“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.” This quote accurately describes a journey to Port Blair where time freezes and you can just enjoy the beauty of the present. This capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is located on the eastern bank of the Southern Andaman Island.
There are plenty of things to do in Port Blair from discovering a rich tribal culture to exploring shorelines and islands and picking up coral artifacts at Aberdeen Bazaar. Water sports activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, deep sea diving and ocean walks are also aplenty here and make for a great holiday adventure in Port Blair. Following is a list of top things to do in Port Blair, Andaman.
15 Best Things To Do In Port Blair
Are you planning a visit to Port Blair? From shimmering beaches to anthropological museums and colonial jails, there is plenty of things to do in Port Blair. Here are some of the places where you can go sightseeing in Port Blair:
- Kala Pani: Unveil The Story
- Light And Sound Show: Watch The Heroic Struggle
- Museum Tour: Witness The Past
- Birdwatching: Spot Vibrant Birds
- Restaurants: Try Local Food
- Nightlife: Attend Parties And More!
- Shopping: Splurge A Little
- Gandhi Park: Go For Peaceful Walks
- Ross Island: A Visit To Colonial Era
- Underwater Walks: For Adventure Buffs
- Jolly Buoy Island: An Enticing Day Out
- Munda Pahar Beach: Unwind And Relax
- Mahatma Gandhi National Park: Witness Marine Life
- Mount Harriet: Take A Glance At The Flora And Fauna
- Barren Island: Visit South Asia’s Only Active Volcano
1. Kala Pani: Unveil The Story
Cellular Jail or Kaala Paani is one of the most popular places to visit in Port Blair. Take a trip around the jail blocks of the Cellular Jail where Indian freedom fighters were once imprisoned. Take a guide along to know about the history of Kala Pani and the British used to treat the freedom fighters.
Location: Garacharama II, Beside Susan’s Roses, Port Blair, Andaman, and Nicobar Islands 744105
What’s special: A Malayalam film named Kaalapani depicting the history of Cellular jail was shot here.
How to reach: The best way to reach the Cellular Jail is by taking a cab or auto-rickshaw from any major city square.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM and 1:30 – 5:30 PM
Price: INR 20
Tips: Veer Savarkar’s cell, oil mills, gallows, Netaji Gallery, Library on Freedom Movement
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2. Light And Sound Show: Watch The Heroic Struggle
One of the most famous things to do in Port Blair, attending the light and sound show, will leave you with a tear in the eye and a gush of patriotism. It’s the saga of the heroic struggle of the revolutionary men in the history of India’s freedom struggle.
The history of Kala Pani is brought alive by a soulful narration from the viewpoint of an old peepal tree in the complex that witnessed all the tragic events in this cellular hell. The voice of the Peepal tree is that of one of the most famous Bollywood actors Om Puri.
Location: Garacharama II, Beside Susan’s Roses, Port Blair, Andaman, and Nicobar Islands 744105
What’s special: There is a guided tour prior to this show which is a must-do activity.
How to reach: The best way to reach the Cellular Jail, where the show takes place is by taking a cab or auto-rickshaw from any major city square.
Timings: Two shows daily at 18:00 and 19:15 in Hindi except for on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday when the second show is in English.
Price: INR 150
Tips: Book your ticket in advance
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3. Museum Tour: Witness The Past
Taking a half-day museum tour is one of the most interesting things to do in Port Blair, Andaman. Museums in Port Blair uncover the city’s tribal history, marine life, and more. From a plethora of island artifacts at Samudrika Marine Museum to lively tribal murals at the Anthropological Museum and endemic marine species at the Fisheries Museum – there’s a lot to see and learn. And it’s all the more fun if you are on an Andaman family holiday.
Location: Multiple locations; Depends upon your tour group
What’s special: There is a walking route that covers almost all the museums and the guide offers fun facts about the place which are not to be missed.
How to reach: The best way to reach the starting point of your tour would be by a cab or auto-rickshaw.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Price: INR 50 (Adult) and INR 20 (Kids)
Tips: Do not feed the fish or crocodiles here.
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4. Birdwatching: Spot Vibrant Birds
Besides grand sunsets, Chidiya Tapu is also a good spot to go birdwatching. If you are a birdwatching enthusiast then this is one of the best things to do Port Blair. Different kinds of birds from all over the world flock here and are a spectacle to witness. The best time to go birdwatching here is during the morning when they are highly active. To enjoy the beautiful sunsets, stay till around 4 pm.
Location: South Andaman region
What’s special: Flocks of migratory birds that crowd near the water bodies.
