Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Port Blair Weather in March
- Must-Visit Places in Port Blair
- Local Food & Culture
- Nearby Getaways & Day Trips
- How to Reach Port Blair
- Getting Around & Ferries
- Where to Stay (Accommodation Options)
- Costs & Budget Breakdown
- Shopping Guide
- Suggested March Itinerary (1–4 Days)
- Essential Tips for March
- Traveler-Specific Tips (Families, Honeymooners, Friends)
- Safety, Permits & Responsible Travel
- Packing List for March
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Port Blair in March is tropical, calm, and wonderfully blue. The city—gateway to India’s Andaman Islands—mixes poignant freedom struggle history with coral reefs, mangrove creeks, and breezy seafront promenades. March sits in the shoulder season: seas are usually placid for ferries and dive boats, underwater visibility is excellent, and prices remain more forgiving than peak winter. This guide covers where to go, how to plan ferries, costs, safety, and smart tips tailored to March.
Port Blair Weather in March
- Temperature: ~25–31°C (77–88°F); warm days, balmy nights.
- Rain: Mostly dry with brief, passing showers possible.
- Humidity: 70–85%; feels warmer mid-day.
- Sea & visibility: Generally calm seas; 15–25 m visibility around reefs—great for snorkeling and scuba.
- Sun & UV: Strong UV. Midday sun can be harsh—plan outdoor activities early/late.
- Wind: Light to moderate; evening sea breeze brings relief.
Must-Visit Places in Port Blair
History & Heritage
- Cellular Jail (Kala Pani): Tour the galleries and watch the evocative Light & Sound Show (evenings). Book tickets in advance during holiday weeks (Holi).
- Chatham Saw Mill & Museum: Asia’s oldest sawmill; a window into the islands’ timber heritage.
- Samudrika Naval Marine Museum & Anthropological Museum: Understand Andaman’s ecology and settler cultures. Great mid-day indoor stops in March heat.
Beaches & Viewpoints
- Corbyn’s Cove: Easy city beach for a relaxed swim in designated zones; best early morning or late afternoon.
- Chidiya Tapu: Sunset stunner; do the forested Munda Pahad trail (carry water, start by 3 pm).
- Mount Harriet National Park (across the channel): Forested trails and island panoramas; cooler under the canopy.
Islands & Reefs (Short Boat Trips)
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep (Ross Island): Crumbling colonial buildings draped in roots; shaded, breezy.
- North Bay Island: Snorkeling, glass-bottom boats, and sea walk options; good March clarity.
- Wandoor & Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park: Day trips to Jolly Buoy or Red Skin (open on rotation; permits required). Known for pristine corals.
Local Food & Culture
What to Eat
- Seafood specials: Grilled fish, crab curry, prawn masala, lobster (check freshness and sustainable sourcing).
- Andaman-style fish curry: Coconut, tamarind, and island spices.
- Thalis & tiffin: Influences from Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and North Indian settler communities.
- Vegetarian: Paneer/veg gravies, dosas, rice plates readily available.
Cafes & Dining Tips
- Most kitchens close by 10–10:30 pm; plan early dinners.
- Try seafront cafes near Marina Park for sunset snacks and sultry sea breeze in March.
Culture Notes
- The indigenous tribes are not part of tourism; visits to tribal areas are prohibited.
- Local festivals may include Holi (often in March). Expect colorful street scenes and some closures.
Nearby Getaways & Day Trips
- Swaraj Dweep (Havelock): 1.5–2.5 hr by ferry; Radhanagar Beach, dive sites, and clear March waters.
- Shaheed Dweep (Neil): 1–1.5 hr by ferry; relaxed vibe, coral points at Bharatpur/Laxmanpur.
- Baratang Island: Day tour for limestone caves and mangrove creeks; early start by road and boat. Transit passes through a tribal reserve—strict rules apply.
- Ross & Smith (Diglipur): Requires an overnight up north; famed twin islands linked by a sandbar. March offers calm seas but long road hours.
How to Reach Port Blair
- By Air: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) has direct/connecting flights from Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. Flight time ~2–5 hours depending on origin.
- By Sea: Government passenger ships from Chennai/Kolkata/Visakhapatnam operate infrequently (2–3 days at sea). Basic cabins, limited schedules—check dates well in advance.
- Entry & ID: Indians need valid ID. Foreign nationals need passport/valid Indian visa. No separate tourism permit is required for Port Blair, Havelock, or Neil; restricted/tribal areas remain off-limits.
Getting Around & Ferries
- Local transport: Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and local buses. Two-wheelers are more common on Havelock/Neil; limited rentals in Port Blair.
- Ferries: Government ferries and private catamarans connect Port Blair with Havelock/Neil. In March, services are regular but can sell out around long weekends—pre-book.
- Timing: Most inter-island ferries are daytime. Report early for security and check-in.
- Seasickness: March seas are usually kind, but carry motion-sickness tablets if sensitive.
Where to Stay (Accommodation Options)
- Aberdeen Bazaar/Middle Point: Central, good for quick city sightseeing and markets.
- Corbyn’s Cove: Sea views and access to a city beach; quieter evenings.
- Haddo/Phoenix Bay: Handy for jetties (ferry days feel easier).
- Wandoor: Nature-forward stays near the marine park; away from city buzz.
