Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Must-Visit Places in Port Blair
- Sustainable Hotels in Port Blair
- Local Culture, Food and Shopping
- Nearby Getaways from Port Blair
- How to Reach Port Blair
- Practical Tips for Sustainable Travel in Port Blair
- Travel Tips by Traveler Type
- Estimated Trip Costs
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Port Blair, the palm-fringed gateway to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, is more than a springboard to famous beaches. Its coral reefs, mangrove creeks, and marine national parks make responsible travel essential. If you’re planning a low-impact island escape, choosing a stay with eco-conscious operations is one of the most meaningful decisions you can make. This guide spotlights sustainable hotels in Port Blair, explains what “green” means in an island context, and wraps in essential travel planning—from must-see sights to costs and transport—so your trip is both memorable and mindful.
Must-Visit Places in Port Blair
- Cellular Jail (Kala Pani) and Light & Sound Show
- Corbyn’s Cove Beach for an easy city beach day
- Samudrika Naval Marine Museum and Anthropological Museum
- Chidiya Tapu for sunset and birding
- Chatham Saw Mill (historic teak mill) and Forest Museum
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island) ruins
Sustainable Hotels in Port Blair
What makes a hotel “sustainable” in the Andamans?
On small tropical islands, the biggest footprints come from water, waste, and energy. Eco-conscious stays typically:
- Reduce energy use with passive cooling, efficient lighting, and responsible AC policies.
- Harvest or conserve water; install low-flow fixtures; treat greywater where possible.
- Cut single-use plastics; provide refillable water, bulk amenities, and proper segregation.
- Source locally—employ island staff, purchase local seafood/produce, and use regional materials.
- Protect ecosystems—respect coastal setbacks, avoid beach lighting that disturbs turtles, and promote reef-safe practices.
Note: Hotel eco-initiatives can evolve. Verify the latest measures directly with the property before booking.
Top eco-conscious stays in Port Blair
Welcomhotel Bay Island, Port Blair (ITC Hotels)
- Location: Marine Hill/Haddo, overlooking the Bay of Bengal.
- Eco-highlights: Low-impact tropical design using local timber aesthetics, ample natural ventilation, energy-efficient lighting, and a group-wide focus on responsible luxury and water stewardship.
- Good for: Couples, families seeking views and thoughtful operations.
- Approx. price: INR 10,000–20,000+ per night in high season.
Sinclairs Bayview Port Blair
- Location: South Point, oceanfront with panoramic views.
- Eco-highlights: Sea-breeze friendly corridors, standard conservation practices like LED lighting, linen reuse, and basic waste segregation.
- Good for: Sunrise/sunset watchers; quick access to city sights.
- Approx. price: INR 7,000–12,000 per night in high season.
SeaShell, Port Blair
- Location: Marine Hill/Aberdeen area, central and convenient.
- Eco-highlights: Reports plastic reduction steps, refillable water where available, and energy-saving fixtures; supports local employment and sourcing.
- Good for: Travelers prioritizing comfort plus city access.
- Approx. price: INR 6,000–10,000 per night in high season.
Megapode Resort (Tourism Dept.)
- Location: Hilltop near Haddo/Phoenix Bay, in lush gardens.
- Eco-highlights: Green grounds that keep natural vegetation; typically simpler operations with a lighter footprint than high-rise builds.
- Good for: Families and nature lovers who prefer open grounds and bay views.
- Approx. price: INR 4,500–8,500 per night in high season.
Peerless Resort Port Blair (Corbyn’s Cove)
- Location: Near Corbyn’s Cove Beach.
- Eco-highlights: Standard conservation steps (linen/towel reuse, efficient lighting); beach-sensitive housekeeping policies where implemented.
- Good for: Beach time without leaving the city.
- Approx. price: INR 6,000–11,000 per night in high season.
Coral Cove Hotels & Resort
- Location: Junglighat area, close to airport and town.
- Eco-highlights: Modern fixtures aimed at energy and water efficiency; encourages reduced single-use plastics.
- Good for: Short business-leisure stays and early flights.
- Approx. price: INR 5,000–9,000 per night in high season.
TSG Emerald View / Hotel Sentinel
- Location: Central Port Blair (convenient for Aberdeen Bazaar).
- Eco-highlights: Common conservation policies (LED, key-card power cutoffs, linen reuse), local hiring.
- Good for: Value-seekers who want city proximity.
- Approx. price: INR 3,500–7,000 per night in high season.
Budget-friendly green stays
For budget travelers, look for small guesthouses or homestays that:
- Offer filtered water refills instead of bottled water.
- Use solar-heated water or efficient geysers.
- Encourage mindful AC use and provide fans with good airflow.
- Provide segregated bins and avoid single-use toiletries.
Tip: Search filters such as “sustainability,” “eco-friendly,” or “refill station” on booking sites; read recent reviews for mentions of plastic reduction, water stations, and energy-saving features.
Average hotel costs in Port Blair
- Budget guesthouses/homestays: INR 1,500–3,000 per night
- Mid-range hotels and resorts: INR 4,000–9,000 per night
- Upscale beach/view properties: INR 10,000–20,000+ per night
High season (Oct–Apr) sees the steepest rates; plan 2–3 months ahead for best availability on eco-forward rooms.
