24 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 of activities for the discerning traveller. Here’s how you can make the most of a day-long stopover.

- Sushmita Srivastav

5:00 am

SUNRISE AT CHIDIYA TAPU

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.

10:00 am

BREAKFAST AT BREWBERRY’S

After your rewarding trek, head to Brewberry’s Cafe (brewberrys.com) 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.

11:00 am

BACK IN TIME AT CELLULAR JAIL

Take a tour of Cellular Jail (andamans.gov.in), an infamous prison built by the British using prisoners as labour. The three-storeyed structure features seven wings radiating from a watchtower in the centre. This architecture ensured solitary confinement for all who were held here. Better known by its moniker of Kala Pani, the structure was used to exile Indian political prisoners from the mainland and crush their dissent. Though it fell into ruin postIndependence, the jail was later restored by the government and is now open to visitors.

Timings: 9 am to 12:30 pm; 1:30 pm to 4:45 pm.

12:00 pm

A GLIMPSE OF OCEAN LIFE