Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History & Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Things to Do
- Nearby Attractions
- How to Reach
- Where to Stay (Accommodation)
- Estimated Costs
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Travel Tips (General & By Traveler Type)
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Scattered along Port Blair’s coastline and on nearby islands, the Japanese bunkers of the Andaman Islands are silent concrete sentinels from World War II. Overgrown with vines and overlooking turquoise bays, these pillboxes once guarded the archipelago when the Japanese occupied the islands (1942–1945). Today, they make for an atmospheric heritage walk that blends dramatic history, island scenery, and compact, easy-to-do stops you can combine with Port Blair’s headline sights.
History & Importance
In March 1942, the Imperial Japanese Army took control of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, transforming them into a forward defense outpost. To protect Port Blair’s harbor and sea lanes, they built a ring of coastal defenses—low-slung reinforced-concrete bunkers and pillboxes—sited to command beaches, approaches, and high ground.
- Key locations: Along the road to Corbyn’s Cove Beach, near Marina Park/Water Sports Complex, around Aberdeen Jetty and Haddo areas, and on Ross Island (now Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island), the former administrative hub.
- Strategic role: Observation of shipping, coastal artillery spotting, and infantry defense against amphibious landings.
- INA connection: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose visited in December 1943, symbolically raising the tricolor in Port Blair and renaming the islands “Shaheed” and “Swaraj.”
- Aftermath: The Allies regained control in 1945. The bunkers remain as tangible reminders of the conflict and the islands’ pivotal wartime chapter.
Best Time to Visit
- October to May: Ideal. Dry, sunny, and good sea conditions to include NSCB (Ross) Island.
- June to September (Monsoon): Heavy rain and slippery paths; some coastal spots may be less accessible.
- Time of day: Early morning or late afternoon for softer light and cooler temperatures; sunset pairs well with Corbyn’s Cove bunkers.
Top Things to Do
1) Follow a DIY WWII Heritage Trail
- Corbyn’s Cove Coastal Road: Several roadside bunkers with sea views; easy photo stops while driving from Port Blair (approx. 20 minutes from city center).
- Marina Park & Water Sports Complex area: Look for low pillboxes near the promenade; combine with evening stroll.
- Aberdeen Jetty/Haddo: Scattered remains near harbor zones (observe signage and restricted areas).
- NSCB (Ross) Island: Ferry over (10–15 minutes) to explore ruins, including fortified positions and military structures amid banyan-tangled avenues.
2) Capture Atmospheric Photography
- Use wide-angle lenses to frame bunkers against the sea; bring a polarizer to cut glare.
- Golden hour brings warm tones on weathered concrete and foliage.
- Avoid climbing on structures; shoot from safe, marked areas.
3) Pair With Port Blair’s Museums & Shows
- Cellular Jail: A sobering pre- and post-war context; the evening light-and-sound show adds narrative depth.
- NSCB (Ross) Island: Ruins, deer-dotted paths, and a heritage show depending on schedule.
4) Short Suggested Route (Half Day)
- Morning: Marina Park bunkers → Ferry to NSCB (Ross) Island → Explore ruins.
- Afternoon: Return to Port Blair → Drive to Corbyn’s Cove bunkers → Sunset at the beach.
Nearby Attractions
- Cellular Jail (Port Blair): India’s freedom struggle landmark, 5–10 minutes from Marina Park.
- Corbyn’s Cove Beach: Family-friendly beach with water activities; adjacent coastal bunkers.
- NSCB (Ross) Island: Colonial ruins and wartime relics; short ferry ride from the Water Sports Complex.
- North Bay Island: Snorkeling, glass-bottom boats; views back towards Port Blair defenses.
- Chidiya Tapu: Sunset point and birding; about 45–60 minutes’ drive.
- Samudrika Naval Marine Museum & Anthropological Museum: Compact, informative stops in town.
How to Reach
Getting to Port Blair
- By Air: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) connects via Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, and other Indian hubs. Flight time: ~2–5 hours (nonstop/one-stop).
- By Sea: Long-duration government ferries from Chennai/Kolkata/Visakhapatnam (3–4 days). Infrequent schedules; suited to slow travelers.
Reaching the Bunkers
- Within Port Blair: Autos for short hops; taxis for half/full-day (best for covering multiple bunker spots).
- Self-ride: Scooters/bikes (approx. 500–800 INR/day) give flexibility along the Corbyn’s Cove road.
- NSCB (Ross) Island: Ferries from the Water Sports Complex (10–15 minutes). Buy tickets at the jetty counter; check last return boat timings.
