Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) City Guide

Fresh seafood and South Indian food are must-tries. Limited international options mostly Indian and Chinese. Vegetarian dishes are common; vegan options need asking. Food places close by 10-11 PM.

Nightlife is minimal with a few hotel bars. No clubs or lively late-night venues.

Most places offer instant or filter coffee. Specialty coffee shops are rare.

Tipping is appreciated but not required. 5-10% in restaurants if no service charge, rounding up fares for taxis, small tips for hotel or guides.

Buy local SIMs at the airport or authorized shops. Airtel and Jio provide best coverage. Physical SIM cards are common; remember passport and photo for registration.

Main tourist areas are fairly clean; side streets less so. Waste management is improving but still developing.

Few 24/7 services. Late-night pharmacies and food options are rare. Minimarts may have longer hours but not 24/7.

Basic groceries and fresh produce are available. Shop at Andaman Co-operative Super Market or local kirana stores. Markets like Aberdeen Bazaar offer fresh fish and goods.

Cards are accepted in bigger hotels, restaurants, and shops, but cash is needed for small vendors and local transport.

ATMs from major Indian banks like SBI, HDFC, and ICICI are available. Non-bank ATMs may charge fees; Indian bank ATMs usually do not charge for withdrawals with Indian bank cards.

Local schools teach mainly in English and Hindi. No prominent international schools.

Very small digital nomad community with limited coworking or events.

Parks like Gandhi Park offer green space but shaded walking areas are limited.

Good running routes along coastal roads. Safe during the day; some areas have poor lighting at night.

Gyms are available including some in hotels, but the options are limited.

Tennis courts exist at places like Andaman Sports Complex. Booking may be informal.

Padel courts are not available.

Few yoga classes, mostly in hotels or guesthouses. Drop-in and English-speaking instructors may be limited.

Karate and Taekwondo classes may exist but with limited tourist access or English instruction.

No skiing due to tropical climate.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, and glass-bottom boats are available at Corbyn's Cove and other tourist spots.

Surfing is not common near Port Blair, but remote islands like Little Andaman offer it, though not for day trips.

Good dive sites nearby, including North Bay and Havelock. Rich marine life and clear water from October to May. Suitable for all skill levels.

G.B. Pant Hospital is the main government hospital. Private clinics exist but may have limited English-speaking staff. Pharmacies sell common medicines during business hours.

Tap water is not safe for tourists to drink. Use bottled water or reliable filters.

Some playgrounds like Gandhi Park. Restaurants generally welcome families. Attractions include Cellular Jail and Corbyn's Cove Beach.

Conservative social attitudes with some legal protection. No visible safe spaces or events.

Pet policies are restrictive; vets available but no dedicated pet parks. Strict pet import rules.