Port Blair Tourism & Travel Guide

Chidiya Tapu, well known for its rich collection of birds, white spotted deer and orchids, draws many visitors, and is a perfect place for nature lovers. It is worldwide famous for its thick, green vegetations, enchanting beaches, collections of corals, colorful butterflies and most importantly, the view of the sun setting in the wine red horizon. The place also offers excellent sites for snorkeling.

This beach is very well maintained by Govt officials. The sun-set on this beach is 'don't miss it'. The still water and surrounding environment make you feel to stay there forever.

As soon as you reach the location u come to know that some serious environment damage has happend at this place.Ya the damage is that, the 2005 Tsunami was hit at this place the first and it had seriously damaged the place. Chidiya Tapu, well known for its rich collection of birds, white spotted deer and orchids, draws many visitors, and is a perfect place for nature lovers. The place also offers excellent sites for snorkeling. The best thing about this place is its "SUNSET VIEW".One of the best sunsets i have ever seen in my Life.The colour of the SKY while it starts becoming dark and the calmness of the place makes it SERENE!!!!

30 kms away from the main city, Chidiya Tapu is situated. This is the best place to see sunset and bird watching and hence this is also known as “Sunset Point" and "Bird Island”.

At about 5.30 PM, another agent picked me up from the hotel for Chidiyatapu sunset visit. The driver was from Andhra Pradesh. The drive took me about 1 hour and during the entire ride, the driver ensured that I wasn’t getting bored by providing me some interesting facts about Andaman. It seems there is an island in Andamans – Sentinal Island - where a group of tribals reside. All they know to do is to hunt and eat (even human beings). If any aid is being sent by the government through some people, these tribals capture them and murder them. They never give back the bodies. Hence, now they just drop the food from a helicopter. They do not understand what is being communicated and they do not trust anyone, even those helping them. Anyways, after hearing such interesting stories, I finally reached Chidiyatapu beach where I could witness the consequences of Tsunami in 2004. Many trees were uprooted by the nature and they were still there in the same condition. Had some beautiful sights to capture on my camera. I then went onto witness sunset close to the beach. Frankly speaking, the clouds had hidden the sun and I was quite disappointed. On my way back, I happened to interact with one of the tea sellers. I was expressing my surprising observations about the people of Andamans to the tea seller. He revealed that tourists throng this island because of the natives’ honesty and also went on to declare that in case any native misbehaves with a traveler, he himself would strike him down!! I was quite taken aback. The driver dropped me back to the hotel safely and I expressed my immense gratitude to him for the insights he shared with me during our drive.

The next morning we headed to Chidiya Tapu which is popular for its amazing view of the sunset. The botanical garden nearby is another attraction which you may visit if time permits.There, I saw one of the largest trees ever -The Thitpock tree that needed a panoramic view to capture its magnificence on camera.

All of the islands here have something new to offer. Chidiya Tapu is where we got to see gorgeous sunset view.This island is a few kilometeres drive from Port Blair

Also known as the "Sunset Point", Chidiya Tapu is a secluded beach where you can witness the most beautiful sunset ever. But this location is also inhabited by crocodiles, so you need to be careful. Buses ply regularly between Port Blair and Chidiya Tapu till 5pm, so you need to plan your visit accordingly.8. Waste time with your beloved on Ross and Smith Islands

Witnessing a stunning sunset at Chidiya Tapu is one of the popular options in the things to do in Andaman.

Go Birdwatching At Chidiya TapuIf you are nature and bird lover then this is the place to be. Away from the hustle bustle of Port blair visit this place to view spectacular sunset along with birds.

Chidiya Tapu is located at 20 km south from Port Blair. A small 2 km trek takes us to sunset point. A wine red horizon, cool breeze, enchanting beach is perfect place for nature lovers. Various types of birds are spotted here.

