The base to explore most of the exotic sites of Andamans, Port Blair offers more than your usual capital does. Port Blair, the portal to all other islands of the archipelago, is connected to mainland India by air as well as sea. While the flight takes 2-3 hours to reach the airport, a ship takes 3–4 days to arrive at the jetty. Port Blair lies approximately 1551 miles from New Delhi, 1417 miles from Mumbai, and 778 miles from Kolkata. Flights are the best way to reach Port Blair, as they are convenient and hassle-free. Veer Savarkar International Airport dwells about 2 kilometres south of Port Blair. Ship services frequent from Chennai, sailing 3-4 times every month. Sailing cuts down the cost significantly but at the expense of the time taken.
What's Noteworthy-
Andaman Trunk Road connects Port Blair to Northern Andamans. Ferries frequent between Middle and Southern Andamans. While Government buses shuttle in the former route, government ferries commute in the latter. Though locals get preference in government transport, private transit and cruises cater to the tourists. Private ferries also deliver a promise of premium travel experience and are equipped for tourism.
In lack of connectivity via roads, Port Blair and Neil Island connect via sea route through a govt ferry or private cruise.
Havelock is an isolated island and therefore remains detached to Port Blair physically via any road. The only way to commute is via ferry and cruise operating through the route daily.
Port Blair is well connected via Andamans Trunk Road to most of the North Andaman Islands. The route encompasses a bus journey along with the vehicle ferry to cover the distance faster.
One can obtain boat tickets and forest permit from the IP&T office and reach Wandoor Beach where the journey originates.
One can firstly reach the Water Sports Complex and then hire a boat to North Bay Island.
What's Noteworthy -
From providing a smooth sailing entry into Andamans to being a comfortable base to explore most of the island's exotic sites, Port Blair is more than just the capital city. It is your one-stop introduction or gateway to Andamanese culture, lifestyle and of course, beauty. Whether a backpacker or a group of thrill-seeking friends, Andamans deem to be a haven for everyone seeking to elope from the monotonous 9 to 5 life. How to Reach Port Blair? Connected to mainland India by both air and sea, it takes 2-3 hours to reach Port Blair's Veer Savarkar International Airport via flight, and 3–4 days to arrive at the jetty via sea. The capital city provides easy access to most of the must-do things on an Andamans itinerary.
Port Blair itself holds quite a lot for travellers, who mainly come here to go down the historical lane, for museum hopping, experience the glorious beaches, or to commence their journey into the rest of the archipelago. Port Blair welcomes all sorts of vacationers be it honeymooners, food and culture partisans, nature enthusiasts, party animals or serious backpackers. Tourist Attractions in Port Blair have something for everyone. The markets and streets of Port Blair can be quite impressive with a blend of hotels, restaurants, resorts, shops and more. Port Blair is fitting to set up base and then move on to explore the other things to do and places to visit in Andamans. Places to Visit in Port Blair are -
The highest point in South Andamans, Mount Harriet stands 1200 feet tall, 15 kilometres from Port Blair. The sightseeing spots in Port Blair - From tribes and their unique lifestyle to archives of the colonial history of the island; From information on the biodiversity of the island to its marine life, the museums here are a gateway to history and culture. Out of the three beaches that the city houses, namely Carbyn's Cove Beach, Wandoor Beach, and Mundapahar Beach, Corbyn's Cove is the only beach where swimming is permissible. Cellular Jail is a national memorial of great historical significance for India and is the most prominent tourist spot in Andamans. Once used by the British for deporting political prisoners from India, it was then known as Kaalapani. The light and sound show display after sunset is a must-watch.
Corbyn's Cove beach is one of the cleanest beaches in the Andamans and is the hub for all water activity in Port Blair. Chidiya Tapu as the name signifies is a haven for bird-watchers and finds mention in the offbeat day-trips from Port Blair. Andamans is way up on the list when it comes to thinking of dream destinations for a beach holiday - even its the name is magical. Port Blair is a tangle of winding streets that seem to lead everywhere and nowhere. In the early morning hours, when the tourist shops are closed, life in the town remains as it has for years. It is not difficult to imagine travellers combing its streets, looking for souvenirs and eateries. Blessed with the panoramic view of the beach, blazing sun, white sand and the sea, Port Blair lies exactly where a capital city should lie - in the heart of Andamans.