The state capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Port Blair is situated on the eastern bank of Southern Andamans. There are plenty of things to do and places to visit in Port Blair, so let’s get started.
Port Blair Itinerary
Upon landing at the Veer Savarkar Airport, the first thing on your itinerary would probably be a visit to the Cellular Jail. So, let’s begin there.
Cellular Jail, Port Blair
I have written a detailed post here with all the relevant information that you are looking for-the timings, ticket details, Light and Sound show etc.
Why You Should Visit Cellular Jail
Even if you catch the first slot of the Light and Sound Show, it will get over only by 7-ish. The beaches will have restricted entries by then and your options are limited.
Take a stroll onto Flag Point
The Flag Point is the place from where Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose hoisted the tricolor for the first time during his visit to the Islands in the year 1943. It is a well-maintained little structure that is right adjacent to the sea. A proper photo booth, however, will be overflowing with crowds, clicking photographs.
There is also a temple right next to it.
Next on your Andaman and Nicobar Islands Itinerary, would probably be hopping onto different islands and that’s the best part. So, depending on your ferry timings, do the following at leisure. But do not miss it though.
Ross Island
We timed our ferry back from Havelock islands in such a way that we had an entire day at Port Blair before leaving for the heartland of India. And I do not regret one bit about it.
Ross Island is a must-visit if you want to see the ruins and history of Andamans.
Check out my article on the History, ferry timings, Deer sighting, and a stroll to the lighthouse at Ross Islands, here.
Exploring the Ruins of Ross Islands
Munda Pahad Beach
Munda Pahad is famous for the trek. So, this was completely off my bucket list of things to do in Port Blair. But oh boy, am I glad I didn’t miss this!
After we were back from Ross Island, we headed straight to Munda Pahad. It will take you approximately 30-45 minutes to reach Munda Pahad from Port Blair. The route is scenic with huge peepul and banyan trees engulfing on either side of the roads. Further down the journey, you will begin to see beaches, mostly ruins from the Tsunami attack.
The trek timings are from 10 am to 3 pm, and you will cover a good 2 km to reach the beach. You will reach a viewpoint where you can see the aerial view of the entire island. So if you enjoy trekking, plan accordingly.
Though a trek, we drove to the beach. With crystal clear water, remains of huge tree branches giving you brilliant photo ops, a well-lit dramatic sky, and the vast expanse of sea, it is easily one of the best beaches in Port Blair.
You will so not be disappointed.
That said, I will have to let you know that the beach is crowded especially during Sunset, and taking photographs on these branches is a huge challenge because no one is willing to let go of them even after taking hundreds of photographs rooted at the exact same spot. Sigh!
There is also a biological park here which is home to crocodiles, deer, butterflies, and more.
Chidiya Tapu
Chidiya Tapu as the name suggests is a bird island. If you are a bird photographer, do not miss the Munda Pahad trek and a visit to Chidiya Tapu for you will get to see different species of birds namely Drongos, Parakeets, Sea Eagles, and the like. However, bird sighting is mostly best during dawn.
I arrived pretty late to the location and couldn’t capture any but Chidiya Tapu is also a great sunset point. You may sit on the pavement grabbing a cup of Chai and hot piping Bajjis from the tens of tea stalls, especially Hashtag Chai which is a popular one for all the right reasons.
The heartwarming part is that the shopkeeper buys children’s paintings from the nearby school, and uses that to serve his delicious fritters.
Corbyn Cove Beach
The next day, before catching our morning flight, we decided to catch one last sunrise at Port Blair.
Corbyn Cove Beach, colloquially called Carbin Cove by the locals is right at the heart of Port Blair. I wouldn’t claim it is tidy, but the scenic drive with the sea stretching en route your journey makes it worth the visit.
It’s one of the best places in Port Blair to hang out with your family, especially at dawn or dusk. The beach also has stalls providing food and packaged drinks. Water sports activity is available too but is quite expensive when compared to Havelock or Neil Islands.
Marina Park
Marina Park is a five-minute drive from Corbyn Cove Beach. It is a walking plaza and tourists and locals love it the same. Take a walk along the concrete walkway, especially in the evenings, munch on peanuts and spiced pineapples, while enjoying a gorgeous view of the sea.
That said, we reached Marina Park somewhere around 7.30 am and were privy to a beautiful sight. There are hundreds of pigeons perched on the statue of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.
A kind soul comes every day without fail to feed these pigeons. The way he calls for them and talks to them is a heartwarming sight.
Souvenirs from Sagarika Emporium
Are pearls sold in Andaman real?
Government-approved centers like Sagarika sells authentic goodies like pearls, shells, and corals for you to take back to your home. Andamans is one place where you can purchase good quality pearl jewellery and Sagarika Emporium offers you certificates upon purchase.
That said, beware of the fact that there are many shops named Sagarika these days and you will have to find out the Government approved one.
Can we bring shells from Andaman?
Yes, you can bring shells from Andaman if you have the purchase receipt. Do not pick up dead corals, shells, and sea creatures from the beach. It is strictly prohibited. To own shells, you ought to buy them from shops because the airport authorities do a thorough scanning of your bags and you will be asked to produce the purchase receipt if shells are found in your baggage.
