Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Top Cities and Places in South Andaman
- Popular Tourist Circuits from Port Blair
- Best Activities and Experiences
- Festivals and Events
- Sample Itineraries (1 to 5 Days)
- How to Reach and Get Around
- Accommodation Options in and around Port Blair
- Estimated Costs
- Local Food and Where to Try It
- Shopping Guide
- Culture, History, and Etiquette
- Travel Tips (Families, Honeymooners, Friends)
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Port Blair is the natural base for exploring South Andaman—an emerald arc of beaches, rainforests, reefs, and poignant colonial history. From the haunting corridors of the Cellular Jail to the coral patches off North Bay and the golden sunsets at Chidiya Tapu, most highlights sit within easy day-trip distance. This guide blends storytelling with granular planning so you can confidently craft South Andaman sightseeing from Port Blair—whether you have one day or five.
Top Cities and Places in South Andaman
Port Blair (Gateway City)
- Cellular Jail (Kala Pani) and Light & Sound Show
- Samudrika Naval Marine Museum, Anthropological Museum, and Fisheries Museum
- Corbyn’s Cove Beach for an easy city-side beach and light water sports
- Chatham Saw Mill (one of Asia’s oldest) and Forest Museum
- Aberdeen Jetty & Marina Park promenade
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep (Ross Island)
Ruined British-era buildings draped in banyan roots, a small museum, and an evocative evening video mapping/light show. Short boat ride from Port Blair.
North Bay Island
Classic glass-bottom rides, snorkeling, sea walk, and introductory scuba over coral gardens. Often clubbed with Ross in a single day.
Wandoor & Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
Gateway for Jolly Buoy/Red Skin Islands (seasonal). Known for clear water, living coral, and regulated snorkeling/glass-bottom activities.
Chidiya Tapu & Munda Pahad
Birders’ favorite and the most reliable sunset point near Port Blair. A short forested trail leads to Munda Pahad viewpoint.
Mount Harriet National Park
Cooler climes, lookout points, and nature trails. Famous for the viewpoint once featured on the old Indian Rs 20 note back design.
Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island) and Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island)
Technically within South Andaman district but best for overnights. Havelock’s Radhanagar Beach and Neil’s natural rock bridge are icons if you can extend beyond day trips.
Other Heritage Spots
- Viper Island: Former penal settlement ruins (limited operations; check current boat schedules).
- Science Centre: Small, kid-friendly exhibits.
Popular Tourist Circuits from Port Blair
1) Heritage & City Highlights (Full Day)
- Cellular Jail (museum + daytime visit)
- Samudrika + Anthropological Museum
- Chatham Saw Mill & Forest Museum
- Evening: Cellular Jail Light & Sound or Marina Park stroll
2) Ross + North Bay (Boat Day)
- Morning boat to Ross for ruins and deer-peacocks sighting
- Transfer to North Bay for glass-bottom/snorkel/sea walk
- Return by late afternoon; optional Corbyn’s Cove sunset
3) Wandoor + Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (Seasonal Marine Park Day)
- Permits needed; limited capacity; start early
- Snorkeling and glass-bottom at pristine reefs (no plastic allowed)
- Beach time at Wandoor on return
4) Chidiya Tapu Sunset & Munda Pahad (Half Day)
- Stop at Chidiya Tapu Biological Park (optional)
- Short trail to Munda Pahad viewpoint
- Sunset at Chidiya Tapu beach; return to Port Blair
5) Mount Harriet Nature Day
- Ferry to Bamboo Flat + drive up to Mount Harriet National Park
- Viewpoints, short trails, and picnic spots; carry snacks/water
6) Long Day Trip: Baratang (Limestone Caves & Mud Volcano)
Early start over the Andaman Trunk Road with controlled passage near the Jarawa Reserve. Expect a full-day excursion; check current timings, permits, and convoy/escort rules.
Best Activities and Experiences
On/Under Water
- Snorkeling: North Bay, Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (seasonal)
- Glass-bottom boat: North Bay, Jolly Buoy/Red Skin
- Sea walk: North Bay (popular for non-swimmers)
- Intro Scuba: North Bay and Chidiya Tapu; advanced dives better at Havelock
- Jet ski and parasailing: Usually at Corbyn’s Cove (check on-ground availability)
Nature & Soft Adventure
- Short treks: Munda Pahad (Chidiya Tapu), Mount Harriet trails
- Birding: Chidiya Tapu and Sippighat wetlands
- Sunset spots: Chidiya Tapu, Corbyn’s Cove promenade
Culture & Heritage
- Cellular Jail museum and Light & Sound Show
- Chatham Saw Mill tour
- Museums: Anthropological, Samudrika, Fisheries
Festivals and Events
- Island Tourism Festival (usually January): Cultural shows, food, crafts in Port Blair.
