HISTORICAL SITES

CELLULAR JAIL –NATIONAL MEMORIAL - The Cellular jail, declared a National Memorial, is located at Port Blair which had stood as a mute witness to the most brutal and barbaric atrocities meted out to national freedom fighters, who were incarcerated in this jail. The jail, completed in the year 1906 acquired the name 'Cellular' because it was entirely made up of individual cells for solitary confinement. It originally was a seven-block structure with three stories and a central tower acting as its fulcrum comprising of honeycomb like corridors. This jail, now a place of pilgrimage for all freedom-loving people draws everyone down memory lane to the years of freedom struggle. Jail Museum open from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon and from 1:30 pm to 4:45 pm. Sunday closed.

LIGHT AND SOUND SHOWS- The Sound and Light show in the Cellular Jail narrates the saga of the Indian freedom struggle, brought alive through sound and light effect of the brutal and barbaric atrocities piled on the freedom fighters deported to these islands and incarcerated in the small cells of this jail. This show is very popular among the tourists visiting these islands. Timing: Hindi show all days from 6:00 pm to 7:15 pm except Monday, Wednesday & Friday. English show starts at 7:15 pm. Light and Sound Show is also Performed in Ross Island.

ROSS ISLAND - This small island, less than a square kilometer stands right across Port Blair. This island served as the capital to the Britishers from 1858 to 1941 when the Japanese occupied it and converted it to a 'POW site'. This island homes the ruins of the church, Chief Commissioner's house, the Cathedral and graveyard of the Britishers and few other important landmarks which today is hugged by wild wines and huge roots and trunks of century old trees which are very evocative of the ruins and remains. To reach Ross Island, private ferries are available from Aberdeen Jetty except on Wednesday.

VIPER ISLAND - This island derives its name from the vessel 'Viper' in which Lt. Archibald Blair came to these islands in 1768 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. Gallows built on the top of the hillock, visible to all prisoners in the island, signified death. The jail at Viper, where prisoners deported from the mainland and confined, was built by the Britishers under the supervision of Major Fort. Private ferries operate to Viper Island during Harbour cruise from Aberdeen Jetty every day at 3.00 PM

BEACHES

CARBYN'S COVE BEACH - Corbyn's Cove beach- the coconut-palm fringed beach, six kilometers away from Port Blair town is ideal for swimming and sun-basking. Facilities like hotel, restaurant, bar, changing room, adventure water-sports are available here. Historical remains like Japanese Bunkers can be seen on the way to this beach. The Snake Island situated just across the beach is popular for scuba diving. The Waves Restaurant & Beer Bar run by Tourism department provides delightful cuisine at reasonable rates in a soothing ambience on the beach.

NORTH BAY BEACH - North Bay beach which is north of Port Blair provides snorkelling opportunities around its fringing coral reefs. Private ferry service takes one from Aberdeen Jetty across North Bay and brings back after a three hour stay. The corals at North Bay are spread over a large area. During snorkeling one can spot many species of fish, often lobsters and even clams on the coral reef. Sea walk is the latest addition of facilities there to watch under water life.

MUNDAPAHAR BEACH, CHIDIYATAPPU - MundaPahar beach is 2.75 Kms from Chidiyatappu bus stop and is preferred for swimming. Frequent bus services are available from Port Blair bus terminus to Chidiyatappu- the southernmost tip of South Andaman Island. It is situated at a distance of 28 Kms from Port Blair Bus stand. It is famous for bird watching, sunset view, panoramic scenic beauties, and many colours of oceanic view. The biological park at Chidiyatappu is the added attraction.

WANDOOR BEACH - About 29 Kms. west of Port Blair is the famous Wandoor beach known for scenic beauty and is very popular amongst tourists. The range of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is just across Wandoor Beach. To visit the Marine National Park, boats are available from Wandoor Jetty.

COLLINPUR BEACH - This beach situated near Tirur, 36 Kms away from Port Blair has a beautiful sandy beach with shallow water which is ideally suitable for swimming, sun-basking and sunset viewing.

MUSEUMS

ANTHROPOLOGICAL MUSEUM - The Anthropological museum in Port Blair started in the year 1975-76, is an ethnographic museum. It showcases the four Negrito Tribes of the Andaman viz. the Jarawas, Sentinelese, Great Andamanese and the Onges and two Mongoloid Tribes of the Nicobar viz. the Nicobarese and the Shompens. This museum is closed on Thursdays and Govt. Holidays.

SAMUDRIKA (NAVAL MARINE MUSEUM) - Situated opposite Andaman Teal House, Delanipur, Port Blair, this museum create awareness on various aspects of oceanic environment and houses a vast collection of cells, corals and a few species of colourful fishes of the sea around the islands. Closed on Mondays and Public Holidays.

