Things to Do in Port Blair | Itinerary

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.