Aberdeen Market
If you want to head out to the local market to buy spices, clothes, or medicine, Aberdeen Market is the place. The market also has got good cafes and restaurants too.
Wandoor Beach
Situated about 1.5 hours away from Port Blair is Wandoor Beach. It is less touristy and you will mostly have the beach to yourself at most times.
Other Things to Do When in Port Blair
Jolly Bouy Island, Viper Island, and North Bay Island
All three islands were closed for tourism when we visited Andamans. North Bay Island is usually clubbed with Ross Island visits and it is popular for water sports activities.
Anthropological Museum and Samudrika Museum
There were many tribes that lived in Andamans for over a millennia. The tribes Jarawas, Onges, Sentinelese, and Andamanese live on the Andaman Islands. A visit to the Anthropological Museum explains in detail the tribes and their culture.
Samudrika Museum, curated by the Indian Navy houses treasures from the Indian Ocean like a skeleton of a baby whale. There is a beautiful aquarium too.
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
in collaboration with Zariya Healings.
Manisha Garg says
There are so many amazing things to do in Port Blair, I have been reading your posts and there is lots to explore. Hope to visit this beautiful place.
Manisha Garg recently posted…बचपन
Preeti Chauhan says
I had been there years back, it has changed in terms of better amenities for tourists. During those days, they had very few cafes and restaurants’ and is also more spruced up now thanks to its popularity with tourists.
Samata says
A perfect itinerary for port blair trip and I am going to follow it for sure when I plan for my vacations over there. You marked the important places to explore and even captured some beautiful pics with pretty you to make me keen to visit real soon.
Ambica Gulati says
It’s a dream destination. I would love to see chidiya tapu and Munda Pahad. It’s so difficult to imagien peepal and banyan trees on an island, but I guess that’s nature’s way of showing us to be adaptable. Would love to see the sunsets on CarbinCove and just simply enjoy the islands. I didn’t know collecting sea shells from the island beaches was forbidden. That’s information for sure.
Harjeet Kaur says
What a detailed blog post on Port Blair, Shalini. hats off! You just swept me off to the place, and I had a royal walk-through. It is on my bucket list but just not able to make it there..but soon will go and first I will bookmark this page.
Flavia Cutinho says
The beach view and the chidiya Tapu caught my attention. I have read about Port Blair itinerary before as well however this was very in detailed.
Madhu Bindra says
Thank you so much for combining all the information we need in one post. You have included everything including that we cannot just pick up shells from the beach. I am going to refer to it when I visit the Andamans.
Madhu Bindra recently posted…Tropical Frozen Yogurt Bark (Nut-Free Froyo)
Ritu Bindra says
Loved the series, Shalini. And what better way to complete it than to compile it all into one post with adding info. Adding to my Keep folder. The shopkeeper buying children’s paintings is so sweet.
Ritu Bindra recently posted…Interview with Vinita Dawra Nangia: Director – Times Literature Festival, AutHer Awards, and Write India
Kaveri Chhetri says
That’s quite an iterinary Shalini… beautiful, scenic places one after the other! I felt as if I am at Port Blair and not you.
Among all the places you’ve mentioned, the cellular jail intrigued me the most and beauty wise ‘carbin cove.’ And I seriously didn’t know u can’t get shells from A&N without receipts.
Loved all your pics… made me wanna go there right now😀
Anjali Tripathi says
Years ago, I had the opportunity to visit that place with my parents, and since then, it has undergone significant changes, particularly in terms of improved amenities for tourists. You not only highlighted the must-see attractions but also took stunning pictures with your enchanting presence, igniting my eagerness to revisit the place in the near future.
Sivaranjini Anandan says
beaches, walkway market, bird park wow what a fantastic way of presenting the places you have been to. Awesome that why I say blogging is more than what I could say
Varsh says
Oh, apart from everything else the trek is most definitely on my list now! Thanks for this detailed post Shalini, I’m making a note of every place you’ve mentioned so I don’t miss it when we visit.
Aditi Kapur says
Your series is getting interesting. When I read your Kala Pani article, I thought it was t the detailed explanation. But, you have many exciting things in store:) Well done 👍
Aditi Kapur recently posted…Mystery of the Old Castle on the Hill
Docdivatraveller says
Andaman oh you beauty! Port Blair holds a special place in my heart. Bookmarking this itinerary for a trip with kids.
Aastha says
Everytime I see a travel post of yours I wanna travel to that place Shalini😋
Janaki says
What a detailed post. looks like straight out of a travel magazine coupled with lovely pics. Could actually walk with you as you explain every little detail
Vasumathi DS Ponday says
Wow! you have packed so much detail into this post, explaining everything concisely. Will be useful for anyone planning a itinerary on a visit to Port Blair,
Vasumathi DS Ponday recently posted…The Business Of Pre-Owned Items: Yay Or Nay?
Noor Anand Chawla says
Great post! Definitely saving it for when I visit Andaman!