If you’re visiting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Port Blair (officially, Sri Vijaya Puram) will likely be your introduction. It’s home to the only commercial airport in the union territory, and while many people simply wiz through en route to more popular vacation spots, it’s worth sticking around for a bit. You’ll find plenty of things to do in Port Blair and its environs, from visiting an old jail-turned-museum to spending time in natural preserves. It’s also home to fantastic restaurants, many with gorgeous sea views.
Visit Port Blair during the October to May high season, when weather conditions are at their most favorable (meaning dry). If you come around Christmas and New Year’s, you can attend the Island Tourism Festival, which features all sorts of cultural performances—just note that this is peak season, so book tours and hotels well in advance. Avoid coming during monsoon, which starts in June and can continue through September, as rainy conditions can make getting around a challenge.
Getting around Port Blair is fairly straightforward, and taxis and auto-rickshaws are widely available; however, you will need to be prepared to bargain (ridesharing apps, such as Ola and Uber, do not work in Port Blair). You can also book a taxi for a whole day or get around by relying on tours that include round-trip transportation from your hotel.
Seafood fans who want to try quintessential Andaman dishes can get their fix at Seafood Delights, a popular "multicuisine" restaurant that also serves Indo-Chinese, European, and North Indian fare. You can also order prawns and squid cooked in the tandoori style (in a traditional oven). If you'd rather dine with views of the ocean, head to Amaya in the SeaShell hotel, where fresh seafood and vegetarian dishes are served on a terrace overlooking the sea.
