Things to Do in Port Blair

Ross Island, Andaman - Everything you should knowThe Andaman Islands archipelago has many pretty islands and those are frequented by nature and marine wildlife loving tourist across the year. However, the remnants of former British settlement in the serene and remote Ross Island hold a unique charm for the visitors. The island was named after Daniel Ross, a British marine surveyor. In pre-independence India, this island was a British colony where administrative activities were at a peak. It was called Paris of the East’ and even now you can find the remnants of that colonial period. A tour in this island takes you down to road of nostalgia and also offers you an escape from the clutter of busy tourist locations in Andaman.The flora and fauna you witness in this island are amazing, and the population of peacocks, birds, and deers on the island will amaze you too. The variety of plant species on this island is also great. The ruins of a church, the cellular jail, a bakery, and several other buildings are there to be explored too. Now, the Indian Navy maintains the former British Administrative Headquarters and its numerous historic ruins. There is the Smritika Museum (Indian Navy) which is well maintained and the newest attraction for visitors is a sound and light show. It takes place every evening barring Wednesday and major holidays. Here is the list of well-curated tour packages of Andaman that you can book for an amazing holiday.How to reach Ross Island from Port BlairRoss Island is barely 2 km away from Port Bair and reaching it is therefore not a problem. You can use either the air or ferry routes to reach this beautiful small island from Port Blair.From Port Blair, the majority of tourists prefer using boats to reach the island. It does not take much time and the boat ride is quite economical too. A number of tour operators offer a trip to this island from the Phoenix Bay Jetty or Aberdeen Jetty. The boat ride from Port Blair to Ross Island takes 10 to 15 minutes, approx.Those with deep wallets can hire charter flights or helicopters to reach the island. The Veer Savarkar International airport in Port Blair is where the flights land. There are a few tour agencies that offer helicopter transportation to islands adjacent to Port Blair.Click here to check out the best honeymoon packages of Andaman.Best Time to VisitLike the majority of tourist destinations in Andaman, this island has a typical tropical climate. The summer months are quite hot and humid here. Average summer temperature hovers between 35 and 38 degree Celsius.However, the monsoon months bring down the scorching heat and the cool breeze offers a soothing experience. The temperature remains within 30 degrees Celsius in monsoon and apart from the rough sea, there is no other hassle. The island is replete with lush greenery in the monsoon months as well.However, the most ideal time to explore Ross Island is the winter months. The temperature does not dip too much and the sea conditions are optimal too. The average winter temperature in the island hovers between 15 to 22 degrees Celsius.Ideally, you should plan your vacation plan to explore this island and adjacent locations within October to march.Check out the best cruise packages in Andaman which will offer you a wonderful stay during your trip.Other Essential Info about Ross Island1. Mobile Connectivity - Like the most other islands in Andaman region, mobile connectivity in Ross island can be quite weak and it gives tourists headaches even now. Over the last few years, things have improved a bit but data speed will be sluggish and call drops and network congestions are expected. It would be the best thing to carry 3 different SIMs when you visit this island if staying in touch with those at home is a priority at all times. Despite trying all options, sometimes you may see zero network coverage on the island.2. Medical Facilities - The Island has no provision for staying overnight and there is no such medical facilities-as a consequence. You should carry medications with you or first aids stuff when you reach it from Port Blair. It is especially important for those visitors who need to take specific medications every day. Apart from medications, you may carry sunscreen and antiseptic cream when visiting the island as a precautionary measure.3. Timings to visit - Ross Island can be visited throughout the years and the first ferry leaves from Port Blair at 8.30 am. However, a majority of tourists prefer visiting the island prefer going by afternoon to witness the evening show-which is a major attraction of the island. Ideally, you should visit in the morning because there are several sightseeing options on the island. It will take some time to explore the remnants of the British colony- even in their dilapidated form. This will leave you with enough time to enjoy the evening show that begins around 5 pm and the return to Port Blair.4. Places to eat near Ross Island - Ross Island is not