Port Blair, renamed Sri Vijaya Puram in 2024, is the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the arrival point for nearly every visitor. The British founded a penal settlement here in the 1850s after the uprising of 1857, and the town's history is closely tied to India's freedom struggle.
The things to do in Port Blair include the Cellular Jail and its evening light and sound show, boat trips to Ross Island and North Bay, the beach at Corbyn's Cove, sunset at Chidiya Tapu, museums on the islands' marine life and tribes, and day trips to the marine national park at Wandoor and the caves of Baratang.
One to two days here is typical, split around a trip to Havelock and Neil. October to May is the best season.
For how to get there, when to go and where to stay, see our Port Blair travel guide.
Quick answer: best things to do in Port Blair
- Visit the Cellular Jail
- Watch the Cellular Jail light and sound show
- Take a boat to Ross Island
- Snorkel or sea walk at North Bay
- Relax at Corbyn's Cove
- Watch sunset at Chidiya Tapu
- See the Samudrika Naval Marine Museum
- Visit the Anthropological Museum
- Snorkel at Jolly Buoy from Wandoor
- Take a day trip to Baratang
Planning a beach holiday? Explore our guide to the best beaches in the Andamans.
History
Visit the Cellular Jail
The Cellular Jail, completed in 1906, was built with seven wings radiating from a central tower, each with rows of solitary cells, so that prisoners could not communicate. Freedom fighters including Veer Savarkar were held here. Three wings survive, and the building is now a National Memorial with galleries and a museum. The tower gives views over the harbour.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Good to know
- Closed on Mondays and some holidays
Watch the light and sound show
The evening light and sound show in the jail courtyard narrates the prison's history. Shows in Hindi and English run at set times; tickets sell out, so book early in the day.
- Best time
- Evening
Explore Ross Island
Ross Island, now Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep, was the British administrative headquarters with a church, club, bakery and bungalows. Abandoned after the 1941 earthquake and Japanese occupation, its ruins are now overgrown with roots. Deer and peacocks roam freely. A light show is held in the evening.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Good to know
- Closed on Wednesdays
Sea and beaches
Snorkel or sea walk at North Bay
North Bay Island, visible from Port Blair, has coral reefs with glass-bottom boat rides, snorkelling, sea walking and scuba. Boats usually combine North Bay and Ross Island in a half day.
- Time needed
- Half day with Ross Island
- Good for
- Families, beginners
Relax at Corbyn's Cove
Corbyn's Cove, about 7 km from town, is a palm-fringed beach with water sports and cafés. Japanese bunkers from the Second World War can be seen along the coast road.
The coast road from town to Corbyn's Cove is itself a pleasant ride, passing the sea wall, small memorials and views across the harbour.
- Best time
- Afternoon
Watch sunset at Chidiya Tapu
Chidiya Tapu, about 25 km south, is known for its sunsets and birdlife. A forest trek leads to Munda Pahar beach, and there is a small biological park.
- Best time
- Sunset
Snorkel at Jolly Buoy from Wandoor
Boats from Wandoor, about 30 km away, go to Jolly Buoy (in the dry season) or Red Skin (in the monsoon) in the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, with some of the best snorkelling near Port Blair. Permits are limited and plastic is not allowed.
- Good to know
- Book permits a day ahead
Museums and viewpoints
See the Samudrika Naval Marine Museum
Run by the Indian Navy, Samudrika has displays on the islands' geography, marine life, shells and corals, as well as their history and tribes.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Good for
- Families
Visit the Anthropological Museum
The Anthropological Museum explains the indigenous peoples of the islands, including the Great Andamanese, Onge, Jarawa, Sentinelese and Nicobarese, with tools, models and photographs.
See the view from Mount Harriet
Mount Harriet (Mount Manipur) National Park, across the harbour, has a hilltop with views over the islands and forest trails. The view appears on the old 20-rupee note along with North Bay's lighthouse.
Take a day trip to Baratang
Baratang, about 100 km north, is reached by an early-morning road convoy through the Jarawa reserve, then a boat through mangroves to limestone caves. It is a long but memorable day.
Things to do in Port Blair by type of traveller
Families: Cellular Jail and its show, Ross Island and North Bay, and Samudrika museum.
Couples: Corbyn's Cove in the afternoon and sunset at Chidiya Tapu.
History lovers: Cellular Jail, Ross Island, the Anthropological Museum and the Japanese bunkers.
Wildlife lovers: Chidiya Tapu for birds, Mount Harriet's forest trails and snorkelling at Jolly Buoy.
What to do in Port Blair with one day
Visit the Cellular Jail in the morning, then take a boat to Ross Island and North Bay for snorkelling or a glass-bottom boat ride. Relax at Corbyn's Cove in the late afternoon and return for the light and sound show at the jail.
Practical tips for Port Blair
- The airport is close to town; flights arrive from Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi and other cities.
- Ferries to Havelock and Neil leave from Haddo wharf and the Phoenix Bay jetty; book ahead.
- Check closing days: the Cellular Jail and Ross Island close on different days.
- Carry cash for boat tickets and small shops, though UPI is widely used.
- Carry a light raincoat; short showers are common even outside the monsoon.
Plan the rest of your Port Blair trip
Port Blair things to do: FAQs
What are the best things to do in Port Blair?
Visit the Cellular Jail and its light show, see Ross Island and North Bay, relax at Corbyn's Cove, watch sunset at Chidiya Tapu, visit Samudrika and the Anthropological Museum, and go to Jolly Buoy or Baratang.
Is Port Blair now called Sri Vijaya Puram?
Yes. It was officially renamed Sri Vijaya Puram in 2024.
How many days are enough for Port Blair?
One to two days, plus a day for Baratang if you wish.
What time is the Cellular Jail light show?
There are evening shows in Hindi and English at set times; check and book on the day.
Things to do near Port Blair
- Things to do in Havelock Island: beaches and diving, about two hours by ferry
- Things to do in Neil Island: the quiet island
- Things to do in Andaman: the whole island group
More things to do in Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Published by the Kudozz Club editorial team · Last updated · How we research our guides
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