Where to Stay (Accommodation)
- Areas: Aberdeen Bazaar (central, budget-friendly), Phoenix Bay/Marine Hill (harbor views), Corbyn’s Cove stretch (quieter, closer to coastal bunkers).
- Budget: 1,200–2,000 INR per night for simple guesthouses.
- Mid-range: 2,500–6,000 INR per night for comfortable hotels with AC and breakfast.
- Boutique/Resort: 7,000–15,000+ INR per night for sea-facing rooms and amenities.
Estimated Costs
- Local transport (day): Taxi 2,000–3,500 INR; scooter rental 500–800 INR; fuel extra.
- Ferry to NSCB (Ross) Island: Approx. 350–700 INR round trip per adult; separate island entry/environment fees may apply. Prices vary; check locally.
- Meals: 300–800 INR per person at casual eateries; seafood specials higher.
- Guides: 800–2,000 INR for a short city heritage tour (optional; rates vary by group size and duration).
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Fresh seafood: fish curry, grilled snapper, prawns, crab; simple beach shacks around Corbyn’s Cove and town cafés.
- Comfort classics: South Indian breakfasts, Bengali-style thalis, North Indian staples, and island-style fish fry.
- Coolers: fresh tender coconut, lime sodas; carry water when walking coastal stretches.
Shopping
- Sagarika Government Emporium: For Andaman padauk wood crafts and safe-to-buy souvenirs at fair prices.
- Avoid buying coral, turtle shell, and unverified sea-shell items; it’s illegal and harms marine ecosystems.
Culture
- A cosmopolitan island mix—Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, North Indian settler communities—alongside protected Indigenous groups. Respect no-entry/no-photography zones.
- WWII narratives are woven into local lore; museums and evening shows add context to the bunker sites.
Travel Tips (General & By Traveler Type)
General Tips
- Wear sturdy, closed shoes; some paths are uneven or overgrown.
- Do not enter sealed or unstable structures; observe warning signs.
- Carry insect repellent, sun protection, and water; shade can be limited.
- Monsoon months bring slippery ground—walk carefully and avoid edges near surf.
- Photography is generally permitted at public bunkers, but avoid defense zones and “No Photography” areas.
For Families
- Short, spaced-out stops work best; combine with the beach or a museum.
- Keep children close around drop-offs and roadside bunkers.
For Honeymooners
- Time your visit for golden hour, then watch sunset at Corbyn’s Cove.
- Hire a private cab for a relaxed, unhurried loop and photo stops.
For Friends & History Buffs
- Rent scooters to trace multiple bunker sites in a single morning.
- Add Cellular Jail and NSCB (Ross) Island for a complete WWII/colonial narrative.
Packing Checklist
- Breathable clothing, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.
- Insect repellent, basic first aid, reusable water bottle.
- Power bank, rain jacket (Jun–Sep), light scarf for sun/wind.
FAQs
Q: Where are the Japanese bunkers located in the Andamans?
A: Many are around Port Blair—along the road to Corbyn’s Cove, near Marina Park/Water Sports Complex, around Aberdeen Jetty/Haddo—and on NSCB (Ross) Island. Ask local drivers for the most visible roadside pillboxes.
Q: Do I need a permit or ticket to visit the bunkers?
A: Most roadside bunkers are free to view. NSCB (Ross) Island requires a ferry ticket and separate entry/environment fee. Foreign nationals may need a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for the islands; check current rules before travel.
Q: How long does it take to see the bunkers?
A: A quick loop of Port Blair’s easily accessible bunkers takes 1–2 hours. Add 2–3 hours more for the ferry and walk around NSCB (Ross) Island.
Q: Is it safe to go inside the bunkers?
A: Entering is not advised unless clearly permitted. Structures can be unstable, dark, or home to insects/critters. View and photograph from safe, open areas.
Q: Can I combine the bunkers with Cellular Jail and a beach in one day?
A: Yes. A popular plan is Marina Park bunkers → Cellular Jail → Ferry to NSCB (Ross) Island → Corbyn’s Cove for sunset.
Conclusion
The Japanese bunkers of the Andaman Islands offer a compact, evocative window into WWII history set against tropical seascapes. With easy access around Port Blair and short hops to NSCB (Ross) Island, they pair naturally with the city’s museums, Cellular Jail, and beach sunsets. Visit in the dry season, go light on your feet, and treat these aging fortifications as the fragile heritage they are—quiet witnesses to a turbulent time.
