Port Blair
Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex
Visitor Information
Famous For: Stunning sea views, crystal-clear waters, and refreshing evening breeze
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Open daily
Recommended Visit Duration: 1–2 hours
Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex (also known as Andaman Water Sports Complex) is a vibrant attraction located in the heart of Port Blair. It is a must-visit destination for thrill-seekers, families, and nature lovers alike. This well-maintained complex offers a wide variety of safe and exhilarating water sports for all age groups, including:
Jet Ski Ride
Speed Boat Ride
Banana Ride
Sofa Ride
Cellular Jail
Visitor Information
Famous For: Historic significance, stories of India’s freedom struggle, revolutionary inmates, and memorial exhibits
Entry Fee: ₹30 (Indian nationals), ₹180 (foreign nationals)
Timings: Open daily (except Government holidays)
Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM to 4:45 PM
Recommended Duration: Around 2 hours
Cellular Jail – A Silent Witness to India’s Fight for Freedom
The Cellular Jail, also known as Kala Pani, is one of the most haunting yet powerful symbols of India’s freedom struggle. Located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, this colonial-era prison was built by the British between 1896 and 1906 to exile and isolate political prisoners and revolutionaries from mainland India.
The original structure had seven long wings extending outward from a central watchtower—designed like the spokes of a wheel to prevent any form of prisoner communication. Each of the 693 solitary cells, measuring 4.5 by 2.7 meters, was designed to ensure complete isolation. Today, only three wings remain, preserved as a solemn reminder of the past.
Ross Island
Visitor Information
Famous For: Colonial-era ruins, freedom struggle significance, wildlife (deer and peacocks), birdwatching
Entry Fee: No direct entry fee (boat ride charges apply to reach the island)
Timings: Open daily except Wednesdays
Recommended Duration: 2 hours
Ross Island – A Glimpse into the Colonial Past
Ross Island, once the British administrative headquarters of the Andaman Islands, is now a serene yet historic site known for its colonial ruins, freedom movement connections, and free-roaming wildlife. Now renamed Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island, it offers a rich blend of natural beauty and historical remnants, making it a must-visit destination.
The island is accessible via boat ride from Port Blair, usually from the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex.
As you walk through the overgrown yet atmospheric ruins of British buildings, you’ll spot old churches, barracks, printing presses, and officer quarters. Nature has gently reclaimed much of the area, making it a surreal blend of architecture and greenery.
North Bay
Visitor Information
Famous For: Beach, coral reefs, water sports, nature, serenity
Entry Fee: Boat ride charges apply
Timings: Open daily till sunset
Visit Duration: Around 2 hours
North Bay Island (Coral Island)
Located about 30 minutes by boat from the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex, North Bay Island—also known as Coral Island—is a paradise for beach lovers and adventure seekers. Famous for its vibrant underwater coral reefs, white sandy beaches, and thrilling water sports, it’s a must-visit in the Andamans.
Fisheries Museum (Aquarium)
Visitor Information
Famous For: Marine life, sea creatures, educational exhibits
Entry Fee: ₹10 per person
Timings: Open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM (Closed on Mondays, Public Holidays & 2nd Saturdays)
Visit Duration: Around 1 hour
The Fisheries Aquarium, also known as Aquarium, is located adjacent to the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex. It exhibits species of marine life endemic to the islands and found in the Indo-Pacific and the Bay of Bengal. Initially a museum, it was converted to an Aquarium which now houses over 350 different species of marine life.
Naval Marine Museum (Samudrika)
Naval Marine Museum (Samudrika)
Samudrika Naval Marine Museum, managed by the Indian Navy, offers a fascinating insight into the marine life, history, and culture of the Andaman Islands. “Samudrika” comes from Samudra, meaning sea, and fittingly, this museum captures everything related to the islands and the ocean.
The museum is divided into five sections, covering:
📜 History of the Andaman Islands
🗺️ Geography
👥 Tribal Communities
🏺 Archaeology
🌊 Marine Life
It also features a mini aquarium, rare corals, marine specimens, and a blue whale skeleton displayed outside.
Zoological Survey of India Museum
Visitor Information
Famous For: Wildlife collection, natural history of Andamans
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM (Closed on Sundays, Mondays, Public Holidays & 2nd Saturdays)
Recommended Duration: 1–2 hours
Zoological Survey of India Museum
Located in Port Blair, the Zoological Survey of India Museum offers a rich display of the flora and fauna of the Andaman Islands. The museum showcases a wide variety of corals, sponges, butterflies, beetles, centipedes, mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Anthropological Museum
Visitor Information
Famous For: Tribal culture, anthropology, Andaman’s native history
Entry Fee: ₹10 per person
Timings: Open daily (Closed on Mondays & Govt. Holidays)
Visit Duration: Around 45 minutes
Anthropological Museum – A Glimpse into Tribal Life
The Anthropological Museum in Port Blair offers a deep insight into the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It showcases the history, lifestyle, and traditions of:
Four Negrito Tribes of Andamans: Sentinelese, Jarawas, Great Andamanese, Onges
Two Mongoloid Tribes of Nicobar: Shompens, Nicobarese
Chatham Saw Mill
Visitor Information
Famous For: Historic sawmill, Asia’s largest and oldest sawmill
Entry Fee: ₹10 per person
Timings: Open daily from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM (Closed on Sundays & Industrial Holidays)
Visit Duration: Around 1 hour
Chatham Saw Mill – A Legacy of Timber and Craftsmanship
Located on Chatham Island (formerly Mark Island) and connected to Port Blair by a bridge, the Chatham Saw Mill was established in 1883 by the British. It is one of Asia’s oldest and largest sawmills, now managed by the state government.
