Best Photography Spots in Port Blair: A Complete Photographer’s Guide

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Best Photography Spots in Port Blair (Must-Visit Places)
• Local Culture, Food & Shopping
• How to Reach Port Blair
• Accommodation Options & Estimated Costs
• Nearby Getaways for Photographers
• Photography Tips and Golden Hour Guide
• Travel Tips for Different Travelers
• FAQs
• Conclusion

Introduction

Port Blair, the gateway to the Andaman Islands, is a dream canvas for photographers. From colonial-era ruins and emerald mangroves to teal waters and fiery sunsets, the city blends history with island charm. This guide highlights the best photography spots in Port Blair, with practical details on timing, gear, access, budgets, and local experiences to help you plan picture-perfect frames.

Best Photography Spots in Port Blair (Must-Visit Places)

Below are the most photogenic locations in and around Port Blair, with notes on the best time, lenses, and on-ground tips.

Cellular Jail National Memorial

• Best for: Historic architecture, silhouettes, storytelling frames.
• When: Late afternoon to golden hour for warm tones; blue hour outside the facade.
• Lens: 24–70mm for interiors, 16–35mm for wide shots.
• Notes: Tripods may be restricted. Be respectful inside the galleries. Light & Sound show may limit flash and video; check current rules.

Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island)

• Best for: Tree-entwined colonial ruins, banyans, deer, seascapes.
• When: Morning light for soft shadows; last ferry back often around late afternoon.
• Lens: 24–105mm; 35mm prime for environmental portraits.
• Notes: Short boat ride from Water Sports Complex. Carry water; limited shade.

North Bay Island & Lighthouse Views

• Best for: Lighthouse compositions, snorkeling shots, glass-bottom-boat abstracts.
• When: Mid-morning for clear water; avoid choppy days.
• Lens: Action cam or waterproof housing; polarizer for boat shots.
• Notes: Confirm operator permissions for underwater cameras. Safety first with gear on boats.

Chidiya Tapu (Sunset Point) & Munda Pahad Viewpoint

• Best for: Iconic sunsets, driftwood foregrounds, coastal cliffs from the Munda Pahad trail.
• When: Golden hour into sunset; start the hike at least 60–90 minutes before sunset.
• Lens: 16–35mm for landscapes; 70–200mm for compression shots.
• Notes: Follow safety advisories; swimming often restricted due to currents/wildlife. Carry a headlamp for the hike back.

Corbyn’s Cove Beach

• Best for: Coconut-fringed beach scenes, moody waves, blue hour reflections.
• When: Sunrise and post-sunset blue hour.
• Lens: Wide-angle; ND filters for long exposures.
• Notes: Look for Japanese bunkers nearby as historic subjects.

Mount Harriet National Park (The “₹20 Note” Viewpoint)

• Best for: Hilltop vistas across the strait, lush forest textures.
• When: Early morning for mist and soft light.
• Lens: 24–105mm; 70–200mm to pick out islands and boats.
• Notes: Reach via ferry to Bambooflat and a drive uphill; park entry fees apply.

Wandoor Beach & Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park Gate

• Best for: Mangroves, piers, serene horizons; seasonal trips to Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (for underwater clarity).
• When: Sunset; mid-morning on clear-water days for reefs (seasonal).
• Lens: Wide for seascapes; macro/GoPro for corals.
• Notes: Jolly Buoy access is seasonal and permit-based via Forest Dept; plastic restrictions enforced.

Chatham Saw Mill

• Best for: Industrial heritage, textures, patterns of timber yards.
• When: Morning for directional light through sheds.
• Lens: 35mm/50mm for storytelling; 24–70mm for variety.
• Notes: Entry tickets required; follow staff guidance on photography zones.

Marina Park & Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex

• Best for: Waterfront promenades, street candids, blue hour cityscapes.
• When: Sunset to blue hour for ambient lights and reflections.
• Lens: 24–70mm; 16–35mm for sweeping frames.
• Notes: Great for handheld night shots; watch for sea spray.

Joggers Park (Runway Viewpoint)

• Best for: Elevated views over the runway and harbor; golden/blue hour cityscapes.
• When: Early morning and sunset.
• Lens: 24–105mm; 70–200mm for aircraft.
• Notes: Quiet, safe, and favored by locals; benches available.

Sippighat Wetlands

• Best for: Bird photography (kingfishers, egrets), mangrove textures.
• When: Early morning.
• Lens: 300–600mm for birds.
• Notes: Carry insect repellent; tread lightly along bunds.

Aberdeen Bazaar, Clock Tower & Gandhi Park

• Best for: Street life, colorful storefronts, reflections on the lake.
• When: Late afternoon into evening.
• Lens: 35mm for street; 16–35mm for the lake and park.
• Notes: Always ask before close-up portraits. Avoid photographing sensitive facilities.

Local Culture, Food & Shopping

Port Blair’s culture blends Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and North Indian influences shaped by maritime history. Museums like the Anthropological Museum and Samudrika Marine Museum add context (note: interior photography may be restricted).

