Introduction
Port Blair, situated in the South Andaman district of the Andaman Islands, is a municipal council, headquarters and the largest city of the district. It also serves as the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands which is a union territory of India. Being located at the east coast of South Andaman Island, it forms the main point of entry to the island. It is also the local administrative sub-division or tehsil of South Andaman district. Port Blair also serves as the headquarters of the first integrated theatre command of the armed forces, called the Andaman and Nicobar Command. The place houses a number of museums. In addition to being a major naval base of the Indian Navy called INS Jarawa it also forms the air and sea bases of the Indian Air Force and the Indian Coast Guard. Port Blair also hosts the historic Cellular Jail and several other small islands which were once inhabited by the British colonists. Main languages spoken in Port Blair include Bengali, Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, Nicobarese, English, Punjabi and Telugu.
History of Port Blair
History of Port Blair can be traced back to the year 1789 when the Government of Bengal had set up a penal colony in the southeast bay of Great Andaman on Chatham Island. The colony was named as Port Blair in the honour of Lieutenant Archibald Blair of the British East India Company. Two years later the colony was shifted to the northeast part of Great Andaman and was renamed as Port Cornwallis to honour Admiral William Cornwallis. However the penal colony suffered excessive disease and death owing to which its operation was ceased by the government in May 1796.
In the year 1824, Port Cornwallis served as the meeting point for the convoy of army of the First Anglo-Burmese War. Between the period of 1830s and 1840s, the shipwrecked crews who landed on the Andamans were frequently attacked and slayed by the natives which aroused a discontent among the British Government. Another proposal was made by the government in 1855 for establishing another settlement on the island along with a convict establishment. However owing to the Indian Rebellion of 1857, the construction work got delayed.
The Indian Revolt of 1857 provided a number of new prisoners to the British and thus an urgent requirement emerged for the establishment of the new Andaman settlement and prison. In November 1857 the construction work started at the renovated Port Blair, however the regions near a salt swamp which was the prime source of old colony`s problems were strategically avoided. The convicts who were imprisoned in the colony were mostly the political prisoners who were given life imprisonment along with hard labour under brutal and devastating conditions. Many of them died of starvation and diseases while others were hanged to death. Between the period of 1864 and 1867 a penal establishment was constructed with convict labour on the northern side of Ross Island, which is presently in ruins.
In the late 19th century when the Indian freedom movement gained pace and intensity, a colossal Cellular Jail was built between 1896 and 1906 for imprisoning the Indian convicts. They were mainly the political prisoners and were kept in solitary confinement. The Cellular Jail was also called as `Kala Pani` (Black Waters) owing to the dreadful torture and ill treatment bestowed on the Indian convicts. Since 1943 to 1944, during World War II, Port Blair served as the headquarters of the Azad Hind Fauj under the leadership of Subhas Chandra Bose.
Geography of Port Blair
Port Blair enjoys a tropical monsoon climate. The average temperature variation in the city is minimum and it receives heavy precipitation all round the year. Except in the months of January, February and March, Port Blair receives considerable rainfall. The temperature in summers is between 28 to 30 degree Celsius and during winters it varies from 22 to 23 degree Celsius.
Administration in Port Blair
The Port Blair Municipal Council (PBMC), an abbreviated form of its full name, serves as the governing civic entity overseeing the administration of Port Blair. Port Blair stands as both the capital and the largest city within the Indian union territory known as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This authoritative council`s inception dates back to the 2nd of October in the year 1957, following the President of India`s approval of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands (Municipal Board"s) Regulation, 1957 Act on the 11th of March that same year.
The composition of the council encompasses a total of 24 designated wards, a configuration established through recent delimitation efforts and the expansion of the city`s boundaries. This expansion involved the amalgamation of several adjoining villages, complementing the pre-existing 18 wards.
Demography of Port Blair
According to the 2011 India census the population of Port Blair is 100,608 with 52.92 percent (53,247) males and 47.07 percent (47,361) females. The average literacy of the city is 89.76 percent which is higher than the national average, 72 percent. Female literacy rate is 86.34 percent while the male literacy is 92.79 percent. The population which is under the age of 6 years constitutes 9.3 percent.
Zonal Anthropological Museum at Port Blair
Zonal Anthropological Museum of the Anthropological Survey of India is also located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, in addition to multiple regions within the territory of the country. Established in the year 1975, the museum is located at the Phoenix Bay, in the heart of Port Blair in South Andaman Islands. One of the prominent attractions for tourists and visitors of the islands, the Zonal Anthropological Museum caters a vivid and informative display on the lifestyle and culture of the tribes who has inhabited the islands. This information encompasses history, social organisation, architecture, economic pursuits, and means of transport, art and craft of the people of these islands. The population of these islands includes the inhabitants of pre-colonial period as well as the successive immigrants of the pre and post independence years.
