Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why Visit Port Blair in November
- Must-Visit Places in Port Blair
- Top Things to Do in November
- Local Culture
- Food & Where to Eat
- Shopping Guide
- Nearby Getaways & Day Trips
- How to Reach Port Blair
- Getting Around
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Trip Costs
- Suggested 3–5 Day November Itineraries
- Travel Tips (Families, Honeymooners, Friends)
- Safety, Permits & Responsible Travel
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Port Blair, the gateway to India’s Andaman Islands, is where emerald hills meet tranquil bays and stories of resilience echo from the walls of the Cellular Jail. November ushers in clearer skies, calmer seas, and lush post-monsoon greens—ideal for beach days, snorkeling, heritage walks, and island-hopping without the peak-season rush.
Why Visit Port Blair in November
November is the sweet spot between the tail-end of monsoon and the December–January crowd. Expect balmy days and comfortable evenings, vibrant marine life, and great visibility for water activities.
- Weather: 24–30°C; humidity moderate; occasional light showers possible.
- Sea conditions: Generally calm; water temperature around 28–29°C; good snorkeling/diving visibility.
- Festive vibe: Diwali sometimes falls in late Oct/Nov (dates vary); cultural programs often run at city venues.
- Daylight: Early sunrise (~5:10 am) and early sunset (~4:45–5:00 pm IST); plan outdoor activities accordingly.
Must-Visit Places in Port Blair
- Cellular Jail (Kala Pani): A powerful Freedom Movement landmark. Don’t miss the evening Light & Sound show (weather permitting).
- Corbyn’s Cove Beach: Easy city beach for a relaxed swim, jet ski rides, and sunset photographs.
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island): Crumbling colonial-era buildings reclaimed by roots and vines; quick boat ride from Water Sports Complex.
- North Bay Island: Snorkeling, sea walk, and glass-bottom boat rides. November waters are typically clear.
- Chidiya Tapu & Munda Pahad Trail: Birdwatching, forest walk to a cliff point, and one of the best sunsets near Port Blair.
- Wandoor Beach & Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park: Gateway to Jolly Buoy/Red Skin Islands (coral-rich; typically open Nov–May).
- Samudrika Naval Marine Museum: A compact introduction to Andaman’s marine biodiversity and tribal heritage.
- Anthropological Museum: Contextualizes indigenous communities, culture, and history (photography rules apply).
- Mount Harriet (Mount Manipur) National Park: Easy viewpoints, butterflies, and cooler air; great for half-day nature escapes.
- Sagarika Government Emporium: Authentic handicrafts, shell and woodwork (legally sourced), ideal for ethical souvenirs.
Top Things to Do in November
- Snorkeling/Sea Walk at North Bay or Jolly Buoy (permits required for Jolly Buoy; plastic strictly restricted).
- Scuba Diving for beginners at North Bay; certified divers often continue to Havelock/Neil for advanced sites.
- Kayaking in mangrove-lined creeks near Port Blair (guided tours) when tides are favorable.
- Heritage Evening at the Cellular Jail Light & Sound show.
- Sunset Trails at Chidiya Tapu’s Munda Pahad and marine drives around Corbyn’s Cove.
- Island Hopping to Ross & North Bay on the same day for a balanced heritage + water sports combo.
Local Culture
Port Blair is a cosmopolitan island city with communities from mainland India as well as indigenous groups across the archipelago. You’ll encounter Bengali sweet shops, Tamil eateries, and North Indian dhabas alongside seafood shacks. Cultural programs, maritime museums, and memorials keep the island’s layered history in view.
- Languages: Hindi and English widely understood; Bengali and Tamil commonly heard.
- Rhythm of life: Early to bed and early to rise; most markets wind down by evening.
- Etiquette: Dress modestly at memorials; always ask before photographing people.
Food & Where to Eat
November’s calm seas bring in fresh catch—perfect for grills and curries.
- Try: Grilled reef fish, lobster, crab masala, fish thali, coconut-based curries.
