Table of Contents
- Introduction: Port Blair on a Budget
- Must-Visit Places in Port Blair
- Backpacker Budget Plan (Daily Costs & Saving Tips)
- How to Reach Port Blair and Get Around
- Budget Accommodation Options
- Local Food and Culture
- Shopping on a Budget
- Nearby Getaways from Port Blair
- 3-Day Backpacker Itinerary
- Estimated Trip Costs (2–5 Days)
- Tips for Different Travelers
- Safety, Permits, and Packing
- FAQs about Port Blair for Backpackers
- Conclusion
Introduction: Port Blair on a Budget
Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is more than just a gateway to Havelock and Neil. It’s a compact coastal city where history meets emerald bays, perfect for backpackers who want culture, beaches, and marine life without burning through their savings. With savvy planning—think local buses, simple seafood thalis, and government ferries—you can explore Port Blair comfortably on a backpacker budget.
Must-Visit Places in Port Blair
Top sights for budget travelers
- Cellular Jail (Kala Pani) & Sound and Light Show: India’s poignant freedom struggle site. Entry approx ₹30–₹50; show ₹200–₹350.
- Corbyn’s Cove Beach: Easy sunset spot near town; free entry; pay only for snacks or water sports if you choose.
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island): Heritage ruins, deer, shaded walks. Boat + entry approx ₹300–₹600.
- North Bay Island: Snorkeling hotspot (reef near the shore). Boat day trip ₹700–₹1,200; snorkeling extra.
- Chidiya Tapu: Golden-hour views, birding. Beware of no-swim zones due to currents/crocodile advisories.
- Wandoor Beach & Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park: Calm beaches, glass-bottom boats; Jolly Buoy/Red Skin trips require permits and are seasonal.
- Samudrika Naval Marine Museum & Anthropological Museum: Good for context on islands’ ecology and communities. Tickets are budget-friendly.
Money-saver: Combine Ross Island and North Bay in a single day trip to save on boat costs.
Backpacker Budget Plan (Daily Costs & Saving Tips)
Typical daily budget (per person)
- Shoestring: ₹1,200–₹2,000 (dorm bed, bus/occasional auto, local meals, 1 paid sight)
- Comfortable backpacker: ₹2,000–₹3,500 (private room or boutique dorm, a paid activity, scooter rental)
Sample daily breakdown
- Bed in hostel/guesthouse: ₹600–₹1,200
- Local meals (breakfast + lunch + dinner): ₹400–₹900
- Transport (bus/auto/scooter fuel): ₹100–₹400
- Activities/entries: ₹200–₹1,000 (varies by chosen activity)
How to save more
- Eat at Aberdeen Bazaar canteens and simple dhabas; go for seafood thalis.
- Use local buses (₹10–₹30) and share autos. Rent scooters only when needed (₹500–₹700/day).
- Choose government ferries over private where timings fit.
- Bundle Ross + North Bay or Wandoor + nearby villages the same day.
- Carry a refillable bottle; many cafes offer free refills.
How to Reach Port Blair and Get Around
By air
- Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ): Direct/connecting flights from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, and more.
- Indicative round-trip fares: ₹6,000–₹14,000 from Chennai/Kolkata; ₹12,000–₹22,000 from Delhi (season-dependent).
By sea
- Government ships from Chennai, Kolkata, Visakhapatnam (60–70 hours, infrequent). Cheapest but time-consuming and basic.
Local transport
- Buses: Cheapest for city and Wandoor/Chidiya Tapu routes.
- Auto-rickshaws: ₹80–₹200 for short hops; negotiate or ask for meter.
- Scooter rental: ₹500–₹700/day + fuel; carry a license and helmet.
- Ferries: Government/private boats to nearby islands (tickets at Phoenix Bay/jetty counters or online where available).
Budget Accommodation Options
Backpackers will find dorms, homestays, and budget guesthouses clustered around:
- Aberdeen Bazaar/Goal Ghar: Central, walkable to eateries and bus stands.
- Haddo/Phoenix Bay: Convenient for ferry terminals.
- Junglighat/Delanipur: Good value stays in quieter lanes.
Typical prices
- Dorm beds: ₹600–₹1,200/night
- Basic private rooms: ₹1,200–₹2,000/night
- Low-season deals (May–Sep): often 10–25% cheaper
Tip: Book the first night near Aberdeen Bazaar for easy errands, then decide whether to extend or move closer to the jetty for island trips.
Local Food and Culture
What to eat on a budget
- Seafood thalis: Fish curry, rice, veggies—filling and affordable.
- South Indian staples: Idli, dosa, and meals for under ₹150–₹250.
- Street bites: Samosas, pakoras, fruit, tender coconut along Aberdeen Bazaar lanes.
Culture notes
- Port Blair is a blend of Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and settler communities; English and Hindi widely understood.
- Evenings are quiet; many shops shut early. Plan dinners before 9 PM.
Shopping on a Budget
- Sagarika Government Emporium: Fair-priced handicrafts, shell-free souvenirs supporting local artisans.
