Top 10 Places to Visit in Port Blair in 2026

Port Blair is what you imagine when you think about the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, but even this destination has two identities. By day, it's the entry to some of India's most beautiful coastline. By evening, its old stone walls light up with stories from the freedom struggle.

If you're planning a visit to the Andaman Islands, this city will be your entry and exit point, so it's worth knowing the top places to visit in Port Blair before you move on to the outer islands. That’s why this guide lists the best spots along with travel tips for an easy holiday.

What Are the Best Places to Visit in Port Blair City?

Before we explore the list, imagine how Port Blair is set up. The city is small and easy to walk around, with museums and markets close to the harbour. The beaches and islands are just a short ferry ride or drive away. This mix makes Port Blair a great starting point for an Andaman tour. You can explore history in the morning, relax on the beach in the afternoon, and enjoy fresh seafood at night, all without spending hours travelling.

1. Cellular Jail

Cellular Jail is perhaps the most famous attraction of Port Blair, and rightfully so; this old prison once held Indian freedom fighters in complete isolation. It’s places like these that remind you of the stark history that has shaped our country. Spend one evening here watching the light and sound show and witness the jail’s history come to life

• Best time to visit: Early morning for the museum, evening for the light and sound show
• Known for: Solitary confinement cells and gallows tied to India's independence movement
• Who should visit: History fans and first-time visitors wanting context on Andaman's past

2. Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep)

Jump on a short ferry ride, and you’ll reach Ross Island,  once the British administrative headquarters for the Andamans. It’s now a quiet and isolated place where old ballrooms and churches still exist, half taken over by Banyan roots. Deer roam freely, and walking here feels like watching nature slowly reclaim it from humans.

• Best time to visit: Morning ferries avoid the afternoon heat
• Known for: Colonial ruins overtaken by tree roots, free-roaming spotted deer
• Who should visit: Photography lovers and anyone drawn to atmospheric, offbeat ruins

3. Corbyn's Cove Beach

If you want a beach without leaving city limits, Corbyn's Cove is the answer. It's just a short drive from town, lined with coconut palms and calm enough for a relaxed swim. This is one of the more beautiful places to visit in Port Blair for anyone who wants sand and sea without a full-day excursion.

• Best time to visit: Late afternoon, when the crowd thins and the light turns golden
• Known for: Parasailing, jet skiing, and a gentle shoreline
• Who should visit: Families and travellers wanting an easy beach fix without a full-day tour

4. North Bay Island

North Bay is the place to explore Port Blair’s underwater world. The coral reefs are shallow, making them perfect for beginners, and the sea walk lets you see marine life even if you can’t swim. If you’re looking for adventure, this spot is a recommended site.

• Best time to visit: Morning slots have calmer water and better visibility
• Known for: Snorkelling, scuba diving, and sea walking over live coral
• Who should visit: Thrill seekers and first-time snorkelers

5. Chidiya Tapu

Chidiya Tapu, or Birds Island, sits about 25 kilometres south of the city and is worth the drive alone for its sunsets. Mangroves and dense forest ring the shoreline, and birdwatchers come here specifically for the variety of species that gather at dusk.

• Best time to visit: Evening, timed for sunset
• Known for: Birdwatching, mangrove forests, and one of Andaman's best sunset points
• Who should visit: Birdwatchers, nature lovers, and couples chasing a quiet sunset

6.Mount Manipur National Park (formerly Mount Harriet)

This Park gives you beautiful views of Port Blair, Ross Island, and sometimes even Havelock. Forest trails lead up to the viewpoint, making it a good half day visit if you want to enjoy nature away from the beach.

• Best time to visit: Early morning for cooler trekking weather
• Known for: Trekking trails and the best elevated viewpoint near the city
• Who should visit: Trekkers and travellers who want views without a beach detour

7. Samudrika Naval Marine Museum

The Samudrika Naval Marine Museum, managed by the Indian Navy, is a small but good place to learn about the islands’ marine life, geography, and tribal history. It’s an easy stop if you’re visiting the jail or the harbour.

• Best time to visit: Midday, when outdoor spots are too hot to explore
• Known for: Coral and shell collections, exhibits on Andaman's indigenous tribes
• Who should visit: Families with kids and anyone wanting an indoor, educational stop

8. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

Also called Wandoor, this marine park is home to Jolly Buoy and Red Skin islands, both known for coral reefs so clear you can see them from the boat. It's one of the top picks of places to visit in Port Blair for snorkelling away from the crowds of North Bay.

• Best time to visit: November to May, when Jolly Buoy Island is open and seas are calmest (Red Skin Island takes over for the rest of the year) 
• Known for: Glass-bottom boat rides and untouched coral reefs
• Who should visit: Snorkelers and divers looking to skip the North Bay crowds

9. Aberdeen Bazaar

For a break from nature and history, Aberdeen Bazaar is Port Blair's main market and the best place to pick up souvenirs, shell crafts, and local snacks. It's also where you'll find some of the city's most popular seafood joints.

• Best time to visit: Evening, when stalls and shops are liveliest
• Known for: Local handicrafts, shell jewellery, and street food
• Who should visit: Shoppers and food lovers wanting an experience of local life

10. Viper Island

Viper Island is one of the quieter, lesser-known places to visit in Port Blair, and that's part of its appeal. It once housed an earlier British-era jail, predating the Cellular Jail, and its ruins sit in near silence surrounded by mangroves.

• Best time to visit: Morning, paired with a Ross Island visit if the ferry schedule allows
• Known for: Older colonial jail ruins and a quieter, less touristy atmosphere
• Who should visit: Travellers who prefer offbeat spots away from the main crowds

Tribe Travel Tip: If you're short on time, group the Cellular Jail, Ross Island, and Viper Island into a single day since all three sit around the same harbour and share ferry routes.

Quick Comparison Table

Here’s a summary of all the places to visit in Port Blair, so you can plan easily:

When Should You Plan Your Andaman Vacation Around Port Blair?

The best time to visit these places in Andaman Port Blair is from October to February, when the weather is mild and the sea is calm for ferries and water sports. From March to May, it gets hotter and more humid, but you can still visit if you are okay with warmer days. During the monsoon, from June to September, many island tours, including Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, might be closed, so it’s better to avoid this season if you want to see everything.

Tribe Travel Tip: Book inter-island ferries a day in advance during peak season, since seats fill up fast between December and January.

Conclusion

Port Blair rewards travellers who give it more than a single day. Between Cellular Jail's history, the calm of Corbyn's Cove, and the colour of North Bay's reefs, this city sets the mood for the rest of your Andaman escape.

If you prefer to skip the hassle of planning, advisors at Holiday Tribe can help with customised Andaman travel packages that cover everything you want to see along with stays, transfers and optional flight add ons. Get in touch to start planning your holiday today.