• Food to try: Seafood thalis, grilled fish, Andaman fish curry, coconut-based dishes, fresh juices.
• Popular eateries: Lighthouse Residency & New Lighthouse Restaurant (seafood), Ananda Restaurant (local fare), Icy Spicy (veg), SeaShell Mezban (multi-cuisine). Availability can change; check current hours.
• Shopping: Aberdeen Bazaar for everyday scenes; Sagarika Emporium for government-run handicrafts. Avoid buying coral, shells, or turtle products—collection and trade are prohibited.
• Etiquette: Do not photograph indigenous communities or restricted areas. Ask consent for portraits.

How to Reach Port Blair

• By Air: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) has regular flights from major Indian cities (e.g., Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad). Flight time from Chennai/Kolkata is ~2–2.5 hours.
• By Sea: Passenger ships operate intermittently from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam (journey ~60–72 hours). Schedules are limited and weather-dependent.
• Local Transport: Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and app/stand-based cabs. Ferries depart from Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex to Ross & North Bay; local ferries run to Bambooflat for Mount Harriet. Two-wheelers may be available; carry a valid license and ride cautiously.

Accommodation Options & Estimated Costs

• Budget stays: Guesthouses/hostels: INR 1,200–2,500 per night.
• Mid-range hotels: INR 3,000–6,000 per night.
• Upscale/resorts: INR 7,000–15,000+ per night.
• Local transport (per day): Auto short hops INR 80–200; taxi hire for half-day INR 1,200–2,000; full-day INR 2,500–4,000 (indicative).
• Ferry/entry fees: Ross/North Bay boats typically INR 500–1,200+ depending on combo and season; museum/park entries INR 20–500.
• Guides: Private photography/heritage guide INR 1,500–3,500 for a half-day, depending on demand.

Note: Prices fluctuate by season and availability; confirm current rates on the ground.

Nearby Getaways for Photographers

• Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Radhanagar Beach sunsets, Kalapathar seascapes, underwater at Elephant Beach (fast ferries from Port Blair).
• Neil (Shaheed Dweep): Natural Bridge, Laxmanpur Beach sunset silhouettes.
• Baratang (Day Trip): Limestone caves and mangroves (permits/convoy system; photography restrictions apply along tribal reserve transit).

Photography Tips and Golden Hour Guide

• Best season: Oct–Apr offers clearer skies and calmer seas. May–Sep brings dramatic clouds and fewer crowds but frequent showers.
• Golden hour windows: Being far east, sunrise is early. Approx ranges:
  • Sunrise: ~5:00–5:45 am (seasonal)
  • Sunset: ~5:00–6:00 pm (seasonal)
• Essential gear: Wide-angle (16–35mm), versatile zoom (24–105mm), telephoto (70–200mm), polarizer, ND filters, microfiber cloths, rain cover/dry bag, silica gel.
• Care for equipment: Humidity and salt spray are constant—wipe gear often, store with desiccants, avoid lens changes in sea breeze.
• Drones: Many areas are sensitive/no-fly (airport vicinity, national parks, government/defense zones). Always seek prior permission from local authorities; respect all restrictions.
• Ethics & safety: Obey signage regarding swimming/crocodile advisories at beaches like Chidiya Tapu/Wandoor. Do not photograph restricted facilities or indigenous communities. Pack out all trash.

Travel Tips for Different Travelers

For Families

• Choose easy-access viewpoints: Marina Park, Corbyn’s Cove, Cellular Jail exterior.
• Carry snacks, hats, and water; midday heat is intense.
• Keep kids away from slippery rocks and strong surf; stick to signed areas.

For Honeymooners

• Plan sunset frames at Chidiya Tapu or Wandoor; arrive 45–60 minutes early.
• Book a sea-facing room for blue-hour balcony shots.
• Pack a lightweight tripod for low-light couple portraits.

For Friends/Backpackers

• Explore on scooters for flexibility; start pre-dawn for empty scenes.
• Join a boat combo (Ross + North Bay) for varied content in a day.
• Back up photos daily; humidity can cause card/gear issues.

FAQs

Q: What is the single best sunset spot in Port Blair?

A: Chidiya Tapu consistently delivers layered clouds, glowing horizons, and silhouettes. Arrive early and scout driftwood or rocky foregrounds.

Q: Can I fly a drone in Port Blair?

A: Drone operations are heavily regulated, with many no-fly areas near the airport, national parks, and government/defense sites. Obtain permissions from authorities before flying and follow all local rules.

Q: Is underwater photography possible from Port Blair?

A: Yes—North Bay and seasonal trips to Jolly Buoy/Red Skin offer clear waters. Use an action cam or housing, and confirm operator permissions and reef-safe practices.

Q: What’s the best time of year for photographers?

A: October to April for stable weather and visibility. Monsoon months offer dramatic skies but plan for showers and flexible itineraries.

Q: Are tripods allowed at popular sites?

A: Policies vary. Tripods are generally fine on beaches and promenades; some heritage interiors and shows may restrict them. Carry a compact travel tripod and ask on-site staff if unsure.

Conclusion

Port Blair rewards photographers with a rare mix of coastal drama, living history, and island life. Time your shoots for the generous golden hours, protect your gear from humidity and salt, and balance marquee spots like Cellular Jail and Chidiya Tapu with quieter gems such as Joggers Park and Sippighat. With thoughtful planning and respect for local guidelines, you’ll bring home a portfolio that captures the Andamans’ serene intensity.