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