PORT BLAIR
PORT BLAIR – ANDAMAN & NICOBAR TRAVEL GUIDE
INTRODUCTION
The capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Port Blair no different than any other smaller Indian city. Restaurants, Resorts, Hotels and Shops can be found in plenty. Concentrated towards providing the best facilities to the people travelling to these islands, Port Blair has become the center point for all the tourism activities. People from all over India can be found here, a peaceful place with no conflicts on region and religion.
How to Reach :
1.By Air :
The only commercial airport to reach Andamans is located at Port Blair, Veer Savarkar Airport, named after the famous freedom fighter Vir Savarkar who was imprisoned in this island at Cellular Jail earlier known as Kaala Paani. Direct flight to Port Blair is available from Chennai, Kolkata and Delhi. The journey usually takes around 2 Hrs 30 Mins.
2.By Sea :
The Andaman group of Islands is well connected by sea. Regular passenger services are available to Port Blair from Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam.
Chennai – Port Blair – Takes around 60 Hrs.
Kolkata – Port Blair – Takes around 66 Hrs.
Visakhapatnam – Port Blair – Takes around 56 Hrs.
Best Time to Visit :
Andaman and Nicobar Island is a year-round tourist destination. The area receives minimum fluctuations in the temperature and is always pleasant. The best time to visit Andaman and Nicobar Island is considered from November to mid-May. Monsoons are however recommended to be avoided because of the high tidal waves, incessant rains and strong winds.
Places to Visit :
MUSEUMS AT PORT BLAIR
Anthropological Museum
Insight into the world of pre-historic inhabitants of the island. Open from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm and from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm.
Fisheries Museum
Over 350 species of marine life are showcased. Open from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Wednesday closed.
Samudrika Museum
Collection of shells and marine creatures, open from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Closed on Mondays
Science Centre
3 kms from Port Blair town, Science Centre gallery with interactive exhibits depicting genesis of the islands, volcanic activities, science of oceans, fun science gallery, modern technology gallery, taramandal, open air science park and an inhouse butterfly corner, which give a refreshing encounter with science.
Chatham
The legacy of Chatham began in the year 1789, when Lt. Archibald Blair landed here with the aim to establish a Naval Base. He started the survey from Chatham Island for establishing the British footholds in the Islands. Thus, Port Blair became the starting point of various activities to develop the Islands as a safe place to deport hard-core convicts and to develop the Harbour base.
The Chatham Saw Mill is one of the oldest in Asia. The 100 mtrs long Chatham Bridge connects Port Blair with Chatham Island. This historic bridge was initially constructed out of timber. Later, it was renovated to a modern bridge with concrete structures, which exists today. It is a store house of timber like Padauk, Gurjan, Marble, Satin Wood etc. Chatham has the second largest wharf of these islands, where Island-mainland ships can berth. Within the Saw Mill compound, the Forest Department has put up a museum showcasing the varied timber wealth of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The museum offers an insight into forest activities through scale models and display decorative pieces made of Padauk, Marble, Peauma, Gurjan, Satin Wood etc.
The museum is open from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Sunday closed.*
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