Coral Reefs, Colonial History & the Moving Story of Cellular Jail
A perfectly compact introduction to the Andaman Islands for travellers with limited time — three nights based entirely in Port Blair, covering the city's beaches, offshore coral islands, colonial-era landmarks, and the profoundly moving history of the Cellular Jail.
The tour opens with Corbyn's Cove Beach and a harbour cruise past Viper Island, once a notorious British penal outpost, aboard a steamer that calls at seven points around the harbour. The following day brings a full excursion to North Bay (Coral Island) for snorkelling among vivid coral reefs and ornamental fish, followed by a nature walk on Ross Island amid deer, peacocks, and exotic birds in the ruins of the former British administrative headquarters.
A full city tour of Port Blair takes in the Cellular Jail — the colonial-era prison built to isolate India's freedom fighters, now a National Memorial — alongside the Chatham Saw Mill, Forest Museum, Anthropological Museum, and the Samudrika Naval Marine Museum. The day concludes with the genuinely moving Sound and Light Show at Cellular Jail, narrating the prison's history against its illuminated cell blocks.
Four days is enough to experience the essential character of the Andamans — turquoise water, coral reefs, and a profound layer of colonial and independence-era history — without needing the inter-island ferry logistics that longer Andaman tours involve.
What makes this journey special
Your journey, unfolded
Meet and greet on arrival at Port Blair Airport, with transfer to your hotel and check-in. In the afternoon, visit Corbyn's Cove Beach — a palm-fringed beach just 8 km from the airport, popular for a relaxed swim or a walk along the sand. Continue with a Harbour Cruise aboard a steamer, passing Viper Island (a former British penal outpost) and calling at seven points around the harbour. Evening free for leisure.
After breakfast, a full-day excursion to Coral Island (North Bay) — see vivid coral reefs, ornamental fish, and other marine life, with the option of snorkelling for a closer look underwater. Afterward, proceed to Ross Island for a nature walk amid sylvan surroundings, where deer, peacocks, and exotic birds roam freely among the atmospheric ruins of the former British administrative headquarters. Evening free for leisure.
After breakfast, a full-day city tour of Port Blair. Visit the Cellular Jail — the colonial-era prison built to isolate India's freedom fighters, now preserved as a National Memorial — along with the Chatham Saw Mill (one of Asia's oldest and largest), the Forest Museum, the Mini Zoo, the Anthropological Museum, the Samudrika Naval Marine Museum, and the Andaman Water Sports Complex. Afternoon free for shopping and personal activities. In the evening, witness the enthralling Sound and Light Show at Cellular Jail, narrating the prison's history against its illuminated cell blocks.
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to Port Blair Airport for your onward journey. Tour concludes.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included ✓
- ✓ 3 nights accommodation on twin/triple-share basis
- ✓ Buffet meals as specified in the itinerary
- ✓ Sightseeing tours by chauffeur-driven AC vehicle as per itinerary
- ✓ 1 bottle of mineral water per person per day
- ✓ All applicable Indian GST
Not Included ✗
- ✗ International / domestic airfare to Port Blair
- ✗ Visa charges (foreign nationals; Restricted Area Permit issued free on arrival)
- ✗ Entrance fees / camera charges at monuments and attractions
- ✗ Snorkelling equipment rental at North Bay (payable locally)
- ✗ Tipping — an entirely personal gesture
- ✗ Laundry, drinks, and items of a personal nature
Your questions, answered
Four days gives a genuine, well-rounded introduction to Port Blair's beaches, coral reefs, and colonial history — but it does not include Havelock Island, widely considered the Andamans' most beautiful beach destination. If you have an extra day or two available, our Port Blair & Havelock Island Getaway (5 days) or Andaman & Havelock Island (6 days) tours add Radha Nagar Beach and Elephant Beach to the circuit.
November to May is the ideal season — calm seas, excellent underwater visibility for snorkelling and diving, and pleasant temperatures (24–31°C). The monsoon (June–September/October) brings rough seas, reduced ferry reliability between islands, and limited water sports availability.
Port Blair's Veer Savarkar International Airport has direct daily flights from Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai (approximately 2–2.5 hours from most mainland cities). There is no road or rail access — flying is the only practical way to reach the islands.
Indian nationals require no special permit for Port Blair, Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), and most tourist areas, just a valid photo ID. Foreign nationals receive a free Restricted Area Permit (RAP) automatically on arrival at Port Blair Airport, valid for 30 days — no advance application needed for most nationalities.
Absolutely. Every Discover India tour is fully private and built around your preferences. We can extend Havelock, add Neil Island, or include scuba diving certification courses. Submit an enquiry and our specialists will tailor it for you at no obligation.
Cancellations 60+ days before departure receive a full refund minus a small admin fee. 30–59 days: 75% refund. 15–29 days: 50% refund. Under 15 days: no refund. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance, particularly given the inter-island ferry dependency on weather.
October to March is ideal — comfortable temperatures (15–28°C), clear skies, and the best conditions for sightseeing, fort treks, and wildlife safaris. April–June brings intense heat (up to 45°C); July–September is monsoon, with some relief from the heat but reduced safari access in the tiger reserves.
Absolutely. Every Discover India tour is fully private and built around your preferences. We can adjust the duration, swap destinations, change hotel categories, or add extensions. Submit an enquiry and our specialists will redesign the itinerary for you at no obligation.
We include carefully selected 4-star and 5-star hotels throughout — heritage havelis, palace hotels, and well-appointed properties near the wildlife reserves, all personally vetted by our team. Upgrades to palace hotels or luxury tented camps are available on request.
Most nationalities can apply for an Indian e-Visa online at indianvisaonline.gov.in. Processing typically takes 3–5 business days and costs $25–$80 USD depending on your nationality. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel.
Cancellations 60+ days before departure receive a full refund minus a small admin fee. 30–59 days: 75% refund. 15–29 days: 50% refund. Under 15 days: no refund. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance.
