Port Blair

In Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Port Blair is the largest town and the capital city of this Union Territory of India. The town is located in the east coast of Southern Andaman Island and serves as the main gateway to enter the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Presently, it serves as a major base for the Indian navy and Indian Coast Guard.

During the British rule in India, the Chatham Island was established as a centre of detention and it was named Port Blair in honour of the lieutenant. More and more prisoners of the Indian independence struggle were sent to this island by the East India Company rule.

Sightseeing in Port Blair-

Cellular Jail: During the British occupation of India, the prisoners were sent to Cellular Jail, to keep them far off from the revolution. Once in these places, it was very difficult to get out and this led to the death of a number of prisoners. After a brief occupation by the Japanese forces during World War II, the town of Port Blair became the base of the Azad Hind Fauj. The execution rooms, the cells, the torture rooms and different areas of the jail are open for public viewing. Presently, there are no prisoners and the jail is open to visitors.

Gandhi Park: Gandhi Park in Port Blair is a small and beautiful park with amusement rides, a garden, a small narrow trail around a small lake inside the premises, water sports, historic remains of a Japanese temple and a war bunker.

Chidiya Tapu: Chidiya Tapu is located 25 km from Port Blair and is a tiny village in the southernmost tip of South Andaman. It is also known as the bird island. The region has a number of green mangroves and a lush forest cover. Birds are the major attraction here. There is a forest guest house at the top of the hillock that provides sunset views as well as views of the islands beyond Chidiya Tapu. The water in this area is full of colourful corals which makes it suitable for snorkelling.

Little Andaman Island: The Little Andaman Island is one of the largest islands in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands that are open to the public. Being a bit distant from Port Blair, they are not frequently visited, but the pristine beaches, palm trees, waterfalls and the surf draw a number of tourists. The beach and light house are the major attractions. Scuba diving and snorkelling are the main activities here.

Chattam Saw Mill: Chattam Saw Mill is located at Chattam which is 15 minutes from the STS bus terminus and the travel to this place is very cheap. The prominent feature of Chattam is the presence of the saw mill which is the oldest and the largest in Asia. It was built by British rulers for production of wood for their people in India. The Chattam Saw Mill was established in 1836 and is still in working condition. The large size of the Chattam Saw Mill and its proximity to Port Blair makes it a popular tourist destination. The mill also has a big store house containing various wood pieces from trees like padauk, gurjan, satin wood and marble.

Havelock Island: Havelock Island is one of the larger islands in the vicinity of Port Blair. It is a popular spot for multiday trips due to the two beaches, Radhanagar Beach and Elephant Beach, as well as activities like scuba diving. There are a few resorts on the island which provide accommodation. The Havelock Island is best known for snorkelling, scuba diving and swimming in the shallow waters as well as trekking in the unexplored forest regions. Since the island is small, it can be explored on foot or by hiring small taxis.

Forest Museum: Located at Haddo on the outskirts of Port Blair, the Forest Museum is a place that is run and managed by the Forest Department of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. True to its name, the forest museum is famous for its contents related to the forest and the variety of trees. Artefacts from timber and other trees like oak, gurjan, paduak, and satin wood are on display in the museum. These artefacts are a good reminder of the rich flora of the islands and also give an idea of the extent of trees and different varieties that are found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Shopping- souvenirs can be purchased in the local shops in Aberdeen Bazaar. Artefacts and trinkets can be bought in the museum sale counters of the marine, forest, and anthropological museum. The shopping arcades in the Aberdeen bazaar sell different types of jewelleries, trinkets, wood carvings, etc. The government emporium Samudrika contains a number of items like photographs, stones and tribal weaponry, replicas of fauna, etc related with the history and geography of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

How to reach-

By Air:  There are flights that connect the Indian mainland to the Veer Savarkar Airport in Port Blair. Private and government airlines operate their flights from different cities in India to Port Blair. The airport is situated 2 km outside the city centre from where taxis, auto rickshaws and buses are available to reach Port Blair, especially during flight times.

By Sea: Regular passenger ship services are available to Port Blair from Chennai, Kolkata and Vishakhapatnam and back. There are three to four sailings every month from Kolkata and Chennai to Port Blair and vice-versa. There is one sailing from Vishakhapatnam in a month. The voyage takes about 50 to 60 hours and the ship normally berths at Port Blair for about two to four days.