Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Honeymoon Photography Guide
- Must-Visit Places in Port Blair
- Local Culture & Food
- Shopping in Port Blair
- Nearby Getaways from Port Blair
- How to Reach
- Where to Stay
- Estimated Costs
- Traveler-Specific Tips
- Practical Travel Tips
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Port Blair, the gateway to India’s Andaman Islands, is a dreamy canvas for honeymoon photography—emerald waters, sunlit beaches, tropical forests, and evocative colonial-era ruins. Whether you’re planning an intimate sunrise shoot at a quiet cove or cinematic frames amid overgrown archways on an island across the bay, Port Blair blends romance with raw island beauty. This guide curates photo-perfect spots, golden-hour timings, permits, costs, and travel logistics to make your Port Blair couple shoot and honeymoon seamless.
Honeymoon Photography Guide
Best Time for Photos
- Dry months: October to April offer clearer skies, calmer seas, and softer light.
- Golden hour: Sunrise roughly 5:00–5:40 am IST; sunset roughly 5:00–5:45 pm IST (varies by season). Arrive 20–30 minutes early.
- Monsoon (May–September): Lush greens and moody skies; carry rain covers, quick-dry outfits, and flexible plans.
Top Photo Spots in and around Port Blair
- Chidiya Tapu & Munda Pahad Trail: Jungle-framed paths, driftwood-strewn shorelines, and spectacular sunsets.
- Corbyn’s Cove Beach: Easy access, gentle curves of palm-lined sand; best at sunrise to avoid crowds.
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island): Atmospheric ruins with banyan roots, lighthouse views, deer-dotted lawns.
- North Bay Island: Turquoise shallows, lighthouse in the distance; great for underwater/snorkel couple shots.
- Wandoor Beach & Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (Jolly Buoy/Red Skin): Glass-clear water and coral gardens for vibrant, aquatic frames (seasonal access).
- Flag Point & Marina Park: Urban waterfront vibes, tricolour and ships in the channel, pastel sunsets.
- Mount Harriet National Park: Lookouts, forested trails, and British-era vibes with sweeping views of the bay.
Permits, Rules, and Drones
- Drones: The Andaman region is a sensitive, high-security airspace near an airport and defense zones. Recreational drone use generally requires DGCA registration/permissions via Digital Sky and explicit local police/administration approval. Many areas are no-fly. Do not operate drones without written permissions.
- Islands & Parks: Day-permits apply for Jolly Buoy/Red Skin; tickets are limited and schedules rotate seasonally. Baratang’s Jarawa Reserve has strict movement rules; photographing tribal communities is illegal.
- Underwater: Use licensed dive/snorkel operators. Avoid touching coral or standing on reefs; reef-safe sunscreen only.
Suggested 2-Day Couple Shoot Plan
- Day 1 (Port Blair): Sunrise at Corbyn’s Cove → Mid-morning heritage/ruins at NSCB (Ross) Island → Blue-hour at Flag Point → Sunset at Chidiya Tapu.
- Day 2 (Islands/Marine): North Bay snorkel frames or Jolly Buoy (if open) → Golden-hour portraits on Wandoor Beach.
Outfits, Styling, and Props
- Light, breathable fabrics; soft pastels, off-whites, and earthy tones complement the blues and greens.
- Flowy maxi dress and linen shirt/shorts for beaches; neutrals for ruins; bright swimwear or rash-guards for water shots.
- Props: Straw hats, sheer scarf, flower bouquet (avoid invasive species), handwritten vows.
- Footwear: Barefoot or beach sandals; trail shoes for Munda Pahad and Mount Harriet.
Hiring Photographers & Indicative Prices
- Local photographers: 2–3 hour couple shoot typically INR 15,000–30,000; half-day 25,000–45,000; full-day 40,000–60,000+. Underwater add-ons extra.
- Makeup & hair: INR 3,000–10,000 per session; early-morning surcharges may apply.
- Deliverables: Discuss raw vs edited, turnaround time, location fees, boat tickets, and weather back-up plan in writing.
Must-Visit Places in Port Blair
- Cellular Jail: India’s freedom struggle landmark; silhouettes and archways are powerful backdrops. Light-and-sound show in the evening.
- Corbyn’s Cove: Classic palm-fringed beach, water-sport kiosks, sunrise frames.
- Chidiya Tapu & Biological Park: Sunset point and birdlife; the Munda Pahad trail gives cliff-line views.
- NSCB (Ross) Island: Photogenic ruins, churches, and banyan roots swallowing colonial structures.
- North Bay Island: Snorkeling, sea-walks, and clear-water photography.
- Wandoor & MG Marine National Park: Gateways to Jolly Buoy/Red Skin islands with pristine corals.
- Mount Harriet National Park: Forest drives, historic viewpoints, and cooler air.
Local Culture & Food
Port Blair is a melting pot—Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi-speaking communities alongside indigenous island heritage. The vibe is laid-back, sea-bound, and welcoming.
What to Eat
- Fresh seafood: Grilled snapper, lobster, crab, Andaman fish curry with coconut.
- Vegetarian staples: South Indian thalis, dosas, and North Indian curries are widely available.
- Beach snacks & drinks: Tender coconut, lime sodas, and island-style fritters.
