Experience the best of Port Blair
The capital city of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Port Blair is known for its rich historical background and scenic landscapes. The city houses some marvellous architectural structures from colonial times. In Port Blair, you will witness a rich fusion of cultural diversity and a captivating lush green atmosphere. With other adventurous experiences like snorkelling and scuba diving, the city attracts enthusiasts from all over the country and abroad for vacations and explorations.
Best time to visit Port Blair
The best time to visit Port Blair is between the months of October and May. The atmospheric conditions and temperature are on the lenient side, making it easy for you to explore the city comfortably. This season is also best for you to enjoy the water sports that add to your overall experience.
Where to stay
Port Blair caters to a broad spectrum of travellers with a host of accommodation options. Whether you prefer luxury hotels with world-class amenities or business hotels closer to the airport, Port Blair has it all. Here are a few options to relax and unwind during your visit.
Luxury stays
Symphony Samudra Beachside Jungle Resort and Spa: Located at one of the most exuberant locations of Port Blair, this luxury resort has a perfect sunset view. The infinity pool is perched off the cliff of the resort and the impeccable hospitality of the resort gives you a premium stay. It is a twenty-minute drive from the airport.
Hotel Landmark: A ten-minute car drive from the airport, this hotel is located 15 miles from Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. Some of the amenities offered by the hotel include a restaurant, dry cleaning service, free shuttle service, and a 24-hour front desk. The hotel is also located close to some of the most significant attractions, like Cellular Jail and Mount Harriet National Park.
Rainforest Resort: The resort is located fifteen kilometres away from the airport. It features an in-house library for avid readers and other recreational facilities like indoor games. The lush green ambience adds a vibrant charm to your stay in the city.
Upscale/ full-service stays
Seashell Port Blair: Located at the top of Marine hill, this hotel offers an ecstatic view over the city. It features a rooftop lounge bar that boasts panoramic sea views where you will surely have a captivating experience in the evening. You will be provided with spacious rooms with decent facilities to make your stay comfortable.
Peerless Resort Port Blair: This is a family-friendly resort that provides a peaceful ambience to relax and rejuvenate yourself. The property houses sixteen standard rooms, thirty deluxe rooms and four cottages, each with elegant designs. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, room service and airport transfers.
Sinclairs Bayview: This hotel boasts forty-three spacious rooms and three suites, each with amazing views of the Bay of Bengal. It is a fifteen-minute drive from the airport. The hotel also features a multi-cuisine restaurant which serves you some appetising dishes.
Places to visit
Port Blair is known to house some of the most astonishing and scenic beaches. Besides, you will also witness some historical landmarks in Port Blair. Here is a list of the top tourist attractions in Port Blair that you should not miss during your visit to the city:
Monuments
Cellular Jail: This is a three-storeyed prison built in colonial times in the year 1906. It is now owned by the government of India, which the Colonial government then used to exile criminals and political prisoners. You can witness the light shows presented here as a tribute to the freedom fighters.
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park: This national park is located twenty-nine kilometres away from Port Blair. This is a tropical rainforest that houses rich habitats. Out of the fifteen islands that the national park comprises, only two are open for tourists.
Anthropological Museum Port Blair: This Museum exhibits items that display the culture and lifestyles of the indigenous tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. If you are a history buff, you will be amazed to encounter antiques associated with different eras of various tribes. The museum is open from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm on all weekdays except Monday.
City attractions
The nearest beach to Port Blair is Corbyn's Cove. It is very popular among tourists as well as locals. There are many shacks that sell local snacks, drinks, coconut water etc. Located around 25 km from Port Blair is a picturesque little island, Chidiya Tapu, Known as the bird island. While birdwatching is the main attraction of the location, there are some fun water activities here, like scuba diving, deep-sea walking, snorkelling, pearl hunting, and boating.
Shopping
Port Blair hides some of the prettiest and most exciting markets that you just can’t miss. From wooden artefacts, pearl jewellery, mirrors and even apparel, you will find everything in markets such as Sagarika Government Emporium, Andaman Handicraft Emporium and Aberdeen Bazaar.
Culinary treats
From seafood to street delicacies, local food in Port Blair is a must-try for every foodie. The wide variety of crabs, prawns and lobsters is sure to satisfy your cravings. Dogtooth tuna, Yellowfin and coral trout are widely consumed here. Over years of cultural exchanges, the food in this tropical haven reflects Thai, Burmese, South Indian and indigenous tribal cuisines.
Travelling in and around Port Blair
Getting around the city of Port Blair is very convenient, owing to the multiple modes of transportation available. There are several app-based cab services, ensuring seamless city commuting. It is advised to plan and keep ample buffer time to avoid last-minute rush for airport commuting.
