Exploring Andaman Islands – Port Blair, things to do and places to see

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Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India are one of the most beautiful places that every Indian should visit at least once in their lifetime. The beaches in Port Blair or any of the other islands in Andaman for that matter are a treat to the eyes and food for the soul. I usually hate comparing places and rate one over the other as every place has its own beauty and stories to tell. However, I hope this post changes the mindset in you that Thailand and Indonesia are not the only beach destinations to head out for that vacation.

In this post, I will be taking you through the capital city of Andaman – PORT BLAIR and the various things to do when in this town.

Popular Islands in Andaman

Ferry to Havelock

Havelock, Neil, Baratang, Jolly Buoy, Ross, Viper, North Bay are the most famous islands one visits in the Andaman Islands. Other than these, there are many more beautiful islands which are uninhabited or places where the tribals live. The ones listed above are the most visited islands by tourists and I would recommend at least three of these to be added to your Andaman itinerary, whenever you choose to go there.

Capital and landing/embarking destination: Port Blair.

Click here to check the availability and book your ferry seats to various islands in advance.

This island is closer to reach from Kolkata, Vishakapatnam and Chennai. Flights usually hop over these three airports before landing in Port Blair and travel by sea is possible too.

Things to do in Port Blair

Recommended duration of stay: 3
Place of Stay: I stayed in Hotel Sentinel.

Place to stay in Port Blair

Andaman and Nicobar Islands are one of India’s Union Territories and are situated on the Bay of Bengal. The Andaman and Nicobar Command in Port Blair is known for the first integrated tri-command of the armed forces of India. Port Blair is one of the most crowded places in Andamans, in spite of not having many places to see/visit. Now many is not a bad thing as the ones that are there are beautiful and you need time to enjoy this picturesque landscape. Yes, time just flies.

Rent two wheeler

If you wish to, you can rent two-wheeler to explore this city leisurely at your own pace.

Cellular Jail & Sound and Light Show aka Kala Pani

Cellular Jail in Port Blair

The first item on any ‘things to do in Port Blair’ list would be the cellular jail, and deservedly so. This National Memorial is all about our freedom struggle, something each of us must know. The British set up this seven wing prison to torture the Indian freedom fighters.  Some of the notable names who were held as prisoners here were Vinayak Damodar Savarkar (also known as Veer Savarkar), Bathukeshwar Dutta, Yogendra Shukla etc. The most famous cell is that of Veer Savarkar and the airport is named after him.

Cellular Jail in Port Blair

Don’t miss the light and sound show here. It takes you back in time and makes you realise the tortures our freedom fighters underwent.

Beaches in Port Blair

Beaches in Port Blair

Wandoor, Munda Pahar, and Corbyn’s Cove are the most visited beaches in Port Blair. All of these beaches offer calm and serene experiences. The waters are shallow, crystal clear, and turquoise in colour and fallen trees like the one above ensure you have the best of memories.

ChidiyaTapu Beach

Distance from Port Blair:

Corby’s Cove: 5 Kms (most crowded)
Munda Pahar (Chidiya Tapu): 18 Kms – Sunset Point
Wandoor: 35 Kms (crowded)

Sunset in Port Blair

If you like doing something offbeat, I would highly recommend that you visit Chidiya Tapu, a lake and a must visit on my list of things to do in Port Blair. The distance to Chidiya Tapu from Port Blair is about 18 km. It offers stunning panoramic views and is one of the best places to catch that amazing sunset. Sip that chai or coffee, enjoy the breeze and get lost in that view. Apparently different birds come here to make this place more lively. I guess we were unlucky as we could not spot any. You can rent a boat in the lake area and take those beautiful pictures of the sunset.

To reach Chidiya Tapu is quite an exciting drive. You pass through forests and small villages to reach this landscape. We went on a two-wheeler and stopped at many places on the way to click photos. Let me just say that every nook and corner had a view to offer, and hence the shutterbugs were busy.

Psst: Check out this place called Mount Harriet in Port Blair. We did not get the time to explore this place. If you have been there already or you plan to explore this place, please do let us know your experience.

Food, Shopping and Nightlife in Port Blair

My non-vegetarian friends sure did enjoy the food at all the places we ended up eating in Port Blair. There was not much choice for vegetarians and I mostly ate the regular dosas and dal rice to avoid getting sick.

Shopping in Port Blair

Aberdeen Bazaar is the most famous shopping area and is a place that definitely holds a place in any ‘things to do in Port Blair’ list. This is located right in the centre of the city which can be visited once you finish the Sound and Light show at Cellular Jail.  The other places that the locals suggest are Sagarika Emporium and MG Road.

Port Blair is not really a place one goes to, for nightlife. The resorts or the hotels that you stay could probably be the place where you can have fun. The City sleeps early.

This will pretty much take three days of your time before you start your island hopping. If there’s any more that you would like to add to this “things to do in Port Blair” list, do let me know.

Just Go!


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6 thoughts on “Exploring Andaman Islands – Port Blair, things to do and places to see”

  1. Very informative. Thanks a lot for putting all information at one place. One small suggestion, Chatham Saw Mill can be added in places to visit in Port Blair

    Reply

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