Chidiya TapuA picture perfect place amidst the jungles is the best place for bird lovers. Though there are no restaurants or food stalls available here, reminiscent of the tsunami, uprooted trees will be enough to give you chills.Return to Port BlairAfter collecting memories of the life time, we returned back to Port Blair and next morning departed to Chennai.If you plan for 10 days to spend in Andaman, following modification in itinerary can be planned.• Explore North Bay Island, Viper Island and Ross Island to add to your cherished memory of this Indian Archipelago.• Spend one more day in Havelock.• Plan a trip to serene and undiscovered north Andaman.• Explore Diglipur, nesting turtles and twin Ross and Smith islands.With several natural wonders of nature, and divine underwater life, the Andaman has so much to offer that you will never get tired of exploring. Have a rendezvous with this off beat India to gather around experience of a life time.

The driver timed the return journey is such a way, that we could be at the sunset point on the dot. By the time, we reached there, a lot of tourist buses had unloaded their tourists who were eagerly waiting for that moment of golden rays to fall on the water. The rays were so golden, that even the gleam of the real gold was less shiny. My picture which I posted below would vouch for that.

We woke up early and arrived at Rajiv Gandhi Sports Complex to gear ourselves for scuba diving at North Bay Island (about 20 mins ferry ride away). Once we had our Scuba Diving Swimsuit on, we were taken to the Diving Spot by a small boat. We were then trained individually for 30 min before the activity actually began. If you wish, you can opt for photography for which you will be charged Rs. 500 extra. You are then taken inside the water through a small rope stair case with your helmet on. There are guards accompanying you so it is very safe. Once inside the water, the experience is divinely magical, you can see marine life to its purest form, various types of corals and fishes. After the heavenly experience to the North Bay we returned Port Blair by noon. We then fastened ourselves for Wandoor Beach, around 25 kms from Port Blair- famous for rubber plantations and fabulous rides to Jolly Buoy island. After relaxing ourselves for the day at lovely beaches went back to the resort to gear up for next day stride to Baratang for Limestone caves, Mud Volcanoes and aboriginal tribes of the island.

Sea Walk at North Bay. It is one of the most amazing things ever ! You get to see corals, sea anemones, different hued fishes and what not. Absolutely breathtaking it is.

North Bay (Coral Island) North Bay (Coral Island) is accessible from Port Blair via ferry. The treasures of these coral islands are unforgettable. As the underwater world comes alive, one forgets that there is a less perfect world outside, so engrossing are the vast expanses of colorful corals, fish and vegetation. A peek into this magic land leaves one in a daze for the rest of the day. Coral island with white sand beaches and surrounded by the pristine beauty of Nature. The sea has gifted this island with all the splendour to attract any sea loving human. The coral reefs, though damaged, are gorgeously decorated by nature to stun the visitor.

North Bay Island is about an hour ferry ride from Port Blair.One of the best places to enjoy Sea sports.*North bay lighthouse is printed on the back of Rs.20 note - Check out

The next day after returning from Jolly Buoy was for some adventure deep in the sea ...Yes ! underwater..Nope not scuba diving but rather an altogether different experience 30 feet deep in the water on the sea bed. In fact we did what is called 'Sea Walking', relatively new activity in India, and it is introduced in Andamans by M/s Sea Link Adventures. Sea Walking can be done either off coast of North Bay, just a 20 mins ferry ride across narrow seas opposite of Port Blair, or at Elephant Beach at Havelock Islands. We reported at the jetty at Rajiv Gandhi Sports Complex at 10 in the morning.The day was bit windy and so the sea had gone little rough as a result of which all small boat rides were suspended for some time. The weather disappointed us, for the rough sea would restrict the viewing distance underwater while we go for sea walking. Anyways since Rs. 7000/- per head was already paid in advance for sea walking, we had to venture in. We boarded the ferry to North Bay and just before docking at the beach, we were transferred to a small boat by the Sea Link Adventures personnel to a pontoon in the middle of the sea. Several nets were installed underwater around a perimeter of the pontoon within which we were supposed to do sea walking. Once on board the pontoon, we were given a short briefing about the safety features of the mechanism that will take us underwater, and how to communicate with hand signals their. After changing to appropriate clothing, we, one by one, put on a glass helmet which was continuously supplied with pressurised breathable air that prevented the sea water rise within the helmet. We were climbed down the ladder attached to the pontoon into the sea water, accompanied by scuba divers who were available as a safety measure. Soon we were taken to a depth of over 30 feet below the sea level onto the sea bed and with bit of difficulty initially in balancing the body, we started to sea walk. We came across colourful school of fish, colourful corals ,star fish and other marine life. It was an experience worthy of remembrance. After 40-45 mins of sea walk, we climbed back to the pontoon and before leaving to the North Bay beach, Sea Links Adventures handed over us a CD containing our underwater photographs that they had taken during our sea walk.It was complementary from their side. Upon reaching the shores at North Bay, we changed to dry clothes and had a relishing fish meal. We did a bit of souvenirs shopping on the island, before boarding on the ferry back to Port Blair with beautiful memories and experiences.