How to reach: The Chidiya Tapu is located at a distance of 32 kilometers from the city and can be reached by auto-rickshaw or taxi.
Timings: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Price: Free
Tips: The place is known for vast collection of fauna
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5. Restaurants: Try Local Food
Port Blair is a haven for any food lover as there are plenty of seafood restaurants as well as international restaurants serving some delicious fare. Sumptuous red snappers, tiger prawns, barracudas, lobsters and squids will delight your taste buds at the Lighthouse Residency located at MG Road.
Blue Marlin at Maulana Azad Road is another popular restaurant that not only has one of the most interesting decors but also has a special seafood menu you will love. For some of the tastiest Bengali fare like Nicobari fish, crab curries and coconut chicken, you should try the local favorite, the Gagan Restaurant.
Excel restaurant at Hotel Lalaji Bay View is one eating joint that serves up some of the best international dishes. Their Israeli dishes are definitely worth a try on a trip to Port Blair.
If you are craving a fun night out, stroll over to the Sea Sip bar that is open at night. There are plenty of tasty cocktails and mocktails you can sip on throughout the night. Friendly staff, customized drinks and tasty food will keep you entertained all night long. This is one of the best things to do in Port Blair at night.
Location: Multiple locations
What’s special: The best and most popular local cuisine one must-try is the Coconut Prawn Curry.
How to reach: The best way to reach the restaurants is by taking a cab or auto-rickshaw from the city directly to the location.
Timings: NA
Price: INR 300-2500
Tips: Do check the rating before visiting the place
Suggested Read: Mangrove Creek: Explore The Hidden Mangroves in Andaman For An Enigmatic Hideout
6. Nightlife: Attend Parties And More!
For a night out in the city, the luxury hotels offer the best kind of entertainment with live bands, a delectable mix of cocktails, sumptuous food and scintillating views of the sea. Some good options are Peerless Beach Resort, Sinclairs Bay View at South Point, Fortune Resort Bay Island at Marine Hill, Corbyn’s Cove and Hotel Shompen at Middle Point. At Nico Bar, your drinks are served in coconut shells.
Location: Multiple locations
What’s special: Don’t forget to try cocktails made from the popular premium whisky.
How to reach: The best way to reach the restaurants/bars after sundown is by hiring a cab.
Timings: NA
Price: NA
Tips: NA
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7. Shopping: Splurge A Little
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 are aplenty here. After a good shopping extravaganza, you can enjoy a delicious meal at the Lighthouse Residency in the market itself.
The best things to pick from the Sagarika Government Emporium are pearl jewelry, home decor accessories made from shells, coconut lampshades, and bangles, and paper mache tribal masks.
Location: Multiple locations
What’s special: Tribal island-themed art pieces
How to reach: The best way to reach the shopping marketplace is by hiring a cab or auto-rickshaw directly to the location and then walking around inside to get to the shops.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Price: Free
Tips: Do bargain before grabbing your favorite items
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8. Gandhi Park: Go For Peaceful Walks
If you are wondering what to do in Port Blair in the evening, visit Gandhi Park where you can enjoy the beautiful sunsets while reading a book or just gazing at the endless ocean. There are also plenty of food stalls here where you can munch away on Chinese fast food, paani puri, and ice cream!
Location: AHW Colony, Shadipur, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744101
What’s special: Grilled seafood like prawns and fish on the street-side is a must-try food item near the park.
How to reach: The best way to reach Gandhi park is by taking a cab or auto-rickshaw to the park entrance.
Timings: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Price: INR 50 (Adults) and INR 25 (Kids)
Tips: You can also indulge in water sports here
Suggested Read: Srinagar And Port Blair Crowned The Most Pocket-Friendly Holiday Destinations
9. Ross Island: A Visit To Colonial Era
One of the most famous things to do in Port Blair is to visit Ross Island – once the colonial capital of the British. It takes you to another world with its British vestige places – you will come across an old church and a bakery from colonial times.
Location: Ross Island Rd, 744104
What’s special: The spotted dears in the area can be found roaming around freely and they have become so comfortable around humans that the locals call them “fearless deers.”
How to reach: Located at a distance of 3 kilometers east in the downtown area from the city, you can take a private ferry or a public boat for INR 100 to reach the island.
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Price: INR 100 (Adults) and INR 25 (Kids)
Tips: Friendly deers, the beautiful Ferar beach, Japanese bunkers, and the museum are not to be missed here.
