Start with Cellular Jail for history and Corbyn's Cove for a beach stop. Choose North Bay for marine activities, Ross Island for colonial ruins, or a separate road outing to Chidiyatapu or Wandoor.

Which places fit your visit?

  • History: Cellular Jail in the city; Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island) for a separate boat outing.
  • Beach without an island crossing: Corbyn's Cove, reached by road.
  • Marine activities: North Bay, reached by boat; confirm the activity and return sailing before booking.
  • Nature by road: choose Chidiyatapu or Wandoor as your longer outing.

For a first visit, choose one city day and one longer excursion. Our two-day Port Blair itinerary puts these choices into an order; the guide below helps you decide which stops deserve your time.

Cellular Jail National Memorial

The prison was completed during the British colonial period and later became closely associated with India's freedom struggle. Today, it stands as a National Memorial and includes museum, art and photographic galleries. It is located at Atlanta Point in Sri Vijaya Puram, according to the South Andaman district administration (opens in a new tab).

Best for understanding the islands' role in India's freedom struggle. Visit the galleries during the day; attending the Light and Sound programme is a separate evening plan. Check the official visitor schedule and ticket arrangements before choosing your date.

Photo: Pinakpani (source opens in a new tab) · CC BY-SA 4.0 (licence opens in a new tab)

Museum buildings inside the Cellular Jail complex, Sri Vijaya Puram

Photo: Pinakpani (source opens in a new tab) · CC BY-SA 4.0 (licence opens in a new tab)

Martyrs' statues standing beside the Cellular Jail in Sri Vijaya Puram

The museum buildings inside the complex, and the martyrs' statues alongside it.

Corbyn's Cove Beach

The palm-fringed beach is approximately six kilometres from Port Blair town according to the South Andaman district administration (opens in a new tab). The area is known for swimming, sunbathing and water-sport activities.

Choose it for a road-accessible coastal stop after city sightseeing. It does not require a ferry reservation. Follow beach notices and check local conditions before entering the water or booking an activity.

Photo: Yercaud-elango (source opens in a new tab) · CC BY-SA 4.0 (licence opens in a new tab)

The palm-fringed sweep of Corbyn's Cove Beach near Sri Vijaya Puram

North Bay Island

The island is known for its coral reefs, snorkelling opportunities and sea-walk experiences. Official South Andaman information (opens in a new tab) notes that private ferry services operate from Aberdeen Jetty.

Choose North Bay if snorkelling or other marine activities are the reason for your outing. Ask the operator what the boat ticket includes, what activities cost separately, and when you must return to the departure point. Weather can change the plan.

Photo: Yercaud-elango (source opens in a new tab) · CC BY-SA 4.0 (licence opens in a new tab)

The shoreline and shallow water at North Bay Island, Andaman Islands

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island)

Formerly known as Ross Island, this former British administrative centre is a history-focused boat outing, with colonial ruins and the Smritika museum. The South Andaman district guide (opens in a new tab) describes access from Aberdeen Jetty.

Choose Ross Island for heritage rather than underwater activities. A combined Ross Island and North Bay trip depends on the available service; confirm both stops and the return sailing instead of assuming every boat visits both.

Roots reclaiming the colonial ruins on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island.Photo: Vinayaraj (source opens in a new tab) · CC BY-SA 4.0 (licence opens in a new tab)

Roots reclaiming the colonial ruins on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island.

Chidiyatapu

Located toward the southern end of South Andaman, Chidiyatapu is known for bird watching, scenic views and sunsets. The area also includes a biological park and Munda Pahar Beach. Official district information (opens in a new tab) places Chidiyatapu roughly 28 kilometres from Port Blair.

Allow a separate half-day as a planning choice, including the road journey back. Agree your return transport before setting out, especially if staying for sunset. This is a nature outing rather than an extra stop between city museums.

Photo: Yercaud-elango (source opens in a new tab) · CC BY-SA 4.0 (licence opens in a new tab)

The forested shoreline at Chidiyatapu, South Andaman

Wandoor Beach

The beach lies near the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, and boats for the Marine National Park operate from Wandoor Jetty. Official information (opens in a new tab) places Wandoor approximately 29 kilometres west of Port Blair.

A beach visit and a Marine National Park boat trip are different plans. If you want the boat excursion, confirm its operating day, destination and entry requirements before travelling to Wandoor. Do not assume a beach visit includes an island ticket.

Photo: Biswarup Ganguly (source opens in a new tab) · CC BY 3.0 (licence opens in a new tab)

Wandoor Beach, the departure point for the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

Museums and more historical places

For a shorter city outing, consider the Anthropological Museum, Samudrika Naval Marine Museum or Chatham Saw Mill, all listed by the South Andaman district tourism office (opens in a new tab). Check opening days before making one your alternative to a boat trip.

Our nearby-attractions guide covers local options. For the hotel-to-landmark route, use the individual Cellular Jail, Samudrika or Chatham Saw Mill page.

Choose a base for your sightseeing

Compare the tradeoffs in our guide to where to stay in Port Blair. If staying at Hotel Ambika Residency, use the Prem Nagar address and arrival routes to plan your first and last journey.