Things to see Around Port Blair and South Andaman

South Andaman is the most heavily populated region of the Andaman Islands, particularly around the capital, Port Blair. Some areas of the islands restricted for the foreign tourists, however permit can be obtained from the Home Ministry.

Sightseeing Destinations :

Ross Island :

Located at the entrance of the Port Blair, Ross Island was once the administrative head quarters of British Colonial Rulers. Ross witnessed some of the most brutal excesses of British colonial history and was the source of the prison's infamy as Kalapani.

The island still houses the ruins of old buildings like Ballroom, Chief Commissioner’s House, Govt. House, Church, Hospital, Bakery, Press, Swimming Pool and Troop Barracks, all in dilapidated condition, reminiscent of the old British regime. Ross Island can be accessible from Phoenix Bay Jetty that depart at 8:30 am, 10:30 am and 12:30 pm and 2 pm Thursday to Tuesday.

Viper Island :
The Viper Island, near Haddo Wharf, serves as an isolation zone for for the main prison, where dangerous criminals and culprits were sent to imprisonment. The island was named after the 19th century British trading ship that was wrecked nearby. Today the island serves as a major tourists attraction in South Andaman. A harbor cruise to Viper leaves from Jetty behind the Aquarium everyday at 3 pm. The tourists are charged Rs 65 for the tour.

Chiriya Tapu :
Chiriya Tapu is a tiny fishing village located 30 km south of Port Blair. The tapu is known for its sun washed beaches and exotic water sports. It is considered as one of the best snorkeling destinations in Andaman and Nicobar islands. It can be reached by a regular bus from Port Blair.

Mt Harriet :
Mt Harriet was once the summer headquarter of the Chief Commissioner during British Raj. Situated at a height of about 365 meters from the sea level, Mount Harriet is the highest point near Port Blair. The richly forests slopes of Mt Harriet are ideal for trekking. To reach this place, you an take a passenger ferry from Chatham to Bamboo flats tht starts from 5 ; 50 in the morning.

Wandur National Park :
Wandur National Park also known as Mahatma Gandhi National Park, is located 30 km south of Port Blair. The Wandur National Park is known for its rare marine life. The park has tropical islands covered with dense forests that includes creepers and rare orchids. The Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), Hawskbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), and Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas) make their nesting grounds on the beaches of the islands in Wandur National Park.