The Wonderland Port Blair in Andaman and Nicobar Island

Image Source : Wikitravel.org

Have you ever seen yourself visualize a wonderland while reading any novel? Smitten by the scenic beauty, have you ever wished to see this animate? Wait for no longer! Plan your trip to the Veritable Garden of Eden, i.e., Port Blair, the capital of Andaman and Nicobar. Engrossed in the natural beauty, it is certainly going to be a good feast to your eyes and soul.

Andaman and Nicobar Island has a vibrant mix of Bengalis, Tamils, Telugus, Nicobarese and Burmese, bringing its population approximately to 100,000. It’s like mini India, where people of varied culture live in peace and harmony with each other. The attractive lush forest is going to steal your heart. So hold tight and get to know of the places that you can visit here. But before that plan your trip accordingly, as Mondays are a holiday in the Andaman and Nicobar Island.

Ross Island

Ross Island was named after James Clark Ross, who discovered the same in the year 1841. It is known to be formed out of 4 volcanoes in the Ross Sea. It was the base for the British Administrator of the penal colony in Port Blair. You will find lot of deer’s and peacocks here. March/April is considered to be the best time to visit Port Blair. This island is hot and humid, but the natural beauty of this place appeases it. From Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex Jetty, it takes approximately 15 minutes in a ferry. You would be charged Rs.75/- for the to and fro journey over a boat. A package tour of Rs.360/person from Rajiv Gandhi jetty will cover Ross, Viper and North Bay Islands. The timings for the same are from 9 AM to 5 PM every day. You can also seek assistance from local fishermen to take you on day trip to mangrove creeks or places like Mt.Harriet National Park (where you can beach your boat and go bird watching.) You can bargain for an amount and get it to something lesser than Rs.2000/- for a boat. Be sure to check with the Forest Dept before heading out, as many destinations require definite permissions.

Read – Weather and Climate of India

Cellular Jail

Andaman and Nicobar Island is known as the possessor of a historic monument, Cellular Jail. This was built at the time of British regime and is now has been transformed into a neat as a new pin garden. It is known as Cellular Jail because there were isolated cells built here for solitary imprisonment. And now it has become one of the most honored spot of stopover for the freedom lovers. You can visit this place any time from morning 9:30 AM to 4.00 PM in the evening. The jail would be closed on Mondays. So make sure that you plan to trip here accordingly.

Corbyn’s Cove beach

Corbyn’s Cove beach is one of the most wonderful beaches and it is the closest to Port Blair. The scene of sunset here is extremely beautiful. This beach is also known to be hit by 2004 tsunami; however, it is a very safe and pleasant place to visit, while alone or with family.

Read – Stunning Beaches of South Goa

Central Agricultural Research Institute

Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) is about 4 kilometer away from the airport. Farms of different live stocks and poultry are to be found here. Cattles, pigs, goats, ducks, and fodder blocks are said to be reserved here. The CARI Scientists basically carry out their research on diverse natural agriculture appropriate to this locality. The backdrop of CARI is very attractive and is worth spending time there.

Anthropological Museum

Anthropological Museum is another eye-catching place to visit in Andaman Island. This museum displays facts on Indian freedom fighters and indigenous tribal community that existed here. You will not be able to visit this place if you land there on Thursday and public holidays.

Chatam Saw Mill

You will find Chatam Saw Mill situated in the Chatam Island, 15 minutes by bus from the STS Bus terminal. This is titled to be Asia’s largest and oldest Saw Mill that actually makes use of the entire island for its functioning. It is believed that this mill was constructed in the year 1883 primarily to meet the prerequisites of saw and timber for construction work. To visit this place, you may get a private bus as well. The same accommodates 6 people at a time.

Chatam Quayside

You may also visit the Chatam quayside. It is here that the ships from Calcutta and Chennai unload their goods on entering Port Blair. The jetty is available for Bamboo flat and Dundus Point with charge of Rs.10/person. You can hop onto your boats with the camera to capture the amazing sites.

Samudrika Naval Museum

Samudrika Naval Museum is known for displaying varied corals and live fishes. Walk along this to shop for local items that catch your eyes. Charges here are Rs.20/person (with camera.)

Mount Harriet

Mount Harriet is another place worth visiting as it is one of the best places to watch the sun rise. This spot provides a panorama of the places around at one go. Mount Harriet is 1200 meter high and is located at the other side of Ross Island. And this is known to be the highest hill in the whole of South Andaman region.

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

Lastly, do not forget to visit Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park that is rich it its coral and marine life. It is situated 29 kilometers from Port Blair. This park was created for the protection of wildlife such as corals and sea turtles widespread in this area. To visit this place, you will have to take a boat from Wandoor Jetty. As mentioned earlier, please plan your trip on any day other than Monday, as it is a holiday here. There are 5 trips organized by the Wandoor team to avoid congestion on Red Skin/Jolly Bouy. The time ranges from 9AM to 10.30 AM, the latter one being the last trip timing. All you need to do is to carry your tickets with time specified in it and just stay relaxed to enjoy the outing.

Read : Jim Corbett National Park India guide

So that makes the list of places that you can visit in Port Blair, in the Andaman Island. The point to remember is that Monday is a holidays here. So plan your trip accordingly. Stay relaxed and let the serene beauty of the Andaman and Nicobar Island sink within. So, Why you are thinking…. Just plan a trip and Go…  Happy journeying!