Typical March rates (per night, double):
- Budget: INR 1,200–2,500 (guesthouses, basic hotels)
- Mid-range: INR 3,000–7,000 (boutique and business hotels)
- Premium: INR 8,000–18,000+ (sea-view and resort-style)
Book ahead for Holi week and popular weekends.
Costs & Budget Breakdown
- Daily budget (Port Blair):
- Backpacker: INR 2,500–4,000
- Comfort: INR 5,000–9,000
- Premium: INR 12,000+
- Key costs:
- Cellular Jail show: ~INR 300–500
- Snorkeling trip: INR 1,200–2,000
- Sea walk (North Bay): ~INR 3,500–4,500
- Intro scuba (DSD): ~INR 3,500–6,000 (higher on Havelock)
- PADI Open Water (if continuing to Havelock): ~INR 22,000–28,000
- Private ferry one-way (PB–Havelock): ~INR 1,200–1,800; Govt ferry cheaper
- Local taxis (short hops): INR 150–400; day hire varies by distance
Shopping Guide
- Aberdeen Bazaar: Souvenirs, spices, cotton wear, simple cafes.
- Sagarika Government Emporium: State-run crafts, woodwork, shell-inspired designs from legal sources.
- Chatham Saw Mill showroom: Wood handicrafts and mementos.
Important: Do not buy coral, turtle shell, or black-lip shells. Export of shells/sand/coral is restricted; customs checks are strict.
Suggested March Itinerary (1–4 Days)
1 Day (Port Blair Highlights)
- Morning: Cellular Jail + museums.
- Afternoon: Ross Island + North Bay combo (or Corbyn’s Cove swim).
- Evening: Light & Sound Show at Cellular Jail; dinner near Marina Park.
2 Days
- Day 1: As above.
- Day 2: Wandoor and Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (permit needed) for pristine snorkeling; sunset at Chidiya Tapu.
3–4 Days (Including a Getaway)
- Day 1: City highlights.
- Day 2–3: Ferry to Havelock for beaches and diving; return.
- Day 4: Baratang limestone caves day tour or Mount Harriet hike.
Essential Tips for March
- Plan around heat: Sightsee early/late; keep indoor museums for mid-day.
- Sun care: Reef-safe SPF 50+, hat, sunglasses; reapply after swims.
- Hydration: Carry a refillable bottle; ask cafes/hotels for top-ups.
- Ferry bookings: Pre-book for Havelock/Neil, especially around Holi long weekends.
- Permits: Jolly Buoy/Red Skin require permits; arrange a day in advance via tour desks or counters.
- Cash & network: ATMs and 4G are fine in Port Blair; carry some cash for small vendors and boat counters.
Traveler-Specific Tips (Families, Honeymooners, Friends)
Families
- Pick central hotels to minimize transfers; schedule pool time for kids during hot hours.
- Choose calm-water beaches and life-jacketed boat trips; carry snacks and ORS.
Honeymooners
- Golden-hour photos at Chidiya Tapu; request sea-view rooms near Corbyn’s Cove.
- Consider a private boat/snorkel charter for quieter reefs if budget allows.
Friends & Adventure Seekers
- Book a dive/sea-walk on Day 1–2 to allow a buffer day in case of weather changes.
- Evenings are low-key; plan stargazing walks on clear March nights.
Safety, Permits & Responsible Travel
- Swimming: Only in designated beach zones. Avoid creeks/mangroves and heed crocodile notices, especially near Wandoor and estuaries.
- Marine protection: Do not touch/stand on coral; use reef-safe sunscreen; no littering.
- Tribal areas: No tourism access; no photography or interaction during any highway transit through reserves.
- Drones: Require permission; check local regulations.
- Alcohol: Licensed shops exist; public drinking is frowned upon. Respect early closing times.
Packing List for March
- Light cotton/linen clothing; airy evening wear.
- Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50), sunglasses, wide-brim hat.
- Swimwear, microfiber towel, water shoes, dry bag for boats.
- Reusable water bottle, electrolytes, basic meds (motion sickness, antiseptic).
- Mosquito repellent, compact rain shell for stray showers.
- Snorkel mask (optional), power bank, copies of IDs/ferry tickets.
FAQs
Q: Is March a good time to visit Port Blair for water activities?
A: Yes. March generally offers calm seas and clear visibility, ideal for snorkeling, sea walks, and scuba. Book activities early around holiday weeks.
Q: Will ferries to Havelock and Neil run regularly in March?
A: Typically yes. Both government and private ferries operate daily in March, but seats can sell out—pre-book your preferred timings.
Q: How hot does it get, and what should I wear?
A: Expect 25–31°C with high humidity. Wear breathable cotton/linen, a sun hat, and sandals; carry SPF 50 sunscreen and hydrate often.
Q: Can it rain in March in Port Blair?
A: Brief showers are possible but usually short-lived. Keep a light rain jacket and waterproof your electronics for boat rides.
Q: Are permits required for sightseeing?
A: No special permit is needed for Port Blair city sights, Havelock, or Neil for regular tourists. Trips to Jolly Buoy/Red Skin need day permits. Restricted/tribal areas are off-limits.
Conclusion
With calm seas, clear reefs, and manageable crowds, March is one of the most comfortable months to explore Port Blair. Balance history at Cellular Jail with reef days around North Bay or Wandoor, plan ferries in advance, and pace sightseeing to the tropical rhythm. A little sun care and smart scheduling go a long way to make your March trip relaxed, safe, and memorable.