used for human inhabitation and it is maintained by the Indian navy. So, you will not get much eatery or restaurant here –unlike some of the nearby and popular islands. So, it is advisable that you carry enough food and water before visiting the island. Thankfully, there are a lot of places in Port Blair where you can find nearly all types of foods and snacks. In Ross Island, you will find a lot of tender coconut sellers though.5. Activities to do - The entire island is quite small and you can cover it all within a couple of hours by foot. However, the historic ruins are quite enticing and some of them have been restored by the Indian navy. Rest of the buildings is really in a dilapidated state, with overgrowth of trees and wild vegetation all around. The church is worth watching as is the Farzand Ali Store which now serves as a museum. The ruins of a former water distillation plant, printing press, tennis court, and a small cemetery are there. The island sanctuary has a good collection of animals which makes this island one of the best attractions in Andaman during the trip.The wildlife in the island, comprising mostly of the peacocks, deer, and parrots are rather bold in nature and they do not shy away from human company.Check out the list of best resorts in Andaman and Nicobar which will offer you a comfortable stay during your trip.Frequently Asked Questions:1. How do I get from Port Blair to Ross Island?It is quite easy to reach Ross Island from Port Blair and the distance is barely 2 miles. The island is connected through ferry route with the capital of the Andaman. The ferries leave mostly from Port Blair’s Phoenix Bay Jetty and reach the island in 15 minutes or so. You may opt for a helicopter tour if money is not a hindrance and you want to enjoy an aerial view of the small, pretty island.2. Is Ross Island the highest island?No, it is not the highest island in the Andamans.3. How large is Ross Island?As a matter of fact, it is among the smaller tourist accessible islands in the Andaman. It is comprised of 31 hectares. That is why it is preferred by most tourists prefer daytime trip while others cover It while exploring nearby islands.4. What water activities are available at Ross island?While most watersports-loving tourists prefer Havelock Island, Ross Island is not exactly without any option. The water sports complex provided boat can be used for a ride. It has a glass boat and so you can watch the aquatic wildlife beneath. It is a popular spot for swimming and scuba diving in Andaman. Some tour operators also make arrangements for walking undersea and you can enjoy watching fish and colorful coral reefs from close proximity.5. What are the timings of Light and Sound show at Ross Island?The famous Light and Sound show are held at the Ross Island every evening, except for Wednesdays and major holidays. The 45-minute long show has been made in alliance with renowned Bollywood personalities and it begins at 5.15 pm approx.6. Which is the best resort near Ross Island?Ross Island is not used for any type of human inhabitation and the visitors are not allowed to stay overnight. There is no resort or hotel on the island. Most of the visitors stay in nearby Port Blair where several accommodation options are available. Some of the popular resorts in Port Blair are Palm Grove Eco Resort, Fortune Resort Bay Island, Peerless Sarovar Portico and Wild Grass Resort.7. What places can we visit around Ross Island?Ross island is in close proximity to Port Blair and it is not very far from popular tourist destinations like Neil island and Viper Island. In fact, most tour operators offer tours in these islands on the same day or in a couple of days.8. What is the ticket price of the light and sound show at Ross Island?The amazing light and sound show that is held every evening at Ross Island have an entry fee of INR 100 for adult visitors. For the kids, you need to pay one-fourth of that amount. Advance booking is required to witness the show.9. What happens in the light and sound show in Ross Island?The amazing light and sound show of Ross Island has renewed tourists interest in the remote island in Andaman archipelago, as it is. The show has been created with inputs of famous Bollywood personalities like Revathy, Gulzar, Shabana Azmi, and Resul Pookkutty. It features Dolby Surround sound for outdoors and showcases the glorious past of the Andaman. Witnessing this light show is one of the best activities to do in Andaman.10. Do we have to pre-book boats to visit Ross Island from Havelock?Ross Island has direct and regular ferry connectivity from Port Blair. So, it will be necessary to pre-book private ferries to visit Ross Island from Havelock. A number of companies offer private speedboats to let the tourists cover these islands and the nearby attractions. Of course, they charge higher than the govt ferries.Andaman is famous for its water sports. Check out the best water sports in Andaman and take the adventure to the next level.

