Andaman is a small island nestled in the Bay of Bengal above The Indian Ocean in the southeastern parts of India. There is no doubt why Andaman has become a dreamy beach destination in India, for tourists due to its crystal-clear white sand beaches, vibrant sea corals, and delicious seafood. Andaman offers you a complete holiday gateway from natural beauty to the rich history, and vibrant marine life to calm surroundings. Port Blair, officially named Sri Vijaya Puram, is the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Port Blair is widely known for the historic Cellular Jail, where freedom fighters were brought and tortured during British rule.

But what makes Port Blair so special? And what can you do in Port Blair during your Andaman itinerary? Let’s uncover it all in this blog!

How many days are enough to explore Port Blair?

Port Blair is the main entry point to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. It is a small capital city that can easily be explored in 1-2 days, making it a perfect start for a 5-day itinerary to Andaman. On day one, you can explore local sightseeing spots, while the next day can be planned for visiting national parks, beaches, and caves in the area. Make sure to save 3-4 hours for shopping and indulging in local food activities to complete your experience.

10 Best Things to do in Port Blair in 2 Days

1. Visit Cellular Jail

Offering a profound insight into the struggles behind India’s fight for freedom, the Cellular Jail stands as a silent yet chilling witness to the horrors faced by imprisoned freedom fighters here.
The center tower, built in a hexagonal shape between 1896 and 1906, acted as a watchtower for all convicts. While three wings out of the whole structure remain intact, the rest have been converted into a civic hospital for the local population. The site also includes the Amar Jawan Jyoti and a museum that displays literature, clothes, chains, and locks used by British jailors. The museum’s exhibits and art gallery allow visitors to investigate these treasures and learn about their history. Overall, This is one of the most unique places to visit in port Blair with family.

2. Marina Park

looking for the things to do in Port Blair in Morning? For all nature lovers, Marina Park is a beautiful spot for a stroll, whether it’s a morning or evening walk. From the bridge, you can catch glimpses of the seashore views of the island. A water sports complex and amusement park are a complete treat for adventure seekers. There is no entry fee required to enter Marina Park.
This is a place where children can stay engaged in various activities. Seafood lovers shouldn’t miss trying the delicious dishes at Ocean Blue Restaurant. You can also catch ferries to Samudrika Museum and Ross Island (now known as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island) from the park, which serves as the main jetty point.

3. Relax at Corbyn’s Cove Beach

The popular beach in Port Blair offers surreal surroundings, where you can unwind, revitalize, and have a great time. It is around 4.6 km away from the airport, which is considered the closest beach in the town. The beach is ideal for swimming and various water activities.
Corbyn’s Cove Beach is a well-maintained beach where you can comfortably spend 2-3 hours. After exploring the beach, you can also take a 25-minute boat ride to reach Snake Island. October to March is the best time to visit the beach, with moderate weather and clearer waters than other months.

4. Cellular Jail Light and Sound Show

During your trip to Andaman, attending the Cellular Jail Light and Sound Show is one of the most iconic things to do in Port Blair at night. Whether you are interested in history or not, this show will give you goosebumps. The light show mainly reflects scenes of how British rulers tortured our freedom fighters.
The show typically lasts for around 40 to 50 minutes. So, you can plan to watch this show on the day of your arrival if you are reaching Port Blair on a morning flight. The show has powerful visual storytelling effects that make you feel like you are living in real life simultaneously. In case, you have not planned your trip with an agent or agency, you can ask hotel staff to arrange a pick-up drop for the venue or rent a vehicle.

5. Sunset at Chidiya Tapu Beach

Are you a fan of birdwatching? Chidiya Tapu Beach in Port Blair is a great wildlife destination to visit. You can expect to see the Andaman woodpecker, white-bellied sea eagle, Pacific reef egret, Andaman treepie, Andaman pigeon, white-headed starling, and many more.
It is a popular beach for its surreal sunset views & photography, so it is advisable to visit during the evening. The beach is clean and scenic, located about an hour away from Port Blair Airport. It takes around 1 hour to reach the beach, and you can opt for a taxi or bus to get there.

6. Visit the Museums

Museums speak about the history and culture of this place. When it comes to Andaman, learning about its history and heritage is one of the must-do things. If you want insights into the lifestyles of the region’s tribal communities, you can visit the Anthropological Museum.
The Fisheries Museum is a perfect place for kids to explore and learn about marine life. Here, they can see specimens of various aquatic creatures, ranging from tiny fishes to large sharks and whales. The museum also showcases a fascinating collection of shells, corals, and skeletal remains of marine animals.
Another museum, managed by the Indian Navy, is the Samudrika Naval Marine Museum. It represents a glimpse of the vast knowledge about the marine life of Andaman.

7. Gandhi Park

A picturesque park with various flowers and fauna is a place where you can’t resist photography. The park features amusement rides, safe water sports, and a nature trail around the lake. You can also savor delicious local food at the restaurant here. The park’s charm is enhanced by historic remnants, including a Japanese temple and a bunker.
Once known as the Dilthaman Tank, which served as the only source of drinking water for Port Blair, this area was transformed into Gandhi Park in an incredible span of just 13 days. The best thing is that the park is open to visitors every day.

8. Try Seafood at Local Restaurants

People from all over the world visit the Island every year and many prefer to eat seafood which is a specialty here. Though it’s not difficult to find a vegetarian restaurant here, seafood has its dominance, especially at local restaurants. These restaurants prepare seafood dishes following a special recipe and hence you will find a different taste yet mouthwatering. You can try dishes like fish curry, fish fry, lobster, crab masala, grilled fish, and many more.

9. Shopping at Aberdeen Bazaar

Aberdeen Bazaar is a popular local market offering every possible item needed for daily needs, including spices, vegetables, and groceries. It is often very crowded and gives you the feel of a typical busy small market, still retaining old structures. Some other things you can buy from Andaman include wooden artifacts, coconut-carved decorative pieces, ornaments made of shells, jute items, and crafts made from cane. Pearl jewelry from Andaman is very popular among tourists and is something you shouldn’t miss during your local shopping.

10. Experience Scuba Diving or Snorkeling

Andaman is one of the best places in India for scuba diving and other water activities. However, Havelock Island and Neil Island are the top spots for such water sports. But if you missed doing this there, you can definitely try it in Port Blair.
There are various operators offering scuba services at reasonable rates, costing around INR 3,000 to INR 5,000. For a peaceful experience and to witness the vibrant marine life, it is advisable to plan your scuba session as early as 5:30 or 6:30 in the morning. October to March are the best months for snorkeling and scuba diving in Andamans.