The Capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is Port Blair. We all have had friends who have at least once visited this beauty and we all wish to be there someday. Well! This place does not need any introduction of its own. It has peace in the waves of each flow of this island. So without further ado, let’s just directly dive into knowing everything about the Capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. So get your coffee in your hand and start scrolling.
Table of Contents
Overview of Port Blair
Beautifully situated on the east coast of South Andaman Island, Port Blair is the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Honestly, it is your gateway to paradise!
- This island town offers a unique blend of adventure which includes snorkelling, scuba diving, cruises as well as cultural immersion.
- Explore historical sites, unwind at the Aberdeen Bazaar which is the town centre, with its abundance of restaurants and hotels, and easily navigate the island with the bus station nearby.
Brief History of Port Blair
Originally, Port Blair’s history started with tribes like Jarawa and Onge. Gradually it became the Port Blair we all know now.
- The British came in 1789 and used it as a corrective colony and later an administrative centre.
- Furthermore, the Cellular Jail was built from 1896 to 1906 to house Indian freedom fighters.
- Moreover, Freedom fighters like Savarkar were jailed and endured harsh conditions.
- Therefore, the Cellular Jail became a symbol of resistance and the Indian independence movement.
- India’s independence in 1947 marked the end of this period.
- Today Cellular Jail is a national memorial reminding of the freedom struggle.
Demography of Port Blair
Here are the demographics of Port Blair. All the details mentioned are as per the data available through 2011 status.
Demography of Port Blair (2011) | |
Demographics | Details |
Population (2011 Census) | 100,608 |
Male | 53,247 (52.92%) |
Female | 47,361 (47.07%) |
Age (<6 years) | 9.3% |
Most Spoken Language | Bengali |
Other Languages | Telugu, Hindi, Tamil |
Official Language(s) | Hindi, English |
Most Common Religion | Hinduism |
Literacy Rate | 89.76% |
Male Literacy Rate | 92.79% |
Female Literacy Rate | 86.73% |
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Geography of Port Blair
The Capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Port Blair is a tropical paradise that has a pleasant year-round climate with an average temperature of 26°C.
- Monsoons bring heavy rain from May to December, while the rest of the year is dry.
- There is plenty of sunshine in Port Blair, averaging over 2400 hours annually.
- With humidity around 80%, temperatures range comfortably from 23°C to 31°C, avoiding scorching summers or freezing winters.
- Moreover, the capital of Andaman and Nicobar is filled with lush green forests and rivers around the place.
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Economy of Port Blair
Andaman & Nicobar Islands’ economy relies on tourism fuelled by the natural beauty that surrounds it.
- Tourism brings visitors to beaches, national parks, as well as historical sites like Red Skin Island.
- Handicrafts like shell art and woodwork are popular souvenirs.
- Agriculture provides vegetables, fruits, coconuts, and spices.
- Paddy is the main crop cultivated on the islands.
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Culture of Port Blair
Port Blair is a cultural melting pot, with people from different cultures living on the island.
- There are Indigenous tribes such as the Jarawa, Onge, and Sentinelese with ancient traditions.
- Moreover, Tamil, Bengali, and Andhra communities add their customs and festivals.
If you are a visitor here, you can experience a unique blend of cultures.
- You can see indigenous art, rituals, and crafts.
- Enjoy festivals showcasing diverse traditions and beliefs.
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Facts about Port Blair
At the end of this article will get to know some amazing facts about this beautiful island!
- One of the key travelling spots in Port Blair is Mount Harriet which is the third-highest peak in the Andaman Islands.
- Port Blair comes alive during vibrant festivals throughout the year. The colourful Light and Sound Show at Cellular Jail narrates the story of the freedom struggle. Moreover, the Island Tourism Festival celebrates the cultural heritage of the islands.
- For adventure seeker tourists, this is heaven for you. Port Blair has opportunities for kayaking through mangroves, spotting exotic marine life through glass-bottom boat tours, and exploring hidden waterfalls within dense forests.
- Port Blair in Andaman is the centre point of all places. From here, you can easily access other stunning islands like Havelock Island which is known for its pristine beaches as well as Neil Island which is famous for its laid-back atmosphere.
- A melting pot of cultures, Port Blair reflects influences from Tamil, Bengali, and Andhra communities, evident in its festivals, customs, and cuisine.
If you want to learn more facts about the islands, you can also check out these 20 Amazing Facts About Andaman and Nicobar Islands!
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FAQs
Andaman and Nicobar is an island in the territory of India. These are union territories and not a state.
In the ramayan period, Andman was known as Agadaemon Angademan.
Most speak Hindi or Bengali, but Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam also are common.
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