Where every Andaman trip begins

Port Blair

The capital, the airport, the Cellular Jail, and the jumping-off point for every island ferry. Most visitors spend one or two nights here.

Best time

October to May. Peak December to February.

Stay

1 to 2 nights

Getting there

Direct flights from Chennai (2h), Kolkata (2h), Delhi (5h), Bangalore (3.

Getting around

Pre-paid taxis from the airport (around ₹250 to most central hotels).

Don't miss

Highlights of Port Blair

Cellular Jail National Memorial

The freedom-struggle landmark. Open 9am to 5pm Tuesday through Sunday. The evening light-and-sound show is the most affecting tourist experience in town. Book the day before.

Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep)

A half-day trip from Aberdeen Jetty. The former British administrative capital, abandoned after the 1941 earthquake. Banyan trees have grown into and around the colonial ruins. Peacocks roam the paths.

Corbyn's Cove Beach

The closest beach to town. Seven kilometres south. Calm water, coconut palms, and a sunset view back across the harbour. Best at golden hour.

Chatham Saw Mill and Maritime Museum

A short visit. Worth it if you like industrial history. Asia's oldest sawmill, still in operation, plus a small but well-curated museum on the islands' colonial timber trade.

Plan your trip

Sample itineraries

One perfect day in Port Blair

Best done on arrival day or on your last day before flying out.

1 day

Make Port Blair part of your Andaman trip

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Practical

Tips & packing

Local tips

The Cellular Jail and Ross Island are closed on Mondays. Plan your day around that.
Pre-pay your taxi at the airport counter to avoid haggling at arrivals.
Indian visitors do not need a permit. Foreign visitors get a free Restricted Area Permit on arrival at the airport. It is valid for 30 days.
ATMs in Port Blair are reliable. Withdraw enough cash here before heading to Havelock or Neil, where ATMs are often down.
Phoenix Bay Jetty (for inter-island ferries) is different from Aberdeen Jetty (for Ross Island). Easy to confuse. Ask your taxi driver to confirm which one.

What to pack

Light cottons and a thin rain jacket if travelling June to September
Sunscreen SPF 50 or higher
Government photo ID for every passenger. Checked at every ferry boarding.
Cash. Many smaller cafés and auto-rickshaws do not take cards.
A power bank. Some smaller hotels have evening power dips.

Common questions

FAQs about Port Blair

How many days are enough for Port Blair?+

One or two nights covers the main sights. Most travellers use it as a bookend around their beach island stays. Three nights starts to feel like too much unless you are doing a Baratang day-trip on top.

Do I need a permit?+

Indian nationals do not. Foreign nationals are issued a free 30-day Restricted Area Permit on arrival at the airport. Bring two passport photos and a passport photocopy to speed it up.

Can I drink the tap water?+

No. Stick to bottled or boiled water everywhere on the islands.

Is Uber or Ola available?+

No. Use pre-paid taxi counters at the airport, hotel taxis, or auto-rickshaws. Negotiate the fare before you get in.