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10. Underwater Walks: For Adventure Buffs
Watch time fade away on an underwater sea walk at North Bay Island where you can experience the amazing marine life of the Andamans. Spot fishes, see coral reefs up close, watch lobsters in action while walking on the seabed of this exciting island. Besides, there are plenty of fun activities in Port Blair like snorkeling and scuba diving you can try here.
Location: North Bay Island
What’s special: The sea-walking experience will take you 15-25 feet below the sea-level.
How to reach: The best way to reach the North Bay island is by taking a ferry from Port Blair that will take 60-90 minutes.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Price: INR 150 per head for the ferry ride
Tips: The depth of water here is 15 – 25 feet deep
Suggested Read: 14 Thrilling Water Sports In Andaman That All Adventure Enthusiasts Must Try
11. Jolly Buoy Island: An Enticing Day Out
Jolly Buoy Island is an adventure lover’s delight where you can watch the coral reefs and underwater sea life as you go along in a glass-bottom boat. The island is only open for seven months to protect the reefs and the rates for the boat ride varies from INR 300 to 1000. Besides this, you can also try snorkeling and scuba diving that are fun activities in Port Blair you should try out.
Location: SH8, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
What’s special: The glass-bottom boats are a rare experience that can be experienced in a few places in India.
How to reach: The best way to reach the Jolly Buoy Island is by taking a ferry from Port Blair directly to the location.
Timings: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Price: INR 50 (Adult) and INR 25 (Kids)
Tips: Do not enter the island without taking a proper permit from the administration.
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12. Munda Pahar Beach: Unwind And Relax
One of the best things to do in Port Blair is to trek your way to the shimmering waters of the Munda Pahar beach that lies around 2-3 km from Chidiya Tapu. The water here is absolutely clear and there are no waves at all. Stroll along the shore or relax on the white soft sands of this grand beach. There are patrolling boats all around the beach to ensure that you are safe.
Location: Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744105
What’s special: Beyond the mangroves, there are several viewing points that offer an amazing view of sunrise and sunset.
How to reach: Located at a distance of 17 kilometers from the city of Port Blair, this place is easily accessible by car.
Timings: Throughout the day
Price: Free
Tips: It is an awesome place to plan a getaway with family
Suggested Read: 36 Places To Visit In Port Blair: The Best Of History, Nature And Beauty
13. Mahatma Gandhi National Park: Witness Marine Life
If you are thinking that what to do in Port Blair for the best marine life experience then here is an awesome thing to indulge in! One of the best things to do in Port Blair is to visit the Wandoor beach and the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park that lie side by side and offer a glimpse of Andaman’s vibrant marine life. The man-made Mahatma Gandhi park has a number of flora and fauna that are maintained under specific climatic conditions – from models of saltwater crocodiles to turtles, starfishes, etc.
The coral reef is a delight and so is the variety of birds here – you can spot birds like White-Bellied Sea Eagle, herons, and parakeets. Besides, the park is famous for adventure sports like scuba diving, snorkeling, and glass-bottom boat rides. There are also regular treks and camping trips that are top things to do in Port Blair.
Location: SH8, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
What’s special: This place also offers special tours for photography enthusiasts who would like to do wildlife photography.
How to reach: The national park is located at a distance of 29 kilometers from the city, and can be easily reached by car.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Price: INR 50 (Adult) and INR 25 (Kids)
Tips: Don’t forget to visit the turtle breeding center.
Suggested Read: North Bay Island: A Comprehensive Guide For Those Planning A Trip To The Andamans
14. Mount Harriet: Take A Glance At The Flora And Fauna
Go for a birdwatching tour at Mount Harriet National Park on your trip to Port Blair whilst surrounded by over 393 plant species, 90 species of birds, mammals, and more. There are a number of unique species of moths and reptiles here as well as marine turtles and elephants. There are also grand sunsets and sunrises you can enjoy while relaxing at this park.
Location: Hope Town, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744107
What’s special: There are several species that are exclusive to the region which can only be found in Andaman.
How to reach: The best way to reach the national park is by taking a cab from the city directly to the location.
Timings: 7:00AM – 5:00PM
Price: INR 25 (Adults) and INR 10 (kids)
Tips: Don’t forget to carry your sunscreen to avoid heat
Suggested Read: Hotels And Resorts In Port Blair: From Nature To Modern Luxury, Staying Here Is Definitely Worth It!
