Welcome to Port Blair
Welcome to Port Blair – A veritable garden of Eden
Port Blair is the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Island Group and is a largest city with a population of around 100,000 and it seems not so different from any other Indian city except for presence of seaside. Group of Andaman is composed by Ross Island, Barren Island and few others known for its historical importance. The city is full of people from all over India infact one can imagine it as mini India as a pacific place where there is no sort of conflicts on region and religion.
A week`s trip will be enough to visit the must see places at the island`s and also you can do day trip to other closest places like Wandoor, Ross Island etc.
Information and Facts
Sightseeing
1) Cellular Jail built by the British to house political prisoners far away from the mainland;
2) Corbyn's Cove the closest beach to Port Blair; popular with locals for swimming and watching the sunset;
3) Mini Zoo. A medium size zoo containing some species only found on the islands;
4) Japanese Bunkers built by the Japanese army during World War II;
5) Chatam Saw Mill, Chatam A saw mill, oldest in Asia;
6) Anthropological Museum;
7) Samudrika Naval Museum which has nice display of corals and live fishes.
Note: Monday is a holiday in Andamans and most places will be closed except North Bay, Ross Island tour and Havelock.
Shopping
You can enjoy shopping time in Port Blair and Andaman Islands within there are lots of shops in which you can find typical India outdoor living equipments; jewelry, amazing wood-carvings and Port Blair t-shirts around Aberdeen Bazaar. Sagarika which is a government emporium where local made goods are available. And last, but not least, you can find at Food World, RGT road, all world class foods.
Climate
City has a tropical climate with presence of monsoon and a little variation in average temperature and huge precipitation throughout he year. All months except January, February and March receive substantial rainfall.
Time
Current local time in Port Blair is linked to the India standard time:
UTC/GMT +5:30 hours and difference is 4:30 hours ahead of London.
Public Transportation
You can find lots and cheap way to get around Port Blair such as:
Port Blair Harbour connects Phoenix bay, Chatham, Junglighat, Bamboo flat, Hope town, Dundas point, Mithakhari, Viper Island; Ferry services are available between Long Island and Yeratta in Middle Andaman and Mayabunder and Kalighat in North Andaman.
Auto-rickshaws are abundant and within the town centre should cost 20-40 rupee.
Local buses are also available for inter-city and intra-city travel; price are very low but you have to figure out the routes.
Boats are available to destinations like Ross Islands. Boat fare is 75 rupee for a return journey.