History of Zonal Anthropological Museum : The Zonal Anthropological Museum in Port Blair was established in 1975. It is one of the best museums in town to visit. It is a well maintained museum hat offers in-depth knowledge about the indigenous tribes, marine life, and history of the island. These tribes are believed to be one of the oldest in the world. The islands have six main tribes native to this place, Onges, Sentinelese, Jarawas, Andamanese, Shompens and Nicobarese. These tribes maintain limited contact with the world, and not a lot is known about them.
Collections at Zonal Anthropological Museum : Attracting thousands of visitors every month, the Zonal Anthropological Museum in the islands has a rich collection of artifacts of the Negroid tribes - the earliest inhabitants of the Andaman Islands, along with those of two Mongoloid tribes of the Nicobar Islands. The museum has a huge collection of rare articles, handicrafts, tools, art and craft, implements, photographs, etc., which describe the life during the tribal eras. There are some articles which throw light on the cultural beliefs and traditions of the tribe.
Tribal lifestyle demonstrated at the Museum : Andaman and Nicobar Islands was mainly inhabited by the Negroid tribes, among which Orenge, Sentinelese, Jarawas and Andamanese are most commonly found. They inhabited the land from the prehistoric age and led a life of nomadic in the region. Their nomadic lifestyle has been vividly put on display in the Zonal Anthropological Museum. Along with them, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands were also inhabited by two types of Mongoloid tribes, who mainly centred in the Nicobar Islands. These are the Shompens and the Nicobarese.
Photographs displayed at the Museum : Zonal Anthropological Museum along with the articles also has a wide range of photographs taken in different periods. These depict the structure of the houses, utensils, ornaments and day to day goods used by these tribes, thus providing a good insight into their lifestyle. The museum also exhibits some rare artifacts of the tribes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands which are nearly 500 in number. Around 75 photographs with 5 maps and charts also make up the rich repertoire of the museum. People who are interested to visit the museum may visit between 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4.30 p.m., all throughout the year daily except on Thursdays and public holidays when it remains closed.
Library at the Zonal Anthropological Museum
With the collection of more than 5000 books and journals of national and international repute on Anthropology and related disciplines, it is a paradise of the serious readers having interest on life and culture of people of India.
With nearly 100 rare photographs and several artifacts including models homes, tribal weapons, tools, clothes, and even charts on the island, the Zonal Anthropological Museum is the go to place in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is a great attraction for those who want to gain in-depth insight into the lifestyle of the nomadic tribes of the Islands, along with their phase by phase evolution and development till the present time.
Adventure Tourism in Port Blair
Adventure tourism in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is one of the best in the country owing to the spellbinding natural splendour of the place. Be it a thrilling experience of scuba diving or a delightful voyage around the sea for snorkelling, the city provides an excellent experience for the adventure lovers to relish for lifetime. With the assistance of well trained professions and proper instructions, one can have a close tryst with the amazingly beautiful marine life vivaciously dwelling deep under the water. A close acquaintance with nature along with huge fun and thrill is the real essence of adventure tourism in Port Blair.
Snorkelling : Snorkelling at Jolly Buoy is one of the best adventurous activities one can cherish in Port Blair. Watching the beautiful and colourful corals and fishes is a delightful experience. Jolly Buoy can be reached through ferries from Wandoor, situated around 30 kilometres from Port Blair. A small round of snorkelling comprises a round trip around the corals in glass bottom boats. Snorkelling is a delightful and safe experience even for those who do not know swimming. Watching the marine life such as Sea Cucumber and Star Fishes from a close proximity and sometimes touching them is immensely pleasing.
Sea Walking : Sea Walking offers an exquisite experience of watching the corals and fishes deep in their natural habitat. An oxygen mask is used in sea walking and an oxygen cylinder on the ship provides oxygen to it. It requires moving down deep into the water where the sea divers guide through the marvellous corals. One can also feed the fishes with his hand as numerous fishes gather around. However on moving deep under the water sea walkers sometimes experience pain in the ears. North Bay Island is the ideal place for the tourists of Port Blair to experience a wonderful sea walking.
Sealink Adventure : Sealink Adventure can be enjoyed near Phoenix Jetty of Port Blair. It offers about a 40 minutes stay under the water wearing oxygenated helmet for exploring the beautiful marine life accompanied by fishes and corals. To prevent the risk of any crocodile attack, the complete area is barricaded by net. The entire package of sealink adventure includes Glass Bottom View, Speed Boat Ride, Sofa Ride, Banana Ride, Jet Ski and Boat Transfer.