15. Barren Island: Visit South Asia’s Only Active Volcano
Witness one of nature’s greatest feats at Barren island where a chartered boat will take you past South Asia’s only active volcano. The volcano has erupted only twice, once in 1991 and then in 1994-5. The entire island is barren as its name suggests with the exception of a few goats and rodents. It is a day trip, and you will not be permitted to set foot on the island.
Location: Andaman and Nicobar Islands – 744202
What’s special: Besides being uninhabited by humans, rare animals like. the flying fox and be observed here.
How to reach: The best way to reach the Barren Islands is by taking a boat or seaplane to the nearby viewing points.
Timings: 12:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Price: Free
Tips: You can also indulge in scuba diving in waters that surround Barren Island
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How To Reach Port Blair
Port Blair is well-connected by flights and there are regular direct flights from Kolkata and Chennai. Foreigners and NRIs need to get a Protected Area Permit (PAP) on arrival which is valid for 30 days in Port Blair.
You can also travel here by boat from Visakhapatnam (56 hours), Chennai (60 hours) and Kolkata (66 hours) and the tickets can be booked at the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI)’s headquarters.
Further Read: 19 Best Hotels And Resorts In Andaman That Fit Under Every Budget
The best part about Port Blair is you got everything on one small island. You can have the classic summer-relaxation-holiday at the seaside, indulge in some local food, and maybe spend a few extra days to unwind from the bustle. Did you see the variety of options you have to make your Andaman vacations a huge hit? Did the list manage to get you excited? If yes, plan a trip to the Andaman and head to Port Blair for indulging in all the above-listed things to do. Take your family or friends along and make your island vacation a memorable one.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Port Blair
How many days are enough to spend in Port Blair?
A trip of 3-4 days is enough to explore all the prime destinations in Port Blair. Moreover, travellers can also indulge in several adventurous activities and make the most of their vacation.
Is it allowed to visit Andaman during Covid?
Yes, travellers now do have permission to enter the islands. All they need to make sure is to follow all the government protocols and stay masked whenever out.
What is Port Blair famous for?
The destination is famous for its natural vistas with turquoise blue water and alluring sky. Moreover, it is also a haven for vacationers who wish to indulge in water sports like snorkelling, diving, sea walking, and more.
What is the best time to visit Port Blair?
Port Blair is one of those destinations that welcome travellers throughout the year by virtue of the tropical monsoon climate encircling the nation all year long. But the best time to visit Port Blair is either the summer or the winter season. Months from October to May happens to be the best months to visit Port Blair.
How do I get from Port Blair to North Bay Island?
The best way to reach North Bay Island from Port Blair is by taking a boat directly to the location from the shore. The distance between both the places is 42 kilometers and can be a great day-trip to take during your travel.
Is Andaman a coral island?
There is small and patchy coral at the inner-tides region located at the center of the island in Andaman. More than 560 species of corals have been found in Andaman and they can be a great sight during scuba diving.
What are some popular things to do in Port Blair?
Some popular things to do in Port Blair include visiting top tourist attractions like Cellular Jail, Japanese Bunkers, Chatham Saw Mill, Murugan Temple, Corbyn’s Cave, Chidiya Tapu for birdwatching, and museums that uncover the tribal history of Port Blair.
Where can one shop from in Port Blair?
Some of the famous markets in Port Blair are Aberdeen Bazaar, Queen SeaShell Craft, and Sagarika. You can find yourself a souvenir and buy gifts for your friends and family.
Where can I eat in Port Blair?
There is no dearth of restaurants in Port Blair that serve some of the most scrumptious delicacies. Some of these restaurants are Lighthouse Residency, Blue Marlin, Gagan Restaurant, Excel Restaurant, Sea Sip Bar, Icy Spicy, and Annapurna Cafeteria.
What are some popular beaches to visit in Port Blair?
Some of the popular beaches to visit in Port Blair are Munda Pahar Beach, Ferar Beach, Wandoor Beach, Laxmanpur Beach, Collinpur Beach, and North Bay Beach.
How is the nightlife in Port Blair?
Nightlife in Port Blair is nothing less than vibrant and lively. To witness the nightlife of Port Blair at its best one can visit the following places- Peerless Beach Resort, Sinclairs Bay View at South Point, Fortune Resort Bay Island at Marine Hill, Corbyn’s Cave, and Hotel Shompen at Middle Point, and Nico Bar.
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An ardent lover of chai, momos, and doggos, Andrea is a happy soul to whom writing comes naturally. A true believer of work hard, party harder, you can find her exploring new cafes and eateries in the city. Also, talk anything good about Cristiano Ronaldo if you want to strike a conversation about anything under the sky!
