The base to explore most of the exotic sites of Andamans, Port Blair offers more than your usual capital does. Port Blair, the portal to all other islands of the archipelago, is connected to mainland India by air as well as sea. While the flight takes 2-3 hours to reach the airport, a ship takes 3–4 days to arrive at the jetty. Port Blair lies approximately 1551 miles from New Delhi, 1417 miles from Mumbai, and 778 miles from Kolkata. Flights are the best way to reach Port Blair, as they are convenient and hassle-free. Veer Savarkar International Airport dwells about 2 kilometres south of Port Blair. Ship services frequent from Chennai, sailing 3-4 times every month. Sailing cuts down the cost significantly but at the expense of the time taken.
What's Noteworthy-
- One must consider factors such as Sea Sickness, Weather, Food, and Clean Cabins before booking a sailing trip to Andamans.
- Flights are more convenient and comfortable than ships.
Getting to Other Islands -
Andaman Trunk Road connects Port Blair to Northern Andamans. Ferries frequent between Middle and Southern Andamans. While Government buses shuttle in the former route, government ferries commute in the latter. Though locals get preference in government transport, private transit and cruises cater to the tourists. Private ferries also deliver a promise of premium travel experience and are equipped for tourism.
Port Blair -> Neil Island
In lack of connectivity via roads, Port Blair and Neil Island connect via sea route through a govt ferry or private cruise.
Port Blair -> Havelock Island
Havelock is an isolated island and therefore remains detached to Port Blair physically via any road. The only way to commute is via ferry and cruise operating through the route daily.
Port Blair -> North Andamans (Baratang, Rangat, Mayabunder, and Diglipur)
Port Blair is well connected via Andamans Trunk Road to most of the North Andaman Islands. The route encompasses a bus journey along with the vehicle ferry to cover the distance faster.
Port Blair -> Jolly Buoy Island
One can obtain boat tickets and forest permit from the IP&T office and reach Wandoor Beach where the journey originates.
Port Blair -> North Bay Island
One can firstly reach the Water Sports Complex and then hire a boat to North Bay Island.
Getting Around -
- Cabs: One of the most convenient means to cover the ground on Andamans, cabs are readily available near the jetty and the airport.
- Bus: Both government and private buses operate throughout Port Blair for inter-city as well as intra-city travel.
- Ferry / Cruise: Port Blair connects three crucial routes where almost 45 trips operate. Ferries are available to destinations ideal for one-day trips and overnight cruises for long journeys.
- Auto Rickshaws: Tuk-tuks are in abundance and available throughout the day in most parts of Port Blair. Though the charge is nominal for locals, they often overcharge tourists.
- Walking: A great option as long as you remember your trail and some landmark.
What's Noteworthy -
- It is better to book everything in advance.
- Fix the prices before the onset of your journey.
About Port Blair
From providing a smooth sailing entry into Andamans to being a comfortable base to explore most of the island's exotic sites, Port Blair is more than just the capital city. It is your one-stop introduction or gateway to Andamanese culture, lifestyle and of course, beauty. Whether a backpacker or a group of thrill-seeking friends, Andamans deem to be a haven for everyone seeking to elope from the monotonous 9 to 5 life. How to Reach Port Blair? Connected to mainland India by both air and sea, it takes 2-3 hours to reach Port Blair's Veer Savarkar International Airport via flight, and 3–4 days to arrive at the jetty via sea. The capital city provides easy access to most of the must-do things on an Andamans itinerary.
