The gateway to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Port Blair has been home to the native Andamanese people for thousands of years. It is named after Archibald Blair, a naval surveyor and lieutenant of the East India Company. This tranquil place in the Andaman Sea has many attractions to keep tourists busy, from Cellular Jail and Corbyn’s Cove Beach to the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island and the Samudrika Naval Marine Museum.
The city is also home to some fabulous luxury stays which will make your trip even more pleasant. Here are five of the best.
The Welcomhotel of Port Blair is a work of architectural beauty. Built on a hill and designed by famed architect Charles Correa, the hotel overlooks dense greenery and the pristine blue waters of the Bay of Bengal. It was built using indigenous materials such as local timber called “pedauk.” The hotel has 46 rooms and suites, a multi-cuisine restaurant serving sea food along with Indian, Chinese and continental dishes, a bar specialising in Indian and imported liquors, and an outdoor swimming pool.
A one-night stay starts from INR 6,885.
Located right on the beach, the Silver Sand Sea Princess Beach Resort overlooks the azure waters of the Andaman Sea, thus making for one of the most picturesque stays in the area. The rooms and suites reflect the natural vibes of the island as they are furnished with natural wood tones and rustic textures. There are standard, deluxe, premier and luxury rooms alongside suites and even individual cottages where one can relax with a cup of coffee and enjoy the soothing sounds of the waves. It has a multi-cuisine restaurant and bar, too.
A one-night stay starts from INR 6,800.
This hotel keeps it simple with standard, executive and deluxe rooms but don’t think that means it damps down the luxury. It has a banquet hall, conference space, a multi-cuisine restaurant, and a hip rooftop and lounge bar called Amaya which overlooks the Andaman Sea and North Bay. The lounge comes alive in the evening with live music and people having a happy time. The views of the open sky and sea are particularly dazzling at twilight.
A one-night stay starts from INR 7,000.
Winner of TripAdvisor’s “Traveler’s Choice Awards” in 2024, the Symphony Samudra Beachside Jungle Resort and Spa is counted as one of the best in Port Blair. The resort boasts 85 rooms, an infinity pool and a Sunset Lounge where you can witness the most remarkable sunsets. A multi-cuisine restaurant and a wellness centre called “Svarasya” offer guests an unparalleled luxury experience on the island. Visitors should check out the Port Blair Biological Park and Munda Pahad Beach, both of which are a stone’s throw away.
A one-night stay starts from INR 5,720.
Mansha Palace is located near the Phoenix Bay Jetty and has a range of suites for solo travellers and those holidaying with families. Visitors can indulge in a floating breakfast of fresh fruits, oatmeal, juices and pancakes; eat sumptuous Indian, Mughlai and Chinese meals next to views of the indoor pool; enjoy a candlelit dinner with views of the city and sea; and lounge in their comfortable beds after a hectic day of exploring the city.
A one-night stay starts from INR 5,949.
There are direct flights to Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) in Port Blair from Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam.