Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Must-Visit Places in Port Blair (October)
- Local Culture and Food
- Shopping in Port Blair
- Nearby Getaways and Day Trips
- How to Reach Port Blair in October
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Trip Costs in October
- Weather in October: What to Expect
- October Travel Tips and Regulations
- Traveler-Specific Advice
- Sample 3-Day Itinerary for October
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Port Blair in October welcomes you with freshly washed greenery, improving seas, and the first clear underwater days of the new diving season. As the capital of the Andaman Islands, it blends poignant history, pristine beaches, and island life—making October a smart, shoulder-season choice with lighter crowds and better rates than peak winter.
This guide covers what to see, how to plan around the weather, where to stay, what it costs, and practical October-specific tips for families, honeymooners, and friends.
Must-Visit Places in Port Blair (October)
Cellular Jail (Kala Pani) & Light and Sound Show
- Explore the national memorial’s corridors and galleries to understand India’s freedom struggle.
- Attend the evening Light and Sound show (multiple language slots). Book earlier on the day; carry a light jacket for breezy evenings.
Corbyn’s Cove Beach
- Closest beach to the city for a relaxed dip within marked zones, coconut groves, and sunset views.
- October seas may have small swells; check red-flag advisories and avoid late-evening swims.
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep (Ross Island)
- Short boat ride from Water Sports Complex. Wander through ruins, shaded trails, deer sightings, and a small museum.
- Pair it with North Bay for a half-day circuit if seas are calm.
North Bay Island
- Snorkeling, semi-submarine rides, and sea-walks often resume from mid-October onward, weather permitting.
- Underwater visibility improves mid-to-late October; check same-day sea conditions.
Chidiya Tapu & Munda Pahad Trek
- Known for dramatic sunsets and a gentle coastal trek to Munda Pahad.
- Heed any crocodile advisories; stay within designated areas.
Samudrika Naval Marine Museum & Anthropological Museum
- Great rainy-morning backup plans. Learn about Andaman’s marine life and diverse communities.
Wandoor Beach (Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park)
- Serene beach fringed by forest. Jolly Buoy/Red Skin Island trips typically restart around November; in early/ mid-October they may still be closed—verify locally.
Flag Point & Marina Park
- Evening stroll spots. Flag Point marks the 1943 Tricolour hoisting by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.
Japanese Bunkers & Jogger’s Park
- WWII relics near Corbyn’s Cove. Jogger’s Park overlooks the airport runway—great for sunrise or night city lights.
Local Culture and Food
Port Blair is a mosaic of Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Nicobari, and Burmese influences, evident in its temples, churches, mosques, and community festivals. In October, Durga Puja and Dussehra celebrations add color around Aberdeen Bazaar and community halls.
What to Eat
- Seafood thalis: fish curry, fried fish, prawns, crab, squid; often coconut or mustard-based.
- Andaman-style fish curry, prawn masala, tuna cutlets, lobsters (availability varies).
- South Indian breakfasts, Bengali sweets, and island-style desserts with coconut and jaggery.
Where to Try
- Aberdeen Bazaar area: local canteens and family-run eateries.
- Sea-view cafés near Marina Park and Corbyn’s Cove for breezy evenings.
- Government/Co-op canteens for simple, value meals.
Tip: Ask for today’s catch; prices and availability shift with weather and boat landings.
Shopping in Port Blair
- Sagarika Government Emporium: handicrafts, wooden decor, shell-inspired art (avoid protected corals).
- Aberdeen Bazaar: spices, local snacks, casual beachwear, hats, and souvenirs.
- Look for Nicobari-style mats and cane work in government-authorized outlets.
Responsible shopping: Do not buy corals, turtle shells, or items made from endangered species. Many are illegal to trade and harm the fragile marine ecosystem.
Nearby Getaways and Day Trips
- Swaraj Dweep (Havelock): ferries ~1.5–2.5 hours. Elephant Beach (snorkeling), Radhanagar Beach (sunset). Diving often restarts mid-October.
- Shaheed Dweep (Neil): ~1–2 hours by ferry. Calm lagoons—best for a laid-back day and stargazing.
- Mount Harriet National Park: short ferry from Chatham to Bambooflat, then drive. Cool forest trails and Port Blair views.
- Baratang Island: day trip for limestone caves and mangroves; plan early start. Check road and convoy timings.
Note: Ferry operations can be weather-dependent in early October. Keep a flexible plan and buffer days if including islands.
How to Reach Port Blair in October
By Air
- Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) connects via Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Delhi, and other Indian cities.
- Morning arrivals are common; runways close early evening. Expect early sunsets across Andamans.
By Sea
- Occasional government ships from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam (2–3 days). Basic cabins, limited schedules, weather-dependent.
- Book through the Directorate of Shipping Services; not ideal for short October trips.
Local Transport
- Prepaid taxis and autos at the airport; bike rentals ~INR 500–800/day.
- Government and private ferries connect to Havelock/Neil; private catamarans are faster and bookable online when operational.
Accommodation Options
- Budget (INR 1,200–2,500/night): guesthouses and hostels around Aberdeen Bazaar; basic A/C rooms.
