Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Best Family Resorts in Port Blair
- Must-Visit Places in Port Blair
- Local Culture, Food & Shopping
- Nearby Getaways from Port Blair
- How to Reach Port Blair
- Estimated Trip Costs
- Travel Tips (Families, Honeymooners, Friends)
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Planning an Andaman escape with kids in tow? Port Blair, the gateway to the islands, blends calm beaches, colonial-era history, and easy logistics—making it perfect for families. This guide rounds up the best family resorts in Port Blair, plus quick tips on things to do, how to reach, food, shopping, nearby island getaways, and realistic costs to help you plan a smooth, memorable holiday.
Best Family Resorts in Port Blair
These family-friendly stays balance comfort, location, and kid-approved amenities. Indicative high-season rates are for guidance and can vary by season and availability.
Welcomhotel Bay Island, Port Blair
Why families love it: Iconic clifftop hotel overlooking the Bay of Bengal with breezy verandas and a relaxed resort feel.
- Location: Phoenix Bay (central, near Cellular Jail and the jetty)
- Highlights: Sea-facing pool, lawns, spacious rooms; reliable service
- Approx. rates: INR 12,000–18,000+ per night
- Good for: Families wanting views and quick access to city sights
SeaShell, Port Blair
Why families love it: Contemporary rooms, friendly staff, and easy access to town.
- Location: Marine Hill
- Highlights: Comfortable family rooms, in-house dining, city/harbour views
- Approx. rates: INR 8,000–14,000 per night
- Good for: Short stays and convenience
Sinclairs Bayview, Port Blair
Why families love it: Waterfront sit-out spots and a calm, resort-style vibe.
- Location: South Point (near Cellular Jail)
- Highlights: Outdoor pool, palm-lined lawns, sea views
- Approx. rates: INR 8,500–13,500 per night
- Good for: Families who enjoy scenic downtime after sightseeing
Peerless Resort, Port Blair (Corbyn’s Cove)
Why families love it: One of the few resorts right by Corbyn’s Cove Beach.
- Location: Corbyn’s Cove
- Highlights: Beachfront access, gardens, relaxed ambience
- Approx. rates: INR 7,500–12,000 per night
- Good for: Families wanting easy beach time within city limits
Symphony Samudra Beachside Jungle Resort & Spa
Why families love it: A larger, nature-forward resort near sunset points.
- Location: Near Chidiya Tapu (40–50 minutes from the airport)
- Highlights: Pools, spa, leafy grounds; tranquil setting away from the bustle
- Approx. rates: INR 9,500–16,000 per night
- Good for: Families seeking a “resort holiday” feel
Lemon Tree Hotel, Port Blair
Why families love it: Chain-hotel reliability, modern rooms, and solid service.
- Location: City/airport area
- Highlights: Clean, contemporary rooms; convenient transit
- Approx. rates: INR 6,500–10,500 per night
- Good for: Overnight stays and early flights
Coral Cove Hotels & Resorts
Why families love it: Comfortable city hotel with family-friendly room categories.
- Location: City centre
- Highlights: Modern interiors, multi-cuisine restaurant
- Approx. rates: INR 6,000–9,500 per night
- Good for: Value-focused families
Hotel Sentinel (TSG)
Why families love it: Pool access and easy logistics for city sightseeing.
- Location: Phoenix Bay area
- Highlights: Outdoor pool, spacious rooms
- Approx. rates: INR 5,500–9,000 per night
- Good for: Quick city-based stays
Megapode Nest Resort (Government)
Why families love it: Hilltop cottages with sweeping harbour views at wallet-friendly prices.
- Location: Haddo
- Highlights: Cottages, gardens, views; straightforward amenities
- Approx. rates: INR 3,500–7,500 per night
- Good for: Budget-conscious families
How to choose the right family resort
- Location first: For short stays, pick central areas (Aberdeen Bazaar/Phoenix Bay/South Point). For resort downtime, consider Corbyn’s Cove or Chidiya Tapu side.
- Room type: Check for family rooms, extra beds, or interconnecting options.
- Amenities: Pool, lawns, kids’ menu, early breakfast for morning ferries.
- Access: Ask about lifts vs. stair-only wings if traveling with strollers/grandparents.
- Transfers: Confirm airport/jetty transfers and ferry timings help.
Must-Visit Places in Port Blair
- Cellular Jail (Kalapani): Historic complex with evening Sound & Light Show.
- Corbyn’s Cove Beach: Easy family-friendly beach near the city.
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island): Ruins, deer, banyan groves; short boat ride.
- North Bay Island: Popular for glass-bottom boat rides and beginner snorkelling.
- Chidiya Tapu: Sunset point; nature trails; observe crocodile advisories.
- Samudrika Naval Marine Museum: Ocean and reef exhibits—great for kids.
- Anthropological Museum: Insight into indigenous communities (respectful viewing).
- Mount Manipur National Park (Mount Harriet): Viewpoints, short walks.
- Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (Wandoor): Gateway to Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (seasonal for pristine snorkelling).