Port Blair itself holds quite a lot for travellers, who mainly come here to go down the historical lane, for museum hopping, experience the glorious beaches, or to commence their journey into the rest of the archipelago. Port Blair welcomes all sorts of vacationers be it honeymooners, food and culture partisans, nature enthusiasts, party animals or serious backpackers. Tourist Attractions in Port Blair have something for everyone. The markets and streets of Port Blair can be quite impressive with a blend of hotels, restaurants, resorts, shops and more. Port Blair is fitting to set up base and then move on to explore the other things to do and places to visit in Andamans. Places to Visit in Port Blair are -
The highest point in South Andamans, Mount Harriet stands 1200 feet tall, 15 kilometres from Port Blair. The sightseeing spots in Port Blair - From tribes and their unique lifestyle to archives of the colonial history of the island; From information on the biodiversity of the island to its marine life, the museums here are a gateway to history and culture. Out of the three beaches that the city houses, namely Carbyn's Cove Beach, Wandoor Beach, and Mundapahar Beach, Corbyn's Cove is the only beach where swimming is permissible. Cellular Jail is a national memorial of great historical significance for India and is the most prominent tourist spot in Andamans. Once used by the British for deporting political prisoners from India, it was then known as Kaalapani. The light and sound show display after sunset is a must-watch.
Corbyn's Cove beach is one of the cleanest beaches in the Andamans and is the hub for all water activity in Port Blair. Chidiya Tapu as the name signifies is a haven for bird-watchers and finds mention in the offbeat day-trips from Port Blair. Andamans is way up on the list when it comes to thinking of dream destinations for a beach holiday - even its the name is magical. Port Blair is a tangle of winding streets that seem to lead everywhere and nowhere. In the early morning hours, when the tourist shops are closed, life in the town remains as it has for years. It is not difficult to imagine travellers combing its streets, looking for souvenirs and eateries. Blessed with the panoramic view of the beach, blazing sun, white sand and the sea, Port Blair lies exactly where a capital city should lie - in the heart of Andamans.
Do's :
- Take a copy of your tickets and permits with you at all times.
- Check the certification of the tour operator before booking.
- Carry sunscreen because the tropical sea wind along with sun is harmful to the skin.
- Carry a waterproof bag to keep important documents.
- Contact Tourist information centres in the islands for any assistance.
- While driving, Carry legal documents like driving license, permit, passport and follow traffic rules.
- Do wear a helmet while riding two-wheeler motor vehicles.
- Swim in safe areas only. And Consult lifeguards at the coast before entering the sea.
- Remember to carry all the necessary items like sunscreen lotion, comfortable footwear, camera and sunglasses.
- If you want to capture a photo/video in any tourist attraction, then obtain permission. All the tourist attractions spots will carry notice boards about approval.
- Use the dustbins for disposing of garbage. Help keep the Andaman Islands litter-free, please do not throw waste in parks, on beaches, into the sea or public places.
- Carry essential documents like permits and driving license with you at all times while travelling in the Andaman Islands.
- Get necessary permits from the authorities for visiting National Parks of the island.
- Be sensitive to the privacy and lifestyle of the local tribes.
- Avail the service of qualified Instructors having certification of international organizations (PADI, CMAS, NAUI) for a safe scuba diving session.
- Inform authorities if you notice any illegal/undesirable activity on the island.
- Foreign nationals must keep their restricted area permit with them at all times.
Don'ts :
- Do not smoke in public areas.
- Plastic carry-bags are prohibited in the Andaman Islands, kindly consider jute/ recycled bags for your comfort.
- The island is renowned for its flora and fauna - Do not hunt birds and animals both on land and on the sea.
- Travelling to tribal reserves without a special pass is prohibited.
- Overnight Stays in forest areas or beaches are not allowed. We advise you to return before the sunset.
- Unless permitted, Camping on the islands and lighting bonfires in beaches or forests is a punishable offence.
- Breaking and touching a live coral is prohibited. Visitors are advised not to collect any dead coral as well.
- Please do not take pictures of the aboriginal tribes of Andaman or record their activities. It is a punishable crime under the Indian Penal Code.
- Do not swim when drunk, it is not safe, and there are massive repercussions against the offender.
- Nudity is not acceptable on all Andaman beaches and public areas.
- Do not overstay at the islands past your permit time.
- Be very careful when visiting specific beaches where the crocodile sign is up. There have been some instances of people who ignored it and ended up getting attacked by the crocodile.
- Do not ride a bike or scooter without a helmet. The authorities in Andaman are strict about Road safety - both the rider and pillion must wear a helmet.
- Do not go for snorkelling by yourself, especially at prohibited areas of the beaches in Andaman island.