Scuba Diving : Two of the best destinations for having an amazing scuba diving experience around Port Blair are Wandoor and Chidiya Tapu. Diving in blue ocean waters amid the enticing marine life along with a well trained and efficient staff is a safe and memorable activity. One can also take training sessions to have in depth knowledge about scuba diving.
Boat Tours : Boat Tours from Port Blair to the nearby islands like Viper Island and Ross Island greatly enrich the adventure tourism. Sailing amidst the calm blue sea creates a fascinating experience. Activities like deep water fishing, game fishing and sport fishing can also be enjoyed here.
Andaman Water Sports Complex : Adventure tourism in Port Blair is incomplete without a visit to the Andaman Water Sports Complex of Port Blair. An excellent resort for adventure lovers, the complex offers activities like parasailing, kayaking, row boating, paddle boating, surfing and water skiing.
Tourism in Port Blair
Tourism in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, allures a plethora of people from distant places for having an enticing experience of adventure and natural beauty. Dotted with breathtaking landscapes, Port Blair is a paradise for nature lovers. The calm blue ocean waters, colourful corals, magnificent marine life, lush greenery and overpowering serenity of the place offers an invigorating time to the tourists. The city also houses relics of bygone eras which illuminate several concealed historical tales. Adventurous water sports form another major point of attraction for the tourists. Having a close rendezvous with the wondrous marine life during enthralling underwater expeditions creates a unique and lifetime experience. With an abundance of spectacular experiences, Port Blair stands out as a marvellous tourist destination.
Cellular Jail : Cellular Jail is one of the prime tourist attractions of Port Blair. It was constructed by the British India to imprison the Indian political convicts and keeping them away from the mainland during the Indian freedom movement. Presently it serves as a national monument which stands as the witness of the dreadful physical torments bestowed on the Indian prisoners. In the evenings light-and-sound shows are held in Hindi and English languages which illuminates the bygone eras of the Cellular Jail.
Mini Zoo : Mini Zoo of Port Blair is the home to the rare and endemic species of animals of the island. One of the prime attractions of the zoo is the salt water crocodiles. In addition to serving as an attractive tourist spot, it also educates people about wildlife.
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park : Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is located as a distance of about 29 kilometres from Port Blair at Wandoor and comprises open sea, 15 small and large islands and creeks. The park offers an exquisite experience of viewing the underwater marine life and unique corals through glass bottom boats. Adventurous activities like snorkelling and scuba diving can also be cherished here.
Gandhi Park : Gandhi Park is an exquisite park of the city which offers enticing experiences like safe water sports, amusement rides and nature trails around historic remains, gardens and lakes. It surrounds the erstwhile Dilthaman tank which, in bygone days, served as the only source of drinking water for Port Blair.
Sippighat Farm : Sippighat Farm is a government farm, encompassing a sprawling area of 80 acres. It conducts research and development programs for cultivation of spices such as pepper, coconut, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves etc. Rare species of flora and fauna can also been seen here.
Jogger`s Park : Jogger`s Park forms one of the highest points of the city and renders a spectacular view of the whole city. The place is adorned with magnificent landscape and allures a number of tourists.
Corbyn`s Cove : Corbyn`s Cove, situated near Port Blair, is a beach exhibiting pristine and wondrous beauty of nature. The beach is highly popular among the local folks as well as tourists for enjoying swimming and watching resplendent views of sunset. However the beach lost a part of it in the 2004 tsunami.
Japanese Bunkers : Bunkers constructed by the Japanese army during World War II can be spotted near Corbyn`s Cove. Another Japanese Bunker can be seen down the hill from Cellular Jail.
Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) : Central Agricultural Research Institute forms another attraction of the city where scientists conduct researches on varied aspects of island agriculture. It offers a diverse experience of watching the different live-stocks and poultry, fodder blocks and integrated farming system model amid a beautiful landscape.
Anthropological Museum : Anthropological Museum in Port Blair illuminates the history, lifestyle and cultural aspects of various tribes dwelling in the island.
Chatam Saw Mill : 
Chatam Saw Mill is accredited as the largest saw mill of Asia till date. It was constructed in the year 1836.
Mount Harriet : Mount Harriet is one of the most cherished tourist spots of Port Blair situated on a high hillock, providing a panoramic view of the surrounding islands. The place features an unmatched natural beauty and offers wondrous view of the gorgeous endemic birds and vibrant animals roaming around.
Other Tourist Places in Port Blair : In addition to these, other tourist destinations in Port Blair include Madhuban, Neil Island, Chidiya Tapu and Collinpur.