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Andaman Islands – the tropical paradise has everything that you can think of. Right from its stunning white sand beaches to mesmerising seashore to ever wonderful green forest to steep hilly areas to unforgettable historic remnants and what not to see to those to travel to these lovely islands.

For those who travel with family, Andaman can be a perfect getaway dream come true. It has everything that you can think of for a holiday. Dreamy beaches for the kids, adventure activities for the entire family and local sightseeing to keep yourself entertained and occupied. You can avoid sightseeing which involves long travel so as to not to make the elderly or kids uncomfortable and tired. To reiterate you split your holiday by enjoying sightseeing at Port Blair  

Things to See and do at Port Blair

Port Blair is where you will begin and end your trip since this is where you will be reaching while travelling to Andaman be it by air or by Sea. It is the capital of Andaman Island and offers many more sightseeing options than any other islands in Andaman. 

Here is the list of a few attractions that you have to do during your family holiday at Port Blair. 

Cellular Jail:  

• The Cellular Jail stands as a witness to the freedom struggle. 

• The construction of Cellular Jail building started in 1893 and completed in 1905-06 using prisoners only as construction labour. 

• *Did you know that the British used this Island as Penal Settlement after the First war of Indian Independence well before the construction of Cellular Jail 

• The Jail was used by British to exile prisoners especially freedom fighters and revolutionaries to these remote islands. 
• Also known as “Kalapani“- this term was given by the freedom fighters since all around the jail was sea and hence no prisoner could hope to escape. 
• The building had seven wings, at the center of which a tower served as the connection allowed a single guard to keep watch on all the prisoners from the central tower without the prisoner being able to see him. 
• No communication of any kind was possible between prisoners in the same or different wings.
• Distressed prisoners rebelled against the inhuman treatments by British through mass hunger strikes.

• Later Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore launched a campaign to shut down the jail. The Cellular Jail was forced to empty in 1939. 
• Your trip to the Andamans will not be complete unless you visit this monument. There is a Museum, an Art gallery, and a Photo gallery, as well inside the jail premise.

Address: 

Atlanta Point, Port Blair, Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 744104, India

Cellular Jail Ticket Price:

Rs. 30 - Entry Fee  

Rs. 200 - Still Camera Charges

Rs. 1000 - Video Camera Charges

Cellular Jail Timings

Day	Timing
All Days	09:00 am – 12:00 pm & 02:00 pm - 05:00 pm

*Note: Cellular Jail Port Blair Closed on National Holiday

Sound & Light Show - Cellular Jail:  

• The light and sound show is extremely popular at Cellular Jail in Port Blair. There the saga of the heroic freedom struggle is brought alive in a moving Son-et-Lumiere (Sound & Light Show) showcasing the daily life and struggles pre-independence.
• Shown daily inside the jail premise both in English & Hindi. 

Address: 

Atlanta Point, Port Blair, Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 744104, India

Timings:

Sound & Light Show – Hindi Show:

5.50 PM – All Days

Sound & Light Show – English Show:

Need to Check with Karthick for English Show Timing

Cellular Jail light and sound show ticket price: 

Rs. 300 per Adult

Rs. 150 per Child (5-11 yrs)

*Note: Cellular Jail Port Blair Closed on National Holiday

Ross Island: 

• Ross Island Officially known as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island in 2018. Located 3 Kms from Port Blair and takes about 15 minutes to reach by boat.
• Ross Island was the headquarters of the British colony. It was abandoned by the British due to Japanese occupation during World War II. 
• Occupied by the Japanese from 1942 to 1945 and even today you can see their imprints in the form of bunkers which were used by them to check on any invasion.

• Did you know Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose other dignitaries stayed at Ross Island after the British reoccupied abandoned for few years till 1947 and took the help of Japanese in his fight against the British.

• The island has some of the oldest British and Japanese structures in India, that shows the luxurious life of Britishers while they occupied Andaman. 
• Today the ruins of the bazaar, bakery, stores, water treatment plant, church, tennis court, printing press, secretariat, hospital, cemetery, swimming pool, the Chief Commissioner's residence with its huge gardens and state grand ballrooms, the Government House, the old Andamanese Home', Troop Barracks, are all in run-down condition, a reminiscent of the old British regime.

• You can spot lot of deers, peacocks and ducks on the island. The island is full of palm and coconut trees enjoy amidst the cool breeze and the mesmerizing view of the Sea.
• In the evenings you will see the state-of-the-art light and sound show at Ross Island showcasing the vibes of the past. 

