Things to Do in Port Blair

Port Blair is the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and the largest city in the archipelago. Visitors are often overwhelmed by the sheer variety of options of activities and places to visit in Port Blair. We have made a list of a few places you absolutely must visit on your next trip to this idyllic tropical paradise.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands
fisherman in Port Blair

History Lesson at Cellular Jail


Once a prison under the British regime, this complex was declared a national memorial by Morarji Desai, the Indian Prime Minister in 1979. It held many freedom fighters captive whom the British considered dangerous on the mainland. Today, it houses a museum and hospital, in stark contrast to the horrors that it was once privy to. It was also used to detain British POWs when Japan held sovereignty over the island during World War 2. There are regular light and sound shows held on the grounds to tell the story of the prison to visitors.

exterior facade of Cellular Jail
figurines in a museum

Learn About the Indigenous Tribes at the Anthropology Museum

 
The anthropology museum in Port Blair is the next location on our list of places to see in Port Blair. It was established in 1975 to teach visitors about the history of the indigenous tribes of the islands - Andamanese, Shompen, Sentinelese, Jarawa, Onge and Nicobarese. The museum houses various artefacts and handicrafts showcasing the way of life of the tribes. The tribes still maintain their distance from visitors, so this museum is one of the only ways to learn more about them.

Souvenir Shopping at Aberdeen Bazar


Aberdeen Bazar is the main marketplace in Port Blair. Visitors can find a wide assortment of souvenirs and other novelties to take back home and gift friends and families. There is also a clock tower which serves as a good regrouping point for those of you who like to wander away distracted by the various sights and sounds. Paying a visit to this bustling marketplace needs to be high on your list of things to do in Port Blair.

Aberdeen bazar in Port Blair
beach in Port Blair

Spend a Day at the Beach

 
Every island getaway itinerary needs to have at least one day set aside for beaches. And Port Blair has plenty of beaches around. Corbyn's Cove Beach is the one we recommend for your day out. You can also take a trip to North Bay and Ross Island which are famous for housing dilapidated government buildings. You have a number of things to do on the beach like swimming, sunbathing, playing watersports like jet skiing, and sampling the many food stalls scattered along the length of the beach.

 

Get Up-close and Personal With The Water Kingdom

 
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, situated some 29 km from Port Blair City is a haven to explore the underwater life of Andaman Islands. Bear witness to the vividly colourful life thriving under the blue waters of the sea. See stunning corals, beautiful fishes and fascinating creatures. Other museums to explore include Forest Museum, Samudrika Naval Marine Museum and Fisheries Museum
 

colourful fish
Ross Island

Explore the Unique Sides of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

 
Ross Island, also called Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island after the famous freedom fighter, is located some 3 km east of Port Blair. This island is known to house historic ruins which allures history-buffs, professional historians and curious tourists alike. It is also a place where spotted deer move around freely. Another extraordinary place to visit in Port Blair is Chatham Saw Mill. Established way back in 1883, the primary objective of this mill was to meet the requirements of the local residents towards sawn timber for construction purposes. It is one of the oldest institutions dedicated to this business and makes for an interesting visit.
 

The best time to visit Port Blair is during the winter when the sun is not harsh enough to cause damage while laying around on the beaches. Come stay at Barefoot at Havelock, just a short ferry ride away, and enjoy an unforgettable vacation in this little slice of paradise. Read more about exploring the sunrise and sunset at Havelock Island here.