Rising gracefully from the azure waters of the Bay of Bengal, Sri Vijaya Puram—officially renamed from Port Blair in 2024—is the vibrant capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Far more than a mere administrative hub, this tropical city serves as a historic portal where poignant colonial history, diverse cultures, and breathtaking marine ecosystems coexist.

Whether you are a history buff retracing the footsteps of India’s freedom fighters or an adventure enthusiast seeking untouched coral reefs, Sri Vijaya Puram is the mandatory, enchanting starting point for your Andaman adventure.

Strategic Entry Requirements: Permits & Documentation

Navigating the entry regulations of this strategically important Indian Union Territory is straightforward if you hold the correct documentation.

For Indian Citizens

• Entry Permits: Indian nationals do not require a visa or a special permit to enter Sri Vijaya Puram.

• Identification: A valid government-issued photo ID (such as an Aadhaar Card, Passport, or Voter ID) is required for airport and seaport security. Note: A PAN Card is generally not accepted as standalone proof of identification at security checkpoints.

• Restricted Zones: While the main tourist circuits are entirely open, independent travel into indigenous tribal reserves or sensitive defense/paramilitary areas is strictly prohibited without specialized clearance from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

For Foreign Nationals, NRIs, and OCI Holders

• Restricted Area Permit (RAP): Foreign passport holders must present their original passport and valid Indian Visa upon arrival at the Veer Savarkar International Airport or Haddo Wharf.

• Obtaining the RAP: The Restricted Area Permit is granted on arrival by Immigration Authorities free of charge and allows for a stay of up to 30 days.

• Exemptions: The Indian government has relaxed RAP requirements for 30 specific islands to boost sustainable ecotourism. Always cross-reference the official Andaman Tourism portal for the most recent updates on coastal regulation zones.

How to Reach Sri Vijaya Puram

By Air (Fastest & Most Reliable)

Flying is the most practical option for travelers operating on a fixed itinerary. Direct flights connect mainland India to Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) in Sri Vijaya Puram via several major carriers:

• From Chennai or Kolkata:

  • Average Duration: ~2 hours 15 minutes

  • Operating Airlines: IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet

• From Delhi or Bengaluru:

  • Average Duration: ~3 hours 30 minutes

  • Operating Airlines: Air India, IndiGo, Vistara

• From Mumbai or Hyderabad:

  • Average Duration: Seasonal direct routes or daily connecting flights

  • Operating Airlines: IndiGo, Vistara

  • Pro-Tip: Book a window seat on the right side of the aircraft when flying into IXZ. If weather permits, you will get incredible aerial views of the coral atolls right before landing.

By Sea (For the Slow-Travel Adventurer)

For those seeking a classic maritime experience, passenger ships operated by the Shipping Corporation of India connect mainland ports to the islands.

• Ports of Departure: Kolkata, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam (Vizag).

• Travel Time: 2 to 3 days (approximately 50–70 hours depending on sea weather conditions).

• Frequency: Highly variable, averaging 1–2 sailings per month. Tickets must be booked in advance directly via the Directorate of Shipping Services counters.

Top Historical Landmarks to Visit

1. The Cellular Jail National Memorial (Kala Pani)

Constructed by the British between 1896 and 1906, this notorious panopticon prison stands as a somber monument to India’s freedom struggle. Its seven-wing design radiating from a central watchtower ensured total isolation for political prisoners who endured grueling hard labor.

• Daytime Visits: 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM to 4:45 PM (Closed on National Holidays).

• The Evening Light & Sound Show: A moving, must-watch theatrical retelling of the jail's history narrated from the perspective of an ancient Peepal tree.

2. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island)

Located just a short 15-minute boat ride from the city center, this island was the erstwhile administrative headquarters of the British Raj. Today, nature has reclaimed the opulent ruins of the British printing presses, churches, and bungalows, leaving behind a surreal landscape populated by free-roaming spotted deer and peacocks.

3. Flag Point

A site of immense national pride, this is the exact coastal spot where Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose first hoisted the Indian Tricolor flag on liberated Indian soil on December 30, 1943, during World War II.

Natural Wonders, Beaches, and Marine Parks

Chidiyatapu Beach & Biological Park

Located 32 km south of the city center, Chidiyatapu (Bird Island) is famous for its dense mangrove forests and premium birdwatching opportunities.

• Highlights: Spotting white-bellied sea eagles, trekking up the pristine Mundapahad cliff trail, and witnessing arguably the most magnificent sunset horizon in South Andaman.

Corbyn’s Cove Beach

The closest beach to the city center (8 km away), Corbyn’s Cove is a crescent of soft sand lined with towering coconut palms. It is an ideal spot for casual swimming, sunbathing, or renting a jet ski.

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (Wandoor)

Situated 27 km from the capital, this marine sanctuary encompasses 15 pristine islands protecting vibrant coral reefs and endangered sea turtles.

• Jolly Buoy & Red Skin Islands: These two eco-islands open to tourists alternately for six months at a time to allow the coral ecosystems to regenerate naturally. Visitors catch ferries from the Wandoor Jetty for world-class snorkeling and glass-bottom boat rides.

Baratang Island Day Trip

For the intrepid traveler, a journey north through the Andaman Trunk Road brings you to Baratang Island. This off-the-beaten-path destination features active mud volcanoes, expansive mangrove boat safaris, and massive limestone caves sculpted over millennia.

Scenic Parks Within the Capital

• Joggers Park: Perched at one of the city's highest elevations, it offers a manicured walking track with panoramic views of the illuminated city and a clear line of sight to watch flights taking off from the airport runway below.

• Marina Park & Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex: A pristine waterfront promenade ideal for evening strolls. It functions as the primary jetty point for hiring speedboats to North Bay Island and Ross Island.

• Gandhi Park: Located near Aberdeen Bazaar, this peaceful park surrounds a lake and features walking trails, well-maintained gardens, and historical British-era bunkers.

• Butterfly Park: A dedicated ecological conservatory housing a rich array of endemic butterfly species native to the tropical rainforests of the archipelago.

• Mount Harriet National Park: The second-highest peak in the Andamans (accessible via a short ferry ride to Bamboo Flat followed by a road trip), offering sweeping views of the outer islands—famously depicted on the back of old Indian 20-rupee currency notes.

Island-Hopping: Transiting from Sri Vijaya Puram

Sri Vijaya Puram serves as the central hub connecting travelers to the wider archipelago, most notably Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island) and Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island).

Option A: Private Luxury Cruises

The fastest and most comfortable method to hop between islands. Luxury catamarans operate daily schedules out of Haddo Wharf or Phoenix Bay Jetty.

• Major Operators: Makruzz, Nautika, Green Ocean Cruise, and ITT Majestic.

• Travel Duration: Sri Vijaya Puram to Havelock Island takes approximately 90 minutes.

• Booking: It is highly recommended to reserve tickets online at least 3 weeks in advance during peak season (October to March).

Option B: Government Ferries

Operated by the Directorate of Shipping Services, these classic vessels cater to locals and budget travelers alike. While highly affordable and offering an authentic open-deck ocean view, schedules can fluctuate depending on shifting weather patterns. Tickets can be booked via the official STARS online portal or directly at the Phoenix Bay jetty counters.