Ross Island

Sound & Light Show at Ross Island

How to Reach: 

2-3 km east of Port Blair | Trip By Boat from Port Blair

Boat Timing from Port Blair: 

8:30 am | 9:30 am |10:30 am | 12:30 pm | 4:00 pm on all days except Wednesday.

* Do note you can even opt for 02 island /03 island trips in which same boat can take you to other islands (North Bay & Viper Island – different timings and fare applicable)

Ross Island Timings:

08.30 AM – 04: 00 PM – All Days except Wednesday

* We recommend reaching about 20 minutes early at the Jetty

* Do note if you are planning only Ross Island Trip it gets over in 2 hrs. Incase if you are going for 02/03 island trip - plan and bring packed lunch since mostly you will reach back late in the afternoon to Port Blair

Sound & Light Show at Ross Island Timings:

05.30 PM – All Days except Wednesday

Entry Fee for Ross Island: 

Rs. 90 per person

Entry Fee for Sound & Light Show at Ross Island:

Rs. 100 for Adults 

Rs. 25 for Child

*Note: Ross Island is Closed on Wednesday and National Holiday 

Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex

• Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex – commonly known as Water Sports Complex – located right in the center of Port Blair.
• For all Island Trips – Ross Island, North Bay and Viper Island, boat starts from Aberdeen Jetty which is inside the Water Sports Complex.
• Like the name suggests this is the one stop corner for all Water sports be Glass Bottom Boat ride, banana boats, speed boats or if you are up from more thrilling activities like Jet Ski, parasailing, row boats, paddle boats and even under water activity like Sea Walk and Scuba Diving etc.

• The Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex also houses a memorial of the ‘Battle of Aberdeen' that was fought between the Britishers and Andamanese aboriginals during the year 1859.
• It has a park as well where you can sit and relax before or after you go on your water activity.

How to Reach & Address: 

Easy to reach since located in the middle of the city and about 4 kms from Port Blair airport.

Address: Marina Park Road, Port Blair, Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 744101, India

Timing: 

10:00 am - 06:00 pm on all days 

* Do note different activity has different timings and the complex is open on the above timings and closed during any National Holiday

Entry Fee: 

Free for Entry

* Do note tariff differs for each activity and entry to the complex is free and you can check with the team for prebooking the same. Water activities are subject to weather conditions and discretion of local authorities.

North Bay:

• North Bay Island is a small and secluded island located near Port Blair. Generally, most guests visit this on a day trip along Ross Island. 
• Did you know North Bay is known as the Coral Island, since the island is famed for its white sandy beaches with the most colourful reefs with a variety of fishes makes it an essence of natural marine beauty and a perfect spot for underwater activities!

• At North Bay Island guests can go for Jet Ski, Speed Boat Riding, Snorkeling, and guests can also experience underwater Sea Walk/Scuba Diving. 
• North Bay Island has the iconic Lighthouse which appears on every 20 rupees Indian currency Note. It can be reached only by trekking, but sometimes it is closed to outside travelers. 

How to Reach: 

North bay Island can be reached from Rajiv Gandhi water sports complex, Port Blair and it takes about approximately 1 hr to reach.

Timing: 

09:00 am - 04:00 pm on all days. 

* Do report early to avoid last minute hustle bustle for the boat ride to North Bay.

* You will get to spend around 3 hrs at North Bay Island to cover the beaches and water activities and then the boat will take you back to Mainland – Port Blair

* Do plan and bring packed lunch since mostly you will reach back late in the afternoon to Port Blair

Entry Fee: 

Rs. 500 per person

* Do note tariff differs for each activity and you can check with the team for prebooking the same. Water activities are subject to weather conditions and discretion of local authorities.

Chidiyatapu Beach: 

• Chidiyatapu is a beach, located approximately 25 km from Port Blair City and takes about 20 minutes to reach.
• One of the main attractions of Chidiyatapu is its Sunset Point (Munda Pahar) although you have to trek a little before you reach the sunset point.
• Beach in itself is amazing with its stunning views and huge trees surrounded them. There are lots of fallen trees along the coastline, caused by tsunami making it a perfect spot for photography.
• Chidiyatapu is also famous its migratory birds and there are a lot of common native birds of Andamans and is a prefect haven for bird watchers.
• Not fit for snorkeling or swimming since its quite a rocky beach.
• Recommended to go in the evening, enjoying the ride passing through the coastline beaches and view in the evenings are amazing.

• Don’t miss out to enjoy the hot tea with pakoda available on the local shop near chidiyatapu beach.
• There is a Biological Park also with few animals. The Salt Water Crocs and Giant Monitor Lizards are the main attractions.

How to Reach: 

Can be reached by road from Port Blair and it takes approximately 20-30 mins to reach.