- Aberdeen Bazaar: Cotton clothes, hats, snacks, basic gear.
Responsible tip: Do not buy corals, shells, or turtle products; it’s illegal and harms fragile ecosystems.
Nearby Getaways from Port Blair
- Swaraj Dweep (Havelock): Beaches like Radhanagar; great scuba. Govt ferry is cheapest.
- Shaheed Dweep (Neil): Laid-back vibe, natural rock bridge; easy on the wallet.
- Baratang: Day trip for limestone caves and mangroves via convoy; budget-friendly but starts early.
- Jolly Buoy/Red Skin Islands: For clear water and corals; seasonal, permits needed, plastic restricted.
3-Day Backpacker Itinerary
Day 1: Heritage and City Walks
- Morning: Cellular Jail + museums (Samudrika/Anthropological).
- Afternoon: Corbyn’s Cove; sunset photos.
- Evening: Sound and Light Show at Cellular Jail; stroll Aberdeen Bazaar.
Day 2: Islands on a Budget
- Morning: Boat to Ross Island; explore ruins.
- Midday–Afternoon: Continue to North Bay; optional snorkeling (share costs in a group).
- Evening: Street food dinner near bazaar.
Day 3: South Coast Nature
- Morning: Bus/scooter to Wandoor; relax at beach; optional glass-bottom boat.
- Golden Hour: Chidiya Tapu viewpoint; return before dark.
Extra day? Slot in Baratang (full day) or take the government ferry to Neil/Havelock for one night.
Estimated Trip Costs (2–5 Days)
Excluding flights
- 2 days: ₹2,800–₹6,000 (dorm + local food + basic entries + buses/autos)
- 3 days: ₹4,500–₹9,000 (adds boat trips/snorkeling)
- 5 days: ₹8,000–₹15,000 (adds Baratang or extra island, scooter days)
Optional activities
- Snorkeling add-on: ₹800–₹1,500
- Discover Scuba (Port Blair area): ₹3,500–₹6,000
- Sea walk (North Bay): ₹3,500–₹4,500
Prices are indicative and vary by season and operator.
Tips for Different Travelers
Backpackers
- Base yourself near Aberdeen Bazaar for walkability and cheap eats.
- Alternate paid activities with free beach days to keep costs steady.
Families
- Choose larger rooms near the center; pre-book ferries with fixed seats.
- Avoid midday boat trips with toddlers; carry snacks and sun protection.
Honeymooners
- Pick a quiet guesthouse near sea-facing roads; plan one splurge meal of fresh seafood.
- Golden-hour visits to Chidiya Tapu or Ross Island are most scenic.
Friends/Groups
- Share autos/scooters and negotiate boat group rates.
- Book early morning slots for Baratang; it’s cheaper and less crowded.
Safety, Permits, and Packing
Safety
- Swim only in designated zones; heed crocodile and current warnings (especially Wandoor, Chidiya Tapu, Baratang).
- Internet can be patchy; download maps and keep offline copies of tickets/IDs.
- Respect early closing hours; arrange return transport before dark.
Permits & rules
- Indian tourists generally don’t need special permits for Port Blair city. Some islands/parks are restricted; follow current notices.
- No drones without permission. Avoid plastics on protected islands (e.g., Jolly Buoy).
- Do not carry corals/shells out of the islands.
Packing list (budget-friendly)
- Light clothing, hat, sunglasses; compact rain jacket in monsoon.
- Reef-safe sun protection or a long-sleeve rash guard.
- Insect repellent, basic meds, dry bag, reusable bottle.
- Photocopies of ID, cash backup (ATMs can run dry; UPI may be patchy).
FAQs about Port Blair for Backpackers
Q: What’s the best time to backpack Port Blair on a budget?
A: October to April has the best seas and shows, but shoulder months (September, late April) often bring lower prices. Monsoon (May–September) is cheapest but boats can be disrupted.
Q: Can I do Port Blair without visiting Havelock/Neil?
A: Yes. With Cellular Jail, Ross/North Bay, Wandoor, and Chidiya Tapu, a 2–3 day Port Blair-only trip is rewarding and cheaper than adding inter-island ferries.
Q: Are government ferries much cheaper than private ones?
A: Usually yes. Government ferries cost a fraction of private catamarans but have fewer seats and fixed schedules. Book early at counters.
Q: How reliable is mobile data?
A: Improving but inconsistent. Expect good coverage in town, weaker on remote beaches and during inter-island trips. Keep offline maps.
Q: Is scuba diving affordable in Port Blair?
A: Discover Scuba is typically ₹3,500–₹6,000 in/near Port Blair, with even better sites and slightly higher prices at Havelock. Snorkeling is the cheaper alternative.
Conclusion
Port Blair blends evocative history with mellow beaches and easy day trips, all manageable on a backpacker’s budget. Stay central, eat local, ride buses or share autos, and pick a couple of high-impact water experiences. With thoughtful planning and respect for local eco-rules, Port Blair delivers an affordable island escape with depth, color, and calm.
