Port Blair, the capital city of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, sprawls around a harbor on the east coast of South Andaman and is the administrative nerve of the islands. Petrified with large number of sightseeing attractions it is a haven for the tourists and holiday makers. It is a cluster of tin roofed buildings, shops, restaurants and group of government and private owned offices. Port Blair is the only point of arrival for the islands, so it can't be avoided.
It is the first choice among the nature-lovers, who wish to enjoy sun, sea and the scenic natural beauty by spending quiet holidays right on its white power beaches and enjoy the fascinating marine life along with its brilliant tropical flora. With the plenteous of eco-activities like fishing, birding and exclusive jungle safaris, the tour to Port Blair is a fine getaway from the pervading ruckus of city life.
Port Blair Attractions :
The cellular Jail :
Port Blair is famous for its Cellular Jail, built by the British over the period of 18 years from 1890, to house the dangerous criminals. Although its was used to punish the Indian freedom fighters who were fighting against colonialism. The jail became famous throughout the world for the inhuman treatment given to the inmates by the jail officials. Originally seven wings containing 698 cells radiated from a central tower, but only three remains. It reminds the tourists of the hard ships faced by the Indians in their attempt to attain freedom from their colonial rulers. The jail remains open on all days (except Monday )from 9 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 -5 pm.
Museums :
Port Blair houses some of the most renowned museums, that are worth a visit to understand the island's colonial past. The most important among them all is the Anthropological Museum, located at Haddo in the northern part of Port Blair. The museum houses the interesting collection of photographs and tribal artifacts such as boats, weapons, basket, clothing,– records of expeditions carried out in the distant past.
Then there is a museum called Samudrika museum which is maintained by Indian Navy. Samudrika is divided into five categories, history of the islands, the people of these islands, marine life, archeology, and the geography if islands. Tourists can also make a visit to the Forest Museum and Fisheries museum.
Sound and light show :
There is Sound and Light show that takes place every day in English 7:15 pm, in Hindi 6 pm. The show gives you the valuable insight of the jail's brutal history. The cost of the light and sound is kept Rs 10 for the tourists.
Adventure Activities :
Water Sports Complex :
To the south of the Cellular Jail lies the Water Sports Complex offering all sort of aqua sports activities like water skiing, sail boats, wind-surfing, speed boats and safe water sports like rowing boats, paddle boats, kayaks, aqua cycle, aqua glide, bumper boats etc. There is a sea water swimming pool and a change room. There is also a Memorial for the Battle of Aberdeen fought between Britishers and Andamanee aboriginals in 1859.
