Place of Historical Importance

CELLULAR JAIL (NATIONAL MEMORIAL)

Cellular Jail, located at Port Blair, stood mute witness to the tortures meted out to the freedom fighters, who were incarcerated in this jail. The jail, completed in the year 1906 acquired the name ‘cellular' because it is entirely made up of individual cells for the solitary confinement of the prisoners. It originally was a seven pronged, puce-coloured building with central tower acting as its fulcrum and a massive structure comprising honeycomb like corridors. The building was subsequently damaged and presently three out of the seven prongs are intact. The jail, now a place of pilgrimage for all freedom loving,people, has been declared a National Memorial.

The penal settlement established in Andamans by the British after the First war of Independence in 1857 was the beginning of the agonizing story freedom fighters in the massive and awful jails at Viper island followed by the Cellular Jail. The patriots who raised their voice against the British Raj were sent to this jail, where many perished. Netaji Subash Chandra Bose hoisted the tri-colour flag to proclaim independence on 30 th December 1943 at a place near this jail. Also there is a museum, an Art gallery, and a Photo gallery, which are open an all days except Monday from 9.00 A.M. to 12 Noon and 2.00 PM to 5.00 PM. Entry fee:- Rs 5/-, Camera – photo – Rs. 10/-, Video – Rs. 50/-

SON-ET-LUMIERE (SOUND AND LIGHT SHOW)

The saga of the heroic freedom struggle is brought alive in a moving Son-et-Lumiere, shown daily inside the Cellular jail compound at 6.00 PM (Hindi) and 7.15 PM (English).

Entry fee: adult Rs. 20/-, child Rs. 10/-

ROSS ISLAND

Ross Island , the erstwhile capital of Port Blair during the British regime, is a tiny island standing as guard to Port Blair harbour (10 minutes boat journey from the Phoenix Bay Jetty, Port Blair). The island presently houses the ruins of old buildings like Ballroom, Chief Commissioner's House, Govt. House, Church, Cemetery, Hospital, Bakery, Press, Swimming Pool and Troop Barracks, all is dilapidated condition, reminiscent of the old British regime.

Ever since Dr. James Pattision Walker arrived in Port Blair abroad the East India Company's stream frigate ‘Semiramis' on 10 th March 1858 , this island remained under British Occupation till 1942. From 1942 to 1945, the island was under the occupation of Japanese. However, the British reoccupied the island in 1945 and later abandoned it.

During British occupation, this island was the seat of power of the Britishers. It was developed into self-equipped township with all facilities required for a civilized colony. Dr. walker, Chairman of the Andaman Committee, established the infamous and the dreaded Penal Settlement with 200 convicts. The Britishers persuaded the aborigines to come and live in some huts at Ross Island and even established an Andaman Home for them in 1863. Later on the services of these Andamanese were used to catch the escaping convicts from Ross Island .

The island with historical background and preservable ruins is spread along an area of 0.6 sq. kms. With the ruins and also with the historical background, the Island has gained a lot of popularity among the tourists. Ross island is open for the tourists to visit during day time except Wednesday. Boat Services are available from the Phoenix Bay jetty at 8.30 AM, 10.30 AM , and 12.30 PM to 2.30 PM. Navy has established a museum on the island known as ‘Smritika' depicting the history of the Island .

Entry Fee: Rs 20/- Camera Rs. 25/-

VIPER ISLAND

The tiny, serene, beautiful Island of Viper is situated inside the Port Blair harbour (20 minutes boat journey from phoenix bay Jetty). The island derives its name from the vessel ‘Viper' in which Lt. Archibald Blair came to the Islands in 1789 with the purpose of establishing a Penal Settlement. The Vessel, it is believed, met with an accident and its wreckage was abandoned near the Island . Viper Island witnessed the untold sufferings the freedom fighters had to undergo. Dangerous convicts found guilty of violating the rules of the Penal Settlement, were put in fetters and were forced to work with their fetters on in this Island . Freedom fighters like Nanigopal and Nandlal Pulindas, who had resorted to hunger strike at the cellular jail, were imprisoned at Viper Island . Sher Ali, the Pathan, guilty of murdering lord Mayo, was condemned to death and hanged in Gallows at the Viper Island . Now the ruins of jails and Gallows can be seen on the island. The jail at Viper, where prisoners deported from the mainland were confined, was built by the British under the supervision of Major Fort. Work on the prison was started in 1867.Owing to the working conditions, the jail earned the notorious name Viper Chain Gang Jail.

