Andaman Islands · India · Destination Guide
Port Blair, the Island Gateway
The Andaman capital and gateway — the moving Cellular Jail, the ruins of Ross Island, and the harbour from which the ferries run out to the beaches.
The City
The gateway with a history
Almost every Andaman journey begins and ends in Port Blair, the small, hilly island capital on South Andaman. It is a working harbour town rather than a beach resort - but it holds the archipelago's most important sight and its most moving story: the Cellular Jail, the colonial prison where India's freedom fighters were exiled across the 'black water'.
Give it a day. Beyond the jail lie the jungle-claimed colonial ruins of Ross Island, the anthropological and naval museums that explain the islands, the town beach at Corbyn's Cove, and the sunset and birdlife of Chidiya Tapu. Port Blair is also the launch point for the Baratang caves day trip and the ferries out to Havelock and Neil.
This guide covers everything for a stay in Port Blair - the history and the sights, where to stay and eat, the day trips, and how the capital connects to the rest of the Andamans.
Port Blair at a Glance
The essentials
Group
Andaman Islands, Bay of Bengal
Best time
October to May
Ideal stay
1–2 nights
Getting there
Fly to Veer Savarkar Intl (IXZ) from Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Bengaluru
Known for
The Cellular Jail & the ferries
Role
Andaman capital & gateway
Don't miss
The Cellular Jail light-and-sound show
Pairs with
Havelock, Neil, Baratang
What to See
The best of Port Blair
A freedom-struggle prison, colonial island ruins and a working harbour - the history and gateway of the Andamans.
Cellular Jail · the heartThe Cellular Jail & Ross Island
The Cellular Jail - 'Kala Pani' - is the reason to stop in Port Blair. Built by the British to hold India's freedom fighters in solitary confinement, its surviving wings, tiny cells and gallows tell a sombre, essential story, brought alive by the moving evening light-and-sound show. A short boat away, Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep) holds the jungle-claimed ruins of the old British administrative capital, roamed now by deer and peacocks.
See the Cellular Jail and stay for the evening show, then take the short boat to Ross Island's atmospheric ruins - the islands' history in a single day.
Ross Island
A 20-minute boat from the harbour - the ivy-clad ruins of the British-era 'Paris of the East', with a church, ballroom and bakery reclaimed by banyan roots, deer and peacocks.
Corbyn's Cove
A palm-fringed crescent close to town - Port Blair's own beach, good for a swim, a stroll and a snack before or after your flight.
The museums
The Samudrika naval marine museum and the Anthropological Museum give context on the reefs, the islands' history and their indigenous peoples - a worthwhile hour before you head to the beaches.
Chidiya Tapu
A forested cape south of town - the 'bird island', lovely for a sunset, birdwatching and a quieter beach, about 45 minutes from the centre.
North Bay
A short boat trip for glass-bottom boats, snorkelling and sea-walking on the coral near Port Blair - a taster of the reefs for those short on time.
Aberdeen Bazaar
The bustling heart of Port Blair - markets, pearl and shell shops and local eateries, and the best place to pick up Andaman souvenirs.
Getting Your Bearings
The lie of the town
- Aberdeen Bazaar & centre — the town's hub, near the Cellular Jail and the ferry booking offices.
- The harbour & jetties — Haddo and Phoenix Bay, where the Havelock/Neil ferries and Ross Island boats leave.
- Corbyn's Cove — the beach strip a few km south of town.
- Chidiya Tapu (south) — the forested sunset cape at the island's southern tip.
Where to Stay
Harbour hotels & hilltop views
Port Blair is a stopover town with comfortable hotels rather than beach resorts. A selection across the tiers.
Taj / SeaShell / Fortune Resort Bay Island
Comfortable hill-and-harbour hotels with sea views and pools - the town's best, handy for a night either side of the islands.
Sinclairs Bayview & town hotels
Reliable sea-view and central hotels for an easy overnight near the sights and the jetties.
Smaller boutique stays
A handful of characterful smaller hotels for those who prefer something more personal.
Airport-area hotels
Convenient options for very early flights out - we place you where the timing works.
Aberdeen Bazaar guesthouses
Simple, central guesthouses near the market and the Cellular Jail.
Port Blair + the islands
Most travellers spend a night here on arrival and/or departure, with Havelock and Neil in between.
Where to Eat
Island seafood & town tables
Port Blair eats from the sea, with more choice than the outer islands. What to seek out.
- Fresh fish, crab & lobster — the day's catch at the seafood restaurants.
- Coconut coastal curries — Bengali–South-Indian island cooking with rice.
- South Indian & North Indian staples — the town's everyday eateries.
- Filter coffee & fresh coconut — the island staples.
Town & harbour
Fresh crab, lobster and fish at Port Blair's seafood tables - the best eating in the Andamans' capital.
Sea-view hotels
Multi-cuisine dining with harbour views at the better hotels - the comfortable option.
