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. The Chatham Jetty is about 3 miles from the town center. Taxis and plenty of rickshaws are generally available at the pier. We recommend you establish the fare with the driver before setting out. A ride to the city center should be no more than 10 USD.
Printable map to take along.
Located on the east coast of South Andaman, Port Blair, the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is a remote harbor. With just a cluster of tin-roofed houses, shops, restaurants and offices, it is a tourist destination less by choice and more because of necessity. It is the arrival point for the islands, and the only place with a bank, tourist offices and hotels.
Port Blair's only firm reminder of its gloomy past, the sturdy brick Cellular Jail or Kala Pani overlooks the sea from a small rise in the northeast of town. Seven wings originally radiated from the central tower out of which only three remain, the rest being destroyed by the Japanese.
The sound and light show (in English on Wed, Sat & Sun 7.15pm; in Hindi daily at 6pm; except for the rainy season) outlines the history of the prison, and a small museum by the entrance gate (open at the same hours as the prison) exhibits lists of convicts, photographs and grim torture devices.
Samudrika Marine Museum Run by the Indian Navy, the marine museum has tanks brimming with exotic fish and coral from the islands' reefs. The five sections of this unique museum display history and geography of the Andaman & Nicobar islands. Displays include miniature models of islands, pictures of tribals and their life-style and archaeology
Getting around
Walking is a good option - Port Blair is a fairly small town.
Mini Zoo The zoo features exhibits of more than 200 Andaman and Nicobar species that are found nowhere else in the world, including the Nicobar pigeon and Andaman pig.
Forest Museum This small museum displays different types of woods that grow here, including padauk which characteristically has light and dark-colored wood contained in the same tree.
Nearby places
Take a short ferry trip to Ross Island. Ross Island was the headquarters of the Indian Penal Settlement for nearly 80 years.
Food and shopping
Your best buys here will be wood carvings, shells and spices. The main concentration of shops is found at Aberdeen Bazaar. Most vendors will expect you to bargain.
Money
The currency in India is the Indian rupee.
In the big cities, credit cards are accepted at retail chain stores and other westernized restaurants and stores. Small businesses and family-run stores almost never accept credit cards, so it is useful to keep a moderate amount of cash on hand.
Staying connected
Hindi, English and 21 other official languages
Internet kiosks are everywhere nowadays and they charge as low as as Rs. 10 per hour. Beware of using your credit cards online as many cases have come forward regarding credit cards thefts using key loggers.
Opening Hours and
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