The Harbour cruise, available daily (except Wednesday) from Phoenix Bay Jetty(at 3 PM ), provides a panoramic view of different points around the harbour and includes a trip to Viper Island .

Other places in and around Port Blair

ANDAMAN WATER SPORTS COMPLEX (NEAR CELLULAR JAIL)

This is a unique complex of its kind. Facilities for safe water sports and adventure water sports such as water-skiing, water scooters, Gemini boats, para-sailing (subject to wind/ weather condition), sail boats, wind-surface, speed boats and glass-bottom boats for coral/ship wreck viewing, etc are available here. Saline water swimming pool, promenade for morning/ evening walk, change room & food plaza are available near the complex. There is a memorial built to commemorate the Battle oa Aberdeen , fought between the British and Andamanese aborigines in May 1859 in which many Andamanese died.

CORBYN'S COVE

Corbyn's Cove, the coconut palm fringed beach, ideal for sun-basking, is 7 kms away from Port Blair town. Facilities like hotel, restaurant and bar, changing room etc., are available near the beach. Historical remains like Japanese bunkers can be seen here. Snake island nearby is famous for scuba diving.

CHATHAM

The chatham Saw Mill, one of the oldest and largest mills in Asia , is built on a tiny island connected to Port Blair by a bridge. It is a storehouse of timber like Padauk, Gurjan, Marble, Satin Wood,etc. This island has the second largest Wharf of these islands, where island-mainland ships can berth. The island is near the Haddo wharf, which is the largest wharf in the islands.

Parks

MARINA PARK

This park, right on the sea shore near to the water sports complex, has amusements rides, children's traffic park and toy train. Suitable for spending the evenings.

GANDHI PARK

This beautiful park near to the Raj Niwas has facilities like amusement rides, safe water sports, nature trail around the lake, garden, restaurant and historic remains like Japanese Temple as well as a bunker.

Museums

ANTHROPOLOGICAL MUSEUM

This Museum near the Directorate of tourism depicts the life of the Palaeolithic islanders. It also houses the models of the aborigines and their tools. Closed on Thursday and holidays.

SAMUDRIKA (NAVAL MARIN MUSEUM )

Situated opposite to Andaman Teal House, Delanipur this museum is meant to create awareness on various aspects of oceanic environment. A good collection of shells, corals and a few species of colourful fishes found in these islands are on display.

ZOOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA MUSEUM

Situated near to Andaman Teal House, this museum and research library exhibit a good variety of spongers, corals, butterflies, centipedes etc.

FOREST MUSEUM

Situated AT Haddo (near to the Zoo), this museum offers an insight into forest activities through scale models and displays decorative pieces made of famous woods like Padauk, Marble, Peauma,Gurjan, Satin wood, etc., Open on all working days.

Zoo / Aquarium

MINI ZOO

Situated at Hoddo (delanipur – Chatham road), it houses some of the rare species of endemic birds and animals found in these islands.

AQUARIUM ( FISHERIES MUSEUM )

Situated near Andaman Water Sports Complex, it exhibits species of marine life peculiar to the islands and found in the Indo-Pacific Ocean and the Bay of Bengal . Closed on Monday and Holidays.

Excursions outside Port Blair

MAHATMA GANDHI MARINE NATIONAL PARK ,WANDOOR ( 25 KMS.BY ROAD FROM PORT BLAIR)

This Park is made up of open sea, creeks and fifteen small and large islands covering an area of 281.5 sq. kms. One can see mangrove forests along the creeks and magnificent tropical forests, beautiful beaches, fascinating coral reefs and school of ornamental fish and marine life. Wandoor is the base to visit the islands in this park like Jolly Buoy and Redskin. Glass bottom boats help to take a closer look at the coral colonies. A place suitable for scuba diving and snorkeling. Conducted tour to Wandoor is available from Andaman Teal House, Port Blair. Private boats are available from Wandoor for the coral islands-Jolly Buoy and Red Skin.

