Territory capital · India
Port BlairSri Vijaya Puram
Give Port Blair 2 nights as an arrival base, not a beach stop: Cellular Jail, Ross Island, then ferry out to Havelock or Neil.
Port Blair is the Andamans' capital, airport and ferry hub, not the reason you came. Two nights covers the Cellular Jail, the Anthropological Museum and a Ross Island boat trip, and positions you for the ferries to Havelock, Neil and the outer islands. The city itself is a busy small Indian town on steep hills; the beaches worth swimming are elsewhere.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- INR
- Best months
- Oct–Mar
- avoid May–Sep (monsoon, rough seas, ferry cancellations)
- Airport
- IXZ
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 6
- South Asia ↗Trekking regions, border districts and several Indian states need separate permits on top of the visa; check the permit before you book transport into them.
- South Asia ↗Remove shoes (and in many Jain and Hindu temples, leather) before entering; cover shoulders and legs; ask before photographing people or rituals.
- India ↗Apply for the e-visa only on the official government portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in); lookalike sites charge extra. Check the current rules, fees and how far ahead to apply.
- India ↗Do not follow anyone who says your hotel is closed, the station ticket office is closed or a road is shut; use the prepaid taxi counter, the metro or an app car.
- India ↗Carry Indian rupees in small notes (10, 20, 50, 100); change for 500 is often refused.
- India ↗Parts of the Northeast, Sikkim, Ladakh, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and all border belts need a Protected or Restricted Area Permit or an Inner Line Permit for foreigners; check before you book the route.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Port Blair112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Port Blair, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Indian rupees (INR, ₹) in small notes for autos, street food, tips and entry tickets.India-wide
- SIM or eSIMJio, Airtel and Vi sell tourist SIMs at airport counters and their shops; passport, visa and a photo needed; activation can take a few hours.India-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap.India-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 5–10% if no service charge is on the bill.India-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/D/M. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.India-wide
- SafetyPort Blair is calm and safe for tourists by Indian big-city standards; the real risks are ferry cancellations in monsoon…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets in hotels, malls and airports; squat toilets with a water jug or hose in stations and villages.India-wide
- Emergency numbers112 All services (police, fire, ambulance) · 100 tourist police / a&n police control room (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysThe Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays; many museums close on Mondays; banks close on the second and fourth Saturdays…India-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportIXZ Veer Savarkar International Airport (About 2 km (1.2 mi) from the centre; no scheduled night flights, the field is handed to the air force after 15:00.).IXZ Veer Savarkar International Airport (About 2 km (1.2 mi) from the centre; no scheduled night flights, the field is handed to the air force after 3:00 PM.).IXZ Veer Savarkar International Airport (About 1.2 mi (2 km) from the centre; no scheduled night flights, the field is handed to the air force after 15:00.).IXZ Veer Savarkar International Airport (About 1.2 mi (2 km) from the centre; no scheduled night flights, the field is handed to the air force after 3:00 PM.).
- Getting aroundAuto-rickshaws are the default: short hops in town run ₹20–40 (≈ under US$1), airport to Aberdeen about ₹30 (≈ under US$1).
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Museum or sight ticketCellular Jail entry₹20 (≈ under US$1)
- Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per person₹500 (≈ US$6)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, guesthouse or mid hotel, a night, per room₹2,500 (≈ US$30)
- High-end bedDouble room, guesthouse or mid hotel, a night, per room₹6,000 (≈ US$70)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ₹1,500 (≈ US$18) · Mid ₹3,500 (≈ US$40) · High ₹7,000 (≈ US$80)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- IXZ Veer Savarkar International Airport (About 2 km (1.2 mi) from the centre; no scheduled night flights, the field is handed to the air force after 15:00.)IXZ Veer Savarkar International Airport (About 2 km (1.2 mi) from the centre; no scheduled night flights, the field is handed to the air force after 3:00 PM.)IXZ Veer Savarkar International Airport (About 1.2 mi (2 km) from the centre; no scheduled night flights, the field is handed to the air force after 15:00.)IXZ Veer Savarkar International Airport (About 1.2 mi (2 km) from the centre; no scheduled night flights, the field is handed to the air force after 3:00 PM.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Feb
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Mar
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Apr
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
May
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Jun
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Jul
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Aug
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Sep
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Oct
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Nov
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Dec
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Best: Oct–Mar. Avoid: May–Sep. Month by month →
Warmest Apr (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jan (23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C) low), wettest Aug (19 rain days), driest Feb (2). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Port Blair: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
4 rd
Feb
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
2 rd
Mar
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
3 rd
Apr
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
5 rd
May
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
15 rd
Jun
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
18 rd
Jul
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
18 rd
Aug
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
19 rd
Sep
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
19 rd
Oct
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
14 rd
Nov
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
10 rd
Dec
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
6 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Auto-rickshaws are the default: short hops in town run ₹20–40, airport to Aberdeen about ₹30. Agree the fare first or name your stop and climb in. Local buses are very cheap but routes are hard to read. Private cars with driver are the easy option for a day of South Andaman sightseeing. Walking works in Aberdeen but the hills are steep and look alike.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Ross Island
goDoor to door: About 1 h each way with boarding
Ferry from Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex, about 15 min
Combine with North Bay as a two-island ticket; skip the Viper Island add-on.