Timing: 

Beach is open throughout the day and the ideal time to visit is between 0600 am to 0700 pm.

Biological park - Timings are 9 am to 4 pm

Entry Fee: 

No entry fee for the beach.

There is an entry fee of Rs 25 for the Biological Park (subject to change)

Mount Harriet:

• Its officially renamed as Mount Manipur National Park (*by the Union Government of India, as a tribute to the freedom fighters of Manipur)

   

• Mount Harriet is the highest peak in South Andaman Island and the second-highest peak in the whole of the Andaman Islands. 
• The peak was one of the summer headquarters of the Chief Commissioner during British Raj
• The whole experience is in the journey, to reach atop of Mount Harriet you will have to reach Chatham Jetty. From there, there are ferries (Vehicle ferry) which will take about 15 minutes to help you cross the sea and reach Bamboo Flat and then you can continue your road trip for about 15-20 minutes. 
• The famous attraction is the view of the Light House (at North Bay), the picture of lighthouse on the back of Twenty Rupees Indian Currency Note is taken from Mount Harriet viewpoint (“20 Rupees viewpoint”). 
• The hilltop offers stunning fascinating picturesque overview of the nearby islands - Port Blair, Havelock Island and Ross Islands and the sea
• If you are up for a little adventure - One can trek from Bamboo Flat to Mount Harriet and from there upto Madhuban, it's a great nature trail – 16 kms.

         

Mount Harriet Viewpoint

Twenty Rupee View

• Prefect place to experience calmness and to find peace and serenity in the middle of the forest with the bird’s chirping and swaying of the leaves.

How to Reach & Address: 

Reach Chatham Jetty from Port Blair City – Take Vehicle ferry to Bamboo Flat (15mins) – Continue lovely road trip for 15 mins to reach the top of Mount Harriet.

Address: Hope Town, Port Blair, Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 744107, India

Timing: 

07:00 am - 05:00 pm on all days 

* Do note the park will be closed during any National Holiday

Entry Fee: 

 Rs. 25 for Adults

 Rs. 10 for Children

 Rs. 250 for Foreigners

 Rs. 25 for Camera

 Rs. 10 for Vehicle

* Do note rates are subject to the discretion of local authorities.

Mahatma Gandhi National Park (Red Skin or Jolly Buoy Island):

• Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is a national park located near Wandoor on the Andaman Islands.

• The marine park is made up of 17 islands, of which only Jolly Buoy and Red Skin are open for ecotourism for guests. 

     

• The main aim of Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park was to protect the marine wildlife, especially sea turtles and beautiful underwater coral reefs of the region.

• Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is famous for being home to an exquisite coral reef, and colorful schools of fishes of every size and shape. 

• Jolly Buoy is open for the first six months and for the next 6 months it is Red Skin Island to preserve the corals. 
• Visitors can treat themself in thrilling Snorkeling and Scuba Diving to explore the vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Glass-bottom boat rides provide a non-diving option to witness underwater wonders.

Jolly Buoy Island

Red Skin Island

 

How to Reach & Address: 

• Located around 30 Kms from Port Blair and can be easily reached by road till Wandoor Jetty and then board on the boat to reach MG National Park.
• Address: State Highway 8, Wandoor, Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 744301, India

Boat Timing: 

At 08:30 am onwards 

At 09:00 am 

At 09:30 am 

At 10:00 am 

And last boat at 10:30 pm (for every 30 mins on all days except Mondays)

* Do note the park will be closed on Monday and during any National Holiday

* We recommend reaching early so that you get to spend lot of time for activity or leisure time to enjoy ocean sea beach view etc

* Do note there is a simple & basic changing room on the island and no decent washrooms

Timing - MG National Park: 

09:00 am - 03:00 pm on all days except Mondays

* Do note the park will be closed on Monday and during any National Holiday

Entry Fee: 

Rs. 50 for Adults

Rs. 25 for Children

Rs. 500 for Foreigners

Rs. 25 for Camera Fee

Rs. 300 per person for Red Skin Island

Rs. 650 per person for Jolly Buoy Island

* Do note rates are subject to discretion of local authorities.

Baratang: 

• Baratang Island is located approximately 110 km away from Port Blair and hence a full day trip. 
• The Baratang Island trip is an adventurous trip due to its long distance from Port Blair and is considered a hidden gem of the Andaman Islands, known for its natural wonders ranging from impressive Limestone Caves to dense Mangrove Creeks, Mud Volcano and Tropical Forests.

