Port Blair, being the capital of Andaman Island, offer more sightseeing attractions than any other islands in Andaman. Apart from local museums, Port Blair has many other things to offer tourists like water sports activities, short visits to other Islands etc. These are few of the attractions that you have to do during your holiday at Port Blair.
Cellular Jail: First thing that pops in our head when someone says Andamans is the Cellular Jail. The jail stands as a witness to the freedom struggle - a national memorial. The Jail was constructed between 1896 &1906 and used by the British to exile prisoners and revolutionaries to these remote islands. Your trip to the Andamans will not be complete unless you visit this monument. Also the saga of the heroic freedom struggle is brought alive in a moving Son-et-Lumiere (Sound & Light Show), shown daily inside the jail premise both in English & Hindi. There is a Museum, an Art gallery, and a Photo gallery, which are open on all days except Monday
Museums: When you are Port Blair you must visit the various museums this city has to offer to experience and understand the freedom struggle as well as the history/flora and fauna of under water. Kalapani Museum – a private museum holds a collection of rare photos, paintings and models of pre-independence struggle. Chatham Saw Mill - one of the oldest and largest saw mill in Asia. Forest Museum - is located inside the Chatham Saw Mills Complex - famous attraction for its wide collection related to forest and the assortment of trees and sawmill models. Anthropological Museum - displays tracing the history & culture of the islands' tribal communities. Fisheries (Marine) Museum, Naval Marine Museum (Samudrika) – has informative coverage of the islands’ ecosystem, plants, animals, tribal communities and marine life. This museum includes a small aquarium that houses various collections of fishes and corals and shells.
Ross Island: Ross Island was the headquarters of the British colony and today it holds the ruins of the buildings that were built during the British time. The old trees have captured important landmarks by its wild vines, roots, and trunks of the rundown buildings like the old Church and bell tower etc. of the British times. In the evenings you will see the state of the art light and sound show at Ross Island commissioned by the tourism department to keep alive the vibes of the past. Also, when in Ross Island, you will see a lot of deer’s and ducks amidst the cool breeze and also the mesmerizing view of the sea.
North Bay: North Bay Island is a small and secluded island located near Port Blair, generally most guest visit on a day trip along with Ross Island. North Bay Island is one of the best places for Water Sports activities at Port Blair like jet skiing, speed boat riding, snorkeling, and guest can also experience underwater Sea Walk/Scuba Diving. North Bay in Andaman Island is famed for its white sandy beaches, and known as the Coral Island; with the most colourful reefs. North Bay Island, has a Lighthouse – can reach only by trekking, but sometimes it is closed to outside travellers.
Mount Harriet: Officially renamed as Mount Manipur National Park, is a national park. Mount Harriet is the highest peak in South Andaman Island and the second-highest peak in the whole of the Andaman Islands. To reach Mount Harriet you will have to reach the Chatham Jetty and from there, there are ferries (Vehicle ferry) which takes about 15 minutes to help you cross the sea. The famous attraction is the view of the Light House that is located in North Bay, the picture of a lighthouse on the back of a Twenty Rupees Indian Currency Note is the picture taken from this viewpoint of Mount Harriet (“20 Rupees viewpoint”). The hilltop offers stunning views of Port Blair city, Havelock Island and Ross Islands
Mahatma Gandhi National Park (Red Skin or Jolly Buoy Island): Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is famous for being home to an exquisite coral reef, and colorful schools of fishes of every size and shape. The main aim of Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park was to protect the marine wildlife, especially sea turtles and beautiful underwater coral reefs of the region located about 30 kilometers away from Port Blair. Jolly Buoy is opened for first six months and for the next 6 months it is Red Skin Island to preserve the corals. Visitors can indulge in thrilling Snorkeling and Scuba Diving to explore the vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Glass-bottom boat rides provide a non-diving option to witness underwater wonders.
Baratang: Baratang Island is located approximately 110 km away from Port Blair. The Baratang Island trip is considered to be an adventurous trip due to its long distance from the Port Blair and to reach Baratang you will have to start the journey at 3 o clock in the morning. Since you will be going through the tribal reserve jungle and if you are lucky enough you might spot tribal people enroute (be aware photography or stopping the vehicle is not allowed while crossing). Baratang is the home to the Jarawa tribes. The major attractions at Baratang are the Limestone Caves and Mud Volcano.
