Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Average Trip Cost to Port Blair (Breakdown)
- How to Reach Port Blair
- Accommodation Options
- Must-Visit Places in Port Blair
- Local Food & Culture
- Shopping Guide
- Nearby Getaways & Day Trips
- Suggested Itineraries
- Travel Tips
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, blends poignant history with emerald waters, mangrove creeks, and island-hopping adventures. Whether you’re here for the legendary Cellular Jail, coral reefs at North Bay, or sunsets at Chidiya Tapu, the big question most travelers ask is: what does a trip to Port Blair actually cost? This guide breaks down average expenses, practical logistics, and smart ways to plan an affordable, memorable island escape.
Average Trip Cost to Port Blair (Breakdown)
Snapshot: Daily Costs (Per Person, Twin-Share, excluding flights)
- Backpacker: ₹1,800–₹2,800/day
- Mid-range: ₹3,500–₹6,500/day
- Premium/Luxury: ₹8,000–₹15,000+/day
Typical Total Trip Costs (Per Person, Twin-Share)
- 3N/4D Port Blair only: ₹18,000–₹28,000 (backpacker), ₹30,000–₹50,000 (mid-range), ₹60,000+ (premium) including domestic flights from metro cities. Seasonal swings apply.
- 4N/5D Port Blair + 1 island (e.g., Havelock or Neil): ₹28,000–₹45,000 (backpacker), ₹45,000–₹75,000 (mid-range), ₹85,000+ (premium) including flights and inter-island ferries.
Assumptions: Twin-sharing rooms, standard sightseeing, 1–2 paid activities, inter-island ferry (for longer plan), and meals at local eateries. Costs vary by season (peak: Nov–Apr) and booking window.
Cost Breakdown
- Flights (round-trip to Port Blair, IXZ):
- Ex-Chennai/Kolkata: ₹7,000–₹15,000 (sales/off-peak), ₹15,000–₹25,000+ (peak/late)
- Ex-Delhi/Bengaluru/Hyderabad/Mumbai: ₹12,000–₹22,000 (off-peak), ₹20,000–₹35,000+ (peak/late)
- Stay (per room/night):
- Budget guesthouses: ₹900–₹2,000
- Mid-range hotels/boutique stays: ₹2,000–₹5,000
- Premium/resorts (limited in Port Blair): ₹5,500–₹12,000+
- Food (per person/day): Budget ₹400–₹800; Mid-range ₹800–₹1,500; Premium ₹1,800–₹3,500
- Local transport:
- Auto-rickshaw in town: ₹150–₹400 per ride (distance dependent)
- Full-day cab (8 hrs): ₹1,800–₹3,000
- Scooter rental: ₹500–₹800/day
- Ferries & island trips:
- Port Blair ↔ Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Govt. ferry ~₹500–₹800; private catamaran ~₹1,200–₹1,800 one-way
- Port Blair ↔ Neil (Shaheed Dweep): Similar pricing
- Activities & tickets:
- Cellular Jail entry ~₹30; Light & Sound show ~₹300
- Samudrika/Anthropological Museums: ~₹20–₹50
- Snorkeling boat trips (e.g., Jolly Buoy/Red Skin when open): ~₹1,100–₹1,700
- Sea-walk (North Bay): ~₹3,500–₹4,500
- Intro scuba (DSD): ~₹3,500–₹5,500 (often done at Havelock)
- Permits: Included in some trips; special island permits may add ₹50–₹200. Indians don’t need RAP for Port Blair; foreign nationals require RAP (issued on arrival).
- Miscellaneous: SIM/data, snacks, tips, camera fees: ₹300–₹700/day as buffer.
Seasonal Price Changes
- Peak (Nov–Apr): Higher flight and hotel rates; book 4–8 weeks early.
- Monsoon (May–Sep): Lower hotel rates; some sea trips may be weather-dependent.
- Festive spikes: Christmas–New Year and long weekends see the steepest flight prices.
Money-Saving Tips
- Fly via Chennai or Kolkata for cheaper fares; be flexible by 1–2 days.
- Use government ferries where schedules suit; private boats save time but cost more.
- Base yourself near Aberdeen Bazaar to cut intra-city transport costs.
- Plan one signature paid activity (e.g., sea-walk or scuba) and balance with free beaches/sunsets.
- Eat at local dhabas/seafood joints; avoid imported alcohol/ingredients markup.
How to Reach Port Blair
- By Air (most practical): Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) has direct/connecting flights from Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mumbai.
- By Sea (infrequent, 3–4 days): Government passenger ships sail from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam on limited schedules. Basic cabins, weather-dependent; not ideal for short trips.
- Local transport: Autos, taxis, app-based cabs (limited), scooters. For islands/day trips, use ferries or chartered boats.
Accommodation Options
Port Blair offers compact but varied stays clustered around the city center and coastline.
- Budget (₹900–₹2,000): Guesthouses and lodges near Aberdeen Bazaar, Delanipur, Junglighat.
- Mid-range (₹2,000–₹5,000): Boutique hotels in Phoenix Bay, Marine Hill, Haddo; some sea-view rooms.
- Premium (₹5,500–₹12,000+): Limited upscale hotels; more premium options on Havelock.
Neighborhood picks: Aberdeen Bazaar (central, budget eats/shopping), Phoenix Bay/Haddo (ferry access), vicinity of Corbyn’s Cove (quieter, beach access).
