Andaman Islands: Port Blair Cellular Jail and 20 Rupee Note Mt Harriet

Check out our Top Rewards Cards to boost your points earning and travel more!


See also in the Andaman Islands series, Where, Why and Sherlock, Practicalities, and Ross & Viper Islands, the ‘Angkor Wat of British Rule.’

Port Blair feels nothing like a tropical island town. Standing in its center feels like any other tumultuous Indian city. The prison is a relaxing gem.

Built in the opening of the 20th-century, the 698 cells of the British Cellular Jail radiate out from a central tower. Many Indian political prisoners suffered in the brutal conditions and it is a now a solemn memorial.

Andaman Islands 043

Andaman Islands 045

Andaman Islands 044

Andaman Islands 046

Andaman Islands 047

Andaman Islands 048

Little else in Port Blair draws attention of the tourist. The Anthropological Museum is weak.

A better alternative is chartering a taxi to Mt. Harriet via the Bamboo Flat Ferry. A stop at the Forest Museum & Chatham Saw Mill by the ferry is possible. The ferry is a kaleidoscopic experience. Mt. Harriett is known for its bay and lighthouse, featured on the 20 rupee note. The park itself has muddy trails with few views beyond think jungle.

Andaman Islands 005

Andaman Islands 006

Andaman Islands 007

Andaman Islands 008

Andaman Islands 009

Andaman Islands 010

Andaman Islands 011

Andaman Islands 012

Port Blair and Mt Harriet are good options to fill in travel days since all flights are daytime, leaving awkward, spare half-days.

0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

5 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
trackback

[…] Why and Sherlock, Ross & Viper Islands, the ‘Angkor Wat of British Rule,’ and Port Blair Cellular Jail and the image on the 20 Rupee […]

Rapid Travel Chai
11 years ago

@NYBanker – if I wanted a suite, I could stay in my apartment. 🙂

WeddingSpend
11 years ago

So true . . . NYC apartments are about that size pretty much.

NYBanker
11 years ago

An interesting read. Thanks for taking the time to share. It is nice to see reports where the highlight is something other than a room upgrade at the Hyatt Regency.

Sean M.
Sean M.
11 years ago

I visited Port Blair and the Andamans almost 20 years ago in October 1993 (back when the only flights were 3x weekly IC 732s from CCU that you needed to book months in advance). Doesn’t look like it has changed one bit since then!