Introduction to Sightseeing in PortBlair-Andaman

Lower Andaman-Sightseeing around PortBlair Lower Andaman is mainly the surroundings of Port Blair. This post talks about all the nearby places that a visitor must watch during the stay in Andaman. This is a part of the Honeymoon plan Andaman, I have written here.

How to Reach Lower Andaman?

Once you get down from your scheduled flight or ship, you can directly take a car/auto to reach the hotel you have booked. If you have not booked any hotel, that is fine, there are plenty of hotels in Port Blair.

What to see In lower Andaman or what to see in Port Blair?

Below are the best places which you can cover during your stay at Port Blair. Upon getting up from sleep, you mostly will be getting breakfast at your hotel.

Remember Andaman also follows the sunrise to sunset clock. Morning means 4 -5 AM and night means mostly 9 PM. So to cover more in a single day, try to start at 6 AM.

Corbyn’s cove tourism Complex

In Corbyn’s cove beach Many water sports are also available here.It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Port Blair. It is ideal for sea bathing and sun-basking. You can see many shades of blue on the sea water.

Where to eat?

There are not many stalls available here. So it is suggested to pack your food from a hotel in Port Blair or Aberdeen market. However, there is a small Restaurant come hotel available here. Which provides basic refreshment options including

tea and coffee?

If you want lunch or dinner, you need to tell them well in advance. You can also book with small token money. There is also another Resort (Ripple resort) available that serves authentic south Indian food.

Apart from these there is a government resort available here.( government Resort only serve if they have the raw materials).

There are few good restaurants nearby like

1. Peerless Resort
2. Hornbill guest house

Science Center

If you are very interested in the science of Ocean and want to see the photo gallery of Ocean, this is the right place for you. It is situated at good Will Estate.

Fisheries Museum

It is a must-visit for all visitors. This is having lots of aquariums protecting and displaying 350 plus species  of marine life(including live corals, sharks, starfish, baby octopus, stonefish, etc.)

Aberdeen Market and clock Tower

The Aberdeen market is the heart of Port Blair. It is the commercial complex too. most of the famous budget accommodations are available in Aberdeen market and around the clock tower.

Water Sports Complex

This water sports complex gives us all possible aqua sports facilities like- water scooter, Sailboats, speed boats, Sofa rides, Banana rides, etc. There are other facilities like safe water sports, paddle boats, sea water swimming pool. Yes, you will get the changing room.

This place is having historical significance. There was a battle between British and Andaman residents in the year of 1859. This that sense, it is a memorial place too.

There are an amusement park, Roller coaster, pleasure rides, and children’s park. you will have a nice time roaming around.

You can carry water bottles along with you or you will get lots of stalls selling water. Price is as per govt rate. You must try coconut water here. After so many activities, Coconut water will surely refresh you.

Marina Park

This park is situated adjacent to the water complex. There is also a miniature botanical garden and a statue of Hero-Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

Gandhi National Park

This beautiful park is having safe water sports, garden restaurant. It is truly a blind of several artificial creations, historic monuments( Japanese temples, and bunkers), and natural beauty.

The area is well divided into two sports complexes, an entertainment complex, an amusement park, and restaurants. The front side of the garden is well maintained.

You can go for a walk around the lake( check and if required obtain permission from guards). In the daytime watch several birds’ long-tailed parakeets ( security told us that red-breasted parakeet also available here) .

Grey fronted and imperial pigeons, scarlet minivet, vernal hanging parrot, dove, drongo, sea eagle. At the same time, it is the house for various deers( spotted deer, Hog deer, barking deer, Samber etc.)

The erstwhile Dilthaman tank was the only source of drinking water of PortBlair. Try to cover this during the evening. The light effect is nice to see.

Gandhi Parks sports Complex provides safe water sports from 8 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Like snorkeling, surfing, pedal boating.

Special attraction

Japanese Temple and Japanese bunkers built during World War II.

Anthropological Museum

This is another must-visit place while you are in Port Blair. Here you can see the used boats, weapons, clothing, photographs, models, and records of exploratory expenditure undertaken over the years.

Samudrika(A Naval Marine Museum)

Samudrika is run by the Indian Navy. It shows shells, corals, and other marine lives along with the geography and archaeology of the Island.

