Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) Travel Guide 2026: 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.

Explore Sri Vijaya Puram Packages Complete City Guide

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Historical Sites

Cellular Jail, Museums

Freedom struggle heritage

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Airport Hub

Veer Savarkar Airport

Direct flights from major cities

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Ferry Terminal

Island hopping gateway

To Havelock, Neil, Ross

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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

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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 2026?

✅ 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) 2026

From historic monuments to natural wonders, Sri Vijaya Puram offers diverse attractions that showcase the rich heritage and natural beauty of the Andaman Islands.

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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)

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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 (2026)

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 2026

From luxury resorts to budget guesthouses, Sri Vijaya Puram offers accommodation for every traveler and budget.

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Luxury Hotels

₹5,000 - ₹15,000/night

5-star properties with pools, spas & fine dining

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Mid-Range Hotels

₹2,000 - ₹5,000/night

Comfortable stays with modern amenities

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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 2026

Savor fresh seafood, local delicacies, and international cuisine in the culinary capital of Andaman Islands.

🍤 Must-Try Andaman Delicacies

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Lobster Thermidor

Fresh Andaman lobster in creamy sauce

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Chilli Crab

Local mud crabs in spicy gravy

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Fish Curry

Coconut-based Andamanese curry

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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) 2026

✈️ 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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Popular Activities in Sri Vijaya Puram

Scuba Diving Sea Walking