This is India’s very own Mauritius. Port Blair, the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is a remote harbour in the Bay of Bengal. With only a cluster of tin-roofed houses, shops, restaurants and offices, it is a tourist destination less by choice and more out of necessity. Port Blair’s only reminder of its past is the sturdy brick Cellular Jail or Kala Pani overlooking the sea from a small rise in the northeast of the town. Seven wings originally radiated from the central tower but only three now remain, the rest destroyed by the Japanese. It was built over a period of 18 years at the start of the 20th century by the British to imprison Indian freedom fighters. The Samudrika Marine Museum is a good place for a unique display of Andaman’s history and geography. One can also visit Ross Island, the administrative headquarters of the British during World War II. Formerly known as the Paris of the East, it now lies in ruins, its manicured lawns and majestic ballrooms destroyed in an earthquake in 1941.
Corbyn’s Cove is the nearest beach to Port Blair, 7 km away. The nearby Snake Island has delightful coral reef; strong currents make swimming dangerous here. The national park Wandoor is a stunningly beautiful group of 15 islands. Red Skin and Jolly Buoy islands here boast of a huge array of over 50 varieties of coral and fish. There are daily boat trips to these uninhabited islands and although the trip gives less than three hours to explore the fabulous reefs, it is worthwhile. An hour's drive from Port Blair is Chiriya Tapu which has a beach well known for snorkeling. Port Blair offers a variety of seafood delicacies, besides Indian, Chinese, Continental, and Burmese cuisine.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
November - Early April
HOW TO GET THERE
BY AIR: Port Blair's Vir Savarkar Airport is located about 2 km south of the city. It can be easily accessed by flights from Kolkata and Chennai.
BY SHIP: Regular passenger ship services are available to Port Blair from Chennai, Kolkata.
