For anyone visiting Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Port Blair will be your first stop and entry point to discover the beauty and culture of the archipelago. The Government of India officially renamed Port Blair as Sri Vijaya Puram on 13th Sep’ 2024. Lying on the east coast of the South Andaman Island, Port Blair serves as an entry point to explore the wonderful islands.
Port Blair connects seamlessly with mainland India via airways and waterways. Veer Savarkar International Airport and Phoenix Bay jetty are the two spots where flights and passenger ships arrive and depart respectively. Those who want to save time should get on nonstop flights from an Indian city like New Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai. With air travel, you will land in Port Blair in less than 2 hours.
In Port Blair, you will find budget and fancy hotels, restaurants, and cafes, scattered all around this city. Shopping streets and markets will keep the shopaholics busy and history buffs can visit Cellular Jail and Museum to expand their knowledge. There are many more things to do in Port Blair that makes this capital a worthwhile destination to explore.
Top Things to Do in Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram) for an Awesome Holiday
If you are planning a vacation in the Andaman tourism Islands, Port Blair will be your first point of interest. This island city has a carefree and mellow vibe to it. It tells you to slow down and explore its nooks and crannies at your own pace. The below mentioned activities are perfect to do on a three day trip to Port Blair:
1. Visit Science Centre
The Science Centre is the perfect place to visit with kids and of course science enthusiasts. The museum was first established in 2003 and ever since has been a go-to spot for families with kids and science lovers. This place is ideal to visit on a scorching hot or rainy day in Port Blair. You can easily spend two to three hours exploring the interactive exhibits and infotainment systems placed here.
The Science Centre also conducts workshops, competitions and shows like Sky Observation & Film Show, ‘Fun-tastic’ Chemistry, Planetarium Show, etc. All the shows are super engaging and enrich your knowledge. It also houses the remains of the first-ever aircraft to have entered the island. There are a total of 5 galleries inside the Science Centre named Physics Gallery, Chemistry, Biology gallery. The other two are Earth Science Gallery and IT gallery.
Address: Corbyn’s Cove Road, Science City, Shadipur, Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Timings: Tuesday to Sunday 10 AM to 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: Adult: Rs. 10/- Child, Rs. 5/- (below 14 years). Students can get free entry upon showing their school ID.
2. Visit Corbyn’s Cove Beach
The beach vibes aren’t too far away when you are holidaying in Port Blair. The closest beach to the main city of Port Blair is the Corbyn’s Cove beach. Located 4.1 km from Port Blair, hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to get there. Perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and family picnics, this spot has everything you need. The beach is lined with shacks and stalls serving snacks and drinks. It means hanging around this beach will never let you go hungry or thirsty. Apart from basking in the sun, test your endurance and daredevilry by participating in some adventure water sports. Activities like parasailing, snorkelling, and jet skiing are also quite popular on this beach. Adults can enjoy beach volleyball at Corbyn’s Cove Beach.
Address: Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Entry Fee: Free
3. Watch the Sound and Light Show at Cellular Jail
Cellular Jail is the most-visited historic site in Port Blair. Known as the Kaala Pani Jail, this jail was used to hold Indian freedom fighters captive. The museum exhibits will show how the political prisoners were subject to torture and torment by the hands of British colonial forces. This jail stands as a testimony, narrating one of the darkest periods of Colonial India to its visitors. In the evening, you can watch the Sound and Light Show. The renowned Bollywood actor Late Shri Om Puri ji lent his voice and narration to the show.
Timings of the Sound and Light Show: 5:50 PM to 8:35 PM
Entry Fee to the Cellular Jail Museum: ₹30/- per head and ₹100 for Indian Nationals. For the rest of the fare details, click here.
4. Explore and Shop from Aberdeen Bazar
There aren’t any fancy or swanky malls in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Therefore most tourists and locals find themselves shopping at Aberdeen Bazar. Needless to say, it is the most happening place in Port Blair. Take a walk and you will find a line of shops, stalls, and emporium selling souvenirs and trinkets. You will also spot the clock tower which is like a landmark to identify this place. Whether you need any daily essential items or a gift to take back home for friends and family, you will find it here. Plus, the products here are already available at quite low prices, hence bargaining would be redundant.
What to buy from Aberdeen Bazar?
You can explore and shop accessories, coconut items, spices, pear jewellery, shell items and more from Aberdeen Bazar.
Timings: Opens from 9 AM to 9 PM
5. Visit Gandhi Park
Located in Shadipur, Gandhi Park is a large park spread over a massive 13.5 acres of land. It is one of the best places in Andaman to visit with family and have a fun picnic. In the park you will spot a statue of Mahatma Gandhi that shines bright in the broad day light. Sitting in this park, a feeling of relaxation and serenity washes over you. The swaying tree branches of mahogany trees, coconut palms, and Andaman Padauk adds greenery to the park. This serene park has manicured grass, walking paths, and a beautiful lake. Kids can enjoy playing in the designated kids’ play areas. Facilities of public restrooms and picnic tables are also available on-site.
Address: AHW Colony, Shadipur, Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Timings: Opens everyday from 8 AM to 8 PM
Gandhi Park Entry Fee: Free
6. Take a Walk in MG Road
Another famous place to shop in Port Blair is MG Road. Irrespective of your budget, you will find something here to take back home. From luxury goods to dirt cheap knick knacks, the shops of MG road have it all. It is advisable to carry cash as many shops may not accept cards or UPI payment. Even if you don’t feel like shopping, simply take a walk on the road and see the local life and culture unfold. There are also many eateries on this road where you can have a hearty meal. If you are on a shoe-string budget, you can find budget hostels or 2-3 star rated properties for accommodation.
Address: MG Rd (Andaman Trunk Road), Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Timings: 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
7. Enjoy Nightlife at a Club or a Bar
Let’s be real, Andaman doesn’t have an extravagant nightlife scene as one would expect. There are, however, few bars and clubs gaining attraction as hangout spots for night. There will be a leisure day with Andaman tour packages where you can visit the top clubs or bars in Port Blair. They play the latest bollywood and EDM beats, serve delicious cocktails and food to keep you entertained throughout the night.
Places to Enjoy nightlife in Port Blair: Luxx – Pub & Lounge, Nimbu Pani – Pub, Lounge & Club, and Pink Fly Lounge.
These were the top seven things to do in Port Blair that will make your vacation joyful and worthwhile!