• To reach Baratang you will have to start the journey at 3 o clock in the morning and can be quite hectic. *Through it’s a nature wonder we do not recommend this for elderly or kids since you will have to start early in the morning and there is a small trek/walk involved to reach the limestone caves

• Did you know while going through the tribal reserve jungle and if you are lucky enough you might spot tribal people enroute during the Convoy. (be aware photography or stopping the vehicle is not allowed during Convoy from Jirkatang). 

• Baratang is the home to the Jarawa tribes. 
• Upon reaching Baratang you will have to travel by Jeep to see Mud Volcano

  

Limestone Cave

Mud Volcano

• Regular boat services are available for Limestone Caves. It takes around 20 minutes through the scenic mangrove forests to reach the limestone caves.

How to Reach & Address: 

• The journey to reach Baratang is in II phases. Port Blair to Jirkatang (40 km) and then from Jirkatang to Baratang (49 km - no overtake zone through Jarwa Reserve Forest – Convoy system). 
• From the middle strait (Nilambur Jetty) you will have to avail ferry services to Baratang Island which takes about 15 minutes to reach Baratang.
• There are Govt. ferry/Boat Services available from Phoenix Bay Jetty, Port Blair for visiting to Baratang (the disadvantage is that this ferry does not make a return trip on the same day)

Convoy Timing at Jirkatang: 

At 06:00 am onwards 

At 09:00 am 

At 12:30 pm 

And last boat at 02:30 pm 

* Do note the Limestone cave will be closed on Monday and during any National Holiday

* We recommend catching the earliest convoy – only limited vehicles are allowed in a convoy hence start early so that you can return on the same day otherwise worst cast if you miss the convoy on return you will end up staying there and only backpacker hotels are available at Baratang

* Remember to bring packed breakfast from the hotel since you will be starting early in the morning

Limestone Cave Timing: 

At 06:00 am onwards till 03:00 pm 

* Do note the Limestone cave will be closed on Monday and during any National Holiday

* Mud Volcano is open throughout the day.

Entry Fee: 

Rs. 800 per person boat fee for Limestone

Rs. 400 per Jeep to reach Mud Volcano

* Do note rates are subject to discretion of local authorities

Corbyn’s Cove Beach:

• This is the only Beach located within the Port Blair city takes about 10-12 min to reach.
• It offers amazing views during Sunset. Offers Water sports activities like Jet Ski, banana Boat, Speedboat, Parasailing etc. 
• Historical remains like Japanese Bunkers can be seen on the way to this beach.
• Although a bit crowded than other beaches of Andaman can be reached easily.

How to Reach: 

6 Kms away from Port Blair and can easily be reached by road.

Corbyn cove beach timings: 

Open throughout the day

Entry Fee: 

No Entry Fee for the Beach

* Do note if you would like to go for water activity check with the team for rates in advance. Subject to weather and the discretion of local authorities.

Naval Marine Museum (Samudrika):

• Samudrika Naval Marine Museum is a museum, designed to create awareness on the oceanic environment. 
• The museum is maintained by the Indian Navy.

• The museum has five sections presenting history of Andaman Islands, geographical information, people of Andaman, archaeology, and marine life
• Interestingly it also houses a vast collection of Cells, Corals and a few species of Colourful Fishes of the sea around the Islands.

How to Reach & Address: 

Address: situated near the Andaman Teal House at Port Blair

Timing: 

09:00 am to 01:00 pm & from 02:00 pm to 05:00 pm

* Do note the museum will be closed on Monday and during any National Holiday

Entry Fee: 

For Adult: Rs. 50 

For child: Rs. 25 

Rs. 20 for Camera 

Rs. 50 for Video Camera

* Do note rates are subject to the discretion of local authorities.

Anthropological Museum:

• The Zonal Anthropological Museum in Port Blair was established in 1975. 

• It is one of the best museums in town since most of us are interested in knowing about tribes. 

• It is a well-maintained museum which tells us more about this island’s local tribes, who are believed to be one of the oldest in the world. 

• The Natives of Andaman Island consist of the following four Negrito tribes: Great Andamanese. Onges. Jarwas and Sentinelese. And the Nicobar Islands are home to two 'Mongoloid' tribes – the Shompen and Nicobarese.

• These tribes maintain limited / NO contact with the outside world especially Sentinelese.

• Visiting or interacting with these tribes are strictly not permitted.

• Hence this museum is one of the best ways to understand and know about the tribal life.

Address: 

Phoenix Bay, Port Blair, South Andaman Island, Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 744101 , India

Timing: 

09:00 am to 01:00 pm & from 02:00 pm to 04:30 pm 

* Do note the museum will be closed on Monday and during any National Holiday

Entry Fee: 

For Adult: Rs. 10 

For child: Free (Less than 10 yrs) 

Rs. 20 for Camera 

* Do note rates are subject to the discretion of local authorities.

