Port Blair Travel Guide
Port Blair is the largest town and a municipal council in Andaman district in the Andaman Island and the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a union territory of India. It is the main entry point to the islands. The most beautiful beaches in the world, only active volcano in India, lime stone caves, mud volcano, coral tribes, Port Blair is definitely one of the most beautiful places to visit in India and definitely the most peaceful place from the point of time you land here.
Port Blair is the major base for the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard and Indian Air Force. It is also the headquarters of the Tri Service Command. Islands are always the most favourite tourist location as they entertain both nature lovers and adventurous people.
There are number of beautiful tourist places near Port Blair which you can plan for a day excursion. Places like Chidya Tapu, Ross Island , Mount Harriet National Park, Wandoor Beach, Baratang Island can be covered in a day. So you have many options to explore the Andaman Islands from Port Blair.
How to Reach Port Blair
Air and Sea are only two options to reach Port Blair from Indian Mainland.
By Ship – Regular passenger ship services are available to Port Blair from Chennai, Kolkata and Vishakhapatnam. From Kolkata and Chennai, around three to four ships sail every month to Port Blair and one ship sails from Vishakhapatnam. Interested travellers can plan a sea journey and book their tickets from Chennai, Kolkata or Vishakhapatnam in the passenger ships. The journey takes nearly 50-60 hours.
By Air – This tourist destination is easily accessible via plane. Veer Savarkar International Airport more commonly known as Port Blair Airport connects this place with other parts of the country and world via network of flights. Private and Government airlines operate their flights including SpiceJet, GoAir, Air India and Jet Airways from different cities in India. The duration of each flight is approximately 2 hours. From outside the airport, travellers can avail taxi or autorickshaw services to reach anywhere in Port Blair.
Port Blair Map
Getting Around Port Blair
Port Blair is surrounded by Andaman Sea from all the sides. It is one of the developing cities of India and biggest in Andaman Islands. Normally Auto, Buses, Ferries, Two and Four Wheelers are there to move around.
Ferries : Ferries in Port Blair are used to mover around the nearby locations and other islands of the Andaman. Places like Bamboo flat, Phoenix bay, Chatham, Junglighat, Mithakhari , Hope town, Viper Island, Dundas point are connected to Port Blair by Ferries only.
Walking : Port Blair is not that big like other Indian cities, though you can explore all the city on your foot. Walking acan be good option to explore the city areas. The city has hills and lonely road too, so remeber the path otherwise you may lost the way to your destination.
Auto – Rickshaws: There are number of Auto services in the city. These are the best and one of cheapest way to travel from one place to other in Port Blair. Within town the prices may go as far as Rs 60-70. If you are new to the city as most of tourists do confirm with locals or your hotel about prices and fares.
Two Wheelers : Earlier there used to be renting options in Port Blair but now most of them have stopped renting bikes as most tourists are without license and are caught overspeeding in the town. Few places still offers bike rentals like MG road.
Private Car/ Taxi : Private Taxi can be the best way to explore the town on your ease and comfort. Though the prices will be highest than all modes of transfer but you can go to any place where road connects.
Buses : Buses are the cheapest and comfortable way to explore the city. There are many inter-city and intra-city buses.
Port Blair Weather (Temperature in Degree Centigrade)
| Months | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Max. | 29.2 | 29.8 | 31.1 | 32.7 | 31.0 | 29.1 | 28.9 | 28.8 | 28.8 | 28.7 | 29.0 | 29.0 |
| Min. | 22.7 | 21.8 | 22.5 | 23.9 | 23.9 | 24.2 | 24.1 | 24.1 | 24.1 | 23.6 | 23.6 | 23.1 |
Where to Stay at Port Blair
Finding hotels and resorts to stay at the island is not a problem as there are a range of such places, which would suits your budget. Port Blair has a number of hotels and resorts, which provide comfortable accommodation to travellers. Various budget hotels can be found in Aberdeen Bazaar and Marine Hills.
Luxury hotels are found in MG Road, Link Road, Marine Hill. Andaman Residency and Hotel Diviyum Manor are good budget hotels in Port Blair while, Hotel Shompen, Sinclairs Bay View, Fortune Resort Bay Island are popular and luxury hotels.