For most people, Port Blair is the entry point for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Domestic flights arrive from the big cities of India, and with a shiny new international airport, more tourists will soon flood into the city. Before hopping on a ferry to Havelock Island or another popular island, take some time to enjoy Port Blair itself. Here are 10 places to visit in Port Blair for the perfect Port Blair itinerary.
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If you are continuing your adventure in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands then check out the best place to book ferry tickets, accommodation and more, Go2Andaman
1 – Keep it Cheap at Excel Restaurant
Located on the roof of a hostel, this relaxed eatery is a wonderful option for those travelling on a budget. The seating is comfortable, the décor is full of funny signs and pretty paintings and the music that ranges from Ibiza chill to Indian raga. They have a decent selection of local dishes, as well as Nepalese momos (very tasty) and beer if you ask. Just be wary, some dishes include onion when not stated on the menu (this includes the marguerita pizza). If you aren’t a fan, best to make sure. The food is prepared fresh so it isn’t the quickest place to eat, but the friendly staff, convivial atmosphere make this a lovely, lazy evening.
2 – Go Back in Time at Ross Island
A quick boat ride from Port Blair is Ross Island (recently renamed as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island but still widely referred to as Ross Island). This island, abandoned to nature, was once home to the British ex-pats that called the Andamans home. There was an officers club complete with teak dancefloor, a church, barracks and Commissioner’s mansion. They were hit by a huge earthquake in 1941 and then quickly vacated when the Japanese invaded in 1942. The island was occupied by Japanese forces before it was taken over by rhe Indian navy, and finally became open to the public for tours. Visitors can explore the dilapidated buildings, overgrown with roots or hot foot it to the striking lighthouse. You can also meet the spotted deer (chital). They bow just like the famous deer in Nara but they were actually introduced by the British as they missed game hunting.
To get to Ross Island, make your way to Aberdeen Jetty. You need to put your name down at the small table and wait for a few others to fill the boat’s seats. Be mindful that the time you are quoted includes waiting for your boat to arrive. We were the first people to sign up for the day but the fourth boat to leave. When you arrive, you can join a golf buggy tour which will whisk you to the other side of the island, giving you time to go down to the lighthouse. We opted to walk and only got a shot of it from above but had time to explore the empty buildings all to ourselves.
This slightly eclectic, but mostly marine-themed museum is a short drive from the Aberdeen Clock Tower. There are five main rooms as well as some side areas and a pretty central courtyard. Some of our favourite things are:
- The room which discusses the geography and ethnographic groups that inhabit the islands. There was loads of info in this room and the air con was super too.
- The mini aquarium with some fish local to the area and a rather superb sea cucumber.
- The large naval guns in the courtyard.
- The room full of beautiful shells. The pearlescence was stunning.
You will probably be here for 45-60 minutes, depending on whether you take the chance to sit in the shaded chairs or not. Don’t forget to ring the bell on your way out.
4 – Fisheries Aquarium
A small, three room aquarium that isn’t going to give most around the world a run for their money. However, it will be a hit with small children and is a cheap attraction. Bear in mind that taking pictures costs extra, as with many sights in India, but it is small enough that they might actually notice.
The aquarium is a nice way to see the local sea life if you aren’t comfortable swimming or snorkelling. You can opt to have a guide and they can help bring it all to life with fun stories and facts. Some of the space is given over to preserved coral and sealify curiosities which are nice to see but disappointing in an aquiarium where you expect the majority of the exhibits to be alive. Oberall, this is a good diversion which will help cool you off for half an hour or so.
Finally, let’s address the elephant in the room. There is a sign that reads, “Fisheries Museum cum Aquarium”. No giggling please, we are all adults here.
5 – Delve Into a Dark History at the Cellular Jail
Built by the British to house Indian citizens that broke the law or fought for independence in the early 1900s, this classic star-shaped prison was home to some rather brutal practices.
Purchase your ticket in the booth on the far left hand corner before you head for the main door. Everyone floods into the two air conditioned rooms at the entrance that depict the history of the prison and some of the prisoners that were kept here. We think it is best to visit these just before you leave. You will want to savour the air on after the hit visit and before heading back outside.
Visitors have a chance to explore the two wings still standing. One has been beautifully resorted, the other is a little more weathered. Around the well-manicured grounds you will see recreations and explanations of the torturous treatment of the prisoners and two eternal flames celebrating freedom fighters. Seek out the cell on the top floors of in the lesser-restored wing, the home of
6 – Return to the Jail for the Light and Sound Show
The Cellular Jail has a fantastic projection mapped light show that tells the story of the jail. Rousing music and effective storytelling make this one of the better light shows on offer. The whole thing ends in a stirring rendition of the Indian national anthem. All in all, it’s a very impressive show.