Fisheries Museum:

• The Zonal Anthropological Museum in Port Blair was established in 1975. 

How to Reach & Address: 

Address: 

Timing: 

* Do note the park will be closed during any National Holiday

Entry Fee: 

* Do note rates are subject to the discretion of local authorities.

Kalapani Museum:

How to Reach & Address: 

Address: 

Timing: 

* Do note the park will be closed during any National Holiday

Entry Fee: 

* Do note rates are subject to the discretion of local authorities.

Chatham Saw Mill and Forest Museum:

How to Reach & Address: 

Address: 

Timing: 

* Do note the park will be closed during any National Holiday

Entry Fee: 

* Do note rates are subject to discretion of local authorities.

Murugan Temple:

How to Reach & Address: 

Address: 

Timing: 

* Do note the park will be closed during any National Holiday

Entry Fee: 

* Do note rates are subject to the discretion of local authorities.

Joggers Park:

How to Reach & Address: 

Address: 

Timing: 

* Do note the park will be closed during any National Holiday

Entry Fee: 

* Do note rates are subject to the discretion of local authorities.

Marina Park & Aquarium:

How to Reach & Address: 

Address: 

Timing: 

* Do note the park will be closed during any National Holiday

Entry Fee: 

* Do note rates are subject to the discretion of local authorities.

Gandhi Park:

How to Reach & Address: 

Address: 

Timing: 

* Do note the park will be closed during any National Holiday

Entry Fee: 

* Do note rates are subject to the discretion of local authorities.

Viper Island:

How to Reach & Address: 

Address: 

Timing: 

* Do note the park will be closed during any National Holiday

Entry Fee: 

* Do note rates are subject to the discretion of local authorities.

Science Centre:

How to Reach & Address: 

Address: 

Timing: 

* Do note the park will be closed during any National Holiday

Entry Fee: 

* Do note rates are subject to the discretion of local authorities.

Sagarika Emporium:

How to Reach & Address: 

Address: 

Timing: 

* Do note the park will be closed during any National Holiday

Entry Fee: 

* Do note rates are subject to the discretion of local authorities.

Wandoor Beach:

How to Reach & Address: 

Address: 

Timing: 

* Do note the park will be closed during any National Holiday

Entry Fee: 

• Do note rates are subject to the discretion of local authorities.

 

Must do activities at Port Blair

Your trip to Port Blair Andamans will not be fulfilled unless you indulge in the various water sports that this island has to offer. There are multiple choices for you to enjoy these activities. As places like Water Sports Complex, North Bay and MG National Park all offer guest a variety of underwater activities.

• Scuba Diving – Most sought after water sports activity on the island and definitely a must do in Port Blair Island. Thanks to the stunning and colorful coral-reefs of these Island. You can book the same through your hotels (most hotels do assist for the same) or directly go to Water Sports Complex or during your trip to North Bay Island or MG Island. Do note there will be an instructor coming along with you during the dive if you a beginner and also will provide all the equipment’s required. Don’t miss out on this wonderful lifetime experience.
• Sea Walk – Generally people think it’s the same experience as diving although both are entirely different. Happens at Andaman Water Sports Complex (Government Run) and as well as at North Bay Island. One can experience walking in sea beds and gaze at Andaman sea life.
• Snorkelling – you can put on a snorkel and go for adventurous snorkelling. Activity can be done at Andaman Water Sports Complex (Government Run) or North Bay Island or at MG National park. There are guides/instructors who shall teach and come along with you and to site the most stunning colourful coral-reefs and amazing fishes.
• Trekking – There are several points available for trekking on the Island i.e. Mount Harriet, ChidiyaTapu. If are an adventure enthusiast you can explore the dense evergreen forests of these island on your own trekking. Ensure to carry water and snacks along as there are no shops available.
• Other activities: You can for a Glass bottom Boat ride if you are hesitant to go under water yet love to get a glimpse of underwater life and colourful corals. There are other activities like Jet Skii, Banana Boat ride, Banana Boat Ride, semi submarine etc. all the above activities are subject to weather condition and discretion of the local authorities and team
• Local Shopping – there are local shops in the market area at Port Blair where you can buy souvenirs from or handcrafted jewelry. Aberdeen Bazaar is a central marketplace with rows of shops selling souvenirs and trinkets made from locally sourced materials like shell, coconut, wood and bamboo.
• Dine Out – Port Blair being a tourist destination there are soo many restaurants and hotels one can go out for lunch or dinner which offers delicious sea food/multi-cuisines.