Aberdeen Bazaar
Cheap, fresh South and North Indian meals in the town centre.
Around town
Coffee, snacks and breakfasts for before or after the Cellular Jail.
Island kitchens
Coconut-rich fish and prawn curries in the local style.
Market stalls
Fresh coconut, fruit and snacks around the bazaar.
Shopping
Pearls, shells & island craft
Pearls & shell craft
Port Blair's markets are the Andamans' best for pearls, shell art and coral-free souvenirs - Aberdeen Bazaar and the emporiums.
Wood & cane
Island woodwork, cane and coconut-shell craft from the town shops and government emporium.
Town shops
Beachwear, snorkels and sun kit to stock up before heading to the islands.
Buy responsibly
Never buy coral, turtle shell or other protected marine products - they're illegal and harmful. Stick to pearls, cultured shell and craft.
Beyond the City
Day trips from Port Blair
Cellular Jail & Ross Island
The essential half-day - the jail, its evening show, and the boat to Ross Island's ruins.
Baratang
North up the Andaman Trunk Road and across creeks by speedboat to the limestone caves and mud volcanoes - the islands' best day of adventure (a long day; note the road passes a protected tribal reserve, which we never enter or photograph).
North Bay & snorkelling
A short boat for glass-bottom boats, snorkelling and sea-walking on the coral near the capital.
Chidiya Tapu
The forested sunset cape for birdlife, a quiet beach and one of the island's best sunsets.
Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
The main event - Radhanagar Beach and the diving, an easy catamaran away.
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
The quiet island of the Natural Bridge and calm beaches.
When to Visit
The Port Blair year
The peak - warm, dry and calm, ideal for the sights and for reliable onward ferries. Busiest around the New Year.
Best timeThe season opens as the monsoon eases - green and quieter, with the odd shower.
Warm and calm with the best sea conditions for the outer islands; April–May is hot but fine for the town sights.
Also goodHeavy rain and rough seas - the town is manageable but the onward ferries to Havelock and Neil are often cancelled. Best avoided.
Festivals: the Island Tourism Festival (usually January), a lively 10-day showcase of island culture, food and craft in Port Blair.
How to Plan It
Suggested itineraries
One Night
The essentials
- Afternoon: the Cellular Jail and its evening light-and-sound show.
- Next morning: Ross Island's ruins, then the ferry to Havelock.
- A seafood dinner in town.
Two Nights
History & a day trip
- The one-night essentials.
- A full-day trip to the Baratang caves, or Chidiya Tapu for sunset.
- The museums and Corbyn's Cove.
Gateway
The arc
- A night in Port Blair on arrival.
- Ferries out to Havelock and Neil for the beaches.
- A final Port Blair night before the flight home.
Good to Know
Practical Port Blair
Getting there
Fly to Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) - direct from Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Bengaluru and Vishakhapatnam. It's the only way in; the outer islands are then reached by ferry.
Getting around
Auto-rickshaws and hired cars cover the town and nearby sights; we arrange private transfers. The ferry jetties (Haddo / Phoenix Bay) are a few minutes from the centre.
Permits
Foreign nationals no longer need a Restricted Area Permit for Port Blair and the main islands but register on arrival at the airport. The Nicobar group and tribal reserves are closed. We handle the paperwork.
Ferries
Book the Havelock and Neil catamarans (Makruzz, Green Ocean, Nautika) in advance - they sell out and can cancel in rough weather. We never schedule a same-day ferry-to-flight connection; keep a Port Blair night before departure.
Money & connectivity
Port Blair has the islands' best ATMs and connectivity - draw cash and download what you need here, as the outer islands are cash-only with patchy data.
Visa
Most nationalities need only an Indian e-Visa, applied for online before travel - we send a step-by-step guide with every booking.
Port Blair is where the islands remember - the silent wings of the Cellular Jail, the jungle over Ross Island - before the ferries carry you out to the beaches.
Travel With Us
Journeys through the islands
Port Blair is the gateway to every Andaman journey. Every trip is private and fully tailored, with pre-booked flights and ferries and hand-picked stays.
LeisureAndaman Island Escape
Port Blair, Havelock and Neil - history, beaches and reefs.
DivingAndaman Diving Week
A PADI certification on Havelock with fun dives off Neil.
RomanceAndaman Honeymoon
Barefoot-luxury resorts, private dinners and island sunsets.
Travel With Us
Journeys in the Andamans
Every itinerary below was researched and filmed on location by our own team, and every one can be tailored to your dates and pace.
Explore the Andamans →
Common Questions
Port Blair, answered
Plan your Port Blair
Tell us your dates and your style, and we will craft a private Andaman journey - a Port Blair night for the history and the gateway, pre-booked ferries, and the beaches of Havelock and Neil beyond. A thoughtful proposal follows within 24 hours.
Planning a trip to Port Blair?
Tell us roughly what you have in mind and we will send a considered reply — not a brochure. Usually within 24 hours, Kolkata office hours.