Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Must-Visit Places in Port Blair
- Local Culture and Food
- Nearby Getaways from Port Blair
- How to Reach Port Blair from International Destinations
- Accommodation Options in Port Blair
- Estimated Trip Costs
- Shopping and Local Experiences
- Best Time to Visit
- Tips for Different Traveler Types
- Essential Practical Tips and Safety
- FAQs: International Connections to Port Blair
- Conclusion
Introduction
Set in the Bay of Bengal, Port Blair is the capital of India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the primary gateway to emerald isles like Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) and Shaheed Dweep (Neil). For international travelers, understanding how to connect to Port Blair smoothly is half the journey. This guide blends on-the-ground travel insights with up-to-date connectivity advice, so you can plan flights, visas, and logistics with confidence—and still have time to enjoy the islands’ beaches, reefs, and layered history.
Must-Visit Places in Port Blair
- Cellular Jail (Kala Pani) and the evening Light & Sound Show
- Corbyn’s Cove Beach for a quick sunset escape
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island) for colonial-era ruins
- North Bay Island for snorkeling and the iconic lighthouse view
- Samudrika Marine Museum and Anthropological Museum
- Chatham Saw Mill (one of Asia’s oldest and largest)
- Wandoor Beach and Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (Jolly Buoy/Red Skin—permit required)
- Mount Harriet National Park for views across the strait
Local Culture and Food
Port Blair is a mosaic of communities from across India, alongside indigenous groups who live in protected areas. Hindi and Bengali are widely spoken; you’ll also hear Tamil and Telugu. Respect local customs, avoid photographing indigenous communities, and heed all restrictions on tribal reserves.
Food highlights:
- Seafood: fish curry, grilled lobster, crab, prawns
- Influences: Bengali, South Indian, and coastal flavors
- Vegetarian-friendly: dosa, thali meals, coconut-based curries
- Sweet tooth: local bakeries and chilled desserts suit the tropical climate
Nearby Getaways from Port Blair
- Swaraj Dweep (Havelock): Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach (snorkeling, diving)
- Shaheed Dweep (Neil): Bharatpur and Laxmanpur beaches, natural rock bridge
- Baratang Island: limestone caves and the mud volcano (day trip; road convoy system)
- Jolly Buoy/Red Skin: vibrant reefs with strict no-plastic rules
- Chidiya Tapu: golden-hour birding and sunset
How to Reach Port Blair from International Destinations
Quick Overview
- Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IATA: IXZ), Port Blair
- Current status: Designated international, but as of recent schedules there are no regular, year-round direct international passenger flights. Most travelers connect via Indian gateway cities.
- Typical domestic gateways to IXZ: Chennai (MAA), Kolkata (CCU), Bengaluru (BLR), Hyderabad (HYD), Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM)
Visas, Entry Points, and Permits
- Visa: Foreign nationals require a valid Indian visa (including e-Visa where eligible). You must clear immigration at your first point of entry into India.
- e-Visa arrivals: Port Blair is generally not an e-Visa entry airport. Plan to arrive internationally at approved e-Visa airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, etc., then fly domestically to Port Blair.
- Andaman permits: For most popular tourist islands, no separate Restricted Area Permit is currently required, but certain islands and all tribal reserves remain off-limits. Park/boat permits are still needed for places like Jolly Buoy.
- Always check the latest official advisories, as visa/permit rules and flight schedules change.
By Air: The Most Reliable Route
Plan an international flight into a major Indian hub, then connect to a domestic flight to Port Blair.
- From Southeast Asia: Connect via Chennai or Kolkata for the shortest onward sector (about 2–2.5 hours).
- From the Middle East: Connect via Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, or Mumbai; onward flight 2–3 hours (longer if from Mumbai).
- From Europe/UK: Connect via Delhi or Mumbai, then onward to Port Blair (often 2.5–5 hours, nonstop or 1-stop).
- From North America: Route via Delhi/Mumbai (or via SE Asia/Middle East + Chennai/Kolkata). Consider overnighting before the Port Blair leg.
- From Australia/New Zealand: Via Singapore/Kuala Lumpur to Chennai/Kolkata, then onward to Port Blair.
Booking tips:
- Single-ticket itineraries ease through-check of bags and protect connections. If booking separately, allow generous buffers (at least 3–4 hours) to clear immigration, collect bags, and re-check for the domestic leg.
- Most Port Blair flights operate in daylight hours; morning departures from gateways sell out early in peak season.
- Monsoon (Jun–Sep) can cause weather delays; keep schedules flexible.
International Charters and Seasonal Services
Occasional ad-hoc or seasonal charter flights may operate, but regular international commercial services are not common. Verify current schedules directly with airlines or the airport before planning.
By Sea: Yachts and Cruise Calls
- No regular international passenger ferries to Port Blair.
- Private yachts may request clearance to call at Port Blair with advance permits and coordination with Indian authorities (immigration, port, and customs). Procedures are strict and lead times can be long.
- Domestic passenger ships run from Chennai/Kolkata/Visakhapatnam to Port Blair (2–3 days at sea). These are not international routes and require you to enter India first.
