Visit Port Blair

 

Port Blair is the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands (a group of islands). Port Blair is also call the Emerald Islands, because of its lush greenery. The pristine beauty of Port Blair has seen many a historic moments. The sea-sides are enjoyable. There are two modes of travel to Port Blair from India. You can travel to this place directly from Chennai, Vishakhapatnam as well as Kolkata by ship. The Kolkata and Chennai airports have flights connecting Port Blair. However, only one flight is available from both the cities to and fro Port Blair in a day (in the morning hours). The Vir Savarkar Airport in Port Blair is only 2 kilometres from the heart of the city. There are taxis and auto-rickshaws outside the terminus of the airport at the time of arrival of the flights. There are many public buses available near the airport or the jetty.

Port Blair is named after Archibald Blair who was a lieutenant in the British Era. He tried to set up a colony in the region in the year 1789. Port Blair was also the place chosen by the eminent freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose to carry out his activities temporarily. The famous song ‘Holes to Heaven’ composed by Jack Johnson, a Hawaii born musician and film-maker has made this island famous.

The Cellular Jail of Port Blair is very infamous for the torture meted out to the prisoners. This was the place where the revolutionaries of the Indian Freedom Movement were sent. Some were hanged here. You can get immersed in the spirit of the struggle for freedom of India through the light and sound shows in the evening hours. These shows depict the sufferings of the freedom fighter kept or hanged here. The nearby places are Wandoor, Ross Inland, North Bay and so on.

How to Get Around?

You can explore the islands by simply walking, but you should be along-with a local. Other-wise you will get lost because most of the places may look similar with steep high grounds. There are abundant auto-rickshaws in Port Blair. The minimum fare is 10 rupees. You have to pay the fare according to the distance. You may get up into any auto-rickshaw, and ask them to take you to Aberdeen Bazaar in Port Blair. This is an important land-mark. Local buses facilitate travel inter and intra-city. Scooters, motorcycles and private cars are available for hire to be used for inland tours. You have to go to other islands by ferries. Boats, steamers and a type of canoes are available to take you to your place of interest. It is advisable to be aware of the places before you embark on your voyage.

Port Blair Tourist Highlights:

  • Gandhi Park- This is a small park with facilities such as amusement rides, nature train, safe aqua sports and historic remains in the garden. There is a Japanese temple and a bunker. Initially the Dilthaman tank was the sole source of drinking water to the people of Port Blair. This tank is located in the park. This is a great destination to visit with kids. The Gandhi Park was built in an amazingly short period of 13 days.
  • Mini Zoo- This is in the Haddo area on the Delanipur- Chatham Road. Many rare species of birds and animals are found in this zoo. Well, the number of birds and animals are quite less (around 15). This zoo is too small and hence called Mini Zoo.
  • Wandoor- This is a beautiful beach located 29 kilometres from Port-Blair. The water is shallow green.
  • Mahatma Gandhi Park- This is at a distance of 29 kilometres from Port Blair at Wandoor. It covers an area of 281.5 square kilometer. The marine park is made up of open sea and creeks. You can view the marine habitat and rocks from the glass floor of the boats. Thrilling activities like scuba diving and snorkeling can be carried out here.
  • Sippighat Farm- This is 14 kilometres from Port Blair. The farm has an area of 80 acres or 3,20,000 square metres. It is a government farm. Research and development for cultivations of cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper and coconut are carried out here. The Central Agricultural Research Institute or CARI is located in the area.
  • Chidiya Tapu- It is 25 kilometres from Port Blair in the southern end of South Andaman. The lush mangroves and the greenery of the forests render peace to mind. The chirpings of the birds are worth enjoying. The hillocks in the area give a majestic view of the Islands. Conducted tour commence from the area.
  • Collinpur- Collinpur is located next to Tirur. This is 36 kilometres from Port Blair. This place has an enchanting beach (of sand). This place is very apt for swimming, sunbathing, as well as viewing the sunset. Many people select this location for picnics.
  • Madhuban- This area is suitable for trekking. It is in South Andaman (north-east area). Tourists can trek to this place and see rare species of butterflies, birds, elephants, as well as flora.
  • Mount Harriet- If you travel to this place by road you have to cover a distance of 55 kilometres, whereas it is only 15 kilometres via the waterways. On the top of the mountain you will get an enchanting view of the surroundings. The height of Mount Harriet is 365 metres approximately. Conducted tours are available to this place commencing at the Teal House in Andaman.
  • Ross Island- The area of the Ross Island is 6 square kilometers. Once upon a time this was the place from where the British administered the surrounding islands. There are defunct club houses, granaries, theatre halls, church, graveyard, residential complexes, tennis courts. The earthquake of 1941 ended the craze for the Englishmen to reside in this island. Now people ferry to this place by boat and steamers for a short trip. Boats depart from the Pheonix Bay jetty for the Ross Island in the morning hours between 8.30 am and 12.30 pm.