We woke up early and arrived at Rajiv Gandhi Sports Complex to gear ourselves for scuba diving at North Bay Island (about 20 mins ferry ride away). Once we had our Scuba Diving Swimsuit on, we were taken to the Diving Spot by a small boat. We were then trained individually for 30 min before the activity actually began. If you wish, you can opt for photography for which you will be charged Rs. 500 extra. You are then taken inside the water through a small rope stair case with your helmet on. There are guards accompanying you so it is very safe. Once inside the water, the experience is divinely magical, you can see marine life to its purest form, various types of corals and fishes. After the heavenly experience to the North Bay we returned Port Blair by noon. We then fastened ourselves for Wandoor Beach, around 25 kms from Port Blair- famous for rubber plantations and fabulous rides to Jolly Buoy island. After relaxing ourselves for the day at lovely beaches went back to the resort to gear up for next day stride to Baratang for Limestone caves, Mud Volcanoes and aboriginal tribes of the island.

North Bay islands are one of the best island that you can visit to spot underwater corals and water adventure sports like jetski, banana boat ride and sea walk.

A small trivia here, the island that you see on the back of a 20 rupees Indian currency, happens to be the North Bay Island. Surrounded by rugged hills and forests , the North bay Island is a place to dive into the great blue. Finally the much awaited bucket list ticked off in the form of scuba diving. After learning the hand communication language since one cannot communicate under water and taking some basic diving lessons i took a dive into the depth of great blue.A breathtaking and surreal experience of my life. Finding Nemo quite literally and exploring the vast treasure hidden beneath the water. A bliss as the corals came alive in front of my very eyes. The ocean has a life of its own, its own kingdom where i was the guest. If there happens to be any moment where Time stood still, this was it. The adventure and the adrenaline rush was unparalleled. My Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara Mement !!

Andamans is famous for its amazing riverbed, especially the coral reefs and pristine white shores. Today, it was our chance to see them close and personal. So, we reached the Water Sports complex jetty at Port Blair early morning, and after a brief halt, we were on a ferry to North Bay Island. There’s a package tour for Ross Island and North Bay Island and I suggest you go for it as it will save you the hassle of booking a ferry from North Bay Island again. Safety is one thing that the people of Andamans take seriously. So, every boat or water scooter you ride, you are made to put on a life jacket. If you want, you can also book a private boat to visit these islands.Now, the boats cannot anchor at North Bay Island as it would affect the coral reefs. So, the boats are anchored mid-sea and you board a glass-bottom boat. The experience is simply amazing. Trust me it can’t be expressed in few words. The view is spectacular and you can see the coral reefs in splendid colours floating beneath your feet.Well, don’t leave North Bay Island without trying sea walking. You don’t need to know swimming to try sea walking.After a fresh out-of-water experience, we headed to Ross Island on a ferry. Ross Island was once the administrative headquarter for the British. However, an earthquake struck the island in 1941 and the British left Ross Island to settle in Port Blair. Ross Island gives you an eerie feeling. There are ruins of the printing press, a giant distillation plant, and a tennis court. There are deer and peacocks on this island and they don’t feel disturbed by your presence. You can just sit here for hours looking at the crystal clear water as it changes colour unpredictably.This place gave birth to the photographers in us.Day 4Havelock

This place is amazing if you want to spend your time leisurely. Reach the Wandoor Jetty by 8 am in the morning or as early as possible. You need to get your permits done. After that, board the ferry you are allotted and reach Jolly Buoy. Spend around 3 to 4 hours there and then you need to return by the same ferry.

