Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Drone Photography Rules in Port Blair
- Must-Visit Places in Port Blair
- Local Culture, Food and Shopping
- Nearby Getaways
- How to Reach Port Blair
- Accommodation and Estimated Costs
- Travel Tips for Different Traveler Types
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Port Blair, the gateway to the Andaman Islands, blends emerald waters, colonial-era history, and dense tropical forests. For creators, it’s a dream—until you consider the strict local and national regulations that govern drones. This guide explains how to fly a drone legally and responsibly in Port Blair, alongside a compact city travel guide to help you plan a smooth island trip.
Drone Photography Rules in Port Blair
Regulatory overview (India + Andaman & Nicobar)
- National framework: DGCA’s Drone Rules, 2021 (amended 2022) apply across India. Use the DGCA DigitalSky airspace map for live Green/Yellow/Red zones.
- General limits: Fly only in allowed airspace, up to 120 m AGL in green zones, in daylight, and within visual line of sight. Do not fly over crowds, roads with moving traffic, or sensitive sites.
- Registration: Drones above 250 g typically require a UIN (registration) on DigitalSky. Check if your model is listed and compliant.
- Pilot permissions: For non-commercial flying in green zones, a Remote Pilot License is generally not required for nano/micro classes under current rules; however, commercial/paid shoots often need additional local permissions and may require a licensed operator.
- Local overlay: The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are a high-security region with multiple defence, airport, tribal reserve, and protected forest/marine zones where drones are restricted or banned.
Where you can and cannot fly in Port Blair
- Expect extensive Red/Yellow zones around Veer Savarkar International Airport, the naval command, harbour, and central Port Blair.
- Cellular Jail (ASI monument), Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island (Ross), jetties, naval docks, and many government areas are effectively no-drone without exceptional written permission.
- National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and marine protected areas (e.g., Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park) generally do not allow drones without Forest Department approval—often not granted for leisure.
- Tribal reserves and restricted islands are strictly off-limits.
- In practice, very few spots within Port Blair city are drone-friendly. If any green-zone pockets exist on DigitalSky outside sensitive overlays, you must still respect private property, people, and local advisories.
Tip: Always check the DigitalSky interactive map on the day of flight. Temporary restrictions can appear without notice.
Permissions and how to apply
For any flight in or around Port Blair, plan ahead:
- Register your drone (if applicable) and profile on the DGCA DigitalSky platform; obtain a UIN if required.
- Check airspace on DigitalSky and confirm the zone for your exact coordinates and planned altitude.
- Local clearances commonly required in Port Blair:
- District Magistrate (South Andaman): Submit a request with dates, coordinates, altitude, purpose, equipment details, and ID.
- Local Police: Inform the jurisdictional police station; carry written acknowledgement if provided.
- Airport/ATC permission (if within a controlled Yellow zone): Apply via DigitalSky and follow any ATC conditions.
- ASI for centrally protected monuments (e.g., Cellular Jail): Written permission required; often not granted for hobby flying.
- Forest/Environment authorities for shoots near national parks, sanctuaries, mangroves, or marine protected areas.
- Carry documents: UIN/registration, ID, permission letters/emails, insurance (recommended), and a location map.
- Use NPNT permission (if your aircraft supports it) and maintain flight logs.
Foreign nationals: Indian rules generally do not allow foreigners to operate drones directly. Hire an Indian-registered operator who meets DGCA and local permission requirements.
Recommended gear and settings for island conditions
- Sub-250 g drones reduce paperwork but must still obey no-fly zones and local permissions.
- ND/PL filters for harsh midday sun and glare; prefer morning/evening light.
- Wind and salt spray: Avoid high-wind warnings; keep batteries dry; wipe the aircraft after coastal shoots.
- Compass/IMU calibration away from metal jetties and vehicles.
- Wildlife ethics: Avoid bird nesting areas and low passes over reefs or turtles.
Best practices, ethics, and penalties
- Maintain VLOS, yield to manned aircraft and seaplanes, and avoid heli/floatplane routes.
- Do not fly over people, moving traffic, or private property without consent.
- Respect no-fly signage at monuments, beaches, and jetties; many are enforced on the spot.
- Violations can lead to seizure of equipment, fines, and legal action. In sensitive island zones, enforcement is strict.
- When in doubt, hire a licensed local operator familiar with Port Blair’s permissions.
Must-Visit Places in Port Blair
- Cellular Jail and the evening Light & Sound Show (ground photography only unless you hold formal ASI permission).
- Corbyn’s Cove Beach for sunset views and water sports (expect drone restrictions near defence/airport corridors).
- Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (Ross) Island ruins and deer—ferries depart from Aberdeen Jetty.
- North Bay Island for snorkeling and glass-bottom boats.
- Chidiya Tapu and Munda Pahad trail for golden hour hilltop vistas.
- Wandoor gateway to Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (Jolly Buoy/Red Skin, when open).
