Port Blair is the capital city of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a union territory located in the Bay of Bengal, India. The islands have gained popularity among the folks of India and of international nationality. Tourism and its related activities are only in Andamans. Nicobar is part of these islands, but it is a tribal restricted area and hence is not allowed for Tourist visits. Port Blair is the only entry point to the Andaman Islands. The only commercial airport in Andaman is in Port Blair.
The capital city of the Andaman Islands, Port Blair, can be reached by air and sea. There are flights and ships available from different points in mainland India.
By Flights:
For travelers visiting for a fixed duration/on a planned holiday, flights are the only suggested option to reach these islands. An approximate distance of 1300 Kms from Mainland India to the island by air, in a non-stop flight, is covered in 2.5 Hrs. maximum.
Airlines such as Air India, SpiceJet, Vistara, Go Air, and Indigo fly to Andaman and Nicobar Islands and will land in Port Blair. Currently, Port Blair has only commercial airports. Direct flights are operating from Chennai, Bangalore, Delhi, and Kolkata. Flights from Mumbai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad are operational during the season by Go Air/Indigo. Please check the official website of the airlines to know more about the flights to Port Blair (IXZ)
Currently, there are no evening flights available that are post-sunset; the first flight takes off at around 7 AM and the last flight of the day around 4 PM.
By Ship:
Andaman Islands can be reached by sea as well; some ships are available to the islands. The major ports have ships that sail to Andamans from Chennai, Kolkata, and Vizag. There are government-operated ship services that can be available. The tickets for the ships can be booked through the Directorate of Shipping/ Shipping Corporation of the concerned ports. If the weather is clear the journey usually takes up to 2.5-3 days to reach the Andaman Islands. The frequency of sailing to and for Kolkata is usually once or twice a month, in Chennai and Vizag it is just a single sailing per month. (And all the journeys depend on the weather conditions.). Schedule of the latest sailing can be referred at Ship schedule to Port Blair
We always recommend the tourists to take flights to Andaman Islands as it is time-saving and convenient. Ships can also be taken to the islands if the tourists are coming on a long vacation it will be a different experience to sail, we usually do not suggest ship journeys due to the long journey and weather conditions that might become an issue during the journey.
Are there any entry formalities to enter Port Blair?
No entry formality has to be followed to enter the Andaman Islands for Indian Nationals.
Foreign Nationals
All the foreign nationals/ NRIs / OCI Card Holders must mandatorily produce their original passport copies at the immigration counter on reaching the Port Blair airport or Sea Port for verification. All foreign nationals require a permit (RAP – Restricted Area Permit) to visit the Andaman Islands, which is easily available on arrival at Port Blair by flight or ship from the Immigration Authorities for 30 days subject to availability of valid visa. Currently, the compulsion of RAP has been removed from 30 Islands. Details of the same can be referred to on the official website of Andaman Tourism entry for foreigners.
Indian Nationals
A visa is not required for Indian Nationals to visit Andamans. A valid ID of proof issued by competent authorities is required. PAN Card is not accepted as an ID proof. No specific permit is required for the Indian Nationals to visit these islands, however, entering the tribal areas that are restricted are strictly prohibited. To enter the areas occupied by Defense/ Paramilitary forces and any other sensitive areas require proper permission from the authorized agencies.
Andaman islands is a strategic location, entry formalities to the islands may change at very rare occasions. In such cases reach us to understand any recent changes to the entry formalities and fees while entering Port Blair.
Port Blair has a lot of places to visit, if you compare all the islands with Port Blair then Port Blair has a number of places to visit in Andaman. From historical places to beaches, Port has a lot to explore and experience. Below is the list of places to visit :
Cellular Jail is one of the best places to visit on Day 1 of your tour plan in Andaman. This place can be visited both during the day and evening. In the evening, only the light and sound show will be operational, and the Jail visit is closed.
North Bay Island is one of the best places for water sports activities in the Andaman Islands. All kinds of activities are available here for water sports lovers. From Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Sea Walking, Parasailing and Glass bottom boat rides all activities are available here at this place.
Ross Island was the first administrative settlement of the British in the islands. If you are looking for a historical experience at Port Blair, then this is another must-visit place in Port Blair. A ferry ride from the water sports complex has to be taken to reach this place.
Corbyns Cove beach is one of the closest beache to the capital city Port Blair. This beach can easily be reached via cab. Activities such as Jet Ski Ride, Sea Kart, Boat Ride and Parasailing is available at this beach. The road to reach this beach is beautiful.
Sunset at Chidiatapu is one of the most visited places in Port Blair. Evening at Chidiatapu is something people love to experience. Around 30 kms from the main city Port Blair, Chidiatapu provides a very calming experience. You can also trek to Mundapahad from Chidiatapu.
Jolly Bouy Island under the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National reserve is another amazing place to visit. The rich marine life at Jolly Bouy Island cannot be compared to any other locations around Port Blair. Permits have to be procured to visit this location in Port Blair.
Discover Port Blair’s rich heritage through fascinating museums that showcase the islands’ culture, history, and tribal traditions.
Stroll through serene parks surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking sea views.
A perfect blend of learning and leisure, Port Blair’s museums and parks offer something for every traveler.
Flag point is a historic place where Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose hoisted a tricolor flag on Indian soil for the first time in 1943. This place has become a major tourist place where people come and spend their time.
