Port Blair is a beautiful city located on one of the most mysterious Islands in the bay of Bengal. Set up as a port and Jail City by the British colonial government, it is today a major tourist location not only for Indian visitors but also International enthusiasts who want to discovered the hidden history of the Indian freedom struggle as well as the geographical, zoological and anthropological surprises of an archipelago which has remained secluded from the rest of the world for centuries. There are many fun and adventurous activities to do in Port Blair for all age groups and budgets! Let us take a look.
Adrenaline-Inducing And Aesthetic Things To Do in Port Blair On Your Next Trip
1. Visiting The Cellular Jail
This jail can rightfully be counted among the most popular destinations in all of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It was here that hundreds of regional and the national political prisoners from the Indian struggle of independence were punished, tortured and ultimately executed. Today, there are so many educational and patriotic things to do in Port Blair that reflect upon this Harsh reality of the colonial past India had to suffer – most of these activities are sended around the cellular jail, like visiting the kalapani museum, knowing about the troubles of indigenous tribes of Andaman, learning about the British Indian colonial Navy etc. There is a beautiful light and sound show organized daily at the cellular jail which visitors should definitely try their best to attend!
Entry Fee: 10 INR for adults
Opening and closing timings: 8:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Time taken to visit: 2 to 3 hours
2. Scuba Diving
The reefs of Andaman and Nicobar Islands surprise every visit to have a somewhat basic knowledge of Indian geography. This is because the Andaman and Nicobar Islands give visitors a view of the true tropical ecosystems of the Bay of Bengal, by showing them the colorful underwater world where a million ancient species dwell in harmony. Scuba diving is organized and arranged by a number of local and national tourist agents – some popular locations for water sports activities to do in Port Blair are the Rajiv Gandhi water Sports Complex, Infinite Scuba, Andaman Ocean Tourism etc. Participants need to have the basic knowledge of swimming and appropriate health certificate before undertaking scuba diving.
Entry fee: 3200 INR per person
Opening and closing timings: during daylight
Time taken to visit: 1 hour
3. Kayak Riding
Just like scuba diving and snorkeling, Kayak riding is also one of the most popular things to do in Port Blair for those who love adventures to spice up memorable holidays. For beginners, Port Blair is the best location in all of Andaman and Nicobar Islands to start with riding as there are a lot of safe destinations and instructors easily available throughout the city. Using the kayachride to explore the mangrove forest around Port Blair is often the best route to take. Anyone who has good respiratory and cardiovascular health can take up kayak riding as an activity, though it is advised that all participants know swimming. Children below the age of 13 are not allowed on any kayak riding services.
Entry fee: 3500 INR per person
Opening and closing timings: during broad daylight
Time taken to visit: 1 hour
4. Trekking to Munda Paha
There are many locations of natural wonder around the scenic Port Blair City. One of these locations is the Munda Pahar, which is often preferred by tourists for the unique view it provides of the curving coastline of Andaman and the horizon of the deep blue sea. Most of Andaman is covered in mountains, which means any tall peak can help you look down at the gently rolling ranges of thick tropical forests that cover the land of Andaman. The track itself is only 1.5 km, but it is slightly steep and spans through a relatively dense thicket of ancient trees. You will find a very cheerful atmosphere greet you throughout this walk, including loud chirping birds, gentle breeze and the quiet lapping of waves.
Entry fee: no entry free
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 4 to 5 hours
5. Sea Cruise
Andaman and Nicobar Islands are one of the most popular destinations for sea cruise in all of India. After all, sea cruising in Andaman is one of the best activities to do in Port Blair for those who want a perfect mixture of modern luxury and untouched, primitive nature. Most cruises start from Port Blair and end at Havelock Island. They take tourists through the turquoise waters of the surrounding sea and squeeze through the mystical cliffs that rise abruptly here and there in an otherwise uniform sea. Guides will help you spot the major locations in Port Blair City from the sea itself, and you will get a chance to witness some of the most breathtaking sunsets of your life.
