Thinking About Visiting Port Blair? Start Here

Port Blair has suddenly started popping up on everyone’s bucket list, and for good reason; this tropical destination has thicker air, bluer water and a slower pace than any other Indian city.

You'll find colonial history at the Cellular Jail, calm beaches just outside town, and a jetty that sends you off toward Havelock's clear waters. Whether you're planning a quick two-day stopover or a longer island escape, this guide walks you through everything worth knowing before you book.

Where Is Port Blair?

So where is Port Blair exactly? It's the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a Union Territory of India sitting in the Bay of Bengal, roughly 1,190 km from Chennai and 1,255 km from Kolkata. That distance surprises a lot of first-time visitors, since it's easy to forget how far this stretch of Port Blair Andaman and Nicobar Islands territory sits from the mainland. It's actually closer to Southeast Asia than to most of India, which is part of why the islands feel so distinct in culture, food, and landscape.

In September 2024, the Indian government changed the city's name to Sri Vijaya Puram. However, you will still see Port Blair on flight bookings, maps, and most travel sites. The city is on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a group of more than 500 islands scattered across the sea.

Only a few of these islands are inhabited or open to visitors. For most travellers, this is the first stop in the Andamans. Here, you will clear in, buy ferry tickets, and get oriented before heading out to places like Havelock or Neil Island.

Tribe Travel Tip: Keep your first day light. Between the flight and the humidity, you'll enjoy the islands more if you ease in rather than rushing straight to sightseeing.

How Do You Reach Port Blair Airport?

Port Blair airport, officially Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), is the only major airport serving the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and every visitor passes through it at some point. It's a compact, single-terminal airport located about 2 to 3 km from the city centre, so the drive in is short, and the whole arrival process feels far less chaotic than a typical metro airport.

Despite the "international" in its name, Port Blair airport currently handles only domestic traffic, with an international terminal reportedly under construction for future use.

Here's a quick summary of the cities Port Blair connects to by air:

Airlines like IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air operate these routes. Prepaid taxis are readily available right outside, and most hotels in the city are only a 10 to 15 minute drive away.

What Is the Weather Like in Port Blair?

Port Blair weather stays warm and humid all year, which is part of what makes it such an easy year-round holiday spot compared to destinations with harsh winters or extreme summers. Port Blair temperature typically hovers between 23°C and 32°C, with very little seasonal swing since the surrounding sea keeps things balanced rather than letting the land heat up or cool down sharply.

Here's a quick overview of what you can expect month by month in Port Blair:

What Is the Best Time to Visit Port Blair?

The best time to visit Port Blair is December through February since the weather is pleasant, the water is at its clearest for snorkelling and diving, and ferry schedules run smoothly with minimal disruption.

If crowds at the beach bother you but a little rain doesn’t, consider visiting during April and early May; the days are warm, crowds are thinner, and the hotel rates are also value-friendly.

If you’re a water baby who loves snorkelling or diving, you’ll want to visit in February and March; it’s during these months that the water is at its clearest

Avoid June through September, since the southwest monsoon brings heavy rain, rougher seas, and a risk of ferry cancellations that can disrupt island hopping plans between Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil Island.

Tribe Travel Tip: October and November see occasional cyclone activity in the Bay of Bengal, so if you're travelling in that window, keep an eye on marine advisories closer to your date.

What Are the Best Places to Visit in Port Blair?

Port Blair packs a surprising amount into a small area, mixing colonial history with island nature. Here are the places to visit in Port Blair that consistently top every itinerary.

• Cellular Jail: Known locally as Kala Pani, this former British prison held freedom fighters like Veer Savarkar within its narrow, solitary cells. Walking through the wings by day gives you the history, while the evening Light and Sound Show turns it into one of the most moving experiences on the islands.
• Ross Island (NSC Bose Dweep): A short boat ride from Port Blair, this former British administrative headquarters is now a quiet, deer-filled ruin slowly being reclaimed by banyan roots, with an old church, bakery, and ballroom still standing in various states of decay.
• North Bay Island: The go-to spot for snorkelling, sea walking, and glass-bottom boat rides over coral reefs, and it's usually paired with Ross Island as a single half-day boat combo.
• Chidiya Tapu: About 25 km from the city, this is where locals go for the best sunset views and a spot of birdwatching, with nature trails and a mangrove boardwalk for those who want to linger.
• Mount Harriet: The highest point on South Andaman, offering panoramic views back over Port Blair and the harbour, along with a short trek through dense forest.
• Samudrika Naval Marine Museum and the Anthropological Museum: Good rainy day options covering the marine life, tribal history, and indigenous communities of the islands.
• Aberdeen Bazaar: The city's main market, good for shell crafts, spices, wooden carvings, and local snacks between sightseeing stops.