Wandoor and Jolly Buoy
goDoor to door: 2–2.5 h
Road about 30 km (19 mi), then the single morning ferry to Jolly BuoyRoad about 19 mi (30 km), then the single morning ferry to Jolly Buoy
One ferry out around 09:00; no food or drink on the island, and plastic bags are banned.One ferry out around 9:00 AM; no food or drink on the island, and plastic bags are banned.
Baratang Island
goDoor to door: About 2.5 h
Bus or car via the Andaman Trunk Road, convoy through the tribal reserve
Limestone caves and mangrove creek; a long day, start early.
Rangat
overnightDoor to door: About 6 h
Bus from the STS terminal, about 6 h
Too far to return the same day; sleep one night.
Diglipur
overnightDoor to door: About 8 h
Bus about 8 h, or the ferry when it runs
Road is rough past Rangat; avoid seats behind the rear axle.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Aberdeen Bazaar
Clock tower, restaurants, shops and the bus stand; walkable, best for a short stay.
Marine Hill
Quiet, near the jetty and Aberdeen; good for early ferries.
Phoenix Bay
Next to Phoenix Bay Jetty, where the Havelock and Neil ferries leave.
Corbyn's Cove
Resort strip 7–8 km (4.3–5 mi) south of town; taxi needed for everything.Resort strip 4.3–5 mi (7–8 km) south of town; taxi needed for everything.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ₹1,500–3,000 (≈ US$18–35) excl. bed
- Mid
- ₹3,000–6,000 (≈ US$35–70) excl. bed
- High
- ₹6,000 (≈ US$70)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, guesthouse or mid hotel1 × 2 nights × ₹2,500 | ₹5,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × ₹3,500 | ₹14,000 |
| Two-island boat tour (North Bay plus Ross)2 × ₹230 | ₹450 |
| Snorkelling at Jolly Buoy2 × ₹550 | ₹1,100 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × ₹800 | ₹1,600 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ₹2,220 |
| Trip total≈ ₹6,090 per person per day, bed included | ₹24,370≈ US$300 |
2026 estimate in rupees; flights and ferry tickets to other islands excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Green coconut | ₹30–45 (≈ under US$1) |
| South Indian vegetarian meal | ₹150–350 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Seafood main, mid-range restaurantCheck the price per fish before ordering. | ₹400–900 (≈ US$5–11) |
| Auto-rickshaw, short hop in town | ₹20–40 (≈ under US$1) |
| Ross Island return ferry | about ₹75 (≈ under US$1) |
| Cellular Jail entry | ₹20 (≈ under US$1) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Agents push a three-island tour including Viper Island, which is a landfill; take the two-island North Bay plus Ross trip instead.
- Ferries to Havelock and Neil sell out in peak season (Dec–Jan): book on the official portal as soon as your dates are fixed.
- Currents at Corbyn's Cove are strong and part of the beach was lost in the 2004 tsunami: swim with care.
- The airport closes to civil traffic in the afternoon, so a delayed arrival can mean an overnight on the mainland.
- Auto-rickshaw drivers overcharge visitors who look unsure; say the destination and pay the local rate.
Emergency numbers
- All services (police, fire, ambulance)
- 112
- Tourist police / A&N police control room
- 100
Pocket card
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Port BlairSri Vijaya Puram
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
इस पते पर ले चलिएTo this address, please
Emergency
- All services112
- Police100
Embassy
No embassies in Port Blair; most countries are represented in New Delhi or Chennai.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Airport → Aberdeen Bazaar, auto: about ₹30 (≈ under US$1)
- Aberdeen Bazaar → Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex: about ₹10 (≈ under US$1)
- Ross Island return ferry: about ₹75 (≈ under US$1), 15 min
Say or show
- कितना है? — How much is it? (kitna hai)
- यह बहुत ज़्यादा है — That is too much (yeh bahut zyada hai)
- मुझे एबरडीन बाज़ार ले चलिए — Take me to Aberdeen Bazaar (mujhe Aberdeen Bazaar le chaliye)
- धन्यवाद — Thank you (dhanyavaad)
- फ़ेरी जेटी कहाँ है? — Where is the ferry jetty? (ferry jetty kahan hai)
- क्या यह शाकाहारी है? — Is this vegetarian? (kya yeh shakahari hai)
The city was officially renamed Sri Vijaya Puram in 2024; both names are in use.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Port Blair. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Oct–Mar · avoid May–Sep (monsoon, rough seas, ferry cancellations) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for IXZ: afternoon civil cutoff, taxi and bus fallbacks, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Aberdeen Bazaar, Marine Hill and the jetty, Phoenix Bay, Corbyn's Cove.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Cellular Jail, Anthropological Museum, Samudrika, Ross Island) and eat pages with last orders.
- Ferry and boat-tour fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Meanwhile