- Beach and food fairs: Seasonal events at Marina Park/Corbyn’s Cove.
- Pan-India festivities: Diwali, Christmas, Eid, and Durga Puja are widely observed.
Sample Itineraries (1 to 5 Days)
1 Day: Signature Sights
- AM: Cellular Jail + Samudrika Museum
- PM: Ross Island ruins + North Bay glass-bottom
- Evening: Light & Sound Show at Cellular Jail
2 Days: Reef + Sunset
- Day 1: Ross + North Bay; Corbyn’s Cove sunset
- Day 2: Wandoor + Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (permits needed); return to Port Blair
3 Days: Add Nature
- Day 1: Heritage & museums + Light & Sound
- Day 2: Wandoor + Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (or scuba at North Bay)
- Day 3: Mount Harriet AM; Chidiya Tapu sunset
4 Days: With Baratang
- Days 1–3: As per 3-day plan
- Day 4: Baratang (limestone caves, mud volcano); early start
5 Days: Add Havelock or Neil (Overnight)
- Days 1–3: Port Blair + marine park + Chidiya Tapu
- Day 4: Ferry to Havelock; Radhanagar Beach; optional sunset
- Day 5: Morning dive or Elephant Beach activities; ferry back to Port Blair
How to Reach and Get Around
Reaching Port Blair
- By Air: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) connects to Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi. Flight time: ~2–3.5 hours from east/south India.
- By Sea: Infrequent passenger ships from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam (2–3 nights; basic cabins). Check schedules well in advance.
Local Transport
- Cabs and Autos: Widely available in Port Blair; arrange full-day hires for outskirt trips.
- Two-wheeler Rentals: Convenient for city and short runs (carry license; helmet mandatory).
- Ferries/Boats: Government and private ferries for Havelock/Neil; small boats for Ross/North Bay and Marine Park islands. Pre-book popular routes.
- Buses: Budget-friendly options to Wandoor and Chidiya Tapu with limited frequency.
Permits & Rules
- Indian nationals: No special permit for Port Blair and usual tourist zones.
- Foreign nationals: No Restricted Area Permit for most open islands (Port Blair, Havelock, Neil), but carry passport and follow notified-area rules.
- Protected Areas: Entry permits for Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (Jolly Buoy/Red Skin) and some forest zones (Mount Harriet). Plastic restrictions are strict.
- Baratang: Timed passage regulations apply near Jarawa Reserve. Photography of tribal areas/people is illegal.
Accommodation Options in and around Port Blair
Where to Stay
- Aberdeen Bazaar/Atlanta Point: Central, best for quick sightseeing and markets.
- Phoenix Bay/Marine Hill: Sea views, easy jetty access.
- Junglighat/Goal Ghar: Residential areas with budget stays and eateries.
Categories & Indicative Nightly Tariffs (Double, INR)
- Budget guesthouses/hostels: 1,500–2,500
- Mid-range hotels/boutiques: 3,000–6,000
- Premium/sea-view resorts: 7,000–15,000+
- Government-run options: Megapode Nest, Hornbill Nest (book early in peak season)
Estimated Costs
Per-Day Trip Costs (Typical)
- City cab (8 hrs): 2,500–3,500
- Boat to Ross + North Bay (shared): 800–1,200 per person (excl. activities)
- North Bay activities:
- Glass-bottom: 500–800
- Snorkeling (guided): 700–1,200
- Sea walk: 3,500–4,500
- Intro scuba: 3,500–5,500
- Jolly Buoy/Red Skin boat + permits: ~1,000–1,800 per person (varies by season)
- Cellular Jail entry: 30–50; Light & Sound: ~300
- Two-wheeler rental: 500–800/day (+ fuel)
- Meals (per person): 500–1,200/day (budget to mid-range)
Overall Trip Budgets (Per Couple, Per Day, Excl. Flights)
- Shoestring: 2,500–3,500
- Comfort: 6,000–9,000
- Premium: 12,000–20,000+
Note: Prices fluctuate by season (Oct–Apr high season). Always reconfirm on-ground rates and ferry schedules.