Must-Visit Places in Port Blair
- Cellular Jail (Kala Pani): Freedom-struggle monument; attend the evening Light & Sound show.
- Corbyn’s Cove Beach: Easy city beach for a relaxed evening.
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island): Ruins overrun by roots, deer; short boat ride.
- North Bay Island: Snorkeling, sea-walk, glass-bottom boats.
- Chidiya Tapu & Biological Park: Sunset point; birding and mangroves.
- Samudrika Marine Museum: Marine life, coral, geography exhibits.
- Anthropological Museum: Insight into the indigenous tribes (observe strict respect and no-contact rules).
- Mount Harriet National Park: Viewpoints, nature trails; ferry via Chatham or Bamboo Flat, then drive up.
- Wandoor Beach: Gateway to Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park; boats to Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (seasonal rotation).
Local Food & Culture
- Seafood highlights: Grilled fish, crab, lobster; Andaman-style fish curry with coconut.
- Regional influences: Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and Nicobari flavors converge.
- Where to eat: Aberdeen Bazaar for budget thalis and snacks; sea-facing cafes for leisurely dinners.
- Drinks: Fresh coconuts; alcohol available but pricier for imported labels.
- Culture cues: Deep colonial-era history; protected tribes—do not approach or photograph; follow eco-guidelines on beaches and reefs.
Shopping Guide
- Sagarika Govt. Emporium: Best for fixed-price handicrafts.
- What to buy: Wooden crafts, shell-inspired art (ensure it’s not from prohibited species), spices, coconut products.
- What to avoid: Coral and turtle-shell products—illegal. Don’t collect shells from protected zones.
Nearby Getaways & Day Trips
- Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): 2–3 hours by ferry; Radhanagar Beach, scuba diving.
- Neil (Shaheed Dweep): 1–2 hours; natural bridge, quiet beaches.
- Baratang: Day trip; mangrove creeks, limestone caves, mud volcano. Permit checks en route.
- Jolly Buoy/Red Skin Islands: Snorkeling in clear waters; open on rotation, weather-dependent.
- Ross & Smith (via Diglipur): Twin sandbar islands; typically needs 2–3 days total from Port Blair.
Suggested Itineraries
3N/4D Port Blair Highlights
- Day 1: Arrival, Corbyn’s Cove, Light & Sound at Cellular Jail
- Day 2: Ross Island + North Bay (activities)
- Day 3: Wandoor + Marine National Park boat (Jolly Buoy/Red Skin when open)
- Day 4: Museums, shopping at Sagarika, departure
Average per-person cost (twin-share, incl. flights): ₹25,000–₹45,000 depending on season and hotel class.
4N/5D Port Blair + One Island
- Day 1–2: Port Blair city sights + North Bay/Ross
- Day 3–4: Ferry to Havelock or Neil; beach time, optional scuba
- Day 5: Return to Port Blair, departure
Average per-person cost (twin-share, incl. flights + ferries): ₹35,000–₹70,000 depending on season and activity choices.
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
- Nov–Apr: Best sea conditions, clear skies; higher prices.
- May–Sep: Greener landscapes, fewer crowds; some boat trips may be curtailed by weather.
Packing List
- Light cottons, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
- Waterproof phone pouch, quick-dry towel, motion-sickness meds
- Cash backup (ATMs exist but can run low), ID copies, permits if required
- Closed water shoes for rocky entries when snorkeling
Safety & Responsible Travel
- Swim only in designated areas; heed lifeguards and weather advisories.
- No drones without permission; avoid restricted/tribal areas.
- Carry back all plastic; don’t step on or touch coral.
Tips for Families
- Choose central stays near Aberdeen for easy meals and transport.
- Prioritize calm-water beaches and museum visits; book ferries in advance.
Tips for Honeymooners
- Pick a sea-view room; plan one splurge meal and one signature activity (sea-walk/scuba).
- Sunset at Chidiya Tapu; early-morning walks on less-crowded beaches.
Tips for Friends/Backpackers
- Rent scooters for flexibility; use government ferries when timings fit.
- Bundle activities with reputable local operators; compare prices on the spot.
FAQs
Q: What is a realistic budget for a 4-day Port Blair trip?
A: For twin-share, expect ₹18,000–₹28,000 (backpacker) or ₹30,000–₹50,000 (mid-range) including flights from Indian metros. Premium stays and peak-season flights can push totals higher.
Q: Are inter-island ferries expensive?
A: Government ferries cost roughly ₹500–₹800 one-way; private catamarans are faster at about ₹1,200–₹1,800 per sector.
Q: Do Indians need permits to visit Port Blair?
A: Indians don’t need a RAP for Port Blair and standard tourist islands. Certain protected areas and tribal reserves remain off-limits; follow local guidelines.
Q: Is scuba diving better in Port Blair or Havelock?
A: You can try intro dives in both, but Havelock generally offers clearer sites and more operators. Prices are similar; allocate a full morning.
Q: When should I book flights and hotels?
A: For travel between November and April, book 4–8 weeks in advance to avoid peak surges. For monsoon, 2–4 weeks usually suffices.
Conclusion
Port Blair pairs evocative history with island adventures at a range of budgets. Your biggest variables are flights, season, and whether you add a neighboring island. With early bookings, smart ferry choices, and a mix of free beaches and one or two paid activities, you can keep costs predictable while enjoying the best of the Andamans’ capital city.