Entry fee at the National Park – adult Rs. 10/-,child Rs. 5/-,

Scuba diving- Indians Rs.500/-, Foreigners Rs.1000/-

CINQUE ISLANDS (39 KMS. BY SEA FROM PORT BLAIR)

Declared as a sanctuary, these are enchanting islands with rare corals and under-water marine life and tropical rain forest. There is a beautiful sand bar joining the islands. Suiatable for scuba diving and snorkeling.

MOUNT HARRIET (55 KM, BY ROAD/10 KM BY FERRY AND ROAD FROM PORT BLAIR)

The summer headquarters of the Chief Commissioners during British Raj, this place is an ideal place for having a nice and fascinating overview of the outer islands and the azure sea. It is the highest peak in the South Andamans (365 mtrs high). One can trek from Bambooflat to Mount Harriet and from their upto Madhuban through nature trail. Mount Harriet is a National Park. Rare endemic birds, animals and butterflies can be seen during the trekking. Conducted tours to Mount Harriet are available.

CHIDIYA TAPU (25 KMS BY ROAD FROM PORT BLAIR)

Chidiya Tapu is the southernmost tip of the South Andaman Island . The lush green mangroves, forests covered with numerous chirping birds and the Sylvan Sands and Munda pahar beaches make it an ideal picnic site. One can witness breath-taking sunset here.

SIPPIGHAT FARM (14 KMS BY ROAD FROM PORT BLAIR)

This Farm sprawling over an area of 80 acres, conducts research and development programmes for cultivation of spices like cloves, Cinnamon, coconut and pepper. Research and Develpoment farm of the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) is nearby.

COLLINPUR (36 KMS. BY ROAD FROM PORT BLAIR)

Situated near to Tirur, this place has a beautiful sandy beach with shallow water. Suitable for swimming, sun basking and viewing sunset.

MADHUBAN (75 KMS. BY ROAD/20 KMS. BY FERRY AND ROAD FROM PORT BLAIR)

Madhuban is a trekking area on north eastern side of Mount Harriet in South Andaman Island . Exotic beach, endemic, animals, butterflies, and elephant lumbering are the most interesting part of the trek.

Island Destinations

NEIL ISLAND (36 KMS BY SEA FROM PORT BLAIR)

This beautiful island with lush green forest and sandy beaches is the vegetable bowl of Andamans. Connected by boat from Port Blair four days a week, it provides an ideal holiday for eco-friendly tourists. One can feel the sincerity and serenity of village life here. Beautiful beaches at Lakshmanpur, Bharatpur, Sitapur and the natural bridge formations on the sea-shore are the attractions.

HAVELOCK ISLAND (50 KMS. BY SEA FROM PORT BLAIR- VIA NEIL ISLAND 62 KMS)

This island, near to Neil Island , offers beautiful sandy beaches and lush green forest. Radhanagar beach, 12 kms. From the jetty on the western side of the island, is one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the islands. Vijaynagar beach, 04 kms. Away from the jetty on the eastern side is another beautiful beach. Island camping (tent accommodation ) is organized by the Directorate of Tourism during the Tourist season at Radha Nagar beach. One can enjoy quite holidays in the lap of mother nature here.

Havelock is connected by daily boat services from Port Blair. Dolphin Yatri Niwas, the guesthouse of the Directorate of Tourism, near to the Vijaynagar beach, provides cosy accommodation and transport. Snorkelling and scuba diving facilities are provided by scuba dive centre operators seasonally.

NORTH PASSAGE ISLAND (70 KMS. BY SEA FROM PORT BLAIR)

Famous for Merk bay - coral white sandy, shallow beach suitable for snorkelling, swimming and sun basking. The sea around the island is famous for playful dolphins. The Island is not connected by regular boat services. One has to hire boats from Long Island or Eratta jetty – Rangat to reach Merk bay. Suitable for day visit to enjoy the glorious solitude. Accomodation facilities are not available.

LONG ISLAND (82 KMS. BY SEA FROM PORT BLAIR)

Connected by boat four times a week from Phoenix Bay Jetty, this island offers an excellent sandy beach at Lalaji Bay , unpolluted environment and evergreen forests. The sea around the island is frequented by dolphin convoys. Lalaji Bay , 6kms. Away from the boat jetty, is accessible by 15 minutes journey in doonghies or trekking through the forest.

