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 Portblair
- The capital of the 350 odd islands of Andaman and
Nicobar, Port Blair is located at about 1,200 km from
Kolkata and Chennai. The superb beaches and fascinating
marine life on the reefs coupled with the opportunities you
get for water sports, bird watching of fishing makes Port
Blair one of the most interesting and enchanting tourist
destinations in the country. It was in 1789 that Captain
Archibald Blair of the Bombay Marine (the East India
Company’s Navy) established a penal colony on this site,
naming it Port Cornwallis. The first European settlement on
the islands was established in 1858 near the site of the old
penal colony. The colony was named Port Blair in honour of
Captain Blair. The islands Andaman and Nicobar are home to
some of the oldest tribal communities in the world. Though
most of the tribes out here have modernized some of them
still continue to exist in the ‘primitive’ stage and are
hostile to outside interference. The climate in the islands
is quite moderate with temperature ranging between 20 to
30ºC. The south-west monsoons arrive here between mid-May
and June and the north-east monsoons between November and
December. The period between December and early April is the
best time to visit this place. Once you are in Port Blair,
the list of attractions to visit is endless. Be it the
wonderful and unexplored beaches, the picture perfect marine
life and the islands or the many water sport activities,
Port Blair has always been a favourite destination for many.
The Zoological Park and the mini zoo with its unique
collection of wildlife species; the Cellular Jail, the major
landmark of the island: the government-operated Chatham Saw
Mill, the oldest and largest wood processor; and the
anthropological museum are some of the must visit sites
here. Besides, you can visit the marine museum known as
Samudrika, which houses a huge collection of corals, shells
and 350 species of marine life; the cottage industries
emporium, a storehouse of artefacts of pearl, seashells and
local wood products; and the Corbyns Cove, the nearest beach
to Port Blair.While you are in Port Blair, take some time
off to explore the nearby islands. The Ross Island houses
the old British bungalows, most of which are now in ruins.
Wandoor is a group of 15 islands, all stunningly beautiful.
The Jolly Buoy Island, Havelock Island, Cinque Island, Viper
Island and Neil Island are other exciting options.
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