The most unique feature of Andaman is the distinct vegetation the island supports. Rubber is one of the most significant cultivation the natives on Andaman Islands are so happy about. A place near Wandoor has the largest areas of rubber trees planted and those who would like to do something different and unique on the island can choose a visit to this large plantation. The entry to the plantation will itself give you a clear picture of the interiors. Thousands of golden colour rubber sheets and the collecting jars fitted on each tree are together exhibiting a mesmerizing view of the large areas. A total of 931 hectares of rubber plantations are found on the islands as a whole.Highlights: You will be able to watch the processes of taking the rubber milk and placing the coconut shells on each tree and other important procedures before producing the final rubber sheet. Manglutan is the largest producer of rubber in the region, located very close to Port Blair. This was established in the year of 1960 and now the plantation is a 60 acre wide production centre of quality rubber. Manglutan village is the prominent rubber plantation space in Andaman and this village has a school, a hospital, a police station and other major centres as well.Distance from Port Blair: Manglutan Rubber Plantation is located about 21 kms away from Port Blair, the south east part of the island. To reach the village, you can hire a cab or auto or bus from Port Blair.Location: Wandoor, Port Blair, South Andaman Island

Located near Port Blair, Wandoor Beach is one of the places to visit in the Andaman and Nicobar group. It is situated at the entrance of Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park and is known for its pristine waters, scenic beauty and tranquil environment.Ideal for swimming and sunbathing, the beach’s clear blue waters juxtaposed against the dried trees and fishermen boats at the shore make for a beautiful sight. The trees uprooted during the tsunami in 2006 adds to the beauty of the beach.Known as the gateway to Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Wandoor is a small village in south Andamans with some beaches and accommodation options. It’s also known for its coral sightings, stunning sunsets and a cave formed by high tides surrounding the beach.Planning a trip to Andaman? Book best Andaman tour package now!How to reach Wandoor Beach:- From Port BlairBus, car and boat services from Port Blair to Wandoor are available. You can board the buses to Wandoor village from the Port Blair STS bus terminal. Tickets can be purchased in the bus itself. The beach is just 5 minutes away from the village. Buses have to go up till the beach for their return journey as there is hardly any space available to turn back due to narrow roads in the village.Private cars are also available in Port Blair. Tourists usually prefer these because they are more comfortable and can drop you at the beach in under 30 minutes. Pre-book a cab to avoid last minute hassles and unavailability of cars.You can travel to Wandoor village via ferry as well. Boat services from Aberdeen Jetty (Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex) are available from Port Blair to Wandoor Village from where you can reach the beach by foot or by road.If You wish, you can also take a tour to Port Blair while this trip.- From Havelock IslandThere are helicopter and ferry services available from Havelock Island to Port Blair as well as from Havelock Island to Wandoor Beach. You can take the chopper from Havelock Island to Port Blair and then a bus or ferry to Wandoor Beach or directly take a ferry from Havelock Island to Wandoor Beach. People also add attractions of Havelock Island in their list while enduring the trip from Havelock to Wadoor.Best Time to Visit Wandoor Beach:Wandoor is a year-round tourist destination. The beach turns into a diver’s paradise during the summer season, which lasts from March to May. The climate is warm with temperatures ranging between 28-30 degree Celsius. The cool sea breeze makes the weather pleasant during the season.The monsoon (June to September) brings with it heavy rainfall, strong winds and thunderstorm. It is not a good idea to visit Wandoor Beach during this time as it can make sightseeing a major challenge.Wandoor Beach experiences mild winters with temperatures usually ranging between 15-34 degree Celsius. The months from October to February are the ideal ones to visit the beach as it has a lot to offer to tourists besides the amazing weather. It turns