Port Blair

Surrounded by tropical forest and rugged coastline, the Andamans' lively provincial capital, Port Blair, is a vibrant mix of Indian Ocean inhabitants – Bengalis, Tamils, Telugus, Nicobarese and Myanmarese. Most travelers don’t hang around any longer than necessary (usually one or two days while waiting to book onward travel in the islands, or returning for departure), but PB’s fascinating history warrants exploration while you're in town. There are also some enticing day trips, such as to Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park and Chidiya Tapu.