Port Blair

Port Blair (officially Sri Vijaya Puram since September 2024) is the capital and largest city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands with around 100,000 residents. It serves as the primary gateway and transit hub for exploring the archipelago, handling all flights and most ferry connections. While the city itself lacks the natural beauty of outer islands, it houses the historic Cellular Jail complex and serves as a base for day trips to Ross Island, North Bay, and the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park at Wandoor.

Veer Savarkar International Airport (IATA: IXZ) handles all flights to the Andaman Islands, exclusively from mainland India as of 2025. A modern terminal opened in 2024, but no night flights are available after 15:00 when the airport transfers to Indian Air Force control. Ferry access includes government ferries and the private M.V.Makruzz catamaran to Havelock Island (₹750-1,100 per person, 90 minutes), with additional ship services from Kolkata and Chennai.

Auto-rickshaws are abundant within town, costing ₹20-40 for short trips; expect higher fares from tourist areas like the airport (₹30 to Aberdeen Bazaar). Boats to Ross Island depart from Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex for ₹75 return (15 minutes). Local buses are cheap but routes require asking around. Private hire cars are available for sightseeing. Motorcycles can be rented on MG Road for ₹400/day but are increasingly scarce due to police seizures of unlicensed vehicles.

The best time to visit Port Blair is November through February when temperatures range from 23-30°C and rainfall is moderate. Peak season is December-January when Jolly Buoy ferry tickets should be booked in advance. The monsoon season (May-September) brings heavy rainfall (400-500mm monthly) and some activities become restricted. The Cellular Jail is closed Mondays and the light-and-sound show runs daily at 17:00 (Hindi) and 18:00 (English).

Most visitors stay near Aberdeen Bazaar (marked by the clock tower) for access to food, markets, and transport connections. Hotels here include Shompen Hotel (₹1,000-2,000, opposite Bengali Club) and Youth Hostel (dorms ₹50, rooms ₹100). Budget options range from Central Lodge (₹80-120) to mid-range hotels like Lighthouse Residency (₹1,000-1,200 for sea view rooms). Many hotels enforce 09:00 checkout due to early morning flight schedules, but early check-in is usually possible.

Aberdeen Bazaar is the main hub for dining, with vegetarian South Indian options like Katubomman (opposite SBI ATM) and Annaporna Cafeteria (one of few places accepting credit cards). Lighthouse Residency on MA Road offers one of Port Blair's best restaurants with fresh seafood and a bar. Coconut water (naaryal pani) is widely available for ₹30-45. Icy Spicy near Junglighat Jetty serves North Indian vegetarian fare with excellent sweets.

The Cellular Jail (₹20 entry, closed Mondays) is the premier historical site—a British colonial prison now turned national monument with light-and-sound shows. Boat tours offer 2-island trips (North Bay + Ross Island) for ₹225, departing from Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex at 10:00. Avoid the 3-island package tour (₹400) as Viper Island has become a landfill. Snorkeling at Jolly Buoy requires reaching Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park at Wandoor (30km away); snorkel equipment costs ₹550 per person. Day trips to Mt Harriet National Park can be arranged with local fishermen for around ₹2,000/day.

Port Blair is generally safe for travelers, though standard precautions apply. Currents at Corbyn's Cove Beach can be very strong—part of the beach was washed away by the 2004 tsunami. Auto-rickshaw drivers frequently overcharge tourists; insist on knowing your destination and using landmarks like Aberdeen Bazaar. Some hotels have reported issues with managers overcharging guests—read reviews before booking.

Mobile coverage is available via Indian carriers with 4G in urban areas. WiFi is present in mid-range and upscale hotels. Power outlets use Indian standards (Type C, D, M) with 230V/50Hz. The article does not specify SIM card prices or providers, but local tourist information centers can provide current details on mobile operators.

Daily backpacker budget in Port Blair can be quite low: dorm beds from ₹50, simple meals from ₹50-100, auto-rickshaw rides ₹10-40, and island boat tours ₹225-300. A week's trip covering must-see islands is realistic with advance planning. Budget ₹2,000-3,000 per day for basic accommodation, food, and local transport, excluding inter-island ferry tickets.

Ross Island (ferries at 08:30, 10:30, 12:00, 14:00 from aquarium jetty) was the British administrative capital and now has many deer and ruins—a great half-day trip. North Bay Island offers snorkeling (₹300) and glass-bottom boat rides (₹200). Chidiya Tapu, a southern fishing village, has good snorkeling 2km south and is a popular sunset spot (buses run 1½ hours from Port Blair). Corbyn's Cove is the closest beach to town, popular for sunset watching.

Havelock Island is the premier destination for its Radhanagar Beach—government ferries depart at 06:00 and 14:00 (₹500-600, 150 minutes) while M.V.Makruzz fast catamaran costs ₹750-1,100 (90 minutes). Baratang Island features mud volcanoes and limestone caves, accessible by 2.5-hour bus and ferry journey. Barren Island contains India's only active volcano, viewable by boat day trips without landing. Neil Island (1½ hours) offers another island-hopping option. Little Andaman and Long Island ferries depart several times weekly.