Manglutan Rubber Plantation.

Manglutan Rubber Plantation It is a private farm in South Andaman. We as per our driver’s instruction gave rupees hundred to the gate man and entered the farm. We found the farm.

We also visited the rubber tree, the gate man told us how to juice of rubber is collected and how the rubber is prepared. We saw the color of rubber is white and is course. From the course rubber, many items are prepared and sold to market.

The Chatham Saw Mill

The Chatham Saw Mill is one of the oldest wood mills in Asia. Chatham saw mill was built way back in 1836. It is also a small island connected by a bridge over the sea.

The other harbor is Haddo. Previously logs and timber from the Andaman forest heaped here but now it is stopped. Woods are imported from Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand.

While traveling do not miss the bomb pit inside it. There is a bridge to view the depth of the pit. You can go near it.

There are no other tourist activities in Chatham and Haddo Island.

Khadi and Sagarika Emporium

Khadi Gradodyog emporium is very near to Sagarika Emporium in Port Blair. It is a shopping center, cottage industry, and Emporium. It exhibits a spectrum of handicrafts(wooden crafts, shell crafts, khadi items) made out of pearl and local wood.

Cellular Jail(Kala Pani)

Cellular Jail is one of the biggest jails in Asia. This is now a national monument located at Atlanta Point. It has got a museum exhibiting prison life.

Thousands of freedom fighters and convicts were in solitary confinements in the little cells with small ventilation at a height of 3 meters.

Central jail is a seven-pronged structure similar to the spoke of a cycle wheel. It is truly an architectural marvel.Do not forget to go to the top to see the structure and signaling point to Ross Island.

The normal time to visit jail is from 9 AM to 5 PM. You can plan your trip in the afternoon session so that once you come out of the jail you have to wait for less for the next attraction(Light and sound show).

Light and Sound Show

Before entering for the Light and sound show, you have to deposit the cameras. Depositing charge is nominal Still camera-Rs 30 INR and Video Camera Rs 50 INR.

The rate may vary while you travel. If you are with the cab operator or driver, you can drop your camera in the car itself.

Mostly the tour operator collects the money for the ticket. So they will provide you the same. Else you can request your operator or hotel guy to get one for you.

The light and sound show starts sharp at 5:30 PM in the evening.  It depicts the historical events regarding this place. It also shows the heroic deeds of the freedom fighters alive in a loving sound and light system.

Mount Harriott

It used to be the Summer Head Quarters of the chief commissioner during the British era. Mount Harriott is the highest point in Port Blair and ideal for trekking.

From Port Blair, you can either take a cab to reach here(Distance 55KM) or you can come here by Ferry. Mount Harriott has a forest house with lovely Eco-friendly huts at a height of about 365 meters from the sea.

Journey to Mount Harriet

Forest Museum

It is a collection of forest activities and sawmill miniature models.

Mini Zoo

This is a good place to know about Andaman Island as a whole. It is among various tourist spots of Andaman. It is situated at Port Blair. Even if it is called mini, it contains rare or very rare species. The saltwater crocodile is a major attraction here.

This zoo also displays the local famous rose wood, marble wood, padauk wood. It plays a significant role in educating people about the wildlife of Andaman.A must-visit place in Andaman.

Joggers Park(Port Blair)

Floating Dockyard(Port Blair)

Chidiya Tapu

It is not good for swimming as this place is having large number of stone fishes. They are very poisonous.

North Bay Island

North Bay is heavily commercialized. The main attractions are

• Water Sports
• Coral
• Lighthouse

Mahatma Gandhi  Marine National Park

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park houses different mammals, fruit bat, spotted deer, wild boar, civet cat, kingfisher, parakeet, dove, sea eagle, teal, tern, reef heron, swift, Wader, python, King Cobra, Vine krait. Apart from these, the saltwater crocodile is also available here.

Mahatma Gandhi  Marine National Park call covers the below islands

• Alexandra
• Chester
• Jolly Buoy
• Bell
• Malay
• Grub
• Boat
• Twins
• Hobday
• Pluto
• Rifleman
• Snob
• Red skin
• Rutland
• Tarmugli

Some of the corals available here are

• Fungia
• Leptoseris
• Tubipora
• Pacillopora
• Gorgonians
• Porites.