- Vegetarian-friendly: South Indian tiffin joints, North Indian thalis, and bakeries around Aberdeen Bazaar.
- Popular zones: Aberdeen Bazaar for local meals; sea-view restaurants around Marine Hill and Corbyn’s Cove for ambience.
- Tip: Ask if seafood is line-caught and avoid banned species; choose reef-safe condiments and say no to single-use plastic straws.
Shopping Guide
- Aberdeen Bazaar: Daily essentials, snacks, souvenirs, and casual eateries.
- Sagarika Government Emporium: Ethically sourced handicrafts, shell art (legal), cane, coconut, and woodwork.
- What to buy: Spices, wooden home decor, island-themed apparel, jams and local honey (check labels).
- What to avoid: Coral, turtle shell, or illegally harvested shells—heavy penalties apply. Keep all bills for airport checks.
Nearby Getaways & Day Trips
- Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach for snorkeling; 1.5–3 hrs by ferry.
- Neil (Shaheed Dweep): Natural rock formations, Bharatpur/Laxmanpur beaches; 1–2 hrs by ferry.
- Baratang Island: Day trip for limestone caves and a mud volcano; organized tours only—follow all transit guidelines.
- Jolly Buoy/Red Skin Islands: Part of Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park; coral gardens and glass-bottom rides (seasonal permits).
- Mount Harriet & Chidiya Tapu: Closer nature escapes for half-day trips.
How to Reach Port Blair
- By Air: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) connects via Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and seasonal/connecting flights from major Indian cities. Flight times: ~2–3 hrs from Chennai/Kolkata; ~2.5–3.5 hrs from Bengaluru/Hyderabad; longer with connections from North India.
- By Sea: Passenger ships operate from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam (3–4 days; limited schedules). Book well in advance; schedules can change with weather.
- Entry formalities: Indian nationals do not need a Restricted Area Permit for Port Blair. Foreign nationals require an Indian visa; some islands/parks need additional permits. Always check the latest advisories from the Andaman & Nicobar Administration.
Getting Around
- Airport transfers: Prepaid taxis available at IXZ.
- Local transport: Auto-rickshaws and taxis; local buses to Wandoor and Chidiya Tapu. App cabs are limited/non-existent.
- Two-wheelers: Rentals are available with a valid license; helmets mandatory.
- Boats/Ferries: Government and private ferries to nearby islands; book private ferries (e.g., to Havelock/Neil) in advance during November weekends.
Accommodation Options
- Best areas to stay: Aberdeen Bazaar (central, budget), Marine Hill/Phoenix Bay (views, mid–upscale), Corbyn’s Cove (beach vibe).
- Budget (INR 1,200–2,500 per night): Guesthouses and city lodges near Aberdeen Bazaar, simple AC rooms.
- Mid-range (INR 3,000–7,000 per night): Sea-view hotels around Marine Hill/Phoenix Bay; family rooms with breakfast.
- Upscale (INR 8,000–18,000+ per night): Resorts with pools, sunset decks, and in-house restaurants near Corbyn’s Cove and seafront locations.
- November tip: Early bookings secure better rates ahead of December peak; request sea-facing rooms well in advance.
Estimated Trip Costs
- Daily budget (excluding flights):
- Backpacker: INR 2,000–3,500 (hostel/guesthouse, local meals, buses/autos).
- Mid-range: INR 5,000–9,000 (comfortable hotel, a couple of paid activities, taxis).
- Luxury: INR 12,000–25,000+ (upscale stay, private transfers, premium activities).
- Sample activity costs: Cellular Jail entry ~INR 30; Light & Sound ~INR 300–400; Ross/North Bay boat package ~INR 900–1,800; sea walk ~INR 3,000–4,500; intro dive ~INR 3,500–6,000; Jolly Buoy permits/boats vary by operator.
- Island transfers: Private ferry to Havelock/Neil one-way ~INR 1,500–3,000; government ferry cheaper but limited.