MORE PLACES

RAJIV GANDHI WATER SPORTS COMPLEX - This water sports complex is the first of its kind in India that offers all possible aqua-sports facilities including safe water sports and Adventure water sports within one water sports complex. In the safe water sports complex paddle-boats, row-boats, glass-bottom and bumper boats are available. In the adventure sport front, Jet Ski, parasailing, banana boats, speed boats are offered. The Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex houses a memorial of the 'Battle of Aberdeen' fought between the Britishers and the Andamanese aboriginals in 1859.

CHATHAM SAW MILL- The Chatham saw mill is one of the oldest saw mills in Asia. It is built on a tiny island and connected to Port Blair by a bridge. It is a store house of timber varieties like, Padauk, Gurjan, Marble, Satin wood etc. The Chatham Island has the second largest wharf of these islands where island-mainland ships can berth. Within the saw mill compound is a museum showcasing the various timber wealth of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The museum offers an insight in to forest activities through scale models and display decorative pieces made of Padauk, Marble, Peauma, Gurjan, Satin wood etc. Closed on Sundays and Industrial Holidays.

SCIENCE CENTRE - The Science Centre, situated five kms from Port Blair town, has an 'Andaman and Nicobar Islands Gallery' with interactive exhibits depicting genesis of the islands, volcanic activities, science of oceans, Fun Science gallery, modern technology gallery, Taramandal (Portable planetarium), and an in-house butterfly pen. It is closed on all Mondays and Public Holidays.

GANDHI PARK - This beautiful park at Port Blair has facilities like amusement rides, safe water sports and nature trail around the lake, garden, restaurant and historic remains like Japanese temple as well as a bunker. The erstwhile Diltaman tank, which was the only source of drinking water for Port Blair and the area around has been developed as Gandhi Park in an unbelievably short time of 13 days. It is open on all days.

MOUNT HARRIET - Mount Harriet, 55 Kms by road/ 15 Kms by ferry and trek was the summer headquarters of the Chief Commissioner during British Raj. This place is ideal for fascinating overview of the nearby islands and the sea. It is the highest peak in the South Andamans (365 mts. high). At Mount Harriet, there is a Forest Guest House where tourists can take rest and refresh themselves.

Havelock Island (50 Kms by sea from Port Blair via Neil Island 62 Kms.) - This island, with beautiful sandy beaches fringed with green canopy of the rain-fed forests beckons everyone to enjoy the frolic and fun at the azure sea. Vijay Nagar beach, 5 Kms away from the Jetty on the eastern side and Elephant beach, 10 Kms from the Jetty, including trekking through the forest on the north western part of the island are other breathtaking beaches. The Tourism Department organises Island Camping, with tented accommodation, during the tourist season at Radha Nagar beach.

1.1 - Radhanagar Beach - Radha Nagar Beach lies on the south coast of Havelock Island. It is about 12 kilometers from the Islands ferry pier. Radha Nagar is a Grade A beach of outstanding quality. This beach is also rated as the best beach. in Asia by TIME Magazine. It has an overall length of two kilometers and an average width of 30 to 40 meters. The sand is white and very fine in grain. The beach has a gentle gradient of around 1:20 and continues out into the sea as a sandy bottom for over 100 meters.

1.2 - Vijaynagar Beach - Vijaynagar Beach, Havelock, is a long stretch of sand on the east coast of the Island, punctuated occasionally by rock section. Most of the beach is lined by mahua trees, whose trunks grow along the ground for many feet before they begin to climb vertically. These trees have lent a distinct character to the sea front and provide shade, close to the water. Vijaynagar Beach is perfect for long walks along the sea. Dolphin Resort is run by the Tourism Department and many other hotels are also located on this beach.

1.3 - Elephant Beach - This beach is another ideal site for snorkeling. It has a rich coral reef formation and amazing underwater marine life. One can reach Elephant beach by small cruise boat from Havelock Jetty in about 40 minutes. By road one can go up to the Forest Camp which is 8 Kms from the Jetty towards Radhanagar side and from there by walk to the Elephant beach which will take another 40 minutes. Private ferry operators organize tours to Elephant beach from Havelock.

Neil Island (36 Kms by sea from Port Blair) - This beautiful island with lush green forests and silver sandy beaches is connected by boat daily from Port Blair, which provides an ideal holiday for eco-friendly tourists. One can feel the serenity of village life here. The beaches at Laxmanpur, Bharatpur and Sitapur and Natural Bridge formation on the sea-shore are fascinating. It offers snorkelling and scuba diving as aqua activities.