The show happens several times a night in Hindi and three times a week in English. Indian citizens will find it easy to book in advance (and yes, this does sell out) through the Andaman E-Tourist website. So far, so good BUT now comes the tricky bit. You need an Indian credit card to book tickets online and you cannot book them in person. We have scoured the internet to find a way to do it for international visitors and think that Dekho Andaman’s tour that includes a pick up and drop off might be the only way.
7 – Seafood and Beer at New Lighthouse Restaurant
For a great value seafood feast, you can’t beat the Lighthouse. This double level restaurant is located near the Aberdeen Jetty and is open late. There is a large menu or local and “oriental” dishes. You can also order a selection of seafood from the live options on the ground floor. We saw two huge lobsters which were very tempting. Don’t skip on the biryani which is utterly delicious. If you don’t like spice, try the korma which is one of the only kormas we have found that made Mr Fluskey happy. It is full of all kinds of surprising goodies. When you order, the waiter will offer you a beer. If you fancy some, they come in big, ice cold bottles so don’t try and get ahead by ordering lots at once.
In terms of seating, upstairs is breezy and cooler helped by several fans. Smoking is only allowed downstairs so if you want a cigarette with your seafood, the stuffy ground floor is where you will be sitting.
8 – Hit the Beach at Corbyn’s Cove
At first glance, Port Blair just seems like a city on the water, but with no public access to the water. However, just a pretty 30 minute drive south of the main city is Corbyn’s Cove. This sweep of golden sand, backed by palm trees is picture perfect…if you arrive very early in the morning. At that time you can have it to yourself for a little while. Arriving later in the afternoon and you will see that it has become a hive of beach activity. Of course, it is still gorgeous, just less postcard perfect as the footsteps of visitors, and receding tide leave it looking a little beaten up later in the day.
At Corbyn’s Cove Beach you will find vendors selling drinks and snacks, fresh coconuts and maggi. There are washrooms and toilets and watersports galore. For the thrill seekers, options include jetskiing, power boat rides and parasailing. You can swim from the beach or just relax in the dappled shade by the trees, taking in the atmosphere.
9 – Sip a Sundowner at Amaya
Amaya at the top of the Seashell Hotel is the nicest place in town for a drink or some dinner. It does come with a bigger bill than many local spots (cocktails are 400 – 770) but the drinks are very good and it is such a super spot to see the sky turn red. You can reserve a table on the balcony but they do have space for walk ins if you arrive early. Service levels here are to good international levels with courteous and professional staff. The ambience is cool with some great music to enjoy.
The food is also some of the best and most hygienic in town with plenty of options from India and around the world. They are especially known for their excellent touch with fresh seafood and a good range of international style vegetarian food.
10 – Explore Mount Harriet National Park
If you haven’t had your fill of British ruins from Ross Island then head to Mount Harriet (now officially called Mount Manipur National Park). The remains of a British summer house, perch atop a high hill giving incredible views. Once home to the high commissioner, it was named after his wife, Harriet. It is a haven for wildlife which in turn, makes it great for photography. Keep your eyes peeled for wild pigs, robber crabs, and turtles that have all been spotted here. Landscape snappers and wildlife clickers will both be very happy here with almost 400 kinds of plants, 90 species of bird and a plethora of butterflies all enhancing the gorgeous views of the coast. Remember that using the camera does incur an extra cost.
You can take a ferry to Mount Harriet from Chatham Wharf on the Northern tip of Port Blair. The journey takes around 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can travel by road but this takes about 2 hours. You can drive almost all the way to the summit but you can hike up if you want as there are plenty of trails. If you do take a trek, wear long trousers, wear plenty of deet and carry lots of water. Stay alert for insects, snakes and other harmful animals. It may be best to hire a guide so they can help with this and the navigation. Plus, they can point out the view of the lighthouse that used to be on 20 rupee note.
Final Thoughts on Our 10 Places to Visit in Port Blair
Port Blair isn’t a spot to stay for a week, but over a day or two you can have a lovely time, eat some great food and learn all about the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. From here, head for the islands and relax on the sand for a couple of days. You will appreciate them all the more once you know how India fought for them.
If you are continuing your adventure in the Andamans then check out the best place to book ferry tickets, accommodation and more, Go2Andaman
Rosie xx
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