Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar islands, that comprises of 350 odd islands. Out of these huge number of islands only few of them are Inhbaited. These are islands are yet to be touched by the amenities of the modern life, these islands are truly provides a perfect tropical paradise. The history of this island is not a very hapy one as this was used as a torture cell for the Indians who were caught by the Britishers while trying to fight against the British raj in India. The prisoners brought to this place were sent here never to be seen again by there families. Earlier feared and dreaded by the people this tropical haven was named 'kala pani' or the place of black waters
These islands are a true paradise for ecologists and ornithologists with more than 242 species of birds, 46 species of mammals and 78 species of reptiles, some of them almost extinct still walk these islands. Port Blair supports a population of around 300,000 that are mostly dependent on the tourists for their lively hood. Port Blair also supports a lot of museums that are part of the town. The best museum is the city is the navy museum that is about various coral reefs and shells that are found around this city. Also zoological park and the mini zoo in the area offering various wildlife species are quiet popular with locals and tourists
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park at Wandoor is at a distance of 29 Kms. from Port Blair covering an area of 281.5 Sq.Kms. This Marine Park made-up of open sea, creeks and 15 small and large islands, is one of the best found anywhere in the world. Viewing of rare corals and underwater marine life through glass bottom boats,SCUBA diving and Snorkelling are a lifetime experience for anyone
Gandhi Park
This beautiful park at Port Blair 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.
The erstwhile Dilthaman tank, which was the only source of drinking water to Port Blair, and the
area around it has been developed into Gandhi Park in an unbelievably short time of 13 days. Entry
free. Open on all days of the week
Sippighat Farm
Sprawling over an area of 80 acres is a Government farm. Research & Development programmes for cultivation of spices like cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, coconut and pepper are conducted here. Research and Demonstration farm of the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) is nearby
Jogger's Park
Jogger's Park situated at one of the highest points in Port Blair offers a panoramic view of the Port
Blair. In the backdrop of the fully lit landscape, the place provides excellent view of the area. A
must see for visitors in the evening
Chidiya Tapu
Chidiya Tapu is the southernmost tip of South Andaman. The lush green mangroves, forest cover
with numerous chirping birds and the Sylvan Sands and Munda Pahar beaches make it an ideal
picnic site. The forest guesthouse situated on top of a hillock provides a fabulous view of isolated
islands, submerged corals and the breath-taking sunset. A biological park has also been opened for
tourists
Collinpur
Situated near to Tirur, this place has a beautiful sandy beach with shallow water. Suitable for swimming, sun basking and viewing sunset
Madhuban
This place is a trekking area, north east of South Andaman. Exotic endemic birds, animals, butterflies, and elephant lumbering are the most interesting part of the trek
Mount Harriet
The summer headquarters of the Chief Commissioner during British Raj, this place is an ideal for a nice and fascinating over view of the outer islands and the sea. It is the highest peak in the South Andamans (365 metres high). One can trek upto Madhuban through a nature trail and can find rare endemic birds, animals and butterflies. Conducted tours to Mt. Harriet are available from Andaman Teal House
Cellular Jail
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 agonising story of 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 30th December 1943 at a place near this Jail
This three-storeyed prison, constructed by Britishers in 1906, is a pilgrimage destination for
freedom fighters. This colossal edifice has mutely witnessed the most treacherous of inhumane
atrocities borne by the convicts, who were mostly freedom fighters. Now dedicated to the nation as
a National Memorial
The saga of the heroic freedom struggle is brought alive in a moving Son-et-Lumiere, shown daily
inside the jail compound at 6.00 PM (Hindi) and 7.15 PM (English). Also there is a Museum, an Art
gallery, and a Photo gallery, which are open on all days except Monday from 9.00 AM to 12 Noon
and 2.00 PM to 5.00 PM
Mini Zoo
Mini Zoo Situated at Haddo (Delanipur - Chatham road), it houses some of the rare species of endemic birds and animals found in these islands.
National Memorial
This three-storeyed prison, constructed by the Britishers in 1906, is a pilgrimage destination for
freedom fighters. This colossal edifice has mutely witnessed the most treacherous of inhumane
atrocities borne by the convicts, who were mostly freedom fighters. Now dedicated to the nation as
a National Memorial. Timing:9.00 AM to 12.30 PM, 1.30 PM to 4.45 PM. It is closed on Monday
Anthropological Museum
Started in the year 1975-76, the Anthropological museum in Port Blair is an ethnographic museum.
It illustrates the four Negrito Tribes of the Andamans viz. the Jarawas, Sentinelese, Great
Andamanese and the Onges and two Mongoloid tribes of the Nicobar viz. the Nicobarese and the
Shompens. Timings:8.30 AM to 1.00 PM, 1.30 PM to 4.30 PM. It is closed on Thursdays & Govt.
Holidays
Fisheries Museum
Situated near Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex, Port Blair, it exhibits species of marine life
endemic to the Islands and Bay of Bengal. It is closed on Mondays and Public holidays/second
Saturday. Timing: 9.00 AM to 1.00 PM, 2.00 PM to 4.45 PM
Samudrika (Naval Marine Museum)
Situated opposite to Andaman Teal House, Delanipur, Port Blair, 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 of the islands are on display. Timings: 9.00 AM -12.00 Noon, 2.00 PM-
5.00 PM, Closed on Mondays & Holidays
Zoological Survey of India (Museum)
Situated near Andaman Teal House, this museum exhibits several varieties of sponges, coral,
butterflies and centipedes etc. Open on all working days from 9.00 AM till 5.00 PM. Saturday,
Sunday & Public Holidays
Science Centre
Here is the place where you come to know that Andaman & Nicobar islands were all part of the
South Asian mainland with continuous mountain range running down from the Arakan Yomas in
Burma through Sumatra, Java and Indonesia. Then, 150 million years ago, due to geological
activity, the land submerged and created the islands of mountaintops. The genesis of the Andaman
& Nicobar archipelago is depicted through interactive exhibits in the Andaman & Nicobar islands
gallery of the centre
But it is only a part of the whole. This science centre explains the science of oceans, while allowing
the visitors to create waves of varying parameters and explore their features. Here you can see the
youngest rock sample found in India. It is a testimony to the under-crust activities still going on
around the Barren Island. Finish with it and you are invited to the flora and fauna of the islands, to
its tourist attractions or to the rare simulated view of the oceanic floor