Jolly buoy and Red skin operate alternatively. Do not carry corals in your backpack without valid proof. If caught, it is treated as an offense and can be penalized heavily.

Jolly Buoy

Jolly buoy Island It is an island in Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. It officers breathtaking underwater views.

It is often said for few places the journey is more beautiful than the destination. This Island is one of them. The boat ride via thick forest on the clear water surrounded by live coral definitely blows your mind.

This is a plastic-free area hence you need to deposit hundred rupees games for each plastic item we carry here. Also to protect the coral’s government does not permit operation in some seasons.

Check with your guide or travel desk of your hotel or the cab driver. They will be able to guide you about the operating timeline of Jolly buoy Island.

We have to go to this beach from tandoor beach. Long island It is 82 kilometers away from Port Blair and well connected via ferry.

This Island offers lovely Sandy beach near Balaji bay. The beach is under the shade of forest and coconut plantation. You can relax here in the lap of Mother Nature.

Restaurants are not available here. It is advised to bring your own food item if you want to picnic here. However makeshift arrangements of snacks is available here.

Red Skin Island

Red skin Island It is an island in Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. It officers breathtaking underwater views.

Wandoor beach

How to go to Wandoor

It is situated at Mahatma Gandhi marine national park, which is 30 km away from port Blair. From here we can go to a jolly buoy or red skin island based on the season.

Wandoor is a small village and well connected with Port Blair. You can get a bus from Port Blair and reach here.I opted for a private car. The journey to Wandoor is via lots of paddy fields and lash green forest.

Wandoor beach

It is a truly picturesque beach with clean and calm surroundings. The beach is very uneven with lots of natural caves created by angry high tides. The beach is actually destroyed during the recent tsunami.

The nearby crocodile sanctuary also got destroyed.

There was a rumor that these crocodiles were still active near the shore. We did not dare to venture the sea. If you are planning, please talk to the local or take permission from your guide.

Sippighat Agricultural Farm

Sippighat agricultural farm stretches 80 acres and is maintained by the government. This farm produces space for the whole Andaman.

The CARIAN(Central Agricultural Research Institute of Andaman and Nicobar) performs various researchers on crop cultivation. Expert agricultural people try to utilize the maximum tropical environment to produce more crops.

Sippighat Flower Farm

It is another extension of the Sippighat Agricultural farm. Research and development programs for cultivation like cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, coconut, and pepper are grown here.

We visited the farm and various trees. We have also seen, how the aforesaid cloves, cinnamon, pepper are prepared and collected. Central agriculture research Institute is situated nearby for demonstration.

Collinpur beach

Collinpur beach is a 2 kilometer long Beach. Privacy and the natural environment attract tourists. Forest guest house is situated at a height of 365 meters from sea level. Tourists can stay here for a day or two.

Madhuban Forest Department

Madhuban Forest Department is about 75 kilometre by road and 20 kilometers by sea from Port Blair. Madhuban is  5(five) kilometers from mount Harriet. The place is ideal for trekking. Madhuban has situated in the northeast of South Andaman.

It is blessed with exotic beaches and in the backdrop of Green Hills. Madhuban houses a large collection of birds especially sea eagles.

You can also see regular parakeet, swift, reef heron, Wader, Teal. Madhuban also offers an exotic collection of flowers and colorful butterflies.

Apart from this Madhubani is famous for young elephant training. Trained elephant reduces human labor to a great extent.

The government has set up an elephant Training Centre here. This is one of the major crowd pullers. If you are a trek lover, Madhuban offers you a  perfect trekking option. The visit to Madhuban will sure be worth of money and energy you spent.

Little Andaman

Little Andaman is blessed with Hutbay waterfall, Butler bay beach, Ramkrishnapur lake water reservoir, and plantation of palm oil.

It takes 7 hours of ferry service from Port Blair. It is a beautiful beach at Butler Bay. There we saw a waterfall and plantation of oil Palms. Besides the above, there are several sandy beaches all along the coastline of the island. The”ONGE” tribes live here.

Maija Bay beach

This beach is well connected via road and ferry.