Little Andaman Island (125 Kms by sea from Port Blair) - Little Andaman island located south to south Andaman, has varied attractions in store for the tourists. There are two water falls in the islands, both in the midst of the ever green rain forest. White Surf Water Falls is 6.5 kms from Hutbay Jetty.The other water fall – Whisper Wave is 20 kms away from the Jetty. Journey to Whisper Wave includes four kilometers of trekking through the forest. Butler Bay, a beautiful beach is 14 Kms.Netaji Nagar beach 11 Kms from Hutbay Jetty and Harminder Bay beach are other beautiful beaches in the island. One can witness elephant lumbering operation and elephant calves training inside the forest. Little Andaman is also famous for its Red-oil palm plantation, which spreads over an area of sixteen hundred hectares. There is a palm oil extraction factory inside the plantation which can be visited while travelling between the White Surf Waterfall and Butler Bay beach.

Cinque Island (26 Kms by sea from port Blair) - A sanctuary with rare corals and under-water marine life, Cinque Island has fine sandy-beach and sand–bar connecting North and South Cinque Islands and tropical rain-forest. There is no scheduled ferry service to Cinque Island. Chartered boats of permitted category are allowed from Port Blair and Wandoor. To visit, one may contact private boat operators in Port Blair to hire a boat with due permission from the Forest Department.

Baratang Island (100 Kms. by road from Port Blair) - This island between South and Middle Andaman has beautiful beaches, mangrove creeks, mud-volcanoes and limestone caves. Andaman Trunk Road to Rangat and Mayabunder goes through this island. Limestone cave can be explored with the permission of Forest Department at Baratang and proper local guidance. Limited Govt. accommodation is available at Baratang. Also visit the Parrot Island nearby during sunset times to sea hoards of parrots flocking which gives picturesque memory to take back.

Rangat (170 Kms. by road and 90 Kms by sea from Port Blair) - One is exposed to the quiet village life at Rangat, Middle Andaman Island. You can also breathe unpolluted air, a rare availability for the city dweller. Amkunj Beach, 15 Kms. away from Rangat Bazar/ jetty towards Mayabunder and Curtbert Bay beach, 20 Kms. away from the Rangat Bazar jetty towards Mayabunder are the beaches near Rangat. Curtbert Bay is a Turtle- Nesting ground. One can view the nesting of turtle during December-February period. Hawks Bill Nest a Guest House, managed by the Directorate of Tourism is near Curtbert Bay beach. From here one can visit Mayabunder and Diglipur also

6.1 - Amkunj Beach - Aamkunj beach is located at a distance of about 08 kms from Rangat towards Mayabunder and about one km. from the Nimbutala helipad. Amkunj Bay beach is another sandy beach on the way to Cutbert Bay. This beach, barely 100 mts from the main road i.e. ATR, is ideal for swimming, sun bathing and relaxation. This beach, developed in a unique way with the help of eco-friendly structures, has a couple of eco-huts and groves named after locally found flora (casurina, jamun, pandanus). The eco-friendly beach facilities such as log sofas, log tepoys, indeed novel and innovative ideas, provides a perfect place for recreation to the people of Rangat and the adjoining villages.

6.2 - Moricedera Beach - Moricedera is an ideal location for picnic in a natural environment of sea on one side and lush green forest on the other side. It is located along the ATR at a distance of 12 kms from Rangat towards Mayabunder. Eco-friendly beach furniture's, sea facing sit out areas and their proximity to sea makes it an ideal location to relax. A walkway in between Twin rocks (a unique rock formation) leads to a spectacular horizon view point which motivates everyone to feel “sky is the limit”. A fresh water stream located at this side is not only perennial but also scenic. It serves as natural swimming pool for the visitors.

6.3 - Dhaninallah Mangrove Creek - Dhaninallah Mangrove Nature Walk is located at a distance of 20 Kms. from Rangat adjacent to ATR. It is a wooden boardwalk meandering through mangrove creek for a distance of 713 mtrs. It is the longest walkway of its kind in the whole country. This place Dhaninallah is named after a mangrove associate locally called as Dhanipatti. This Walkway leads to a very beautiful long beach called as Dhaninallah beach, which is known for turtle nesting.

Long Island (102 Kms. by sea from Port Blair) - Connected with Port Blair by boat four times a week, this island offers an exquisite sandy beach at Lalaji Bay with unpolluted environment and evergreen forests. The sea around the island is frequented by Dolphins. Lalaji Bay beach six kilometers away from the Jetty is accessible by 15 minutes journey by engine dinghies. One can also trek through the dense forests. To reach Long Island by boat one has options from Rangat / Yeratta Jetty / Uttara Jetty near Baratang Island.

Mayabunder (240 Kms by road from Port Blair) - Situated in the Northern part of Middle Andaman Islands, Mayabunder offers excellent scenic beauty, mangrove creeks and beautiful beaches. Beaches at Avis Island (30 minutes boat journey from Mayabunder), and Karmatang (13 Kms) are fascinating.

