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The capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Port Blair is an island and the administrative center of the union territory of Andaman and Nicobar. Located on the east coast of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, this island serves as a harbor and entry point and it has the largest town in the union territory. Port Blair is also a major base of the Indian cost guards.

This beautiful harbor was discovered in 1788 by a British officer named Archibald Blair. At first, he named it Port Cornwallis. Later, it was named after him. Today, it is a popular tourist spot. Being an island, the daily necessary things are a bit expensive here. Earlier, the infrastructure was very poor. Now, electricity, sewerage systems other modern facilities are available here.    

During the colonial period, Portblair was used as a penal colony. People who protested against the British rulers were sent here. It was the most severe punishment a person could receive those days. The cellular jail of Portblair is also known as “Kalapani” among the Indians. The prison started in 1856 in Andaman Island. The sepoy mutineers were sent here. The construction of the prison building started in 1896 because the necessity of a new prison was felt after the revolution started to rise in 19^th century.  The people here lived in very extreme conditions. They were allowed only two glasses of water a day and cleaned themselves in rainwater. The cells were very dirty and the food quality was very bad. Bad food, unhygienic living condition caused early death to many freedom fighters. Between 1943 and 1944, this island was also used as the headquarter of the Indian National Army, led by Subhash Chandra Bosh.      

At present, Port Blair is a tourist spot. Beautiful sceneries, beach, water sports and seafoods are the major attractions of this island. Here are some of the major tourist spots:

• Cellular Jail: The notorious prison. Situated on the northeastern part of the city, out of the seven wings originally built, three exists till this day. During the Second World War, two wings were destroyed by the Japanese and also the recent Tsunami caused heavy damage to the building. Now, open for the tourists, there is a museum which contains the list of the prisoners and photographs and the torture devices used by the British.
• Corbyn's Cove: The nearest beach to Port Blair.
• Samudrika Marine Museum: A museum displaying various fish and corals that can be found around the island’s reefs. The museum is run by the Indian Navy.  
• Aquarium: 350 species of marine animals that can be found in the sea are kept here.
• Anthropological Museum: Situated on the western portion of the town, this museum exhibits the aboriginal tribes of the islands. There is also a library above the museum. 
• Mini Zoo: The zoo contains 200 species including the Andaman Pigand, the rare Andaman gekko. A crocodile farm is situated in the zoo.  
• Forest museum: Situated near the zoo, this forest is maintained by the forest department. Various woods found on the islands and how they are processed is shown here.  
• Other major tourist sites are Chatham Sawmill, Water Sports Complex

For more information about tourism in Port Blair and Andaman and Nicobar islands, visit these webpages:

Port Blair is well connected to the mainland by road, water, and air. Indian airlines have regular flights to and from Veer Savarkar Airport and Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) has regular services between Port Blair, Chennai, Calcutta, and Vishakhapatnam. Although journey by sea vessel is cheaper, it takes long time and often delayed by bad weather and other reasons.