The best Island and the best beach ever!!!!! Reaching to this place is very tough.Only 70 tickets are issued per day , and the people willing to go are 300-400.We knew going there will be very difficult, but out of no where we made some good local friends who helped us to reach this place. No eatables and no plastic bags are allowed there, we are required to deposit everything before leaving for JOLLY BUOY Island. After reaching there , then we came to know why is this one of the MOST beautiful ISLAND of Andaman. The cleaniness of the beach and the colour of the water makes it more app. The only place in andaman where we could see Star Fish....

It's a beautiful island and a good diving spot. Don't carry the plastic bags. The bags are checked before you go there.

We had to get off our ferry into a glass-bottomed boat to reach the island. The water here was clearer than any I had ever seen. The corals at the sea-bed were clearly visible and we saw entire schools of clown fish (in common tongue – Nemo) swimming through the corals. The boatman took us close to the shore where we got down into the beach. It looked just like paradise – the white sand in the beach, the islands surrounding ours, the beautiful clear water with corals in the bottom, the sea with multiple shades of blue as the depth changed and the clouds moved above, the warm sun and the cool breeze.

This beach can be visited while staying at Port Blair. One needs to obtain the Forest department pass for a trip to Jolly Buoy island the next morning. The boat to this island leaves Wandoor at around 9 am. The boats usually get crowded with tourists. But the one-hour boat cruise over the beautiful blue waters makes it easier The Island is amazingly beautiful with turquoise pristine waters surrounding it. Check out the pictures to see how the waters change colors. This is another place for snorkelling. Best thing about this place is that Jolly Buoy is plastic-free and junk-free, thanks to sensible and simple restrictions well enforced by the government

A great place to see the under water world. This place boasts of the most amazing corals and pristine beaches one could ever witness in a life time. Jolly buoy and Redskin islands have an alternate opening i.e When Jolly buoy is open for six months(the corals need time to grow) Redskin remains close and vice - versa. These two island and few others are a protected site under Mahatma Gandhi National Park Project. This island like many others in port blair is a no-plastic zone. The only way to reach Jolly buoy is to take a ferry from Wandoor beach. It is imperative in port blair. There are no restaurants or eateries of any kind at Jolly buoy or Redskin, so, i strongly suggest you carry your own food! Upon reaching you can take a boat ride, walk around on the beach, do snorkelling or just get in the water and enjoy the beauty of the place. The snorkelling gear is available on rent and the guys(guides) will assist you underwater with snorkelling. Once you don your snorkelling gear its a different world out there, beautiful, colourful corals everywhere and such clear view of the entire sea! It should in-fact be on top of your list when you visit port blair.

Jolly Buoy was nevertheless the most scenic beach of all we visited in Andaman during our 5 days trip. It is a 'No-Man's Land' and doesn't have any facility for changing room nor toilets. It neither has any provision for killing time if you get bored of the blue seascapes, clear water, and white silvery beaches. But this island fills you with enormous peace and is perfect for a break from the hectic schedules of city life. It is as if time slows down here. Mother Nature has bestowed this island with some of the breathtaking sceneries which are pristine, serene and sublime. We were really excited experiencing such wonderful natural bounty in the midst out busy schedules back in the mainland. Now back to our trip, we changed our clothes and ventured into the waters. The life guards posted their have earmarked certain stretch of the beach within which the tourists are allowed to stay so that we remain within their reach in case of any untoward incident. So while strolling on the beach we ensured we remain within these safety limits. Jolly Buoy, because of its clear waters, rich corals and other marine life, is well-known for scuba diving, snorkelling and for those who don't want to dive into the waters, glass bottom boats are available. There are around four coral reefs which can be seen from the glass bottom boats and believe us, it is worth investing every penny ! We went an hour long ride on glass bottom boat experiencing some of the most colourful, diverse marine life consisting of mostly a variety of corals, sea cucumber, beautiful species of fish, eel , blue & black star fish etc. We used to pull over a black plastic sheet on our heads to have a clear view of the magical wonders under sea at each of the coral reefs. Soon we felt hungry. So we had our lunch in a quiet place around they but not that far from the reach of the life guars. We took several snaps while moving in the beach, capturing memories for rest of our lives. Our return ferry reached at about 4pm and soon we were on our way back to Port Blair but not before catching a glimpse of 'Dollar Fish' at Wandoor beach which is mostly exported from Andamans. It is a species of sea fish, red in colour and as per the locals, it is one of the sought after delicacy in the town.