Local Food and Where to Try It
- Seafood staples: Grilled fish, prawn curry, crab masala, lobster (market price).
- Regional influences: Bengali-style fish curries, South Indian thalis, and coastal coconut gravies.
- Vegetarian options: Paneer/curry thalis, dosas, and island-grown veggies.
- Bakeries & cafes: Around Aberdeen Bazaar and Marina Park for quick bites.
- Beverages: Licensed outlets serve alcohol; ANIIDCO shops retail beer/wine/spirits. Public drinking at beaches is prohibited.
Shopping Guide
- Aberdeen Bazaar: T-shirts, island-themed souvenirs, spices, trinkets.
- Chatham Saw Mill outlet: Ethically sourced wooden handicrafts.
- Handicrafts emporia: Cane, shell-inspired art (avoid real coral/tortoiseshell—illegal to buy or carry).
- What not to buy: Coral, sea fans, turtle shells, and any wildlife-derived products.
Culture, History, and Etiquette
South Andaman’s story spans Indigenous heritage and a stark colonial past. The Cellular Jail memorializes India’s freedom struggle; museums interpret island ecology and culture. While tourism is welcome, certain tribal reserves are strictly off-limits to protect Indigenous communities.
- Do not photograph or interact with tribal communities; it is illegal and unethical.
- Reef etiquette: No touching corals, no collecting shells, and no littering.
- Dress modestly in towns and religious places; beachwear is fine on beaches.
Travel Tips (Families, Honeymooners, Friends)
Best Time to Visit
- Peak season: October to April (calmer seas, reliable boats, clearer water).
- Monsoon: May to September (heavy rain, choppy seas; some trips may be canceled).
Packing Checklist
- Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, UV shirt, and sunglasses
- Aqua shoes, quick-dry towel, and a light rain jacket
- Dry bag/waterproof phone case for boats
- Personal meds, motion-sickness tablets, insect repellent
- Cash backup; ATMs can be patchy on smaller islands
Safety & Practicalities
- Always wear life jackets on boats; heed lifeguard flags.
- Currents can be strong; stay within marked swim zones.
- Network/data improves yearly but can still be spotty on outlying islands.
- Pre-book ferries and permits in peak months.
For Families
- Choose calm-water activities: glass-bottom rides, easy beaches.
- Stagger museum visits with beach time to avoid fatigue.
- Carry snacks and extra water; midday sun can be intense.
For Honeymooners
- Pick sea-view rooms in Marine Hill/Phoenix Bay.
- Time sunsets at Chidiya Tapu; consider a private cab for flexibility.
- Book underwater photo/video add-ons with scuba/sea walk.
For Friends/Backpackers
- Rent two-wheelers for city runs; use buses to Wandoor/Chidiya Tapu.
- Club activities (snorkel, sea walk) to negotiate better rates in season.
- Look for simple eateries around Aberdeen for budget meals.
FAQs
Q: What is the best time for South Andaman sightseeing from Port Blair?
A: October to April offers calmer seas, reliable ferry schedules, and clearer water for snorkeling/diving. Monsoon months see frequent weather-related cancellations.
Q: Can I cover Ross Island and North Bay in one day?
A: Yes. Boats are often sold as a combined excursion: Ross in the morning and North Bay for activities by midday, returning mid-afternoon.
Q: Do I need permits for Jolly Buoy or Red Skin?
A: Yes. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park controls access. Obtain permits in advance (often arranged by tour operators). Plastic restrictions are strictly enforced.
Q: Is Baratang doable as a day trip from Port Blair?
A: It’s a long but feasible day. Start very early and expect regulated passage near the Jarawa Reserve. Check current timings and requirements locally.
Q: Are there good beginner-friendly scuba options near Port Blair?
A: Introductory dives operate at North Bay and sometimes Chidiya Tapu. For more diverse sites, many divers add an overnight in Havelock.
Conclusion
South Andaman sightseeing from Port Blair balances history, beaches, reefs, and rainforest within convenient day trips. With calm-season timing, pre-booked ferries and permits, and a mix of heritage, marine, and sunset stops, you can craft anything from a one-day highlights run to a deeper five-day exploration that adds Mount Harriet, Wandoor’s protected reefs, and even a quick Havelock add-on. The result is an island experience that feels both easy to plan and richly rewarding.
