Overview
Port Blair is the capital and largest settlement of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a union territory of India located in the Bay of Bengal roughly 1,400 km from the Indian mainland. With a population of just over 100,000, it is a small but administratively significant city that serves as the primary entry point for the archipelago's nearly 570 islands.
The city carries a layered history: it was the site of a British penal colony established in the mid-19th century, and the Cellular Jail — now a national memorial — remains the most visited landmark. Beyond its colonial past, Port Blair sits amid some of the world's most biodiverse marine ecosystems, making it a practical hub for divers, snorkelers, and nature travelers.
Unlike the quieter islands further into the archipelago, Port Blair has the infrastructure travelers depend on: hospitals, banks, ATMs, a domestic airport, and ferry terminals. Most visitors spend a couple of nights here before dispersing to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), Neil (Shaheed Dweep), or other islands.
Before You Go
Permits
All Indian nationals and most foreign nationals require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to visit the Andaman Islands. As of recent policy, this permit has generally been issued on arrival at Port Blair airport or seaport for most nationalities, but permit rules can change. Verify current requirements with the official Andaman and Nicobar administration or the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs before travel. Certain islands — particularly in the Nicobar group — remain off-limits to most visitors.
Visas
A standard Indian visa is required for most foreign nationals before entering India. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are part of India for visa purposes. For current visa rules, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official Indian immigration authority website.
Health
- Malaria is present in the islands; consult a travel health professional about prophylaxis before departure.
- Carry a basic medical kit. While Port Blair has hospitals, facilities on outer islands are limited.
- Tap water is not reliably safe to drink; bottled or filtered water is recommended.
Connectivity
Mobile network coverage (4G) is available in Port Blair and on major islands, though it can be patchy. Not all Indian mainland SIM plans roam here without additional activation; check with your provider in advance.
Getting There
By Air
Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) in Port Blair receives direct flights from several major Indian cities including Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, and Bengaluru. Flight duration from Chennai is approximately two hours. Flights are the most common and practical way to reach the islands. Book well in advance during peak season (December–February) as seats fill quickly.
By Sea
Passenger ships operated by the Shipping Corporation of India and Andaman & Nicobar Islands' own ferry services connect Port Blair with Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam. Crossing times are typically 50–70 hours depending on the departure port. This option is taken mainly by budget travelers or those transporting goods, and schedules can be irregular — verify current timetables through the operator or locally before planning around this route.
Getting Around
Within Port Blair
Auto-rickshaws are the most common way to get around the city. Agree on a fare before boarding, as meters are not universally used. Taxis are available for day trips and airport transfers. Local buses run across town at low cost but can be crowded. Rental scooters and motorcycles are an option for those comfortable navigating local roads.
To Other Islands
Government and private ferries operate from Phoenix Bay Jetty and Haddo Wharf to major islands such as Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil (Shaheed Dweep). High-speed private catamarans are faster and more comfortable than government ferries. Booking ahead is strongly advised in peak season. Helicopter services to some islands are operated by Pawan Hans; check availability and booking procedures locally or with the operator directly.
- Always carry your permit documents when traveling between islands.
- Sea conditions during the monsoon (roughly June–September) can disrupt or cancel ferry services.
Things to See & Do
Cellular Jail National Memorial
The most historically significant site in Port Blair, the Cellular Jail was built by the British colonial administration between 1896 and 1906 and used to exile political prisoners, including prominent Indian independence activists. Much of the original structure no longer stands, but the remaining wings and a museum document its grim history. A sound-and-light show is held in the evenings; verify current showtimes and admission fees on-site or through the official Andaman tourism channels.
Corbyn's Cove Beach
A palm-fringed beach a few kilometres from the city centre, popular with locals and visitors for an easy half-day outing. Facilities and water sports rentals are available; the beach is better suited to relaxing than serious snorkeling.
Andaman Water Sports Complex and Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island)
Ross Island, a short boat ride from Water Sports Complex jetty, was formerly the administrative headquarters of the British colonial government. Today it is a partially overgrown ruin with deer and peacocks inhabiting the grounds. It offers an atmospheric contrast to the Cellular Jail.
North Bay Island and Viper Island
North Bay is accessible by boat from the same jetty and is known for snorkeling and glass-bottom boat rides over coral. Viper Island holds the ruins of an older colonial prison and gallows. Both are commonly combined in a single day tour.
