Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram) at a glance
Port Blair is the capital of the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In September 2024 the name Sri Vijaya Puram was announced for the town. Government and tourism pages use the new name, while ferry timetables and many signs still say Port Blair. Both mean the same place, so search for either one when you book.
Flights land at Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), and many island trips begin on the town's jetties. If you want a ready-made route, look at the Andaman tour packages. The tourism department's own model route is 6 days and combines the capital with Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil (Shaheed Dweep).
Sights on the city route
The tourism department's city route links the places below. Opening hours and fees change, so confirm them on the day.
Cellular Jail
The colonial prison is a National Memorial and a main sight in town. The day visit and the evening Light and Sound Show are separate tickets. Prices, show times and history are on the Cellular Jail page.
Samudrika and the Anthropological Museum
Two museums sit on the same city route. Entry fees and weekly closing days vary, so ask at the gate or at your hotel before you plan around them.
Chatham Saw Mill
The saw mill is also on the city route.
Forest Museum, Fisheries Aquarium and Science Centre
These are further stops in town. Check the opening hours the day before.
Wandoor
Wandoor is the gateway to the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, the home of Jolly Buoy. The park is permit-only and seasonal, see Jolly Buoy Island.
Our pick: a Port Blair tour
Three days on the main island with a hotel, a guide and the city sights.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Port Blair tours and island trips
Island day trips, ferries and activities around Port Blair, with live prices and availability.
Corbyn's Cove
Corbyn's Cove is the town beach on the official route. The shore is rocky in places, with palms leaning over the sand and a wooded headland to one side. It suits a short stop before or after the museums.
Do not assume you can swim here. The cove is a sight, not a cleared swimming beach, so follow the signs, ask locally and stay out of the water when you are told to.
Chidiya Tapu
Chidiya Tapu is a separate stop on the same route. The view from the shore takes in calm water and hazy islands. The same advice on swimming applies as at Corbyn's Cove: ask locally before you go in.
Visiting hours vary, so check on the day and plan the trip around your other stops.
Mount Harriet and Aberdeen Bazaar
A notice of 16 October 2021 announced the name Mount Manipur for the hill known as Mount Harriet, in memory of people from Manipur who were exiled to the islands. Both names point to the same hill.
Aberdeen Bazaar and the Clock Tower belong to the Aberdeen Heritage Walk. Shop hours vary, so plan the walk in daylight and ask locally when the stalls open. A railed promenade at Marina Park runs along the water.
Trips from Port Blair
How the main destinations connect to the capital.
| Destination | How you get there | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) | Ferry, usually about 90 minutes on the fast boats | No road link from town |
| Neil (Shaheed Dweep) | Ferry, 60 to 75 minutes on the direct run | Check the day's timetable |
| North Bay | Boat from Aberdeen, 15 to 20 minutes | Entry is free; activities are booked separately |
| Ross Island | Day boats 08:30 to 14:00 | Evening show boats leave from 16:00 |
| Jolly Buoy | Boat from Wandoor | Mid-November to mid-May, permit needed |
| Baratang | Road, 100 to 110 km, 3 to 4 hours | Convoy, vehicle ferry and Forest permit |
| Diglipur | Bus on the Andaman Trunk Road | Permit for Ross and Smith Island |
For most first trips, start with Havelock and Neil by ferry and add Ross Island and North Bay as short boat trips from town. Details are on the pages for the Port Blair to Havelock ferry, Ross Island and North Bay, Baratang and Diglipur.
Weather in Port Blair
Climate normals for 1991 to 2020 from the station at 79 m above sea level.
February is the driest month, with an average of 14.2 mm of rain and a mean daily high of 30.6 °C. Rain climbs sharply in May to 407.2 mm and peaks in September at 505.2 mm. By December it falls back to 111.4 mm. October to May is the preferred travel season, and June to October is monsoon season. Boats and ferries can change in rough weather, so keep a spare day in your plan. More on the weather and best time to visit page.
Plan the rest of your trip
Pages that connect to Port Blair.
Cellular Jail
Tickets, show times and the history of the prison.
Port Blair to Havelock ferry
Crossing times, check-in and what changes with the weather.
Port Blair Airport
Flights, the taxi pick-up and the way into town.
Ross Island and North Bay
Ruins, coral and short boat crossings from town.
Port Blair: frequently asked questions
Is Port Blair the same as Sri Vijaya Puram?
Yes. The new name was announced on 13 September 2024. Government and tourism pages use it, while private ferry timetables still say Port Blair.
What is there to see in Port Blair?
The city route takes in Cellular Jail, Corbyn's Cove, Samudrika, the Anthropological Museum and Chatham Saw Mill. Further stops are the Forest Museum, the Fisheries Aquarium, the Science Centre, Wandoor and Chidiya Tapu.
Can I swim at Corbyn's Cove?
Do not assume so. The cove is a sight, not a cleared swimming beach, so follow the signs and ask locally on the day.
How do I get from Port Blair to Havelock?
By ferry. Government boats and private fast ferries run, and the usual crossing on the fast boats is about 90 minutes. Weather and technical reasons can change the timetable, so check your departure jetty on the ticket.
Do foreign visitors need a permit for Port Blair?
The tourist exemptions from the Restricted Area Permit run until 31 December 2027. Some nationalities still need approval before they travel. Read the permits page before you book.
How long is the ferry from Port Blair to Neil?
The direct run takes 60 to 75 minutes. Check the day's timetable and the departure jetty on your ticket.