Which Beaches Should You Not Miss in Port Blair?

Port Blair beaches aren't as famous as Havelock's, but a few are well worth your time before or after you island hop further out.

• Corbyn's Cove Beach: The closest beach to the city, lined with coconut palms and calm, shallow water. It's ideal for a relaxed evening and offers jet skiing for those who want a bit more activity, along with a handful of beachside eateries for sunset snacks.
• Wandoor Beach: Located near the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, this is your best bet for glass-bottom boat rides over coral reefs without leaving South Andaman, and it doubles as the boarding point for boats heading into the marine park.
• Munda Pahad Beach, Chidiya Tapu: A quieter stretch best known for its sunset views rather than swimming, since the shoreline here is rockier.
• Elephant Beach, Havelock: The most talked-about beach in the Port Blair Andaman and Nicobar Islands region, Elephant Beach is reached by a short boat ride or a jungle trek from Havelock's jetty. 

How Do You Get From Port Blair to Havelock?

Once you've settled into Port Blair, most travellers head straight to Havelock Island (officially Swaraj Dweep), and the only way there is by sea, since there's no bridge or road connection between the two.

Ferries mostly depart from Haddo Jetty, about 15 to 20 minutes from the airport by taxi, with a handful of government sailings from Phoenix Bay Jetty as well. With around 14 to 16 sailings a day across operators, planning a Port Blair to Havelock crossing gives you a fair bit of flexibility.

Still, during peak season it's smart to book tickets at least a week or two in advance, since seats fill up quickly and the earliest morning sailings go first. Arrive at the jetty at least an hour before departure, since check-in counters typically close 20 minutes prior.

Tribe Travel Tip: Sit toward the centre of the ferry if you're prone to seasickness. It's the most stable part of the boat on choppier days.

How Do You Get Around Once You're in Port Blair?

Getting around Port Blair itself is straightforward, with a few easy options depending on how much ground you want to cover:

• Auto rickshaws and prepaid taxis: Cover most short hops between the airport, hotels, Aberdeen Bazaar, and Corbyn's Cove, with reasonable fares for a city this compact.
• Scooter or self-drive car rental: Works well if you're heading out to Chidiya Tapu or Mount Harriet and want the freedom to stop along the way.
• Ride hailing apps: Coverage is limited compared to mainland cities, so it's worth asking your hotel to arrange a cab in advance for early morning departures to the jetty or airport.

Tribe Travel Tip: Roads are generally in good condition, though narrow in stretches near the harbour, so keep a little extra travel time during the evening rush around Aberdeen Bazaar.

Where Should You Stay in Port Blair?

You'll find everything from value-friendly stays to full service properties, so it comes down to how much time you're spending in the city versus out on the islands.

• Best hotels in Port Blair: Properties near Marine Hill and Corbyn's Cove offer sea views and easy access to the airport, ideal if you're only spending a night or two before heading to Havelock. Many of these fall in the mid-range to upscale bracket and include airport pickup.
• Resorts in Port Blair: A handful of beachfront resorts near Corbyn's Cove and Wandoor combine comfort with proximity to water activities, good for travellers who want to relax without island hopping.
• Aberdeen Bazaar area: Better for those who want walkable access to restaurants, markets, and the Cellular Jail, and tends to be more value-friendly than the beachfront options.

Booking closer to the airport makes sense for short layovers, while a beachfront stay among the resorts in Port Blair suits travellers building in a day or two of downtime before or after Havelock.

Where Should You Eat in Port Blair?

Seafood is the obvious highlight here, given the location, and restaurants in Port Blair do a good job of blending fresh catch with South Indian and Bengali influences carried over by settler communities from those regions.

• Look for grilled or curried fish, prawn preparations, and crab dishes at harbour-side restaurants, many of which source their catch the same morning.
• Aberdeen Bazaar has good options for casual meals and local snacks between sightseeing stops, along with fruit stalls and street food carts.
• Beachside spots near Corbyn's Cove are popular for a relaxed lunch with a sea view, especially around sunset.

Among the many restaurants in Port Blair, harbour-facing ones tend to offer the freshest seafood, so it's worth prioritising those over inland options if fish is the reason you're there. Portions tend to be generous and prices reasonable compared to mainland tourist cities, so it's easy to eat well without much planning.

Conclusion

Port Blair is a haven for all travellers, no matter if you like food, history, or culture. It has something you’ll want to come back to again. Between the weather, the places to see, and the food, there's enough here to fill a few unhurried days before you move further into the islands.

If ferries and tropical weather have you making plans to visit Port Blair, advisors at Holiday Tribe can help you with customised Andaman travel packages that cover everything you want to see, along with stays, transfers, and optional flight assistance. Connect with us to start planning today.