This is a very common question among people travelling the Andaman Islands. Port, the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is the entry gate to explore the island as the one and the only airport is located here. The city is popular for its natural charm and rich history. We would recommend spending at least two days here as there is a lot to see when it comes to historical events and natural beauty. If you have more time in hand, then you can extend one day here.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands is home to a rich expanse of beauty and serenity, and Port Blair is the entryway to this splendor. You can check out its famous museums along with spotting flora and fauna and rich marine life here. Taking an evening stroll at Marina Park to feel the tropical breeze on your face would be a mesmerising experience. In Port Blair, you can walk past the Japanese Bunkers, go for exciting water sports, see the island’s high peaks, and know about its rich culture and diversity. History buffs especially love this place so much.

The best time to visit Port Blair is between November and March. The monsoon season is from June to September. Because Port Blair is located on an island, there may be light showers even during other seasons as well.

There are two ways to reach Port Blair—by air and by sea. However, taking a flight is the best mode as it is faster and more comfortable. Veer Savarkar International Airport, the only commercial airport of the Andaman Islands, is located in Port Blair. There are daily direct flights from Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, and Bangalore. Thus, it is a better option. There are ships also to reach Port Blair but they do not offer so much comfort. A ship journey is only recommended if you are willing to experience a voyage on the sea. Adventure lovers may love this option.

Local transportation in Port Blair is quite convenient and offers a smooth commute. Roads are well-built here and places are not so far from each other. Locals are also very helpful here and will guide you in case you are lost. The internet doesn’t work properly here. So you can carry a map or an offline map with you. To get around Port Blair, the recommended options are as follows:

• Tourist taxis
• Bike rentals
• Auto rickshaws
• Public transport
• Airport/hotel pick-up and drop off

All the other islands are easily accessible from Port Blair via land or sea. There are three options to commute from get transferred to other islands: 

• Private Ferries- These ferries connect Port Blair, Havelock, Baratang, and Neil Island. Some of the cruises available are Makruzz, Coastal Cruise, Green Ocean, etc.
• Government Ferries- These ferries connect Port Blair to Havelock, Neil Island, Little Andaman, Diglipur, and Nicobar (not accessible to tourists).
• By Road- Only North Andaman comprising Baratang, Rangat, Mayabundar, and Diglipur are connected via road. Cabs and buses are available here. 

Port Blair offers the perfect combo of adventure, history, and beauty. There is a lot to see and do. Ranging from monuments of historical importance to enthralling water sports, the capital city has everything. You should visit the below-mentioned places when in Port Blair:

• Cellular Jail- The jail was constructed as solitary confinement for Indian political prisoners. It was the most dreaded and grueling colonial jail, which was also referred to as Kala Pani.
• Corbyn’s Cove Beach- One of the most famous beaches in Port Blair, people come here for boating, water scooters, and jet skiing as well. 
• Veer Savarkar Park- You can witness the pride of the past in the form of a really good collection of statues of our freedom fighters. The park also has a few rides for kids. 
• Samudrika Naval Marine Museum- You will see there an aquarium with fish of all shapes and sizes ranging from parrotfish to the rare and venomous species of stonefish and corals.
• Japanese Bunkers- Reminiscent of World War II, these relics of the bygone era can be easily spotted across Port Blair tourist places.
• Chatham Saw Mill- A well-known wood processor in Asia, the British administration set up this mill in 1883.
• Manglutan Village- This village is located in the southern region of the Andaman Islands that is known for its rubber plantations covering an area of 60 acres.
• Murugan Temple- It is the biggest pilgrim site of the Andaman Islands, which is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the son of Lord Shiva.

The Andaman Islands is the hub of all kinds of water sports and adventure activities. Port Blair, especially, has become a sought-after destination for offering everything. Here, one can go for jet skiing, glass-bottom boating, parasailing, seaplane ride, etc. Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex is the perfect place for enjoying different exciting water sports in one place. You will find paddleboats, rowboats, speed boats, banana boats, and a lot more here. The best time to visit the complex would be the summer season.

If you have got more time in hand, then you can also explore the following beaches and islands around Port Blair:

• Chidiya Tapu
• Ferar Beach
• Parrot Island
• Katchal Island
• Amkunj Beach
• Rutland Island 
• Cinque Island
• Diglipur Island
• Butler Bay Beach
• Karmatang Beach
• Lamiya Bay Beach
• Little Andaman Island

When in Port Blair, you can choose to stay at any of these accommodations: 

1-Star

• Hotel Kavitha Regent
• Hotel Shreesh
• Hotel Rhishabh

2-Star

• Sun Sea Resort
• Hotel TSG Emerald View
• Hotel NK International
• Hotel Holiday Inn
• Hotel Blue Sea
• J Hotel 
• Hotel Blue Mmarlin

3-Star

• Hotel Aparupa
• Hotel Sentinel
• Peerless Sarovar Portico
• The North Reef
• Hotel Silver Spring
• Hotel TSG Grand
• Hotel SR Castle
• Hotel Luxor Grand

4-Star

• Sea Shell Resorts
• ITC Fortune Resort Bay Island
• Keys Select Hotel Aqua Green
• Sea Princess Beach Resort

Properties in Port Blair cater to all requirements when it comes to accommodation. Whether you are on a budget trip or a luxurious vacation, you can easily find a hotel as per your requirements. Depending on the tourist seasons, tariff varies between peak and low. It is highly advisable that you should book your stay in advance as the prices may go up drastically during peak season. Also, the best places get full so soon. 

• Low Budget- INR 500- 3000 (per night)
• Mid-range- INR 4000- 8000 (per night)
• Premium stays- INR 9000- 12000 (per night)

There are a number of restaurants and food outlets in Port Blair serving all kinds of tourists. Whether you are looking for a fine dining place or a pocket-friendly outlet that serves mouth-watering food, you are sure to get complete worth for your money. Some of the best restaurants and food outlets in the capital city are as follows:

• New Lighthouse Residency 
• Annapurna Restaurant 
• Ananda Multi-Cuisine Restaurant
• Rola Costa Restaurant & Juice Center 
• Gagan Restaurant
• Icy Spicy family Restaurant
• Sea Food Delight 
• Tandoor 
• Cafe Down Under 
• TRIO - The Family Restaurant
• Bella Bay Dinner Cruise
• Anju Coco Family Restaurant 
• Rajasthani Dhaba
• Happy Belly
• Gem Continental

The network is not smooth in Port Blair. The internet is extremely slow. Only the BSNL network works there. Many cafes, restaurants, and hotels do provide WiFi facility but even that is quite disrupted. If you want to buy a local number in the Andaman Islands, then buy a BSNL sim card. It will be easily available there.

There are mainly three seasons in Port Blair—summer, winter, and monsoon. Located in the Bay of Bengal, the capital city witnesses heavy winds during the monsoon and a tropical climate otherwise. The best weather can be enjoyed from early November to mid-May. Port Blair is situated at a slightly elevated area. Therefore, it experiences a bit lower temperature as compared to the other places in the Andamans.

Port Blair has diversified religions, cultures, and linguistic groups. English is less preferred, and Hindi, Bengali, and Tamil are the most commonly spoken languages here. If you know any of these languages, then getting around is very easy.