Popular areas to explore dining include Aberdeen Bazaar, the seafront near Marina Park, and beachside shacks at Corbyn’s Cove. For ethical shopping/dining souvenirs, look for government-approved outlets.
Shopping in Port Blair
- Sagarika Government Emporium: Best for legally sourced handicrafts, shell-inspired art, and island souvenirs.
- Aberdeen Bazaar: Local markets for light clothing, hats, beachwear, spices, and handicrafts.
Note: Do not buy coral, turtle shells, or unverified seashell products—many are illegal to collect or trade.
Nearby Getaways from Port Blair
- Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island): Radhanagar Beach sunsets, Elephant Beach snorkel scenes, and premium resorts—top for extended honeymoon shoots.
- Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island): Natural Bridge, Lakshmanpur sunsets; soft light and serene frames.
- Baratang Island: Limestone caves, mangrove creeks; regulated access through Jarawa Reserve (no photography of tribes).
How to Reach
- By Air: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) connects via direct/connecting flights from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Delhi, and other Indian cities. Flight time from Chennai/Kolkata is about 2–2.5 hours.
- By Sea: Government passenger ships operate intermittently from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam (3–4 days; basic cabins; limited schedules). Suited for the adventurous with flexible timelines.
- Local Transport: Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and app/call taxis are common. Self-drive two-wheelers are available; carry a valid license and ride cautiously on coastal roads.
Where to Stay
Port Blair offers stays for every budget; book well ahead in peak months (Nov–Apr).
- Honeymoon-friendly: Welcomhotel Bay Island, SeaShell Port Blair, Sinclairs Bayview, Symphony Samudra (near Chidiya Tapu).
- Mid-range hotels: Comfortable city hotels/guesthouses near Aberdeen Bazaar and Marina Park.
- Budget stays: Clean guesthouses and homestays across town; confirm AC and hot water.
Choose locations based on your photo plan: near Corbyn’s Cove for sunrise, Haddo/Water Sports Complex for boats to NSCB and North Bay, or Chidiya Tapu side for sunset frames.
Estimated Costs
- Flights (one-way, per person): INR 6,000–20,000+ depending on season and origin.
- Stays (per night, double): Budget INR 1,500–3,000; Mid-range INR 3,500–8,000; Premium INR 12,000–30,000+.
- Inter-island ferries (one-way): Government/Private boats INR 500–3,000 depending on route and class.
- Local transport: Autos within city INR 100–400; taxis/half-day charters INR 1,500–3,000.
- Attractions: Cellular Jail entry nominal; boat packages to NSCB/North Bay typically INR 600–1,500; Jolly Buoy trips priced higher with permits.
- Couple shoot packages: INR 15,000–60,000+ based on duration, locations, and underwater add-ons.
Traveler-Specific Tips
For Honeymooners
- Plan two sunrise/sunset windows to hedge against weather; keep a buffer day.
- Carry quick-dry outfits, microfiber towels, insect repellent, and reef-safe sunscreen.
- Confirm boat timings a day prior; island trips sometimes change with weather.
For Families
- Prioritize easy-access beaches (Corbyn’s Cove, Marina Park) and Cellular Jail show.
- Avoid long, choppy-boat days with infants; pack motion-sickness medicine.
For Friends/Groups
- Book private ferries early and split taxis to cut costs.
- Try sea-walk/snorkel at North Bay; ensure everyone is comfortable with water safety.
Practical Travel Tips
- Connectivity: 4G works in town; speeds drop on outer islands and at sea. Download offline maps.
- Cash & ATMs: ATMs exist in Port Blair; carry some cash for boats, small eateries, and permits.
- Health & Safety: Hydrate, use sun protection, and mind sharp coral/rocks. Lifeguards may not be present everywhere.
- Environment: No littering; avoid plastics on boats/beaches. Do not remove shells, corals, or sand.
- Cultural respect: Tribal reserves are off-limits to tourism and photography. Follow local guidance strictly.
FAQs
Q: What is the best month for a honeymoon photo shoot in Port Blair?
A: November to March offers the most reliable weather and golden light, with calmer seas for boat/island shoots.
Q: Can we use a drone for our pre-wedding shoot?
A: Not without proper permissions. Large parts of Port Blair and nearby islands are controlled/no-fly zones. You need DGCA registration and local approvals; unauthorized flights can attract penalties.
Q: Are underwater couple photos possible near Port Blair?
A: Yes, commonly at North Bay and seasonally at Jolly Buoy/Red Skin via licensed operators. It’s easier to arrange at Swaraj Dweep (Havelock), which has more dive shops.
Q: Do foreign nationals need special permits to visit Port Blair?
A: Entry to Port Blair is visa-based; many areas no longer require Restricted Area Permits, but certain zones remain restricted. Always check the latest Andaman & Nicobar Administration advisories before travel.
Q: How many days should we plan for a honeymoon plus photo shoot?
A: For Port Blair-focused shoots, 3 days works. To include Havelock/Neil for iconic beaches and underwater frames, plan 5–6 days.
Conclusion
Port Blair pairs island romance with striking backdrops—sun-kissed beaches, story-rich ruins, tranquil parks, and easy hops to clear-water isles. With early starts for soft light, mindful planning around permits and boats, and weather-flexible outfits, your honeymoon photography can be effortless and evocative. Beyond the frames, savour local seafood, gentle sunsets, and the relaxed rhythm that makes the Andamans unforgettable.
