Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) Travel Guide 2025: Gateway to Andaman Islands Paradise Capital City - Your Adventure Hub to Island Hopping
Discover the vibrant capital of Andaman & Nicobar Islands with historic Cellular Jail, island-hopping adventures, pristine beaches, and authentic cultural experiences.
Historical Sites
Cellular Jail, Museums
Freedom struggle heritage
Airport Hub
Veer Savarkar Airport
Direct flights from major cities
Ferry Terminal
Island hopping gateway
To Havelock, Neil, Ross
Accommodation
200+ hotels & resorts
Budget to luxury options
What You'll Discover in This Sri Vijaya Puram Guide
Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) - Gateway to Andaman Islands Paradise
Official Name Change & New URL
In December 2023, Port Blair was officially renamed to Sri Vijaya Puram by the Government of India. This page is now available at the new URL reflecting the official name change.
New Official URL:
www.tropicalandamans.com/destinations/sri-vijaya-puram
The old Port Blair URL still works but redirects here for convenience.
Sri Vijaya Puram (formerly Port Blair), the bustling capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, serves as the perfect starting point for your island adventure. Home to approximately 100,000 residents, this vibrant city combines rich colonial history, modern amenities, and serves as the transportation hub for exploring the spectacular Andaman archipelago.
Why Visit Sri Vijaya Puram in 2025?
- ✅ Historic Cellular Jail - UNESCO heritage site and freedom struggle museum
- ✅ Island Hopping Hub - Gateway to Havelock, Neil, Ross & 550+ islands
- ✅ Cultural Experiences - Museums, local markets, and tribal heritage
- ✅ Modern Infrastructure - Best hotels, restaurants, and healthcare
- ✅ Adventure Base - Scuba diving, snorkeling, and water sports
- ✅ Direct Connectivity - Flights from Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai
Quick Facts About Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair)
Geography & Demographics
- 📍 Location: 11.67°N, 92.75°E
- 🌡️ Climate: Tropical with 23°C to 31°C year-round
- 🏝️ Area: 17.52 square kilometers
- 👥 Population: ~100,000 residents
- 🗣️ Languages: Hindi, English, Bengali, Tamil
Tourist Infrastructure
- 🏨 Hotels: 200+ properties (budget to luxury)
- 🍽️ Restaurants: 100+ dining options
- 🚗 Transport: Taxis, auto-rickshaws, buses
- 🏥 Healthcare: GB Pant Hospital & private clinics
- 🏧 Banking: All major banks with ATMs
Top Tourist Attractions in Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) 2025
From historic monuments to natural wonders, Sri Vijaya Puram offers diverse attractions that showcase the rich heritage and natural beauty of the Andaman Islands.
Cellular Jail National Memorial
Also known as "Kala Pani," this colonial-era prison housed Indian freedom fighters. The light and sound show narrates India's freedom struggle story.
⏰ Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
💰 Entry: ₹30 (Indians), ₹100 (Foreigners)
🎭 Light & Sound Show: 6:15 PM & 7:30 PM
📍 Distance: City center (2 km)
Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island)
Former British administrative headquarters with colonial ruins, peacocks, deer, and stunning ocean views. Perfect for history buffs and photographers.
⛴️ Ferry: Every 30 minutes from Aberdeen Jetty
💰 Entry: ₹30 + ₹100 ferry charges
⏰ Duration: 2-3 hours exploration
🦌 Wildlife: Spotted deer & peacocks
North Bay Island - Coral Paradise
Famous for underwater coral views, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Features on the ₹20 rupee note. Glass-bottom boat rides available.
🏊 Activities: Snorkeling, Scuba, Sea Walk
💰 Snorkeling: ₹1,000 per person
🤿 Scuba Diving: ₹3,500 per person
🚤 Boat Ride: ₹500 return
Anthropological Museum
Showcases the indigenous tribal culture of Andaman & Nicobar Islands with artifacts, photographs, and models of tribal life.
⏰ Timings: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
💰 Entry: ₹20 (Indians), ₹50 (Foreigners)
📸 Photography: ₹20 extra
🚫 Closed: Mondays & National Holidays
Samudrika Naval Marine Museum
Run by Indian Navy, displays marine life, corals, shells, and the history of Andaman Islands. Perfect for understanding local biodiversity.