into an adventurer’s paradise. It’s the best time to go scuba diving, trekking, hiking and snorkelling.Also, know the best weather and temperature of Havelock Island and the best time to visit Port Blair.Places to Visit Near Wandoor BeachVisit the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park to witness the vibrant marine life of the Andaman islands. The man-made park boasts of a number of flora and fauna ranging from saltwater crocodiles to turtles and starfishes and more. You can also spot a variety of birds like White-Bellied Sea Eagle, herons and parakeets. Enjoy stunning sunsets while you munch on some delicious fast food. There are amusement rides, water sports, nature trails and a Japanese temple as well.Head to Jolly Buoy Island for its coral reefs and underwater marine life as you ride along in a glass bottom boat. Indulge in snorkelling and scuba diving. Surrounded by tropical rainforest islands, Jolly Buoy is open for six months a year (November to April) to protect the reefs.The Red Skin Island opens its doors to tourists for six months as soon as Jolly Buoy Island shuts after April. Be sure to take permission from the forest department before visiting the place. This place is also famous for its coral reefs, thriving marine life and crystal clear waters.Head to Chidiya Tapu - a wonderful trekking destination and a bird watcher’s paradise. Don’t forget to carry your binoculars! Surrounded by thick forests, tall mangroves and the deep blue sea, Chidiya Tapu is a must-visit. Witness the most breathtaking and mesmerising sunset from the Sunset Point. Go on a trek to Munda Pahad Mountain for spell-binding views. Try the local cuisine at some of the restaurants there.Things/Activities to do in Wandoor BeachWandoor Beach is the best place to just laze around, relax and bask in the rays of the sun. You do not want to miss the sunrise and the sunset from the shore. It’s breathtaking! There are many open wooden huts with benches and tables where you can just sit back and enjoy the wonderful view.Close to the beach is a huge cave carved by fierce high tides that surround the beach. They have been formed after large amounts of deposition over the years. All you adventure enthusiasts must go for this quite challenging trek through the wilderness to reach the cave. The best time is to go in the morning as the tides are low and you can return by evening.Also, check out things to do in Andaman and Nicobar.Places to eat in and near Wandoor BeachLocals run a few food stalls near the beach. They serve basic food, groceries and eggs. The hotels/resorts located there offer a few specialities. There are several cafes and restaurants around as well. You will also find several coconut water sellers at the beach.Places to stay near Wandoor BeachThere aren’t many accommodation facilities here. Most of them are located in Port Blair.However, Sea Princess Beach Resort is one of the best places to stay in Wandoor. Anugama Resort is another good option. It’s a jungle resort in Wandoor. Also, check places to stay in Andaman.Medical Facilities in Wandoor BeachHowever, there are limited medical facilities available at the beach. You can visit the Primary Health Care Centre Manglutan in case of an emergency. Most of the hospitals are located in Port Blair including GB Pant Hospital, Chakraborty Multi Specialty Hospital and Garacharma Hospital.Timing to visit Wandoor BeachYou can visit Wandoor Beach between 4 am and 9 pm. Don’t miss the sunset. It’s stunning. The sunrise is beautiful too.Mobile Connectivity in Wandoor BeachMobile connectivity at Wandoor Beach is quite poor while the internet connection is abysmal in remote areas like Wandoor. Reliance Jio still doesn't have a presence in the islands. The mobile networks available are Airtel, Vodafone and BSNL.While in Port Blair, you will have access to call network and internet (Airtel launched its 4G services recently) but in Wandoor you will completely cut off from the digital world.Travellers' Tip before visiting Wandoor BeachThe beach is prone to crocodile attacks, which have been on the rise over the last year. The government has built a safety net for those who wish to go swimming in the sea. There are several lifeguards stationed at the beach in case of an emergency.There are gift shops near the beach from where you can buy the best handicrafts and souvenirs at cheap prices.Carry enough food and water when you go to Jolly Buoy and Red Skin Island.You can also plan a honeymoon trip to Andaman. Click here to know more.