Lets Go Port Blair

Port Blair: A Melting pot of History, Culture and Cuisines

Port Blair: A Must Visit Place in India

The term kala pani (literally meaning “black waters”) is used in India to refer to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Though the actual word is Kal (DEATH) pani. It was used by the British colonial government to refer to the penal colony that they established in Port Blair, the capital of the islands. The prisoners in this prison were kept in extremely harsh conditions, and many prisoners died from disease and torture.

About Port Blair

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Port Blair is the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a union territory of India. It is located on South Andaman Island, and is the gateway to the rest of the islands. Port Blair is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture. It is home to a diverse population of people from all over India, as well as indigenous tribes. The city is also known for its delicious seafood cuisine.

History

Port Blair was founded by the British in 1858 as a penal colony. The first prisoners to arrive were political prisoners from the Indian Rebellion of 1857. The Cellular Jail, a large prison complex, was built in Port Blair to house these prisoners. There were 693 cells in the Cellular Jail. The jail is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After the independence of India, Port Blair became the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The city has since developed into a major tourist destination, with its beautiful beaches, lush forests, and historical monuments.

Culture

Port Blair is a melting pot of cultures, with people from all over India calling it home. The city is also home to a number of indigenous tribes, including the Jarawa, Onge, and Sentinelese. These tribes have their own unique cultures and traditions, which are still practiced today.

The cultural diversity of Port Blair is reflected in its cuisine. The city offers a wide variety of dishes from all over India, as well as traditional tribal cuisine. Some of the most popular dishes in Port Blair include fish curry, chili fish curry, macher jhol (fish stew), chicken tikka masala, coconut prawn curry, and barbecue.

Food

The food in Port Blair is a delicious fusion of Indian and seafood cuisine. The city is surrounded by the sea, so fresh seafood is abundant. Some of the most popular seafood dishes in Port Blair include fish curry, chili fish curry, prawn curry, crab curry, and lobster masala (my favourite 🤩)

In addition to seafood, Port Blair also has a wide variety of other dishes to offer. There are many restaurants serving traditional Indian cuisine, as well as restaurants serving Chinese, Thai, and Continental food. There are also a number of street food vendors selling delicious snacks and treats.

Tourism

Port Blair is a popular tourist destination, and there are many things to see and do in the city. Some of the most popular tourist attractions include:

• Cellular Jail: This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built by the British in 1858 as a penal colony. The jail is a large complex of cell blocks, each of which is designed to prevent prisoners from communicating with each other. The jail is now a memorial to the Indian independence activists who were imprisoned there.

• Anthropological Museum: This museum showcases the culture and history of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ indigenous tribes. The museum has a collection of artifacts, photographs, and tribal art.

• Natural Bridge: This natural rock formation is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking. The bridge is formed by a large archway in the rock, which spans a small stream.

• Ross Island: This former British colonial settlement is now a popular tourist destination. The island is home to a number of ruins, including the ruins of the Raj Niwas, the residence of the British governor.

• Havelock Island: This island is known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters. Havelock Island is a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

• Neil Island: This island is known for its laid-back atmosphere and pristine beaches. Neil Island is a popular destination for honeymooners and couples.

In addition to these attractions, there are many other things to see and do in Port Blair. Here are a few more ideas:

• Visit the Samudrika Marine Museum, which has a collection of marine life from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

• Take a boat trip to the Mud Volcanoes, which are a series of bubbling mud pits located near Port Blair.

• Go hiking in the Mount Harriet National Park, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, monkeys, and birds.

• Take a cooking class and learn how to make traditional Andaman and Nicobar Island dishes.

• Visit a local market and shop for souvenirs and local products.

Are you planning a trip to Port Blair? Please read and be sure to allow enough time to explore all that the city has to offer. 

How to reach Port Blair?

There are two ways to reach Andaman and Nicobar Islands: by air and by sea.

By air

The Veer Savarkar International Airport is the only airport in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is located in Port Blair, the capital of the islands. There are direct flights to Port Blair from major cities in India, including Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. The flight time from Chennai is about 2 hours, and from Kolkata is about 2.5 hours.

By sea

There are passenger ships that ply between Port Blair and the mainland ports of Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam. The journey by sea takes about 3-4 days.

Once you reach Port Blair, you can take a ferry or a boat to the other islands in the archipelago.

Here are some tips for planning your trip to Andaman and Nicobar Islands:

• The best time to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands is during the winter months (November to March). The weather is pleasant during this time, and there are fewer crowds.
• If you are planning to visit the beaches, be sure to pack your swimsuit, sunscreen, and a hat.
• If you are planning to go hiking or trekking, be sure to pack comfortable shoes and clothing.
• Be sure to apply for an Inner Line Permit (ILP) if you are a foreigner. The ILP is required for foreigners to enter the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Do visit once to feel and live the heritage culture of Andaman. 

Heritage culture is important because it helps us to understand our past and our shared values. It can also be a source of inspiration and creativity.