Journey To Port Blair—Begin Adventure. Visiting Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is a dream trip for many tourists. It becomes really fun when you find all the way there, either by air or sea. Let's discuss how tourists can reach Port Blair, looking at the air route and water route. Sometimes there is a little confusion on what option to choose, so this guide will help a lot.
Reaching By Airplane
Main Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport. The easiest and fastest way to go to Port Blair is by airplane. Veer Savarkar International Airport, also known as Port Blair Airport, is the main gateway for the island. Many flights connect from major cities in India. Here is a list of cities that have direct flights to Port Blair: Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad
All these cities have flights by both budget airlines and also some expensive airlines. You can find direct flights every day or a few in the week from these cities. Below is a little table to understand air travel better:
| City | Duration of flight | Approx cost of ticket (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 4 hours | 8,000 - 15,000 |
| Kolkata | 2 hours | 5,000 - 10,000 |
| Chennai | 2 hours | 4,000 - 8,000 |
| Bangalore | 3 hours | 6,000 - 12,000 |
| Hyderabad | 3.5 hours | 7,000 - 13,000 |
Tips for Flight Booking
- Book Early: Ticket becomes very expensive if you wait a long time. Try to book a flight 2-3 months before.
- Check Layover: Some flights are not direct and have layovers in Chennai or Kolkata. This can delay your travel.
- Time of Year: Ticket prices are high in tourist season (October to March), so try going off season.
If you look for some adventure during the trip, then a flight not be your option because it is fast but not adventurous. You can fly, but you miss the journey through the ocean, which is a unique part of Andaman travel.
By Sea: Cruising to Port Blair
Port Blair Harbour—Landing by Ship, Traveling to Port Blair by water is the most thrilling option. Ships to Andaman sail from three Indian ports. Chennai , Kolkata and Visakhapatnam. It's take longer than an airplane, but the view of the sea is unforgettable. Ships run by the government are the main way to travel by sea. MV Nancowry, MV Swarajdweep, MV Nicobar, MV Akbar.
These ships operate under Shipping Corporation of India. But be aware, a journey by sea is not for the fainthearted because the sea sometimes gets rough. Time to reach Andaman by sea can take around 3-4 days, depending on which port you start. Here is Ships Schedule and Cost.
| Port | Duration | Approx Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Chennai | 3-4 days | 2,500 - 10,000 |
| Kolkata | 4-5 days | 2,700-111,000 |
| Visakhapatnam | 3-4 days | 2,800 - 10,500 |
Cabin Type in Ship
- Bunk Class: Very basic, like a dormitory, many people share a bunk bed. Ticket around 2,500-55,000 INR.
- Cabin Class: Better than bunk, have few people in shared cabin. Ticket around 5,000-77,000 INR.
- Deluxe Cabin: Best option: private room, a little more luxury. Ticket around 8,000 - 10,000 INR.
Comparing Air vs. Water
| Factor | Air Travel | Sea Travel |
|---|---|---|
| Time Taken | 2-4 hours | 3-5 days |
| Cost | 5,000 - 15,000 INR | 2,500 - 10,000 INR |
| Comfort | More comfortable in airplane | Less comfort; the sea can be rough. |
| Adventure | Not much adventure; it's quick | Ocean view, thrilling journey |
| Availability | Daily flights from major cities | Less frequent, ship sails a few times |
Important Tips for Tourists
- Carry ID Proof: For flight or ship, you need government ID proof like a passport, Aadhar, etc. Keep it handy at all times.
- Plan for Connectivity: Port Blair sometimes has weak internet and mobile signal. It’s best to inform family and friends before travel.
- Avoid Monsoon Season: Sea travel in monsoon (June to September) is risky; flights might get delayed too.
- Carry Enough Cash: Some places in Andaman still don’t have good ATMs or online payment, so keep cash for emergencies.
For the Budget Traveler
If you look for a budget-friendly travel option, a ship is cheaper but longer. Flying can save time but cost more. If your priority is saving money, here are a few ideas:
- Book Ship Tickets: Though it takes long, shipping is more affordable. You spend less than in an airplane.
- Take Connecting Flight: If direct flights are too expensive, take connecting flights. Look for layover options.
For tourists who plan to explore on a low budget, slow travel is better. You get time to enjoy the journey and save money for other activities like scuba diving and snorkeling in Andaman.
Final Thoughts on How to Reach Port Blair
Getting to Port Blair is the first step in your adventure. Whether you prefer flying high in the sky or sailing through the ocean, both options have their own beauty. Flights will get you there fast but cost more, while ships give you a chance to feel the vastness of the sea but require more time and patience.
Both air and sea travel are safe and well managed by the government. But always plan your trip well and prepare for unexpected delays, especially if traveling by water. And remember, the journey is part of the destination—whether you fly above the clouds or sail on blue water, Andaman welcomes you warmly.
Conclusion: Adventure Starts from the Journey
In conclusion, you now know how to reach Port Blair. Choose a flight if you want to save time, or a ship if you want to experience a real journey. Tourists can now make informed decisions on how they want to start their Andaman adventure. No matter what you choose, the beauty of Andaman awaits at the end of the journey.
I hope you are ready for some fun, and let your adventure begin in the land of pristine beaches and clear blue water!