- Mid-range (INR 3,000–7,000/night): business hotels and boutique stays near the waterfront or Corbyn’s Cove.
- Premium (INR 8,000–18,000+/night): sea-view resorts; look for October shoulder-season offers.
Location tips: Aberdeen Bazaar is central for food and shopping; Corbyn’s Cove/Marine Hill offers quieter, scenic stays.
Estimated Trip Costs in October
- Daily budget per person:
- Backpacker: INR 2,000–3,500
- Comfort: INR 4,500–8,000
- Premium: INR 10,000–18,000+
- In-city transport: autos for short hops (INR 80–200), half-day cab charter INR 1,200–2,000.
- Ferries (Port Blair–Havelock/Neil): INR 1,200–2,200 one-way per adult, class-dependent.
- Activities:
- Light & Sound show: ~INR 300–400
- Cellular Jail entry: ~INR 30–50
- Intro scuba/Discover Scuba: INR 3,500–6,000 (Havelock/Neil; weather-dependent)
- North Bay snorkel/sea-walk/boat rides: pricing varies by operator; budget INR 1,000–3,500
Prices are indicative and fluctuate with demand, weather, and fuel costs.
Weather in October: What to Expect
- Temperature: 24–30°C; humid.
- Rain: retreating monsoon showers; shorter bursts early October, drying toward month-end.
- Sea state: improving; occasional choppiness and last-minute ferry/activity cancellations possible.
- Underwater: diving/snorkeling usually ramp up mid-to-late October with 10–20 m visibility improving into November.
- Sunlight: sunrise ~5:15–5:30 AM; sunset ~5:00 PM IST—plan early starts.
October Travel Tips and Regulations
- Build buffer time: keep your first/last day light to absorb weather-related changes.
- Permits: certain islands/parks require day permits (e.g., Jolly Buoy via Wandoor); check reopening dates.
- Eco rules: no littering; avoid single-use plastics in marine parks; never collect shells/corals.
- Safety: swim only in designated zones; heed crocodile advisories at select South Andaman beaches.
- Connectivity: 4G works best in Port Blair; can be slow elsewhere. UPI is common but carry cash for outages.
- Drones require prior permissions; night beach access may be restricted.
- Health: reef-safe sunscreen, rain cover, reusable water bottle, and motion-sickness meds for ferries.
Traveler-Specific Advice
Families
- Plan museum visits and Cellular Jail by late morning; keep evenings for early dinners and the Light & Sound show.
- Choose central stays to reduce transit with kids; carry rain ponchos and snacks.
- Avoid long boat days in early October if kids are prone to motion sickness.
Honeymooners
- Book a sea-view room near Corbyn’s Cove or Marine Hill for quiet sunsets.
- Pick one adventure day only if seas are calm; otherwise opt for spa, café-hopping, and short scenic walks.
- Pack light linens, a foldable umbrella, and slip-resistant sandals.
Friends/Groups
- Time your trip for mid-to-late October for better water clarity.
- Pre-book ferries and water sports; keep a backup rainy-day city plan.
- Rent two-wheelers for flexibility; agree on meet points in case networks fluctuate.
Sample 3-Day Itinerary for October
Day 1: City Essentials
- Morning: Samudrika Marine Museum, Anthropological Museum.
- Afternoon: Corbyn’s Cove swim and relax.
- Evening: Cellular Jail tour + Light & Sound show; dinner in Aberdeen.
Day 2: Islands and Views
- Morning: Boat to Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep); continue to North Bay if seas permit.
- Evening: Marina Park stroll; Flag Point at dusk.
Day 3: Nature and Sunsets
- Morning: Mount Harriet National Park or Wandoor Beach.
- Late afternoon: Chidiya Tapu and Munda Pahad trail; sunset and return.
Flex: If adding Havelock/Neil, insert an overnight there and shift Day 2 accordingly.
FAQs
Q: Is October a good month to visit Port Blair?
A: Yes—it’s shoulder season with greener landscapes, easing rains, and lower crowds. Early October can see brief showers; by mid-to-late month, seas and visibility improve.
Q: Will ferries and water activities run in October?
A: Usually, yes, especially from mid-October, but operations are weather-dependent. Always check schedules a day prior and keep a flexible plan.
Q: Can I go diving in October?
A: Dive shops typically restart mid-October with conditions improving into November. If seas are rough, operators may reschedule for safety.
Q: What should I pack for October in Port Blair?
A: Light breathable clothing, quick-dry towel, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, polarized sunglasses, compact rain jacket/umbrella, anti-nausea tablets, waterproof phone pouch, and comfortable sandals.
Q: Are beaches safe for swimming in October?
A: Swim only within marked zones and when lifeguards permit. Avoid swimming after dusk, respect red flags, and follow any crocodile advisories.
Conclusion
October in Port Blair balances value and experience: quieter sights, fresh greenery, and the first reliable days for island-hopping and underwater adventures. With flexible planning for weather, you can comfortably cover the city’s historic highlights, scenic beaches, and nearby islands while enjoying a gentler pace and shoulder-season prices.
