side areas may be convenient for selected ferry terminals and provide views of boats and nearby islands.

Corbyn's Cove Road

Accommodation along the coastal side can provide quieter surroundings and scenic views while remaining within road distance of the city centre.

What to Check Before Booking

• Distance from the airport
• Distance from your ferry departure terminal
• Airport and jetty transfer service
• Breakfast timing for early departures
• Power backup
• Lift or ground-floor rooms for senior travellers
• Restaurant availability
• Wi-Fi and mobile connectivity
• Cancellation policy during ferry disruption
• Luggage-storage facility

Food and Restaurants in Port Blair

Port Blair has the widest restaurant selection in the Andaman Islands. Visitors can find seafood, North Indian, South Indian, Bengali, vegetarian and simple international food.

Fish, prawns and crab are commonly available according to the season and daily catch. Ask for the price before ordering seafood sold by weight or size.

Vegetarian travellers can find rice, dal, curries, dosa, idli, noodles, thali meals and other familiar options.

Eat at established restaurants and choose freshly prepared food. Drink sealed or properly filtered water.

Travellers with allergies should explain dietary restrictions clearly because sauces and gravies may contain seafood, nuts, dairy or other ingredients.

Shopping in Port Blair

Aberdeen Bazaar is the main location for clothing, travel essentials, packaged food, medicines and general shopping.

Sagarika Emporium and recognised handicraft outlets are better choices for locally made souvenirs.

Suitable Souvenirs

• Coconut-shell crafts
• Wooden decorative items from legal sources
• Textiles and locally designed clothing
• Books about Andaman history and nature
• Packaged local food products
• Postcards and artwork

Items to Avoid

• Coral pieces
• Protected shells
• Wildlife products
• Unverified antiques
• Items collected from beaches or national parks

Permits and Identification

Most regular city attractions can be visited with valid identification and the applicable entry ticket.

Protected islands, marine national parks and selected activities may require permits, passenger details or advance booking.

Foreign nationals should carry passports and valid Indian travel documents. Additional procedures may apply to restricted areas.

Documents to Keep Ready

• Government-issued photo identification
• Passport and visa documents for foreign nationals
• Flight tickets
• Ferry tickets
• Hotel confirmation
• Activity and permit confirmations
• Travel-insurance details
• Emergency contact information

Save digital copies offline and keep important original documents protected from water.

Mobile Network, Internet and Payments

Connectivity is generally better in Port Blair than on smaller islands, but internet speed and signal strength may still vary.

Hotels and cafés may offer Wi-Fi, although performance cannot always be compared with major mainland cities.

ATMs, card payments and digital-payment services are available in urban areas, but temporary network failures can occur.

Carry enough cash for taxis, small eateries, entry tickets and island activities while avoiding unnecessary large amounts.

Is Port Blair Suitable for Families?

Port Blair is suitable for families because it has museums, beaches, historical attractions, medical facilities and varied accommodation.

Children may enjoy Samudrika Museum, the Science Centre, Ross Island wildlife and Corbyn's Cove.

Cellular Jail can be educational for school-age children, although parents should explain its serious historical themes appropriately.

Keep children supervised near boat jetties, upper prison corridors, beaches and water-sports areas.

Is Port Blair Suitable for Senior Citizens?

Port Blair is one of the easiest Andaman destinations for senior travellers because major attractions can be reached by road.

A private taxi reduces walking and makes it easier to combine museums, beaches and hotel rest periods.

Ross Island and North Bay require boat boarding, while Cellular Jail includes stairs and long corridors. Accessibility should be assessed before booking.

Choose a hotel with a lift, easy vehicle access and reliable power backup.

Is Port Blair Safe for Solo Travellers?

Port Blair is generally practical for solo travellers who use recognised transport, follow local regulations and avoid isolated areas after dark.

Shared sightseeing tours and boat excursions can reduce costs and provide a structured way to visit nearby islands.

Keep family or friends informed of major transfers, particularly before long road journeys or marine excursions.

Protect identification, cash and electronics with a waterproof pouch during ferry and boat travel.

Visiting Port Blair During the Monsoon

Port Blair remains accessible during the monsoon, but travellers should expect rain, changing sea conditions and possible transport interruptions.

Museums, Cellular Jail and city restaurants provide useful alternatives when offshore excursions are cancelled.

Carry a compact umbrella, light rain jacket, waterproof footwear and protection for electronics.

Do not pressure a boat operator to travel when services are suspended for safety reasons.

Keep buffer days before flights and avoid tightly connecting multiple ferries during unsettled weather.

Responsible Tourism in Port Blair

• Do not collect coral, shells, sand or marine life.
• Avoid carrying unnecessary single-use plastic.
• Use reusable bottles and shopping bags.
• Place waste only in designated bins.
• Do not feed fish, deer, peacocks or other wildlife.
• Respect photography restrictions in museums and memorials.
• Dress and behave respectfully at Cellular Jail.
• Use authorised boats and water-sports operators.
• Do not enter restricted tribal or forest areas.
• Do not photograph indigenous people or protected communities.
• Support locally owned restaurants, guides and shops.
• Follow all marine-park, ferry and beach safety rules.

Helpful Port Blair Travel Tips

• Search both Port Blair and Sri Vijaya Puram while checking reservations.
• Spend at least one full day exploring the city.
• Book Havelock and Neil Island ferries before finalising a tightly connected itinerary.
• Check the ferry departure terminal printed on the ticket.
• Carry original photo identification for ferries and regulated activities.
• Save flight, ferry and hotel details offline.
• Do not schedule an island ferry too close to an important flight.
• Confirm museum weekly closures before planning a city tour.
• Book the Cellular Jail Sound and Light Show separately.
• Arrive early for boat excursions and ferry reporting.
• Carry cash for small payments and transport.
• Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and insect repellent.
• Use a waterproof pouch for documents and electronics.
• Carry essential medicines before travelling to smaller islands.
• Arrange transport in advance for Chidiya Tapu sunset.
• Keep boat and road itineraries flexible during bad weather.
• Purchase only legal souvenirs from recognised shops.
• Respect the history, ecology and communities of the islands.