Attractions
✦ Discover the Wonders of Andaman
From historic prisons to hidden beaches — explore the islands' most unforgettable places.
Cellular Jail, Port Blair
📍 Atlanta Point, Port BlairAlso known as Kala Pani (Black Waters), the Cellular Jail is one of India's most significant historical landmarks. Built by the British over ten years, it was constructed as solitary confinement for Indian political prisoners and was the most dreaded colonial jail of its time.
The Story Behind It
The Cellular Jail was built between 1896 and 1906 by the British to imprison and isolate Indian freedom fighters who actively participated in the various movements against British rule. The unique three-storied structure was the first of its kind in India, spread out like seven spokes of a bicycle wheel, with 693 cells specially built for solitary confinement, designed so that the front of each row of cells faced the back of another. Today, it stands as a national memorial honouring the sacrifices of the freedom fighters held within its walls.
Highlights
- Walk through the corridors and step inside the original cells
- View the gallows where executions once took place
- Photo exhibition of freedom fighters and Netaji Gallery
- Evening Light & Sound Show — a moving recreation of the jail's history
Getting There: About 2 km from Port Blair city centre, easily reached by taxi or auto-rickshaw.
Corbyn's Cove Beach, Port Blair
📍 About 8 km from Port Blair cityA calm, palm-fringed beach close to the city, popular for a relaxed evening swim or simply unwinding after a day of sightseeing.
Highlights
- Gentle waves and coconut groves
- Water sports facilities
- Great spot for families
Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island)
📍 3 km east of Port BlairRoss Island was the administrative headquarters for the British during their rule in the Andamans, developed into a complete township in its heyday. Today it is also home to an old Japanese bunker built during World War II.
The Story Behind It
During British rule the island was known as the "Paris of the East." It had to be vacated after an earthquake, and today visitors can still see the ruins of buildings like the Ballroom, the Chief Commissioner's House, Government House, a Church, a Hospital, a Bakery, a Press, a Swimming Pool, and Troop Barracks — all in a decrepit, atmospheric condition.
Highlights
- Colonial architectural ruins including a hospital, graveyard, church, and chief commissioner's house
- Free-roaming deer add to the island's haunting charm
- Evening Light & Sound Show
Getting There: Ferries depart from Aberdeen Jetty (Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex). Overnight stays are not permitted.
North Bay Island (Coral Island)
📍 Short ferry from Port BlairNorth Bay Island is famous for its lighthouse, which is featured on the back of the Indian ₹20 currency note, and its easily accessible coral reefs that begin just metres from the shore.
Highlights
- Glass-bottom boat rides
- Snorkelling, sea walking, semi-submarine ride
- Scuba diving to see colourful marine life
- Lighthouse — featured on the ₹20 note
Getting There: Boats depart from the Water Sports Complex (Aberdeen Jetty) in Port Blair, with the ferry ride taking around 30 minutes.
Radhanagar Beach, Havelock Island
📍 Western coast of Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)Also known as Beach Number 7, Radhanagar was once titled the "Best Beach in Asia" by Time Magazine in 2004. This crescent-shaped, 2-kilometre-long beach is known for its soft silver sand.
Highlights
- Turquoise waters and lush greenery
- Spectacular sunsets
- Perfect for picnics, beach walks, and photography
- Rarely feels overcrowded despite its popularity
Kalapathar Beach, Havelock Island
📍 Eastern side of Havelock IslandA quieter, more secluded beach known for its dramatic black rocks set against clear blue water — a striking contrast to the white sands found elsewhere on the island.
Highlights
- Natural rock formations
- Calm shoreline and tall trees
- Best visited early morning when the light is soft
Bharatpur Beach, Neil Island
📍 Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)A shallow, calm beach known for its clear waters and gentle waves, making it one of the most popular spots on Neil Island for swimming and water sports.
Highlights
- Snorkelling and glass-bottom boat rides
- Coral beds visible close to shore
Laxmanpur Beach No. 1 & 2, Neil Island
📍 Neil IslandTwo adjoining beaches known for offering some of the most stunning sunset views in the entire Andaman archipelago.
Highlights
- Long stretches of soft sand
- Gentle tidal pools
- Uninterrupted horizon views — perfect for evening strolls
Baratang Island — Limestone Caves & Mangrove Creek
📍 About 100 km north of Port BlairThe limestone caves of Baratang Island are among the most awe-inspiring natural wonders of Andaman, formed naturally over thousands of years through the deposition of calcium carbonate, creating intricate and otherworldly rock formations.
Highlights
- Rare stalactite and stalagmite formations inside the caves
- Boat ride through mangrove creeks followed by a forest trek
- Parrot Island — thousands of parrots returning to roost at sunset
- Drive through the Jarawa Tribal Reserve Forest
Getting There: Travel by road from Port Blair to Baratang in a government convoy, followed by a short boat ride through the mangroves and a walk to the caves. Note: Indian nationals do not need a special permit; foreign nationals require a permit issued at Port Blair.
Ross & Smith Island, Diglipur
📍 Diglipur, North AndamanTwo picturesque islands joined together by a natural sandbar that appears and disappears with the tide — one of the rarest and most magical sights in the Andaman archipelago.
Highlights
- Walking across the sandbar with the sea on both sides
- Coral reefs — excellent for snorkelling in calm, clear waters
Port Blair City Attractions
📍 Port BlairChatham Saw Mill
One of the oldest and largest saw mills in Asia, offering a glimpse into the timber history of the Andaman Islands.
Samudrika Naval Marine Museum
A museum covering the marine life, geology, and history of the Andaman Islands — a great way to deepen understanding of the islands before or after sightseeing.
Anthropological Museum
Showcases the culture, history, and way of life of the indigenous tribes of Andaman through a curated collection of exhibits and artefacts.
Fisheries Aquarium
A popular attraction for families, displaying the rich and diverse marine life found in Andaman's waters.
Gandhi Park, Flag Point & Police Line Hill (Jogger's Park)
Pleasant city spots ideal for an evening walk, offering green open spaces and scenic views over Port Blair.
Wandoor Beach & Chidiya Tappu Sunset Point
📍 Port BlairWandoor Beach
A peaceful beach near the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, surrounded by mangroves and clear waters — a favourite among nature lovers.
Chidiya Tappu (Bird Island)
Known as one of the best sunset-watching spots in all of Andaman, where forest, sea, and sky come together in a breathtaking display at dusk.