Jolly Buoy Island is a part of Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. The park is in Wandoor situated at a distance of nearly 30 kms from Port Blair. From there you will travel by a ferry, and then through a boat to the island. I recommend each one to visit here because of the amazing, colourful live corals and fish. You have to take permits and tickets either from the tourist office or you can just come over to wandoor and book your tickets from the counter. but my advice is to do it in advance as only a fixed number of tourist are allowed to enter. Carry extra clothes for the water activities like snorkelling, glass bottom boat rides. This place has the best underwater life in whole of andaman. Island has changing rooms and toilets but nothing more. This is a plastic free zone and very clean. Its worth mentioning an old man who was cleaning the place who helped us to take some pics and it was good. We had no spare clothes still we went for the water activities, enjoyed to the fullest and came back soaked. While returning we prefered the local bus and am glad we did that.

We came back to Port Blair and made our way to Wandoor which was our stop to catch a boat to Jolly buoy island.Jolly Buoy is another beautiful island surrounded by mesmerising green-blue water. You can try snorkelling or take a trip by a glass boat and peep through it to see underwater world.

Take a fascinating ride in glass-bottom boat on Jolly Buoy Island

Go Snorkelling in Jolly buoy islandYou would need to get permit in advance along with your tickets to visit this little beautiful island. Do take care of ferry timings that operate from 10.30 am to 2.30 pm only. If you dont want to do snorkelling then do try glass bottom boat ride through which you can see fishes and corals underneath.

beautiful sunset and water sports.

We then proceeded to Corbyn’s Cove Beach which was on the edge of this island. The drive along Marine Drive to the beach was truly breath-taking – smooth roads curving along the coast, clear waters on the left and a gentle breeze in the hair. The beach was beautiful with a lot of coral washed ashore. We relived our childhood when we used to collects shells on the beach, but this time we picked out the most beautiful and intricate corals. We walked along the shore till the end of the beach where we found some nice photo spots.

This was the first beach we visited and undoubtedly it was one of those serene, so much cleaner and beautiful beaches. We decided to witness the sunrise over this beach and reached by 6 AM. We were quite before time and hence could play around and click several of the horizon, sea, friends, coconut trees pictures. It was a bit cloudy hence we couldn't see the full fledged sunrise but this was a good start of out Andaman trip. This beach also proved to have a special significance for us because 2 of our friends had been to a beach for the first time in their lives and they were simply amazed at what all a simple sea beach can offer and what can it do to you.

Touching down at the Port Blair airport and driving through the streets you will fall in love with the spic and span streets. Corbyn's cove beach was our first tryst with Andaman's sea. Its a  large beach lined with coconut trees in the surrounding and offers some interesting water sports for the adventure seekers.A ride on the water scooter should be definitely on your list as it will be surely a thrilling and fun experience.

A scenic stroll along the coast of the beautiful Corbyn’s Cove Beach lined by lush green palm trees should be part of every Andaman trip.

Wander - Wandering around I discovered some of the most friendly and open hearted people. Everyone ready to answer questions, give directions or simply - chat! Wandered in a middle school on 26 th to participate in their flag hoisting ceremony. Not only did they invite me to join in, but also handed me a box of sweets!

Corbyn’s Cove Beach

After lunch, we went to Corbyns Cove beach. It was very crowded. You could do Jet-ski here, and the coconut water was also delicious. We sat on the beach for sometime and then, left for the light and sound show at Cellular Jail(also, known as Kala Pani).

From there, we went to Corbyn’s Cove Beach. Spent a while there, watching people enjoy the speed boats, and it was evening by then.