Everything You Need to Know About Port Blair

Port Blair is the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, located in the Bay of Bengal. It is the largest city in the archipelago and serves as the administrative, cultural, and economic hub of the islands. Port Blair is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty.

Location and How to Reach

Port Blair is located on the southern end of South Andaman Island, the largest island in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago. The city is easily accessible by air and sea. Visitors can take a flight from major cities in India, such as Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Bangalore, to Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair. Alternatively, they can take a ferry from the Indian mainland to Port Blair.

Attractions

Port Blair is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty. The city offers a range of attractions for visitors to explore. Some of the most popular attractions in Port Blair include:

Cellular Jail

The Cellular Jail, also known as Kala Pani, is a historical landmark in Port Blair. It was built by the British in the late 19th century and was used as a prison for Indian freedom fighters. Today, the jail is a national monument and a museum, where visitors can learn about the history of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the struggle for Indian independence.

Ross Island

Ross Island is a small island located near Port Blair. It was once the administrative headquarters of the British in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Today, the island is a popular tourist destination, known for its colonial-era ruins and natural beauty.

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is located near Wandoor, about 30 kilometers from Port Blair. It is home to a variety of marine life, including corals, fish, and sea turtles. Visitors can go snorkeling and scuba diving to explore the underwater world or take a glass-bottom boat ride to see the marine life without getting wet.

Anthropological Museum

The Anthropological Museum is located in Port Blair and is dedicated to the indigenous tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The museum has a collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the history and culture of the indigenous tribes, including their art, crafts, and way of life.

Chatham Saw Mill

The Chatham Saw Mill is located in Port Blair and is one of the oldest and largest sawmills in Asia. It was established in 1883 by the British and was used to process timber from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Today, the sawmill is a popular tourist attraction, where visitors can learn about the history of timber processing in the islands.

Corbyn's Cove Beach

Corbyn's Cove Beach is a popular beach in Port Blair, known for its white sand and clear water. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy water sports, such as jet skiing and banana boat rides.

Mount Harriet National Park

The Mount Harriet National Park is located near Port Blair and is known for its stunning natural beauty. The park has a variety of flora and fauna, including rare species of birds and butterflies. Visitors can go hiking and trekking to explore the park and enjoy the views of the surrounding hills and forests.

Culture

Port Blair is home to a diverse mix of cultures and ethnicities. The city has a significant population of Bengalis, Tamils, Telugus, and Malayalis, as well as indigenous tribes, such as the Great Andamanese, Onge, and Jarawa. Port Blair is also called a melting pot of different cultures and traditions, reflecting the diverse mix of ethnicities and communities that call the Andaman and Nicobar Islands home. The city's culture is a fusion of Indian, British, and indigenous influences, making it a unique and fascinating place to visit.

Indigenous Tribes

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to several indigenous tribes, including the Great Andamanese, Onge, and Jarawa. These tribes have a rich and unique culture that has evolved over thousands of years of living in isolation on the islands.

The Great Andamanese are the largest tribe in the Andaman Islands, with a population of around 50 people. They are believed to have lived on the islands for over 26,000 years and have a rich culture that includes traditional music, dance, and art. The Onge, who number around 100, are another indigenous tribe in the Andaman Islands. They are known for their unique language, which is not related to any other language in the world. The Jarawa are an indigenous tribe in the Andaman Islands who have been living in isolation for thousands of years. They are believed to be one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes in the world and have a unique culture that includes traditional hunting methods, music, and dance. The Indian government has imposed restrictions on visiting their territory to protect their way of life.

Festivals

Port Blair is home to a vibrant and diverse range of festivals, reflecting the city's multi-ethnic and multi-cultural makeup. Some of the most popular festivals in Port Blair include:

Diwali

Diwali is the festival of lights and is one of the most popular festivals in India. It is celebrated in Port Blair with great enthusiasm and includes lighting diyas (lamps), exchanging sweets and gifts, and setting off fireworks.

Eid

Eid is a Muslim festival that marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. It is celebrated in Port Blair with feasting and prayers, and is a time for Muslims to come together and celebrate.

Christmas

Christmas is a popular festival in Port Blair, and is celebrated with decorations, carols, and feasting. The city's Christian population comes together to attend church services and exchange gifts.

Pongal

Pongal is a harvest festival that is celebrated in Tamil Nadu and other parts of South India. It is celebrated in Port Blair with traditional foods, such as pongal (sweet rice) and sugarcane, as well as traditional dances and music.

Durga Puja

Durga Puja is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. It is celebrated in Port Blair with traditional puja (worship) ceremonies, cultural programs, and feasting.