Located right at the heart of the city of Port Blair – the capital of Andaman and Nicobar islands is the Aberdeen Bazar. From everyday goods to souvenirs for your friends and close ones, you can find everything right here at the Port Blair city market.
A statue of the Father of the Nation – Mahatma Gandhi, is installed here in the market. Initially, this was a British market established during the British rule in the islands. Although smaller in size, the Aberdeen Bazar is a bustling place. From tourists to locals, this market is frequented by almost everyone.
Being situated at the centre of the city, one has to cross it while travelling through Port Blair. The most important Great Andaman Trunk Road, connecting the islands as well as the airport starts from here
There are several notable and strategically important places situated within the Port Blair market within a radius of about 500m. These include the Port Blair Municipal Council, Government Bus Terminus, Andaman SBI Branch, Post Office, Police Station and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.
The Cellular Jail – a destination of historic importance and yet another famous tourist destination is about 1 km away from the Aberdeen Bazar. Go out on a stroll with your family or partner and enjoy the hubbub of the market.
Shop with pleasure and if hungry, try the delicacies and eat your heart out at the local restaurants. The market remains open from 09.00 a.m. to 09.00 p.m.
Understand
India- Andaman Island Capital-Port Blair
weather.
Port blair at Night.
Andaman Cellular Jail.
Port Blair’s seaside promenade, one of the few pleasant bits of town.
Port Blair Town view
Given the beauty of the rest of the Andamans, Port Blair is an upcoming city no different from any other smaller Indian city, although the seaside has been tarted up a bit. It comprises of people from all over India and one can imagine it as mini India with no conflicts on region and religion. Aside from Cellular Jail, there are quite few places which include Ross Island, Barren Island (known for the only active volcano) and few others known for its historical importance. A week’s trip will cover the must see places at the island’s. You can however do day trip to other close by places like Wandoor, Ross Island etc.
Important: Some attractions are closed on Monday and Wednesday in Port Blair. Places such as Fisheries museum, Anthropological museum and Baratang island closed on Monday. Wednesday Ross Island is closed. Public holidays and official visits also impact the timings of some attractions at Port Blair.
Get in
Port blair Scenic Airport of India.
Port Blair Air travel soon
Port blair around map
Turtle Nesting sites in Dec-Feb Months
See Andaman and Nicobar region article for information on flights and ships from the mainland.
Andaman
Port Blair’s Vir Savarkar Airport (IATA: IXZ) is located about 2 km south of the city.
Taxis and auto-rickshaws wait outside the terminal at flight times.
Public buses can be flagged down on the main road just outside the airport (cross the road).
A bus to Aberdeen Bazaar will cost no more than ₹7. The terminal is small and reasonably modern,
with an air-conditioned departure hall, but aside for an overpriced kiosk selling chai and crisps there’s not
much to tide you over if your flight is delayed.
Regular pax ship services are available to Port Blair from Chennai. There are 3 to 4 sailings every month, The voyage takes about 50 to 60 hrs & the ship normally berths at Port Blair for about 2 to 4 days.
- Shipping Corporation of India Ltd., Jawahar Building, Rajaji Salai, Chennai – 600 001 Tel: 044-25231401to 9, 25225835,25231407.
- The Deputy Director of Shipping Services, A&N Administration, 6, Rajaji Salai, Chennai – 600 001 Tel: 044-25220841, 25226873.
Estimated Fares: Name of Vessel and fare per berth
- M.V.Nicobar ₹2,380 to ₹9,280
- M.V.Nancowry ₹2,380 to ₹9,280
- M.V.Swarajdweep ₹2,380 to ₹9,280
- M.V.Harshvardhana ₹2,380 to ₹9,280
- M.V.Akbar ₹2,070 to ₹9,280
Refer this official website for accurate charts .
Get around
- Both Private and Government ferries operate from Port Blair. Private ferry bookings to other islands can be done online. Government ferry booking can be done from STARS counter available at the Jetty of each Harbour. No online booking of the Government ferry is available. You will have to manually visit the counter and get the tickets booked.
- Ferry / Ship/Cruise :
- Port Blair Harbour ferry To provide services within the sheltered water and narrow creeks by ferry vessels. Port Blair connects Phoenix bay, Chatham, Junglighat, Bamboo flat, Hope town, Dundas point, Mithakhari, Viper Island. There are three major routes in Port Blair and an average 45 trips are operated in these routes. Ferry services are available between Long Island and Yeratta in Middle Andaman and Mayabunder and Kalighat in North Andaman.
- Walking is a good option. But expect to get lost if you go too far and it is mostly quite steep hills that all look alike, so remember some landmark. The auto-rickshaws will charge you quite high if they can see you don’t know where you are going or what you are doing. One way of avoiding being fleeced by them is to just climb in the back of the auto-rickshaws and say “Aberdeen Bazaar” for example.
- Auto-rickshaws are abundant, and within town should cost ₹20-40. Auto fare from airport to Aberdeen Bazaar in the city centre is ₹30. Auto fare from Aberdeen Bazaar to Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex is ₹10. From Aberdeen Bazaar to Marine jetty (from where you get ships to Havelock Islands, Long island, etc) is also ₹10 (as on March 2010) Note: Another writer would say these prices are extremely low and only a local would get them.
- Local buses are also available for inter-city and intra-city travel. Very cheap, but you’ll need to ask around to figure out the routes.
- Scooters & motorcycles have been available for hire from a few shops around MA Rd. However, it seems they are no longer available for rent in Port Blair. Police have seized a lot of 2 wheelers for speeding and driving without license, so people have stopped renting out 2 wheelers. You can rent scooters and motorcycles on MG road about 2km up the hill to the west from Aberdeen Bazaar but they are ₹400 for one day which does not include an overnight as of Jan 2011. Expect to get lost.
- Private hire cars are available for local sightseeing around Port Blair and South Andaman.
- Boats are available to destinations like Ross Island. Boat fare is ₹500 for a return journey. It takes approximately 15 minutes by ferry from Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex jetty.
No. Type of Activity Timing Person Amount (Rs.) Duration Adventure Water Sports
1. Jet Ski 10 am to 5 pm
Safe Water Sports
3. Bumper Boat 10 am to 6.30 pm
4. Rowing Boat 10 am to 6.30 pm.
An option to visit the Andaman & Nicobar islands is to opt for the package tours.
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