Booking tips for eco stays
- Email the property to ask about water refill stations, plastic policies, and reef-safe guidelines.
- Choose rooms with natural ventilation or ceiling fans if you want to minimize AC use.
- Stay at least two nights to reduce transfer emissions and allow linen reuse programs to work.
Local Culture, Food and Shopping
- Food scene: Fresh seafood (fish curry, crab, lobster) with Bengali, South Indian, and island influences. Good vegetarian options exist; look for thalis and dosas.
- Where to try: Aberdeen Bazaar area has popular local eateries; government-run canteens and simple cafés offer value meals; beachside shacks near Corbyn’s Cove for casual bites.
- Shopping: Sagarika Government Emporium for handicrafts made by local artisans. Avoid buying coral, seashells, or turtle products—these are protected by law.
- Culture: Visit museums to understand indigenous communities and the islands’ history; attend the Cellular Jail show for a poignant retelling of the freedom struggle.
Nearby Getaways from Port Blair
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross): Half-day trip for colonial-era ruins overgrown with banyans.
- North Bay: Snorkeling and glass-bottom boats; choose operators who follow reef-safe briefings.
- Wandoor & Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park: Mangroves, jetties to Jolly Buoy/Red Skin Islands (seasonal).
- Chidiya Tapu: Sunset point and birdwatching.
- Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) & Shaheed Dweep (Neil): Longer ferries for iconic beaches and diving; book eco-certified dive shops.
How to Reach Port Blair
- By air: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) connects via Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Delhi, and seasonal hubs.
- By sea: Occasional passenger ships from Chennai/Kolkata/Visakhapatnam (multi-day; limited schedules; basic cabins). Most visitors fly.
- Local transport: Auto-rickshaws, app cabs (limited), prepaid taxis at airport, and scooty rentals. Walk when possible to reduce emissions.
Practical Tips for Sustainable Travel in Port Blair
- Carry a refillable bottle; many stays provide RO/UV water stations.
- Use reef-safe, mineral sunscreens; avoid aerosols near beaches.
- Pack a light, breathable wardrobe; favor fans over AC when comfortable.
- Respect marine life: don’t touch corals, feed fish, or collect shells.
- Dispose of waste properly; plastics are restricted in many areas.
- Permits: Indian citizens generally don’t need permits for Port Blair; foreign nationals require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), usually issued on arrival.
Travel Tips by Traveler Type
Families
- Choose hilltop or garden resorts with open space (e.g., Megapode) for kids to play.
- Ask hotels about filtered water access and child-friendly meals to cut packaged snacks.
Honeymooners
- Pick sea-view rooms with good natural ventilation and private balconies.
- Time sunset trips to Chidiya Tapu; carry a reusable picnic set to avoid disposables.
Friends/Groups
- Book family rooms to reduce energy per person and cost.
- Plan shared transfers and choose dive/snorkel operators with eco-briefings.
Packing and Safety
- Poncho/light rain jacket (showers possible year-round), quick-dry wear, insect repellent.
- Respect currents; swim only in designated zones and heed local advisories.
Estimated Trip Costs
- Daily budget (per person):
- Budget: INR 2,500–4,500 (hostel/guesthouse + local eats + autos)
- Mid-range: INR 5,500–9,500 (comfortable hotel + cafés + taxis/activities)
- Upscale: INR 10,000–20,000+ (view rooms + curated dining + private transfers)
- Activities: Museum entries INR 20–100; snorkel/glass-bottom trips INR 1,000–3,000; ferries to nearby islands vary by route and season.
- Airport transfers: INR 200–800 by auto/taxi depending on distance and time.
FAQs
Q: Do Port Blair hotels provide drinking water refills to reduce plastic?
A: Many mid-range and upscale stays offer RO/UV water stations or glass bottles. Confirm before booking and carry your own reusable bottle.
Q: Which area is best for a sustainable stay in Port Blair?
A: Hilltop or breezy sea-facing areas (Marine Hill, Haddo, South Point) benefit from natural ventilation, reducing AC use. Proximity to sights also means shorter commutes.
Q: Are any hotels officially eco-certified?
A: Certifications change over time. Some brands highlight responsible operations, but always ask properties about current certifications and specific measures like water treatment and plastic policies.
Q: Is tap water safe to drink?
A: Stick to filtered or purified water provided by your hotel. Avoid single-use bottles by refilling from hotel stations.
Q: When should I book sustainable hotels in Port Blair?
A: For peak months (October–April), book 6–10 weeks ahead. Shoulder months often offer better rates and availability.
Conclusion
In Port Blair, sustainability isn’t a buzzword—it’s a necessity for fragile reefs, mangroves, and wildlife. Choosing accommodation that conserves water and energy, cuts single-use plastics, and respects coastal ecosystems helps keep the islands pristine. With smart planning—from location and transport to reef-safe habits—you can enjoy Cellular Jail, Corbyn’s Cove, and nearby marine parks while treading lightly. A thoughtful stay is the foundation of a responsible Andaman journey.