BARATANG ISLAND (100 KMS. BY ROAD FROM PORT BLAIR)

This Island between South and Middle Andamans has beautiful beaches. Andaman Trunk Road to Rangat and Mayabunder goes through this Island . Mud volcanoes and limestone caves can also be seen in this island with the permission of Forest Department.

RANGAT (170 KMS. BY ROAD AND 90 KMS. BY SEA)

One can enjoy the quiet village life and solitude of virgin nature here. You can also breathe unpolluted air, a rare commodity for the city dweller. Cutbert Bay beach (20 Kms. away from Rangat bazer/jetty) is a turtle nesting ground. One can view the nesting of turtles during October – May season. Panchavati waterfall and Amkunj beach are on the way to Cutbert bay. One can go to the Mayabunder and Diglipur from here.

MAYABUNDER (242 KMS. BY ROAD/157 KMS. BY SEA)

Situated in the northern part of Middle Andaman Island , Mayabunder offers excellent scenic beauty and beautiful beaches. Inhabited by the settlers from Burma , East Pakistan and ex-convicts, Mayabunder has a distinct culture. Beach at Avis Island (30 minutes boat journey from Mayabunder), Karmatang beach is also a turtle nesting ground. One can view nesting of turtles during October-May season. Swiftlet Nest resort. It very near to the Karmatang beach. One can go to Kalighat (for Diglipur) through the creek by boat from here. The lagoon cruise is an enchanting experience.

DIGLIPUR (325 KMS BY ROAD/185 KMS. BY SEA)

Situated in North Andaman Island , Diglipur provides a rare experience for eco-friendly tourists. It is famous for its oranges, rice and marine life. Saddle Peak (732 meters) the highest point in the islands is nearby. Kalpong, the only river of Andaman flows from here. The first hydroelectric project of the islands is on this river. One who comes by road from Port Blair can go to Diglipur by crossing the Austin Creek Bridge (70 kms) and from there to Kalipur(18 Kms.) for viewing,kalipur and Lamiya bay beaches. One can feel the innocent beauty of village life everywhere in Diglipur. One who prefers to be away from the hustle and humdrum of urban life must come here to enjoy unhurried holidays.

Directorate of Tourism provides comfortable accommodation at Turtle Resort, kalipur. The water sports center in near by. Those who want to go for trekking to Saddle Peak can start trekking from kalipur. Ram Nagar beach (40 kms. away from Diglipur) is famous for Trtle nesting during December – February season.

One who comes by boat from Port Blair will reach Aerial bay jetty, which is very near to place like Digipur and Kalipur. Port Blair - Digipur (Aerial bay jetty) boat services are available twice a week. Kalipur (25 kms from Digipur) is connected by daily boat service from Mayabunder.

Ross and Smith, the twin islands joined by a bewitching sand bar, is 30 minutes away from Aerial bay jetty or Kalipur water sports center. Directorate of Tourism offers island Camping at Smith island during the tourest season.

Festivals

Island Tourism Festival : This fortnight long festival organized by the Andaman & Nicobar Administration every year (during December – January) is the main festival of the Islands . The festival comprises an exhibition, cultural programmes, competitions etc. Govt. agencies and private entrepreneurs from the Islands and mainland India also attend the exhibition organized during the festival. The exhibition highlights the developmental aspects of these islands. Cultural troupes and artistes of national and international fame are invited to perform during the festival apart from performances by talents of the islands including tribals.

Subhash Mela : January every year : Organized in Havelock every year on the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. A week long festival filled with cultural programmes.

Vivekananda Mela : January every year : Organized by Neil island to celebrate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.

Block Mela : January/ February every year : Held at Diglipur, this highlights the developments that have taken place in the rural areas and displays the typical rural life of these island.

Shopping

The islands offer a wide variety of handicraft made of wood, sea shells and pearls in the form of necklaces, earrings, bracelets, etc. There are coconut shell lamp shades, ashtrays, Nicobari mats apart from wood items like walking sticks, trays, bowls, tables and chairs. These items are available at sagarika, Cottage Industries emporium at Port Blair and Rangat, Khadi and village Industries showroom at Middle Point, Port Blair and several private show rooms in different parts of the town.