Explore the Cultural & Educational Treasures of Port Blair

Museums, Aquariums, Science Centre, Stargazing, Chatham Saw Mill & More!

Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is more than just a gateway to tropical beaches and marine adventures — it’s a cultural, historical, and scientific hub that offers rich experiences for curious travelers. From world-class museums and aquariums to colonial-era heritage and cosmic wonders, Port Blair invites you to dive into its lesser-known but deeply enriching attractions.

Perfect for families, students, culture seekers, and even rainy-day explorers, these stops provide a wholesome look into the past, present, and beyond.

Top Museums in Port Blair

a man riding a skateboard down the side of a ramp
a man riding a skateboard down the side of a ramp
Samudrika Marine Museum

Managed by the Indian Navy, this museum offers a well-rounded glimpse into marine life, island ecology, tribal communities, and naval history.

Highlights:

  • Real corals, seashells, marine fossils

  • Displays on Andaman tribes and island formation

  • Ideal for kids and adults alike

🕒 9 AM – 5 PM | Closed on Mondays
🎟️ Entry: ₹50 approx.

black blue and yellow textile
black blue and yellow textile
Cellular Jail (Kalapani Memorial Museum)

More than a monument, the Cellular Jail is a moving tribute to India's freedom fighters. Walk through the museum galleries to understand the horrors of colonial imprisonment and witness the Light & Sound Show in the evening.

Highlights:

  • Freedom fighter exhibits, jail artifacts

  • Heart-touching audio-visual storytelling

  • A national memorial steeped in sacrifice

🕒 9 AM – 12:30 PM & 1:30 PM – 5 PM
🎟️ Entry: ₹30 for Museum | ₹150–₹300 for Light & Sound Show

a man riding a skateboard down the side of a ramp
a man riding a skateboard down the side of a ramp
Anthropological Museum

Step into the world of Andaman’s indigenous tribes like the Jarawas, Sentinalese, Onges, and Nicobarese. A rare look into their culture, lifestyle, and traditions.

Highlights:

  • Tribal tools, boats, weapons, ornaments

  • Life-size tribal models and audio guides

  • Cultural deep-dive into isolated communities

🕒 9 AM – 1 PM & 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM | Closed on Mondays
🎟️ Entry: ₹10–₹50

black blue and yellow textile
black blue and yellow textile
Nature & Landscape Photography

Whether it’s dense mangrove cover, tidal pools, driftwood-strewn beaches, or wild orchids, Chidiyatapu is a paradise for photographers.

Aquariums & Marine Education

a man riding a skateboard down the side of a ramp
a man riding a skateboard down the side of a ramp
Fisheries Aquarium

Located near the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex, this small yet impressive aquarium showcases over 350 marine species native to the Andaman Sea.

Must-See:

  • Exotic fish, turtles, lobsters, and seashells

  • Educational for all ages

  • Great stop for marine enthusiasts

🕒 9 AM – 1 PM & 2 PM – 5 PM | Closed on Mondays & Public Holidays
🎟️ Entry: ₹20 approx.

black blue and yellow textile
black blue and yellow textile
Science Centre – Fun Meets Learning

Located near Corbyn’s Cove, this interactive center is great for students and science buffs. The exhibits cover space, physics, oceanography, and more.

Highlights:

  • Interactive models for kids

  • Planet Earth and solar system zones

  • Touch & play experiments

🕒 10 AM – 5:30 PM | Closed on Mondays
🎟️ Entry: ₹10–₹30

a man riding a skateboard down the side of a ramp
a man riding a skateboard down the side of a ramp
Stargazing in Port Blair

On clear nights, the Andaman sky turns into a stargazer’s dream. Away from city lights, places like Chidiyatapu, Munda Pahad, and Wandoor Beach offer spectacular views of constellations, planets, and meteor showers.

Tips for Stargazing:

  • Best during dry season (Oct–April)

  • Bring binoculars or a telescope

  • Use stargazing apps for guidance

  • Join local astronomy clubs or guided tours

black blue and yellow textile
black blue and yellow textile
Chatham Saw Mill – A Walk Through Colonial Timber History

One of Asia’s oldest and largest sawmills, the Chatham Saw Mill dates back to 1883. Still operational, it offers a unique look into British-era industrial architecture and wood craftsmanship.

Highlights:

  • Guided tour of the mill in action

  • Museum with ancient tools and wooden artifacts

  • Learn about timber processing and island forestry

🕒 8 AM – 2:30 PM | Closed on Sundays
🎟️ Entry: ₹10–₹50

Bonus Attractions

a man riding a skateboard down the side of a ramp
a man riding a skateboard down the side of a ramp
Zoological Survey of India Museum

Showcases preserved specimens of island flora and fauna, including rare birds, insects, reptiles, and aquatic life.

black blue and yellow textile
black blue and yellow textile
Botanical Garden

Take a peaceful stroll among endemic and exotic plants, ideal for nature lovers and botany enthusiasts.

Ideal for All Travelers

These attractions make for a perfect family day trip, a student field excursion, or a backup plan for rainy days. Whether you want to learn, relax, or get inspired, Port Blair’s museums and educational centers are worth every moment.

Suggested Itinerary (Half-Day)

  • Start at Cellular Jail & Museum

  • Visit Samudrika Marine Museum

  • Head to Chatham Saw Mill & Museum

  • End the day with stargazing at Chidiyatapu or a sunset at Corbyn’s Cove

Travel Tips

  • Most sites are within 15–30 minutes of central Port Blair

  • Combo tours available through local travel agencies

  • Check holiday schedules in advance

  • Photography may be restricted in some places – ask at the entrance

Experience the depth of the Andaman Islands through stories of struggle, stunning marine biodiversity, native cultures, science, and stars. These lesser-known gems add a whole new dimension to your island adventure.

Discover Port Blair Beyond the Beaches
Book a heritage, culture & science day tour in Port Blair today!