Almost at the same elevation as the sea at 52 feet lies the gateway to the Union territory Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Port Blair is located on the east coast of South Andaman. This city is the headquarters of the defense forces of India.
Port Blair reverberates with the struggle of Indian Independence. A place once morbid now attracts thousands of visitors every year to enjoy the history and the scenic beauty surrounding the place.
As your plane starts to descend, the view is spectacular with the sea in every possible shade of blue and the islands completely covered with rain forests. Port Blair airport is known as Veer Savarkar International Airport named after the Indian patriot and philosopher Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. Though badly affected by the Tsunami in 2004, the city continued to be the base for relief efforts on the other islands.
History:
The government of Bengal in 1789 established a colony to penalize people on Chatham Island and named it Port Blair in honor of Lieutenant Archibald Blair of the British East India Company. Due to an attack of a contagious disease, the colony ceased to operate from May 1786.
As the freedom struggle reached a pinnacle in mainland India, freedom fighters were imprisoned in many prisons set up on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Port Blair was also the headquarters of the Azad Hind Government under Subhas Chandra Bose from 1943-1944.
Climate:
Has tropical climate with heavy rainfall throughout the year except for December, January, and February.
Natives:
There are tribal colonies residing close to Port Blair known as Jarwa. It is forbidden to enter their area and to take pictures.
Activities:
Visitors indulge in activities like Snorkeling, Sea Walking, Game fishing, birding, trekking, Scuba diving, Jet skiing, boating, and swimming.
There are 2 Jetty’s in Port Blair: Phoenix Bay Jetty to go to Havelock Island, Neil Island and other far destinations and Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex to take smaller ferries to Ross Island, North Bay and Viper Island.
Eating and shopping:
Best place for vegetarians to grab a bit is Annapoorna Cafeteria located in Aberdeen Bazaar. For shopping the government run emporium Sagarika is the best place.
Interesting places to see in Port Blair:
Kala Pani / Cellular Jail
Corbyn’s cove
Japanese Bunkers, near Corbyn’s Cove
Rajiv Gandhi Water Sport complex
Samudrika Naval Museum
Chatham Saw Mill
Anthropological Museum – Closed on Thursdays and public holidays
Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI)
Interesting places around Port Blair (Journey time is 30 minutes to 2 hours):
Ross Island
Viper Island
North Bay Island – Mount Harriet National Park
Wandoor Beach
Jolly Buoy
Neil Island
Havelock Island
Baratang Island – Mud volcano, limestone caves, and Parrot Island
Chidya Tapu – a small fishing village with good snorkeling, and mini zoo
Cuthbert Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
Lohabarrack Crocodile Sanctuary
Long cruise from Port Blair:
Rangat – 6 hrs
Diglipur – 8 hrs (by road or by sea)
Barren Island is a volcano island
Little Andaman – 8 hrs
Long Island – 8 hrs
Place statistics:
Type of place: City
Situated: Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Distance: 1,362 km from Chennai
Transport: Well connected by sea and air. Roads connect Port Blair with other points on Grand Andaman
Facilities: Places to stay and eat to suit all budgets are available. In case of sickness, the GB Pant hospital is excellent with competitive doctors
