Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram)
Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram), the capital and administrative headquarters of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is where every journey to this tropical archipelago begins.
About Andaman and Nicobar Islands
For centuries, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands remained a mystery, hidden away in the far reaches of the Bay of Bengal. Today, they stand as one of the most breathtaking tropical destinations in the world - a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and unmatched serenity. For travel companies seeking to offer their clients an unforgettable journey, these islands are a treasure trove waiting to be explored.
Imagine over 572 pristine islands some inhabited, many untouched stretching across nearly 800 km in a graceful arc from the southern tip of Myanmar to Indonesia’s Sumatra. Dense tropical forests, swaying coconut palms, and soft white-sand beaches meet crystal-clear waters teeming with technicolor marine life. Here, the air is alive with birdsong, the sunsets are painted in gold, and every breeze whispers the promise of adventure.
These islands also boast of freedom fighting days historically significant landmarks viz. Cellular Jail, Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep), Viper Island, Hopetown and Mount Harriet. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have been declared as two of the 218 endemic bird area of the world. As many as 270 species and sub-species of birds have been reported existing in these islands, 106 of them being endemic. The Andaman Wood Pigeon, Andaman Padauk and Dugong are declared as State Bird, State Tree and State Animal respectively. There are about 96 Wildlife Sanctuaries, nine National Parks and one Biosphere Reserve in the islands. These islands are blessed with the bounties of both south-west and north-east monsoons.
Featured Locations
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Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
Havelock Island at Andaman is situated around 57 km north east of the capital city Port Blair. The island is named after an Indian general active in India.
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Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) is a Small Island with an area of 18.9 Sq. Km at Andaman Island. The Island is located 40 kilometres north-east of Port Blair.
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Baratang Island (Middle Andaman)
Havelock Island at Andaman is situated around 57 km north east of the capital city Port Blair. The island is named after an Indian general active in India.
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Diglipur and nearby (North Andaman)
It is about 375Kms from Port Blair and a rare experience of sea sun and fun for eco-friendly tourists. Kalipur, a sandy beach is developed as a tourist complex.
Port Blair - The Gateway to the Andaman Experience
The vibrant capital, Port Blair, is more than just an entry point it’s where the story of every Andaman journey begins. Connected to mainland India by daily flights (just 2-3 hours from Chennai or Kolkata) and by sea from Kolkata, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam, Veer Savarkar International Airport welcomes travelers from across the globe.
Port Blair is steeped in history. The infamous Cellular Jail stands as a moving reminder of India’s freedom struggle, while nearby attractions like Corbyn's Cove Beach, North Bay Coral Island, Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep), and Viper Island showcase both colonial heritage and natural charm.
A Paradise for Nature & Wildlife Enthusiasts
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a UNESCO-recognized Endemic Bird Area, home to over 270 species and sub-species, with 106 found nowhere else on Earth. The Andaman Wood Pigeon (State Bird), Andaman Padauk (State Tree), and the gentle Dugong (State Animal) are just a few of the region’s natural treasures.
With 96 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 9 National Parks, and 1 Biosphere Reserve, these islands offer unmatched opportunities for eco-tourism. From birdwatching in lush forests to snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs, every experience feels like stepping into a living postcard.
Area & Location :
| AREA | ||
|---|---|---|
| Total Area | 8249 | |
| Andaman District | 6408 | |
| Nicobar District | 1841 | |
| URBAN AREA | 16.64 | |
| RURAL AREA | 8232.36 | |
| ALTITUDE ( HIGHEST POINT ) | |
|---|---|
| Andaman Islands (North) | |
| Saddle Peak | 732 Meters |
| Andaman Islands (South) | |
| Mount Harriet (Mount Manipur) | 365 Meters |
| LOCATION | |
|---|---|
| Location | Bay of Bengal |
| Longitude | 920 to 940 East |
| Latitude | 60 to 140 North |
The Andaman Islands are located in the Bay of Bengal, with a longitude range of 92° to 94° East and a latitude range of 6° to 14° North. The total area of the Andaman Islands is 8,249 square kilometers, with the Andaman District covering 6,408 square kilometers and the Nicobar District covering 1,841 square kilometers. The urban area is 16.64 square kilometers, while the rural area is 8,232.36 square kilometers.
Here are some distances by sea and air from Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands:
Between Port Blair & Chennai : 1,190 kilometers by sea, 1,330 kilometers by air
Between Port Blair & Calcutta : 1,255 kilometers by sea, 1,303 kilometers by air
Between Port Blair & Vishakapatnam : 1,200 kilometers by sea
The Andaman Islands have a total length of 467 kilometers, a maximum width of 52 kilometers, and an average width of 24 kilometers. The Nicobar Islands, on the other hand, have a total length of 259 kilometers and a maximum width of 58 kilometers.
The highest point in the Andaman Islands is Saddle Peak, located in the northern part, with an altitude of 732 meters. In the southern part, Mount Harriet is the highest point at 365 meters.
The biggest island in the Andaman group is Middle Andaman Island, covering 1,536 square kilometers, while the biggest island in the Nicobar group is Great Nicobar Island, spanning 1,045 square kilometers. The smallest island in the Andaman group is Ross Island, with an area of 0.8 square kilometers, and the smallest island in the Nicobar group is Pilomillow Island, covering 1.3 square kilometers.
Shopping at Andaman Islands
Andamans is not really a place to go shopping. But Port Blair is coming up with some good markets, like the other Indian cities. Here you will find Handicraft products mostly made from Wood, Jute, Bamboos, corals, sea shells, etc are the speciality of the islands. The Sagarika Emporium/ Cottage Industry is the best point of shopping. The tribals are away from the civilised world so their handicrafts and traditional crafts do not come into the market. In Andamans one can look out for the decorative items and things made from the sea shells. Corals are also sold in the market in various sizes and colours.
ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS WEATHER
Best time to visit Andaman Islands
The Islands have a tropical climate. The South-west Monsoon sets in Andaman Nicobar Islands towards the end of May and the North-east Monsoon in November. There is no fury of hot summer, no chilling winter, no water clogging or traffic jams. For those who want to enjoy boating, swimming, snorkeling, sightseeing all 12 months is season. North Indians find relief from burning heat and chilling winter if they visit the island from May/June/July and in December/January. Season for nature lovers is May to December when forest is lush green and waterfalls are at their prime. Divers can enjoy the best during December to April and bird watchers during winter times.
Andaman has a moderate temperature all through the year within the range of 23°C to 31°C. It has a tropical climate. There are no severe climate conditions except for tropical storms and rains in late summers and monsoons.
Summers (March to May) are warm but pleasant with sea breeze and have humidity level about 80%. It is suitable for all kinds of tourist activities.
Monsoon season is also recommended for visit to Andaman & Nicobar Islands as tourist can have more options both indoors and outdoors. There is no water clogging or traffic jams. The lush green vegetation and scenic beauty of the islands are more predominant in monsoon. Monsoons (May to August) and Post Monsoons (September to November) accompany medium to heavy rain falls. Hoteliers in Andamans offer attractive discounts during monsoon seasons.
Winters (December to February) are not chilly and ideal for sightseeing.