⏰ Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
💰 Entry: ₹50 (Adults), ₹25 (Children)
🐢 Highlights: Sea turtles, coral displays
🚫 Closed: Mondays
Corbyn's Cove Beach
The nearest beach to Sri Vijaya Puram city center, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Coconut palm-lined shore with restaurants.
📍 Distance: 8 km from city center
🏄 Activities: Jet skiing, banana boat rides
🍽️ Facilities: Restaurants, changing rooms
🌅 Best Time: Sunrise & sunset views
Island Hopping from Sri Vijaya Puram - Your Gateway to Paradise
Sri Vijaya Puram serves as the main transportation hub for exploring the stunning islands of Andaman. Plan your island-hopping adventure with our comprehensive ferry guide.
Ferry Schedule from Sri Vijaya Puram (2025)
| Destination | Ferry Type | Duration | Frequency | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) | Government / Private / Cruise | 1.5 - 2.5 hours | 5-6 daily | ₹400 - ₹1,850 |
| Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) | Government / Private | 2 - 3.5 hours | 2-3 daily | ₹450 - ₹1,200 |
| Ross Island | Regular boats | 15 minutes | Every 30 min | ₹100 return |
| North Bay Island | Speed boats | 20 minutes | Hourly | ₹500 return |
| Baratang Island | Road + Ferry | 3-4 hours | Early morning convoy | ₹200 + transport |
🎫 Ferry Booking Tips
- ✅ Book government ferry tickets online at www.andaman.gov.in
- ✅ Private ferries like Makruzz, Green Ocean, Nautika available
- ✅ Book 30-45 days in advance during peak season (Oct-May)
- ✅ Carry printout of e-tickets and valid ID proof
- ✅ Reach jetty 1 hour before departure for check-in
- ✅ Consider sea conditions - rougher during monsoons
⚓ Popular Island Routes
- 🏝️ Classic Triangle: Port Blair → Havelock → Neil → Port Blair
- 🏝️ Quick Getaway: Port Blair → Ross & North Bay (day trip)
- 🏝️ Adventure Route: Port Blair → Baratang → Rangat
- 🏝️ Extended: Include Long Island, Diglipur for 7+ days
- 🏝️ Luxury: Seaplane to remote islands (Little Andaman)
- 🏝️ Budget: Government ferries + local transport
Where to Stay in Sri Vijaya Puram - Hotels & Resorts Guide 2025
From luxury resorts to budget guesthouses, Sri Vijaya Puram offers accommodation for every traveler and budget.
Luxury Hotels
₹5,000 - ₹15,000/night
5-star properties with pools, spas & fine dining
Mid-Range Hotels
₹2,000 - ₹5,000/night
Comfortable stays with modern amenities
Budget Options
₹800 - ₹2,000/night
Clean guesthouses & homestays
Best Areas to Stay in Sri Vijaya Puram
🏛️ Aberdeen Bazaar & City Center
- • Walking distance to markets, restaurants
- • Close to Cellular Jail & museums
- • Best for first-time visitors
- • Wide range of hotel options
🏖️ Corbyn's Cove Area
- • Beachfront resorts available
- • Quieter than city center
- • 15-20 minutes to main attractions
- • Perfect for beach lovers
🌳 Delanipur & Haddo
- • Residential areas with homestays
- • Budget-friendly options
- • Local neighborhood experience
- • Good connectivity to ferry terminals
✈️ Near Airport
- • Convenient for early flights
- • Several business hotels
- • 20-30 minutes to city attractions
- • Ideal for short stopovers
Best Restaurants & Local Food in Sri Vijaya Puram 2025
Savor fresh seafood, local delicacies, and international cuisine in the culinary capital of Andaman Islands.