Entry fee: 900 INR to 1300 INR per person
Opening and closing timings: Starts in the morning. Depends on sunrise
Time taken to visit: 3 hours
6. Water Skiing
Honestly, this city is the ultimate heaven for water sports and adventure lovers. Water Skiing and Jet Skiing are both very popular Adventure Activities in Port Blair. You can find many instructors who will act as a guide while on the waves. Only if you are experienced and trained in the game should you go into the waters alone with the vehicle. You can join any group for this activity as it is better to be out there as many rather than one. While tourism and adventure agencies offer this adventure sport easily, resorts also have facilities for the same, but you might need to inquire beforehand. Water Skiing is enjoying in those areas where the waves are stronger and the advent of crocodiles is pretty rare.
Entry fee: 500 INR to 900 INR per person
Opening and closing timings: during broad daylight
Time taken to visit: 1 hour
7. Bird watching at the Chidiya Tapu
For some people, birds are the finest specimen of zoology. Wild bird watching is possible in any secluded area near Port Blair, none of them can compare with the magical ambience of the Chidiya Tapu. As the name suggests, this little Island formation is almost always surrounded by the deafening cackle of birds. The shores of the tapu are the most important spot, because the natural music of the birds is the loudest here and the breathtaking view of the sea itself can be captured by photographers. The Munda pahad is located on this tapu. Apart from bird watching, plant spotting and photography are also a few of the most preferred activities on the Chidiya tapu.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: no official opening or closing timings
Time taken to visit: minimum 2 hours; more for bird watching
8. Forest hiking near the Forest Museum
The city of Port Blair is dotted with many informative and gorgeous museum buildings that are a delight for both children and adults. The forest Museum is an institution dedicated to making the local culture and traditions of Andaman and Nicobar Islands all the more exciting and explorative. You can spot all kinds of crafts, woodwork and sustainable tools that the eco-friendly tribes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands have been using for centuries. This museum also provides a glimpse into the brave history of the people of Andaman and Nicobar. The surrounding area is covered in thick forests and only a good hike in the thickets can complete this experience!
Entry fee: 10 INR for adults
Opening and closing timings: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Time taken to visit: 3 to 4 hours
9. Seeking blessings at Murugan Temple
Port Blair is not known for pilgrimage sites, and yet prayers and blessings still form a huge aspect of sightseeing in Port Blair! It all happens at the Murugan Temple, the biggest temple premises in all of Andaman. This temple is famous throughout south and southeast Asia for its typical, historically astonishing Dravidian architecture. You will find many similarities between the South Indian culture and the culture of the Murugan Temple. However, there are also some astonishing dissimilarities, such as the serving of both vegetarian and non vegetarian food by the temple board! The open minded behaviour of all local tourists and priests will surely bring joy to your heart.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: 5:00 a.m. to 12 noon and 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Time taken to visit: 2 hours
10. Shopping for Souvenirs
Port Blair is definitely the best place to indulge in your shopping needs. There are many locations in Port Blair where you can purchase souvenirs and decorations for yourself as well as your friends and family. Some of the most famous items that tourists often take home from their Port Blair shopping sprees are seashell decorations, canned seafood, local woodwork, headgear and jewellery, keyrings and magnets etc. There are many permanent and weekly markets that light up Port Blair often, and there are also more permanent retailers who sell beautiful souvenirs to tourists near the beaches and popular destinations.
Entry fee: no preliminary entry fee
Opening and closing timings: no official opening or closing timings
Time taken to visit: minimum 2 to 3 hours
11. Boating to the Viper Island
Andaman Boating on the waters around Port Blair is mostly not allowed for those tourists who do not have proper training and expertise in the area. However, you can always experience the joy of modern boating through the different professional services offered from the Phoenix Bay jetty that connects Port Blair to the Viper Island. The island is home to the first jail built in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for the political prisoners, way before the cellular jail came to being. The entire experience is life changing as one walks through the thick forest to visit the old colonial structures of the late 1700s accompanied by the gallows situated on a hilltop. The viper Island is one of the most underrated but impactful locations for historical sightseeing in Port Blair.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Opening and closing timings: no official opening or closing timings
Time taken to visit: 4 to 5 hours
Frequently Asked Questions?
A. There are many locations where you can experience scuba diving and other water sports in Port Blair. One of the most famous locations is the Rajiv Gandhi water sports complex.
A. The Mahatma Gandhi amusement park is one of the most famous amusement parks or theme parks for children in Port Blair.
A. The cheapest month to visit Port Blair is during the month of July.
Conclusion
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