Port Blair, the capital city of the Andaman Islands, consisting of more than 572 islands and islets is spread over 8,249 sq kms of the Indian Ocean.The hilly city of Port Blair, also known as Emerald Islands, is on the east coast of South Andaman Island, and is reachable from Kolkata, Chennai and Vishakhapatnam.
The islands are a treasure house of marine life that thrives in the deep waters of the Bay of Bengal. Port Blair was made popular by the Hawaii-born musician, filmmaker, and surfer Jack Johnson's song Holes to Heaven that describes his surf trip here.
Port Blair is an unspoilt beach resort, whose principal attractions are the clear sapphire waters of the sea, the golden shores, the breathtaking coral formations, the flora and fauna, the endlessly fascinating marine life and the native people.
More than 90% of the port blair islands are dense forests and the bright green of the tropical vegetation gives the islands an emerald glow. The rustle of salt-laden winds through the coconut trees, the rush and murmur of the ceaseless waves, the rich melodies of birdsong... are all that disturb nature's tranquility.
To water sports enthusiasts, the Andaman Islands lay out a rich spread of para-sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling and kayaking.
Named after Lieutenant Archibald Blair who tried to establish a colony here in 1789, this exquisite island was previously associated with British colonial rule and the Independence struggle. The infamous Cellular Jail is located on the Ross Island. Port Blair was also headquarters of Subhash Chandra Bose's Indian National Army.
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