Local Culture, Food & Shopping
Local culture
Port Blair’s culture blends Bengali, Tamil, Nicobari, and mainland influences. Museums offer context about the islands and indigenous communities. Tribal areas are protected and not open to tourists.
Food to try
- Fresh seafood: grilled fish, crab, prawns
- South Indian staples: dosas, idlis, thalis
- Tropical flavours: coconut-based curries, seasonal fruits
- Kid-friendly picks: tandoori, fried rice/noodles, sandwiches, pizzas at hotel restaurants
Shopping
- Aberdeen Bazaar: Souvenirs, local spices, basic beachwear.
- Government Emporia/Khadi outlets: Handicrafts, shells (avoid buying protected-coral items).
- Responsible tip: Do not collect shells/coral from beaches; it’s regulated and harms ecosystems.
Nearby Getaways from Port Blair
- Swaraj Dweep (Havelock): Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach; great for families (2–3 nights).
- Shaheed Dweep (Neil): Compact island, quiet beaches; relaxed 1–2 nights.
- Baratang: Day-trip for limestone caves and mangroves (long day with early start).
- Jolly Buoy/Red Skin: Seasonal no-plastic zones with vibrant reefs (book permits in advance).
How to Reach Port Blair
- By Air: Fly into Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi (seasonal/directs vary).
- By Sea: Government ships from Chennai/Kolkata/Visakhapatnam operate occasionally; basic cabins, 2–3 nights—best for slow travelers.
- Local Transport: Taxis and autos are common; pre-book cabs for day tours. Ferries connect to Havelock/Neil—book early in peak months (Dec–Mar, May, Oct–Nov).
Estimated Trip Costs
- Hotels (per night): Budget INR 2,500–4,500; Mid-range INR 5,500–9,500; Upscale INR 10,000–18,000+.
- Meals: Local eateries INR 300–700 per person; resort dining INR 700–1,500 per person.
- Local transport: Airport–city taxi INR 400–900; half-day taxi INR 1,500–2,200; full-day INR 2,500–3,800.
- Activities: Cellular Jail show INR 100–300; museum entries INR 20–100; Ross/North Bay boats INR 700–1,200+; glass-bottom/snorkel extras INR 400–1,000.
- Inter-island ferries: Government/private ferries to Havelock/Neil typically INR 800–1,800 per person (class-dependent).
Travel Tips (Families, Honeymooners, Friends)
For families
- Rooms: Request interconnecting or family rooms; pre-book extra beds/cots.
- Timing: Choose Oct–May for calmer seas; monsoon brings choppy waters.
- Packing: Lightweight clothes, sunhats, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, quick-dry footwear, motion-sickness meds for ferries.
- Safety: Heed crocodile advisories (especially near Chidiya Tapu/Wandoor); avoid swimming after dark; always wear lifejackets on boats.
- Connectivity: Data can be slow. Download kids’ content offline; carry some cash as backup.
For honeymooners
- Pick a sea-view resort or Chidiya Tapu side for sunsets and privacy.
- Book a Ross Island + North Bay private boat for flexible timing.
- Consider 2 nights in Port Blair + 3 in Havelock for beaches and watersports.
For friends/groups
- Choose hotels with pools and larger common areas; look for family suites for 3–4 pax.
- Pre-book ferries together; carry government-issued IDs for all travelers.
- Plan buffer time for weather-induced ferry changes.
General need-to-know
- Permits: Requirements for foreign nationals have evolved; most tourist zones in Port Blair are accessible without prior permits, but some islands remain restricted. Check the latest advisory before travel.
- Environment: No littering, no coral/shell collection; use reef-safe sunscreen.
- Money & network: ATMs exist but carry cash; Airtel/BSNL work best; UPI usually works in town.
- Drones: Need permissions; follow local rules.
FAQs
Q: What is the best time to visit Port Blair with family?
A: October to May offers pleasant weather and calmer seas. June to September is monsoon with rougher waters and occasional activity cancellations.
Q: Which area is best to stay in Port Blair for families?
A: For short, sightseeing-heavy stays, choose central areas like Phoenix Bay, Marine Hill, or South Point. For a resort feel and easy beach time, consider Corbyn’s Cove or the Chidiya Tapu side.
Q: Are there kid-friendly water activities in Port Blair?
A: Yes—glass-bottom boat rides at North Bay and Jolly Buoy (seasonal) are ideal. Stick to guided snorkelling in calm zones and always use lifejackets.
Q: How many days do we need in Port Blair?
A: Two to three nights cover city highlights, Ross/North Bay, and beach time. Add Havelock/Neil for 4–6 nights total.
Q: Are taxis easily available for airport and ferry transfers?
A: Yes—hotel desks can arrange cabs. Pre-book during peak months to match early ferry or late flight timings.
Conclusion
Port Blair pairs easy logistics with island charm, making it an excellent base for family holidays in the Andamans. Choose a resort that matches your pace—central for quick sightseeing or beachside for slow days—plan around the calmer months, and keep activities kid-friendly. With thoughtful scheduling and the right stay, your Port Blair visit becomes a seamless start to a larger Andaman adventure.
