landmark
Cellular Jail
British political prison built between 1896 and 1906. Book tickets online in advance to avoid long queue lines at the gate.
Pregunta a ParleyIndia
Port Blair
The entry port to the Andamans with a heavy colonial past.
introduction
Overview
Port Blair is the administrative capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and your required arrival point. Most travellers treat it as a quick transit hub, but its colonial prison and naval history deserve full attention. The town moves at a slow pace around narrow hilly roads and ferry jetties. You come here to understand the islands' dark past before heading to the beaches.
Arrival rule
Veer Savarkar Airport shares its runway with INS Utkrosh. Photography on the tarmac is strictly forbidden and actively monitored by military personnel.
National status
Cellular Jail is designated a National Memorial. It preserves the solitary cells where Indian freedom fighters were imprisoned by British authorities.
RAP exemption
Foreign nationals no longer require a Restricted Area Permit to visit Port Blair. You only need a valid Indian visa and passport.
highlights
Highlights
landmark
Chatham Saw Mill
One of Asia's oldest sawmills, constructed in 1836. Visit during weekday mornings to see active timber cutting.
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landmark
Corbyn's Cove Beach
The closest swimming beach to the town center. Rent water scooters or sit at coastal stalls along the road.
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landmark
Samudrika Marine Museum
Run by the Indian Navy, featuring marine life displays and coral exhibits. Contains a giant blue whale skeleton.
Pregunta a Parleyattractions
On the map
areas
Where life happens
Aberdeen Bazaar
The commercial nucleus of the city, packed with banks, local eateries, and souvenirs.
ShoppingLocal foodCentral location
A cambioHeavy auto-rickshaw traffic and noisy streets during evening peak hours.
CercaCellular Jail and Water Sports Complex
Pregunta a ParleyPhoenix Bay
Port Blair's maritime gate, dominated by the passenger ferry terminal and shipping docks.
Ferry accessHarbour viewsTransit point
A cambioIndustrial waterfront noise and diesel smoke near the docks.
CercaHaddo Jetty and Samudrika Museum
Pregunta a ParleyJunglighat
A coastal residential district known for its local fish market and seaside promenade.
Seafood marketWalkabilityMid-range stays
A cambioStrong fish smell along the jetty early in the morning.
CercaAberdeen Bazaar and Marine Hill
Pregunta a ParleyGaracharma
A spread-out suburban zone sitting directly adjacent to the airport terminal.
Near airportBudget staysQuiet nights
A cambioFar from the main ferry jetties and historic sightseeing sites.
CercaVeer Savarkar International Airport
Pregunta a Parleyfood
Seafood curries and coastal flavours
Port Blair's culinary style relies heavily on fresh catch brought in daily by local fishermen. Crab, red snapper, squid, and tiger prawns dominate local menus across town. Settlers from West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh have shaped the spicing of regional fish curries. You will find mustard-based fish gravies alongside spicy South Indian coastal preparations.
Fresh red snapper curry cooked with coastal spices and served with steamed rice.
Kalakki at ml.wikipedia · CC BY-SA 2.5- Evening fish stalls
Head to Junglighat jetty after 18:00 to buy fried fish cooked directly over small charcoal grills.
- Local thalis
Eateries in Aberdeen Bazaar serve affordable Bengali fish thalis with rice, lentils, and mustard gravy.
- Kitchen timings
Most independent restaurants close their kitchens between 15:00 and 18:30 before dinner service.
history
A short history
Port Blair was established as a British penal colony in 1858 to isolate political dissidents from mainland India. The remote location and harsh climate made escape nearly impossible. The construction of the Cellular Jail solidified its status as a notorious prison complex until World War II, when Japanese forces occupied the island chain.
- 1858
Penal Colony Established
British administration sends first batch of prisoners following the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
- 1906
Cellular Jail Completed
Construction finishes on seven radiating wings designed specifically for solitary confinement.
- 1942
Japanese Occupation
Japanese forces take control of Port Blair during World War II, holding it until 1945.
where to stay
Where to stay
Choose your base depending on your travel itinerary and departure times. Stay near Phoenix Bay if you have an early morning ferry to Havelock or Neil Island. Stay in Aberdeen Bazaar for walkable access to restaurants, stores, and Cellular Jail. Stay in Garacharma if you need a quick drive to the airport for an early flight.
- SightseersAberdeen Bazaar — Walking distance to Cellular Jail, parks, and local markets.
Live rates, matched to the areas above.
Lemon Tree Hotel, Port Blair Near to Airport
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Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Bay Island, Port Blair
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Sampat Regency
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Silver Sand Sea Princess Beach Resort
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Hotel O V Knot Residency
Pregunta a Parleytransport
Getting around
Port Blair has no metro or ride-hailing apps like Uber or Ola. You will move around using auto-rickshaws, pre-booked private cabs, or local public buses. Auto-rickshaws rarely use meters, so negotiate the fare before getting into the vehicle.
Desde Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ)
- Taxi15 min₹400–600
Prepaid taxi counters inside the arrival hall set fixed prices to major zones.
- Auto Rickshaw15 min₹150–250
Walk outside the main airport gate to catch rickshaws at lower rates.
- Private transfer15 min₹600–1000
Booked through your hotel for guaranteed driver pickup at the gate.
Drivers charge standard flat rates between major hubs; ask hotel staff for typical fares before flagging one.
Auto drivers and local bus conductors do not accept digital payments; carry paper currency.
Arrive at Phoenix Bay or Haddo Jetty at least one hour before scheduled sailing times.
Scooters rent for around ₹500 per day near Aberdeen Bazaar; valid physical driving license required.
cost
What things cost
Prices in Port Blair are higher than on mainland India due to shipping costs for mainland supplies. Cash is necessary for daily transactions, as network connectivity issues frequently render card machines non-functional.
- Cellular Jail entry: ₹30
Base admission ticket price for visiting the prison grounds during daytime hours.
- Local thali meal: ₹150–300
A full fish or vegetarian thali at a local diner in Aberdeen Bazaar.
- Private ferry ticket: ₹1500–2500
One-way Catamaran seating from Port Blair to Havelock Island.
- Town rickshaw ride: ₹100–200
Short trip across central districts like Aberdeen to Phoenix Bay.
seasonality
When to go
OCT – FEB
Peak season with clear skies and calm ocean conditions. Book island ferries weeks in advance.
Afluencia
Sea
MAR – MAY
Hot and humid conditions with daytime heat reaching 34°C. Sea trips operate as normal.
Afluencia
Sea
JUN – SEP
Monsoon rains bring strong winds and rough seas. Inter-island ferries face frequent cancellations.
Afluencia
Sea
practicalities
Good to know
- ATM reliability
ATMs in town often run out of cash during peak tourist months. Withdraw funds when you see a working machine.
- Mobile connectivity
BSNL and Airtel provide the most consistent network coverage; mobile internet speeds can be slow.
- Early sunset
Due to eastern geography, darkness falls around 17:30 year-round. Start sightseeing trips early.
- Protected tribes
Contact with indigenous tribal groups is strictly illegal. Do not take photos in tribal reserve zones.
- Plastic restrictions
Single-use plastic water bottles are banned on many surrounding islands; carry a reusable container.