Forest Museum
Visitor Information
Famous For: Handmade wooden crafts, forest exhibits
Entry Fee: ₹10 per person
Timings: Open daily from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM (Closed on Sundays & Mondays)
Visit Duration: Around 1 hour
Forest Museum – A Tribute to Andaman’s Timber Heritage
Located within the Chatham Saw Mill Complex, the Forest Museum is managed by the Forest Department of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It offers an engaging look into the region’s forest wealth and craftsmanship.
Kalapani Museum
Visitor Information
Famous For: Andaman’s history, heritage, tribal and colonial archives
Entry Fee: ₹100 per person
Timings: Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM (Closed on Sundays)
Visit Duration: Around 1 hour
Kalapani Museum – A Journey Through Andaman’s Past
The Kalapani Museum is a unique private history museum and research center in Port Blair, offering an immersive glimpse into the rich heritage of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Science Centre
Visitor Information
Famous For: Coral science, ocean phenomena, interactive exhibits
Entry Fee: ₹10 per person
Timings: Open daily from 7 AM to 5 PM (Closed on Sundays, Mondays & Public Holidays)
Visit Duration: Around 1 hour
Science Centre – Discover the Wonders of Ocean & Life
Located at Goodwill Estate, Corbyn’s Cove Road in Port Blair, the Science Centre is an educational attraction ideal for both kids and adults. It showcases the science behind ocean behavior, coral formation, and marine life responses to climate change.
Sagarika Emporium (The Cottage Industries)
Visitor Information
Famous For: Locally made handicrafts and souvenirs
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Open daily from 9 AM to 7 PM (Closed on Sundays & Public Holidays)
Visit Duration: Around 1 hour
Sagarika Emporium – A Handcrafted Treasure Trove
Also known as The Cottage Industries, Sagarika Emporium in Port Blair is a must-visit shopping spot for authentic Andaman handicrafts made by local artisans.
Gandhi Park
Visitor Information
Famous For: Peaceful ambiance, nature, and history
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Open daily till sunset
Visit Duration: 1–2 hours
Gandhi Park – A Peaceful Escape in Port Blair
Located in the heart of Port Blair, Gandhi Park is a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and leisure activities. It offers a serene retreat from the city buzz, making it ideal for families, nature lovers, and history buffs.
Joggers Park
Visitor Information
Famous For: Nature walks, family hangout, greenery, peaceful views
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM (till sunset)
Visit Duration: 1–2 hours
Joggers Park – A Scenic Escape in Port Blair
Located just 3 km from Port Blair, Joggers Park is a peaceful retreat ideal for families, couples, and fitness lovers. Surrounded by manicured gardens, the park offers a 600-meter circular track perfect for morning walks and evening strolls.
What makes this place truly special is the panoramic view of the island city and the runway of the Port Blair airport, especially after sunset, when the lights create a magical setting.
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
Visitor Information
Famous For: Marine biodiversity, coral reefs, educational programs
Entry Fee: ₹10 per person
Timings: Daily, 9 AM – 5 PM
Visit Duration: Around 1 hour
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park – A Marine Wonderland
Located in Wandoor, about 29 km from Port Blair, the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park spans over 281.5 sq. km and was established in 1983 to protect the region’s rich marine life, including corals and nesting sea turtles.
Wandoor Beach
Visitor Information
Famous For: Scenic beach, nature, tranquility
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Open daily till 5:30 PM
Visit Duration: Flexible (Approx. 1–2 hours or as per visitor’s preference)
Wandoor Beach – A Peaceful Coastal Retreat
Located about 25 km from Port Blair, Wandoor Beach is one of Andaman’s most serene and picturesque beaches. With its clear blue waters, washed-up trees, and peaceful atmosphere, it’s a perfect spot for nature lovers and those seeking relaxation.
Chidiya Tapu
Visitor Information
Famous For: Sunset views, birdwatching, nature, and picnics
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Open daily till sunset
Visit Duration: 1–2 hours
Chidiya Tapu – The Bird Island & Sunset Haven
Located about 28 km from Port Blair, Chidiya Tapu is a serene coastal village often called ‘Sunset Point’ and ‘Bird Island’. Surrounded by lush mangroves, clear waters, and rich biodiversity, it’s a perfect destination for a relaxing beach day, light trekking, and nature exploration.
Rutland Island
Visitor Information
Famous For: Mangrove forests, coral reefs, marine life
Entry Fee: Tourist permit required (charges apply)
Timings: Open daily from 9 AM to 3 PM
Visit Duration: Around 2 hours
Rutland Island – A Hidden Gem for Nature & Marine Lovers
Rutland Island, located near South Andaman, is a tranquil, untouched paradise ideal for eco-tourism and underwater exploration. Spanning 274 sq. km with a 60 km long coastline, it features dense mangrove forests, shallow coral reefs, and rich marine biodiversity.
This island is also perfect for beginner divers, with stunning rock formations, clear dive spots, and an abundance of colorful fish and coral species. The waters are home to species like Tuna, Barracuda, Red Snapper, Sting Rays, and more—making it a hotspot for game fishing.
Mount Harriet National Park
Visitor Information
Famous For: Flora & fauna, trekking, ₹20 note viewpoint
Entry Fee: Tourist permit required (charges apply)
Timings: Open daily, 9 AM – 5 PM
Visit Duration: Approx. 2 hours
Mount Harriet National Park – Where Nature Meets History
Located just 20 km from Port Blair, Mount Harriet National Park spans 46.62 sq. km and is home to the highest peak in South Andaman (383m). This iconic location is also featured on the ₹20 currency note, making it a must-visit for photography and nature lovers.
With lush evergreen forests, rolling hills, and breathtaking coastal views, the park was once the British summer headquarters. It now serves as a peaceful escape for those seeking both natural beauty and historic charm.