Suggested 3–5 Day November Itineraries
3 Days: Port Blair Essentials
- Day 1: Cellular Jail + Samudrika Museum; sunset at Corbyn’s Cove; Light & Sound show.
- Day 2: Ross Island in the morning; North Bay for snorkeling/sea walk; evening at Aberdeen Bazaar.
- Day 3: Wandoor Beach + Jolly Buoy (if open) or Chidiya Tapu hike and sunset.
4–5 Days: Add a Nearby Island
- Day 1–2 (Port Blair): As above.
- Day 3–4: Havelock for Radhanagar Beach and Elephant Beach snorkeling; or Neil for Bharatpur/Laxmanpur.
- Day 5: Return to Port Blair; Mount Harriet viewpoint or Anthropological Museum before departure.
Travel Tips (Families, Honeymooners, Friends)
What to Pack for November
- Light cottons, a breathable rain jacket (occasional showers), hat, and quick-dry swimwear.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, personal medicines, motion sickness tablets for ferries.
- Waterproof phone pouch, dry bag, and spare power bank.
- Cash for small vendors; cards work in most city hotels and larger restaurants.
For Families
- Choose central stays near Aberdeen Bazaar or Marine Hill for easy access to museums and short commutes.
- Opt for glass-bottom boats and calm-water beaches; carry snacks and hats for kids.
- Book early Light & Sound show slots; late evenings are limited.
For Honeymooners
- Pick sea-facing rooms near Corbyn’s Cove or Marine Hill; request sunset decks.
- Plan a private dinner at a sea-view restaurant; add a day trip to Havelock for Radhanagar Beach.
- Schedule water activities in the morning for calmer seas and better visibility.
For Friends/Groups
- Bundle Ross + North Bay for an activity-heavy day; consider kayaking or an intro dive.
- Rent two-wheelers where available for flexibility; agree on meet points in low-signal areas.
- Reserve ferries to Havelock/Neil at least a day in advance during weekends.
Safety, Permits & Responsible Travel
- Permits: Jolly Buoy and some marine parks require permits; arrange via tour operators or counters. Check daily availability.
- Protected areas: Tribal reserves are strictly off-limits; do not stop or photograph along restricted corridors (heavy fines apply).
- Environment: No plastics on certain islands; carry refillable bottles. Don’t touch corals or feed fish.
- Health & safety: Follow lifeguard flags; seas can change quickly. Keep basic first aid and stay hydrated.
- Connectivity: BSNL has the widest coverage; Airtel/Jio work in town but can be patchy on trips.
- Drones: Require prior permission from authorities; follow all local regulations.
FAQs
Q: Is November a good time to visit Port Blair for water activities?
A: Yes. Seas are usually calmer after the monsoon, visibility improves, and water temperatures are warm—great for snorkeling and beginner dives.
Q: Will Jolly Buoy Island be open in November?
A: It typically operates from November to May, subject to permits and weather. Confirm 1–2 days in advance and carry no plastic items.
Q: How many days do I need for Port Blair in November?
A: Three days cover the highlights. Add 2–3 more days if you plan to include Havelock or Neil for beaches and advanced snorkeling/diving.
Q: Are ATMs and mobile networks reliable?
A: ATMs are available across Port Blair. Mobile networks work well in town (BSNL best coverage), but expect patchy signal on boat trips and remote beaches.
Q: What should I avoid buying as souvenirs?
A: Avoid coral, turtle shell, or illegally harvested shells. Buy only from government-approved outlets and keep purchase receipts for airport checks.
Conclusion
With post-monsoon greenery, comfortable temperatures, and calmer seas, November is an excellent window to experience Port Blair’s history, beaches, and marine life. Plan museum and heritage visits around early sunsets, reserve ferries ahead of weekends, and choose eco-friendly operators for water activities. Whether you’re on a quick city break or starting a longer island circuit, Port Blair in November balances culture, nature, and easy logistics for a rewarding trip.