- Samudrika Naval Marine Museum and Anthropological Museum for natural and cultural history.
Best time to visit: November–April for calmer seas and clearer skies. May–September brings monsoon rains and rougher waters.
Local Culture, Food and Shopping
- Food: Fresh seafood thalis, fish curry, lobster, prawn masala; try local fruits and coconut-based desserts.
- Influences: A blend of Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and Nicobari traditions.
- Shopping: Aberdeen Bazaar and Sagarika Emporium for handicrafts, shell art (buy only ethically sourced), and spices.
- Etiquette: Dress modestly near villages and religious sites; ask before photographing people.
Nearby Getaways
- Swaraj Dweep (Havelock): Radhanagar Beach, Kalapathar, Elephant Beach (carry snorkel gear; drone rules still apply).
- Shaheed Dweep (Neil): Natural Bridge, Bharatpur beach lagoons.
- Baratang: Limestone caves and mangrove creeks (permitted tours only).
- Mount Harriet National Park: Viewpoints across the bay (check park timings and rules).
How to Reach Port Blair
- By Air: Direct flights to Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) from major Indian cities like Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Delhi.
- By Sea: Passenger ships from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam (2–3 days; sailings are infrequent; book well in advance).
- Local Transport: Taxis, auto-rickshaws, app cabs (limited), and ferries for nearby islands.
Accommodation and Estimated Costs
- Stay:
- Budget guesthouses: ₹1,200–₹2,000 per night
- Mid-range hotels/resorts: ₹3,000–₹7,000 per night
- Premium resorts/boutique stays: ₹8,000–₹20,000+ per night
- Meals: ₹300–₹800 per person at local eateries; higher at resorts.
- City transport: ₹150–₹400 for short taxi hops; day hire ₹2,000–₹3,500.
- Ferries/day trips: ₹600–₹1,500 per person (route dependent).
- Drone-related:
- DigitalSky registration: as per DGCA (often nominal/online).
- Local permissions: typically fee-free; processing times vary.
- Licensed local operator for professional shoots: ~₹10,000–₹25,000 for a half-day, depending on scope and permits.
Travel Tips for Different Traveler Types
For families
- Choose central stays near Aberdeen Bazaar or Foreshore Road for easy access to ferries and museums.
- Book Light & Sound Show and ferry tickets ahead in peak season.
- Carry motion-sickness meds for boat trips; pack quick-dry clothes.
- Keep drones packed unless you hold clear written permissions; many attractions are no-drone.
For honeymooners/couples
- Time sunsets at Chidiya Tapu and Corbyn’s Cove; enjoy candlelit seafood dinners.
- If you want aerials, consider hiring a compliant local operator for permitted locations rather than flying yourself.
- Plan a 2–3 night extension to Havelock for beaches and snorkeling.
For friends/backpackers
- Use shared cabs and public ferries to save costs; start early for island day trips.
- Pick water activities (snorkel, sea walk, scuba). Many outfitters offer GoPro footage—safer than risking a drone near protected reefs.
- Respect local advisories; unauthorized flights can derail your entire trip.
Packing and safety essentials
- Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, polarized sunglasses, light rain jacket (tropical showers), dry bag, and power bank.
- For drones: ND filters, spare props, silica gel packs, and hard case. Avoid launching in crowded areas or near boats.
- Keep photocopies of ID, tickets, and permits. Mobile connectivity can be patchy; save offline maps and documents.
FAQs
Q: Can I fly a drone at the Cellular Jail or Ross Island?
A: Generally no. Cellular Jail is an ASI-protected monument and Ross Island is highly sensitive; both require formal written permissions that are rarely granted for leisure flying.
Q: Do I need DGCA permission to fly a sub-250 g drone in Port Blair?
A: Sub-250 g drones reduce paperwork, but you must still obey DigitalSky airspace rules and local restrictions. In Port Blair, many areas are red/yellow due to the airport, defence, and protected zones—so you may still need clearances or may be entirely prohibited.
Q: How do I check if my planned spot is legal?
A: Use the DGCA DigitalSky interactive map for live Green/Yellow/Red zones, then cross-check with local authorities (District Magistrate/Police) and site managers (ASI/Forest). Carry written permissions during your shoot.
Q: Can foreign tourists fly drones in the Andaman Islands?
A: Foreign nationals generally cannot operate drones directly under Indian rules. Hire a compliant Indian operator who can obtain local permissions.
Q: What are the penalties for illegal drone flying?
A: Expect on-the-spot grounding, seizure of equipment, fines, and potential legal action. In sensitive island zones, enforcement is strict and can affect your travel plans.
Conclusion
Port Blair rewards travelers with powerful history, vibrant seas, and island culture—but it is also one of India’s most sensitive airspaces. Treat drone use as an exception, not the norm: verify zones on DigitalSky, secure written local permissions, and consider licensed operators for professional visuals. With the rules respected, you can still enjoy Port Blair’s best experiences from the ground and on the water.
