Places - Port Blair, Capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Port Blair, the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, spreads over an area of 3106 square kilometres/ 1942 square miles. Port Blair, besides being the only town in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is also the only entry point. Being the capital city, Port Blair houses all the government and administrative offices of the Union Territory.

Port Blair region has nearly 45% of Andaman and Nicobar Islands' population. While agriculture and forestry are the main occupation in Havelock, Port Blair has a large proportion of the population engaged in services including Public Administration.

Places to visit in and around Port Blair :-

Cellular Jail a National Memorial, is a place of historic significance. The Jail, originally a seven pronged building with a central tower, is a massive structure comprising honeycomb like corridors. Presently, three of the seven wings remain. The Jail also houses a museum, an art gallery and a photo gallery. Memories of the freedom struggle and the experience of being imprisoned in the Cellular Jail are recreated in the Sound and Light Show in the evenings.

Ross Island was the erstwhile capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Islands. The island houses the ruins of old buildings like the Ballroom, Chief Commissioner's House, Govt. House, Church, Cemetery, Hospital, Bakery, Press, Swimming Pool and Troop Barracks, all memoirs of the British Regime. The island is a 10 minute boat journey from Phoenix Bay Jetty.

Viper Island is another place of historic significance as dangerous convicts from the penal settlements were put in fetters and were forced to work with their fetters here. The ruins of the jails and gallows are seen in the island. The island is situated within a 20 minute boat journey from Port Blair.

Corbyn's Cove is located 7 kilo meters/4.4 miles away from Port Blair town. With hotels, restaurants, changing room facilities, it makes an ideal spot for sun-bathing. Snake Island located nearby is famous for scuba diving.

Chatham houses one of the oldest and largest saw mills in Asia. The island is connected to Port Blair by a bridge and has the second largest wharf of the islands. The mill is the storehouse of a variety of wood species.

Marina Park and Gandhi Park is entertainment areas in Port Blair. Both parks have amusement rides, safe water sports and nature trails.

Museums - Port Blair has a variety of museums including the Anthropological Museum, Samudrika (Naval Marine Museum), Zoological Survey of India Museum, Forestry and Aquarium. They serve the interest of tourists who are keen to educate themselves on the natural wealth of the regions. The mini zoo houses endemic species of birds and animals found in the island.

Mount Harriet is the highest peak in South Andaman offering a magnificent view. It is situated 55km/34m by road and 15km/9.4m by ferry. Trekking is available from Bamboo flat to Mount Harriet. From Mount Harriet, a trail can be taken to reach Madhuban. Mount Harriet houses a variety of rare endemic birds, animals and butterflies.

Chidiya Tapu (25km/16m from Port Blair) is the southern most tip of South Andaman. The lush green forest cover with birds, pristine beaches and mangroves make it an ideal picnic spot. It offers a wonderful sun set view.

Andaman Water Sports Complex, has provisions for safe water sports and adventure sports such as water skiing, water scooters, parasailing, sail boats, wind surfers, glass bottom boats etc.

Wandoor, the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, spread over 280 square kilo meter / 175 miles is a natural 'haven of open sea' creeks and islands. The area is rich in coral and marine life. Red Skin and Jolly Buoy Islands are popular for scuba diving and Snorkeling. Glass bottom boats are available.