Tsunami effect

At the end of December 2004, there was a disaster in Indonesia and several parts of Andaman and Nicobar Island because of Tsunami. The Eastern part of Chennai got affected and many people died in that natural calamity. Visit the picture gallery to view the images of the Tsunami effect.

Best restaurant in Port Blair

Port Blair is known for its beautiful Cuisine, seafood, beaches, and a rich coral reef. The island serves as a haven for those looking to have a relaxing holiday over the beach. Many tourists come to Andaman to explore its natural beauty and marine life.

There are a lot of activities you can do in Andaman and one thing you shouldn’t miss out on is enjoying their delicious cuisines especially seafood.

There are a variety of cuisines on the island to choose from. Have a look at some of the best restaurants you can explore on your next trip to Andaman.

As it is in the Capital of Andaman Island, you can find almost all kinds of foods. Sinclairs Bayview restaurant, TSG emeralds Ruchi fortune resorts Mandalaya are popular fine dining options.

New Lighthouse restaurant- best for seafood. Kattabomman- authentic South Indian food. Icy spicy or Annapurna. I have given few good restaurants in Port Blair below.

Amaya Restaurant & Bar

Amaya is one of the romantic places to visit in Andaman. You can enjoy dinner with your loved one at the rooftop while overlooking the iconic North Bay. The hotel is located 3.4 Km from North Bay Island.

The restaurant has live music and it has famous for its great cocktails and better sizzlers.

Lighthouse Residency

Lighthouse Residency has the best seafood at Port Blair. The restaurant is located 4.3 Km from North Bay island. It is next to Marina Park and it is most frequented by locals and tourists. The restaurant serves mouthwatering grilled fish and lobsters to customers in a comfortable environment.

You can have a taste of various seafood like crab, tiger prawns, red snapper, and Squids among others.

Ananda Restaurant

Ananda restaurant serves south Indian cuisines together with lip-smacking dosas and vadas. It offers Indian, Asian, vegetarian-friendly, and seafood cuisines at fair prices. Northern Indian food is highly recommended to the tourists.

Mandalay Restaurant

The restaurant serves both Indian and Asian cuisines to the customers. It also sells a special diet which is vegetarian-friendly. Coastal fish curry is one of the favorite dishes in the restaurant.

You can have a taste of the local Indian sparkling wine called the SULA.

New Lighthouse Restaurant

This is an open-air restaurant in the city center which serves seafood. The restaurant is famous for its grilled crabs, whole fish, and lobsters. Food is sold at cheaper rates with the price of the main course starting from INR 80.

Excel Restaurant

Excel is above Lala Ji Bay hotel and has an attractive bamboo rooftop. The restaurant serves Italian, Chinese and seafood cuisines. You can enjoy some burgers and Israeli foods in this hotel.

Blue sea hotel

It sells South Indian Buffet at an affordable price. The hotel serves Jalebi and Kachori-sabji Kolkata style for breakfast every Sunday.

Annapurna

This is one of the famous vegetarian restaurants in North Bay. The restaurant offers Chinese and Indian cuisines to the tourist. You can order one of the south Indian meals in the hotel at any time of the day.

Best places for nightlife

There is no or very few options for disco, meaning electric nightlife is missing here. However seashell, Nico bar, or few other hotels provides live music, booze. ANIIDCO- floating restaurant here. Below are few good options for booze lovers.

Nico Bar

This is a great place for those who love to party. The bar is located in Marine Hills and you can easily access the area driving down the Aberdeen Bazaar.

All beverages are served in a coconut shell giving you a fantastic experience. The bar is also stocked with a wide collection of liquor and you can pick.

Sea Sip

Sea Sip is a famous local spot in North Bay Island that serves heavenly cocktails. The bar has a comprehensive drinks menu and it’s a great place to have fun with your friends and have great nightlife. You can enjoy your favorite beverage, cocktail, or mocktail served by a friendly bartender.

Hole in the wall

This is a great place to have a relaxing evening after a long day. This over-the-water bar is accessible via a boat. You can grab your favorite drink and if you like gaming you can try your luck in tossing a ring onto a hook on the wall.

Pink Fly Lounge

This is a great social hub for those looking for great nightlife in the island. There are different events hosted every night at the bar with Wednesday and Saturday being the peak nights of the week. There is in-house DJ Astro good music, some Bollywood and Trance music.