Making the most of Port Blair Andamanes
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The ship is scheduled to dock or anchor at Port Blair. Chatham Jetty lies about 3 miles from the town centre, and the pier generally has taxis and plenty of rickshaws. Agree the fare with the driver before leaving; a ride to the city centre should cost no more than 10 USD.
A printable map to take with you.
Port Blair, capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is a remote harbour on South Andaman’s east coast. Its cluster of tin-roofed houses, shops, restaurants and offices makes it a tourist destination more from necessity than choice. It is the islands’ arrival point and their only location with a bank, tourist offices and hotels.
Overlooking the sea from a small rise north-east of town, the sturdy brick Cellular Jail, or Kala Pani, is Port Blair’s only firm reminder of a gloomy past. Seven wings once radiated from its central tower; only three remain, as the Japanese destroyed the rest.
A sound-and-light show explains the prison’s history: English performances run Wed, Sat & Sun at 7.15pm, while Hindi runs daily at 6pm, except during the rainy season. By the entrance gate, a small museum—open at the prison’s hours—has convict lists, photographs and grim torture devices.
Run by the Indian Navy, Samudrika Marine Museum has tanks full of exotic fish and coral from the islands’ reefs. Its five sections cover Andaman & Nicobar history and geography, with miniature island models, pictures of tribals and their life-style, and archaeology.
Getting around
Walking works well because Port Blair is a fairly small town.
The Mini Zoo exhibits more than 200 Andaman and Nicobar species found nowhere else in the world, including the Nicobar pigeon and Andaman pig.
The small Forest Museum shows the different local woods, including padauk, which characteristically contains light and dark-coloured wood in the same tree.
Nearby places
Take a short ferry to Ross Island, the Indian Penal Settlement’s headquarters for nearly 80 years.
Food and shopping
Wood carvings, shells and spices are the best buys. Aberdeen Bazaar has the main concentration of shops, and most vendors expect bargaining.
Money
The currency used throughout India is the Indian rupee.
In major cities, credit cards are taken by retail chain stores and other westernized restaurants and stores. Small and family-run businesses almost never accept them, so keep a moderate amount of cash available.
Staying connected
Hindi and English are official alongside 21 other official languages.
Internet kiosks are now everywhere and charge as little as Rs. 10 per hour. Be cautious about using credit cards online: many credit-card theft cases involving key loggers have been reported.
Opening Hours and
A list of