Scuba Diving
Port Blair has several PADI-affiliated dive operators offering beginner and certified dives. The reefs around nearby islands such as North Bay and Jolly Buoy have reasonable visibility, though experienced divers often prefer sites further afield around Havelock or Barren Island (access to the latter is restricted and subject to permit conditions — verify locally).
Food & Drink
Port Blair's food scene is unpretentious and reflects the island's diverse population — Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and Nicobari communities have all shaped local cuisine. Seafood is the dominant ingredient: fresh fish, crabs, prawns, and lobster appear across menus at all price points.
What to Eat
- Fish curry and rice — a staple across the islands, often cooked with coconut or mustard-based gravies depending on the cook's regional background.
- Grilled and tandoori seafood — widely available at restaurants near the waterfront.
- South Indian breakfast staples — idli, dosa, and vada are easy to find, particularly around Aberdeen Bazaar.
- Local bakeries sell freshly baked bread and biscuits, a remnant of the British colonial period.
Drinking
Alcohol is available in Port Blair at licensed restaurants and government-run liquor shops. The Andaman islands have their own beer brands available locally. Coconut water from roadside vendors is a reliable, refreshing option. Avoid ice in beverages unless you are confident of the water source.
Aberdeen Bazaar is the main commercial hub and has the highest concentration of mid-range restaurants and small local eateries.
Shopping
Shopping in Port Blair is modest and centered around Aberdeen Bazaar and the Sagarika Government Emporium, which sells locally produced handicrafts, shell-based products, and cane work. The emporium is a reasonable starting point for understanding what is authentically local versus mass-produced.
Note that the collection, sale, and export of certain shells and coral are prohibited under Indian wildlife protection laws. Avoid purchasing products made from protected marine species regardless of where they are sold — buyers can face legal consequences.
Practical Information
Money
ATMs are available in Port Blair, concentrated near Aberdeen Bazaar and around the airport area. Cash is essential for outer islands, where ATMs are sparse or absent. Carry sufficient rupees before departing Port Blair for any multi-day island trip.
Communication
The STD/ISD code for Port Blair is +91-3192. Public Wi-Fi is limited; most travelers rely on mobile data. As noted, confirm your SIM plan covers the Andaman Islands before arrival.
Medical
Govt. GNRC Hospital (GB Pant Hospital) is the main public hospital in Port Blair. Private clinics are also available. For any serious medical emergency on outer islands, evacuation to Port Blair is typically required.
Emergency Numbers
- Police: 100
- Fire: 101
- Ambulance: 102
- These are standard Indian national emergency numbers; verify local equivalents on arrival.
Electricity
Standard Indian supply: 230V, 50Hz. Type C, D, and M plug sockets. Power cuts can occur; carry a power bank.
Dress
Porter Blair is a conservative community in many respects. Beachwear is appropriate at beaches but not in markets, temples, mosques, or the Cellular Jail. Lightweight, breathable clothing is practical year-round given the tropical climate.
Safety
Port Blair is generally considered a low-crime destination. Petty theft can occur in crowded markets as in any city; keep valuables secured. The Cellular Jail and busy ferry terminals attract pickpockets during peak hours.
The primary safety considerations are environmental. Sea conditions change rapidly, especially approaching and during the monsoon season. Follow guidance from ferry operators about cancellations and do not attempt to travel by sea against official advisories. Rip currents exist at some beaches; swim only in designated areas and heed posted warnings.
Sunburn and heat exhaustion are real risks given the equatorial sun. Use high-SPF sunscreen, stay hydrated, and limit midday outdoor exposure.
Travelers should register with their country's embassy or consulate in India when visiting remote islands, particularly for extended stays.
Local Culture & Etiquette
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to several indigenous tribal communities, including the Andamanese, Onge, Jarawa, and Sentinelese peoples. Most of these groups have extremely limited or no contact with outsiders by their own choice, and Indian law strictly prohibits approaching or making contact with them — particularly the Sentinelese of North Sentinel Island. These protections exist to safeguard both the communities (who have no immunity to many common diseases) and visitors. Violations are a criminal offense.
The settled population of Port Blair is diverse, with communities of Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and Ranchi (mainland Indian) descent, alongside descendants of convicts and freedom fighters who were exiled here during the colonial period. This diversity is reflected in the city's temples, mosques, churches, and food culture existing in close proximity.
When visiting religious sites, remove footwear as directed, dress modestly, and ask before photographing worshippers or ceremonies.
