Hours in PORT BLAIR
The lively capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands boasts a long, beautiful coastline looking out to the surreal shades of the Andaman Sea. Surrounded by forests and teeming with luxury resorts, bazaars, and historical sites, Port Blair offers a huge range
5:00 am
Begin your island sojourn by waking up early and driving 17 kilometres south to Chidiya Tapu, known for its indigenous and migratory birds, and otherworldly sunrises. Visit the eponymous beach and watch the sun slowly rise from the ocean. If you wish to spend more time here, go on a 60-minute trek through thick mangroves to the black-rock clifftop of Munda Pahad, and watch the waves crashing against the rocks. Visiting hours of Munda Pahad: 9 am to 3:30 pm.
After your rewarding trek, head to Brewberry’s Cafe to gorge on fresh brownies, French-press coffee, wraps, loaded sandwiches, and more. The brand has over 100 outlets across the country, and its cafe in Port Blair is a popular tourist hangout best known for its hot and cold brews.
10:00 am
Run by the Indian Navy, Samudrika Naval Marine Museum offers insight into the island’s ecosystem, diverse flora and fauna, and indigenous tribal communities. The entrance displays the skeleton of a blue whale that once washed ashore on Kamorta Island. The aquarium and zoo inside house corals, turtles, fish, saltwater crocodiles, and seashells recovered from poachers.
12:00 pm
FRESH SEAFOOD SPREAD
Although New Lighthouse Restaurant has an impressive global menu, it’s the freshly-caught seafood—grilled, steamed, or barbecued to perfection—that makes the eatery popular among locals and tourists. Take a tuk-tuk to this openair restaurant for lunch, pick a breezy spot on the rooftop, and wolf down delicious grilled crabs and prawn curry with a glass of local beer.
1:00 pm
Enjoy the idyllic beach life by heading to the quieter Corbyn’s Cove Beach, around six kilometres from Aberdeen Jetty. Curl up with a book on a sunbed, or scuba dive in the turquoise waters to swim with schools of colourful fish. The largely pristine beach is fringed with coconut groves and ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing.
4:00 pm