On Arrival in Port Blair
- Airport to city: 10–15 minutes by taxi/auto-rickshaw; prepaid counters usually available.
- SIM and data: Indian SIMs are sold in town; carry passport, visa, and a passport photo. Coverage is improving but can be slower on outlying islands.
- Money: ATMs are available; carry some cash for ferries and smaller eateries. Digital payments are common in town.
Accommodation Options in Port Blair
- Budget guesthouses (Aberdeen Bazaar/Marine Hill): ₹1,200–3,000 per night
- Mid-range city/seaview hotels (Phoenix Bay/Haddo): ₹3,500–7,500 per night
- Boutique and premium stays with bay views: ₹8,000–18,000+ per night
Book early for December–February and around public holidays. For island-hopping, pair a night in Port Blair (arrival/departure) with longer stays on Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep.
Estimated Trip Costs
- Domestic flight (one-way) to Port Blair from Indian hubs: ₹4,500–12,000+ (seasonal)
- Taxis/auto in town: ₹200–600 typical rides; daily taxi hire ₹2,500–4,500
- Ferries to Havelock/Neil: government ₹500–800; private ₹900–1,800+ per sector
- Meals: local eateries ₹200–400; mid-range restaurants ₹500–1,200 per person
- Diving/snorkeling: intro dives ₹3,500–6,000; fun dives ₹3,000–5,000 per dive (gear included)
Daily budgets (per person):
- Backpacker: ₹2,500–4,000
- Mid-range: ₹5,000–9,000
- Comfort: ₹10,000–18,000+
Shopping and Local Experiences
- Sagarika Government Emporium for crafts: cane, bamboo, coconut-shell, coir
- Spices and packaged local products from authorized shops
- Avoid buying corals, shells, or turtle products—it’s illegal and harms reefs
- Experiences: sunset at Chidiya Tapu, heritage walk at Cellular Jail, seafood dinners, and beginner-friendly snorkeling trips
Best Time to Visit
- Peak season: December–February (cooler, busiest, higher prices)
- Good weather window: October–May (calmer seas; great for diving/snorkeling)
- Monsoon: June–September (rougher seas, rain; some trips may be cancelled)
Tips for Different Traveler Types
Families
- Choose morning flights to reduce disruption; carry snacks and motion-sickness meds for boat rides.
- Opt for shorter snorkel sites (North Bay, Elephant Beach) and beaches with facilities.
Honeymooners
- Plan 1 night in Port Blair + 3–4 nights on Havelock for beaches and sunsets.
- Book sea-view stays well in advance; schedule a free day to buffer weather delays.
Friends and Adventure Seekers
- Target Oct–May for clearer waters; pre-book dive slots with reputable operators.
- Consider a Baratang day trip or a multi-island hop (Havelock–Neil–Long Island).
Packing Essentials
- Light cotton clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, quick-dry towel
- Waterproof phone pouch, dry bag for boat rides, insect repellent
- Copies of passport/visa/ID; spare cash for ferries and rural areas
Essential Practical Tips and Safety
- Regulations: Some islands are off-limits; drones need prior permission; alcohol and plastic rules vary—follow local notices.
- Environment: Do not touch corals or stand on reefs; carry back all trash, especially on no-plastic islands like Jolly Buoy.
- Health: Hydrate, use sun protection, and heed lifeguard/boat crew instructions; seas can be choppy.
- Connectivity: Mobile data can be patchy on remote islands; download tickets and maps offline.
- Bookings: Reserve inter-island ferries and peak-season flights early; keep buffer time around flights and ferries.
FAQs: International Connections to Port Blair
Q: Are there direct international flights to Port Blair?
A: Port Blair is designated an international airport, but regular, year-round international commercial flights are not common. Most travelers connect via Indian hubs like Chennai, Kolkata, or Bengaluru.
Q: Can I use an Indian e-Visa to fly directly into Port Blair?
A: Generally no. Port Blair is not typically listed among e-Visa entry airports. Enter India at an approved e-Visa airport (e.g., Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata), clear immigration, then take a domestic flight to Port Blair.
Q: Which Indian city is best for connecting to Port Blair?
A: Chennai and Kolkata offer the shortest onward flight times and frequent services. Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, and Mumbai also have connections, though flight times are longer from the north/west.
Q: Do foreigners need special permits to visit the Andaman Islands?
A: Most popular tourist islands (Port Blair, Havelock, Neil) do not require a separate Restricted Area Permit at present. However, some islands and all tribal reserves are strictly off-limits. Site-specific permits (e.g., for Jolly Buoy) and park fees still apply.
Q: What baggage allowance should I expect on the domestic leg to Port Blair?
A: Domestic economy tickets typically include 15–25 kg checked baggage plus cabin baggage; allowances vary by airline/fare. If you booked separate tickets, international allowances may not carry over—confirm with your airline.
Conclusion
For international travelers, the smoothest path to Port Blair is to enter India via a major hub on an appropriate visa, then connect on a daytime domestic flight to IXZ. From there, beaches, reefs, and poignant history unfold within minutes of landing. With early bookings, weather-aware planning, and respect for local regulations and fragile ecosystems, your Andaman journey will be as seamless as it is memorable.
