Your entry point into the Andamans, Port Blair, exudes a tropical vibe laden with nature, civilisation, and culture. It is located on South Andaman Island, and serves as the base for exploring India’s naturally gifted union territory, Andaman and Nicobar. Life is slow and disconnected here, tempting vacationers to make the most of remote islands and their serene beaches, cerulean waters, and bucolic monuments. Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram) is also a gateway to the many wonders of the Andamans, including Barren Island, that is swollen with India’s lone mud volcano, temperate trekking trails of Havelock, and exceptional underwater encounters at Neil. Relish gleaming sunsets, kayak amidst the mangroves, and unveil a combatted past from World War 2 on your next far-flung beach escape with Zostel Port Blair. 

November to February is considered the best time to visit Port Blair in terms of cooling temperatures. Scuba diving and marine life enthusiasts, however, time their trip between February and May for cleaner waters and maximum underwater visibility.

Places to Visit In Port Blair

Cellular Jail

Built by the British in 1906, this three-story prison, now a National Memorial, stands as a tribute to the nation’s greatest freedom fighters. Time your visit for the light and sound show highlighting their heroic struggles for Independence– 6 PM (Hindi) and 7:15 PM (English). Visitors can also explore the museum, art gallery, and photo gallery, open every day except Monday, from 9 AM to 12 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM.

Mount Harriet

A must-visit for backpackers to hike, enjoy nature, and spot birds. The highest peak of South Andamans (365 m), Mount Harriet is a National Park in the present day, offering stunning views of Port Blair, Ross Island, and Havelock. The mountain offers trekking trails for all skill levels. The shortest is a 3 km easy trek to Kala Pathar from Mt. Harriet. For more adventure, there’s a 10 km route from Mannarghat to Madhuban Beach, while the longest, at 16 km, runs from Madhuban Beach to the park’s Rest House, following the peninsula down to the shore.

Wandoor Beach

A scenic stretch of sun toasted white sand awaits you at Wandoor Beach, one of the best beaches in Port Blair. Also visit here to make your way to the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, which serves to ensure the safety of marine life in Port Blair. Within, explore Tarmugli, the largest island in the Marine National Park of Andamans, brimming with dense mangroves and laced by scenic, less-explored beaches. 

Corbyn’s Cove Beach

Drive 6 km from Port Blair for a long swim at Corbyn’s Cove Beach. Just opposite, Snake Island is a popular spot for Scuba Diving in Port Blair.

Flag point

This historic flag point marks where Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose first hoisted the Indian flag on December 30, 1943. Today, a 150-foot flagpole stands proudly in the South Point area of Port Blair, at a 15-minute walk from the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex.

Things to Do In Port Blair

Munda Pahar Beach Trek

Trek from Munda Pahar Beach, also known as Chidiya Tapu Beach to the sunset viewpoint for a comprehensive experience of Andamans’ scenic beauty. Covering about 1.5 km, this trail courses through thick vegetation, beaches, and some parts of the Chidiya Tapu Biological Park. It is usually covered in an hour. At the sunset point, unwind and enjoy breathtaking ocean views for a few hours, and don’t miss one of the Andamans' most stunning sunsets before heading back. 

Day trip to Ross Island

At Ross Island, wander through old ruins overtaken by nature, where crumbling churches and bungalows hint at a bygone era. A small museum offers glimpses of the island’s colonial past. Find a spot by the shore to take in the sea breeze and reflect on the island’s history. It's a peaceful retreat, perfect for those seeking a slower, more reflective experience.

Trip to Neil & Havelock

Dive into the vibrant coral reefs with scuba diving or snorkelling in Port Blair’s crystal-clear waters at Bharatpur Beach and Elephant Beach. For serene sunsets, lounge at Laxmanpur Beach on Neil and Radhanagar Beach on Havelock Island. For a laid-back day, cycle through Neil’s charming villages or take a boat to Kalapathar Beach.