🍤 Must-Try Andaman Delicacies
Lobster Thermidor
Fresh Andaman lobster in creamy sauce
Chilli Crab
Local mud crabs in spicy gravy
Fish Curry
Coconut-based Andamanese curry
Coconut Prawn
Prawns in fresh coconut gravy
🌟 Fine Dining
- Amaya Restaurant - Seafood specialties
- Bayview at Sinclairs - Continental & Indian
- Mandalay Restaurant - Burmese cuisine
- Nicobari - Traditional tribal food
🍽️ Popular Restaurants
- Annapurna Cafeteria - Pure vegetarian
- Lighthouse Residency - Rooftop dining
- New Lighthouse - Local seafood
- Icy Spicy - Multi-cuisine family restaurant
☕ Cafes & Street Food
- Café Athena - Coffee & continental
- Aberdeen Bazaar - Street food heaven
- Gagan Restaurant - South Indian snacks
- Baker's Villa - Fresh bakery items
Essential Travel Tips for Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) 2025
✈️ Getting to Sri Vijaya Puram
By Air (Recommended):
- Direct flights from Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore
- Flight duration: 2-2.5 hours from Chennai/Kolkata
- Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ)
- Book 2-3 months ahead for best prices
By Sea (Adventure Option):
- Ships from Chennai, Kolkata, Visakhapatnam
- Journey time: 50-60 hours
- Schedule varies by season
- Book through shipping.andaman.gov.in
📅 Best Time to Visit
Peak Season (Oct - May):
- Perfect weather, calm seas
- All water activities operational
- Higher prices, advance booking needed
- Best for: Diving, snorkeling, beach activities
Off Season (Jun - Sep):
- Monsoon season, rough seas
- Some ferries may be cancelled
- Lower prices, fewer crowds
- Best for: Budget travel, cultural exploration
🚕 Getting Around Sri Vijaya Puram
- 🚖 Pre-paid Taxis: Available at airport & ferry terminals
- 🛺 Auto-rickshaws: Cheapest for short distances
- 🚗 Rental Cars: ₹1,500-2,500/day with driver
- 🏍️ Two-wheelers: ₹300-500/day (license required)
- 🚌 Local Buses: Economical but less frequent
- 📱 App Cabs: Limited availability, pre-book recommended
📋 Essential Information
- 📄 Permits: No permit needed for Sri Vijaya Puram
- 💰 ATMs: Widely available, carry some cash
- 📶 Mobile Network: Airtel, BSNL work best
- 🏥 Medical: GB Pant Hospital for emergencies
- 🔌 Electricity: 220V, power cuts possible
- 💧 Drinking Water: Stick to bottled water
🎒 What to Pack for Sri Vijaya Puram
👕 Clothing
- • Light cotton clothes
- • Swimwear
- • Sun hat/cap
- • Light jacket for AC
🧴 Protection
- • Sunscreen SPF 50+
- • Mosquito repellent
- • Sunglasses
- • After-sun lotion
💊 Health
- • Basic medications
- • Motion sickness pills
- • Band-aids
- • Hand sanitizer
📱 Electronics
- • Waterproof phone case
- • Power bank
- • Camera
- • Universal adapter
Frequently Asked Questions About Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair)
Q: Do I need a permit to visit Sri Vijaya Puram?
No, Indian nationals don't need any permit to visit Sri Vijaya Puram. Foreign nationals get a 30-day permit on arrival at the airport. Permits are only required for restricted areas like tribal reserves and some islands.
Q: How many days should I spend in Sri Vijaya Puram?
Plan for 2-3 days in Sri Vijaya Puram to cover major attractions like Cellular Jail, Ross Island, North Bay, and museums. Most tourists use it as a base for day trips and then move to Havelock and Neil Islands.
Q: Is Sri Vijaya Puram safe for solo travelers and families?
Yes, Sri Vijaya Puram is very safe for solo travelers, families, and women. The crime rate is low, locals are friendly, and tourist areas are well-policed. Standard precautions like avoiding isolated areas at night apply.
Q: What's the best way to book ferry tickets?
Book government ferry tickets online at www.andaman.gov.in up to 30 days in advance. Private ferries like Makruzz and Green Ocean can be booked through their websites or travel agents. During peak season, book as early as possible.
Q: Can I use credit cards and UPI in Sri Vijaya Puram?
Major hotels, restaurants, and shops accept credit/debit cards. UPI is increasingly accepted but not universal. ATMs are available throughout the city. Carry cash for small vendors, auto-rickshaws, and remote areas.
Q: What's the weather like year-round?
Sri Vijaya Puram has a tropical climate with temperatures between 23°C to 31°C throughout the year. October to May has pleasant weather with calm seas. June to September sees monsoons with rough seas and occasional ferry cancellations.
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