8.1 - Karmatang Beach and Rampur Beach - Rampur beach is on the outskirts of Mayabunder town. Karmatang beach is before reaching Mayabunder and is hidden from the road going past it by a rock outcrop and coconut plantations. The place is quite enchanting. The water is clean. The waves are not too rough and sand soft under the feet. Rampur Beach is smaller of the two and with less shade. It is right next to the road. Close to the beach, you can also see a portion of mangrove forest.

Barren Island (139 Kms by sea from Port Blair) - The only active volcano in India is located in Barren Island. The volcano erupted once in 1991 and again in 1994-95, after remaining dormant for about 177 years. This island is about three kilometers in diameter and has a big crater of the volcano, about half a kilometer away from the shore. The island can be visited by chartering Ship and with the permission of Forest Department the ships are only available from Port Blair. Foreign nationals are restricted to be onboard the vessel only and landing ashore is not allowed.

Diglipur (325 Kms. by road from Port Blair) - Situated in North Andaman Island, Diglipur provides rare experience for eco-friendly tourists. The place is famous for its oranges, rice, forest wealth and marine life. Saddle Peak (732 Mtrs) is the highest point in the Andaman Islands. Kalpong the only river in Andamans flows from here. The only Hydro-electric project of the islands is on this river. Trekking to Saddle Peak through the evergreen forest, Kalipur, Lamiya Bay and Ram Nagar beaches and the sandbar joining Ross and Smith islands are a fascinating experience. Ram Nagar Beach, Kalipur and the Sandbar joining Ross and Smith islands are famous for Turtle Nesting during December-February season. One can enjoy unhurried holidays here. Turtle Resort run by the Directorate of Tourism at Kalipur provides comfortable accommodation. There are few private resorts as well.

10.1 - Ross and Smith Beach - Ross & Smith islands are actually two islands – Ross & Smith joined together by a sand bar to make a single group of islands. Ross & Smith Islands requires forest permit from the Forest Office at Diglipur. The permission costs Rs 50 for Indian tourists and Rs 500 for foreign tourists and can be obtained on all days (except Sunday) between 6am to 2pm. A fisherman's boat ('dinghi' in hindi) or a speed boat can be hired and the ride would take around 25 mins from the Ariel Bay Jetty in Diglipur.

10.2 - Lamiya Bay Beach - The beach lies a few kilometers ahead of Kalipur beach and marks the foothill of Saddle Peak, the highest peak of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. To reach Lamiya Bay, take the road that goes to Kalipur beach from the jetty, and go ahead of the Kalipur beach. One can have a long and intense moment of solitude at the beach, while sitting on the rocks and hearing the waves crash against the rocks that produces a melodious sound and brings peace and calmness to the mind.

10.3 - Ram Nagar Beach - Ramnagar Beach is a shrine beautiful beach located at a distance of 70 kms from Mayabunder (take a diversion from Kalara Jn. of ATR) and 35 kms from Diglipur. This beach is suitable for swimming. A nature trail for trekkers is an added attraction. Turtles from Australia find their way to Ramnagar beach for nesting. Eco-friendly beach facilities like eco-huts, benches and seating arrangements have been provided. Pathi level beach Pathi Level beach in Diglipur is a little isolated and far away from the main city. To reach the beach, you need to walk from Ramnagar beach or take a fiber boat from Kishorinagar.

10.4 - Kalipur Beach - Andaman and Nicobar Islands are also home to thousands of turtles during their nesting period. During the winter months of Dec/Jan, turtle nesting takes place in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Turtle Nesting takes place at Kalipur beach and Ramanagar Beach at Diglipur also. There are facilities provided by Forest Department, for Turtle Nesting at Kalipur Beach.

Mud Volcano - Mud Volcano Diglipur The mud volcanoes at North Andaman are described by local as better than that found in Baratang Island. The mud volcanoes at North Andaman are located at Jal Tikry near Hathi level around 20Km from Diglipur Bazaar (direction towards laxmipur).
20Km from Diglipur there are a chain of mud volcanoes could be witnessed in the green jungle. One has treck for 15 minutes in the semi-evergreen forest to reach mud volcano. At the initial point, bigger and dormant mud volcanoe can be sighted. On proceeding further for few minutes fresh emerging mud volcanoes could be seen. Information boards are provided for visitors.

Limestone Caves in Diglipur – Alfred Caves - Alfred Caves lie in the Diglipur sub division near Ramnagar beach. To reach Alfred caves reach Kalara Junction and go to Ramnagar. Or else, board a bus from Diglipur bus stand and get down at Ramnagar. From here, you have to hire a guide or take help of a forest guard to guide you through the way to the caves. If you are planning a visit, start early in the morning so that you are back by evening. A trek through the primary jungle leads to Alfred caves-a cluster of amazing 41 caves. It is a den for swiftlets and fruit eating bats. Best time to visit the caves is from October to March. The caves with a very narrow entrance, open up into chain of small caves inside.