Port Blair

Port Blair is the gateway to the Andaman Islands. All flight and ferry connections from the mainland will come through this busy, bustling town, requiring most travellers to spend at least one night in the area before moving on to other islands. With a traffic-clogged centre and little in the way picture postcard scenery, the historic port is often overlooked as a mere stepping stone on to the wider tropical delights of the Andamans. However, its intriguing diversity - a broad mix of indigenous Nicobarese, Bengalis, Tamils, and Burmese - and a rich history as a colonial trading post means there is plenty to hear to pique the interest of the curious traveller. Accommodation is good and there are a number of decent restaurants in the central area serving cross-cultural Indian Ocean dishes.