Rashmi & Naveen
Local fun spots 🏝️
Malampuzha Dam
Largest reservoir in Kerala and was built in 1955 across Malampuzha, a tributary of River Nila. Malampuzha garden with its manicured lawns, well-laid-out flower beds, and pathways is situated adjacent to the dam. The garden is famous for its aerial ropeway. Top attractions here -> Yakshi Garden, Entrance Garden, Ropeway, Rock Garden Snake park (Rashmi's grandfather constructed this park), Viewpoint
Au Revoir Wellness Resort
The drive to the Au Revoir resort is beautiful and very scenic. Definitely take a drive here, stop at some local coffee/tea shop, grab a cup and enjoy the views. You can end the drive with a meal at Au Revoir resort or an Ayurvedic massage here. Reservations for Ayurvedic massage recommended!
Nalanda
Very close to the hotel you all are staying in. Rashmi's favorite place to get Porotta and any non-veg curry! Their famous "Paal beef porotta" is yummy - Must try it if you eat red meat. Their "Payyoli Chicken" is amazing too
Vox Sky Lounge & Fine Dine
If you are looking for good vibes and good food, you can go here! Indo-Chinese and traditional Malayali dishes are good here
Palakkad Kotta Maithanam
Rashmi loves visiting here and finds it cool that such an old fort from 1766 AD is still preserved so well in the middle of a city! The Fort speaks volumes about the stories of the Legendary Tipu Sultan who was the son of Hyder Ali. There is a Milma shop right opposite the entrance to the fort that sells "Fried Pathiri"
new malabar restaurant
Not the best vibe, but great authentic Malabari Malayali food. You will not go wrong if you order Malabar biriyani (this is different from North Indian/Bengali biriyani - go with an open mind). You can get a good Appam/idiyappam (bread options) with any curry of your choice. Has amazing special falooda as well!
Sindhu Cool Bar
Hole in the wall place but do not go by the looks. Rashmi and Rashmi's family favorite to grab fresh juices or milk shakes. They make awesome pistachio milkshakes. Her family has been going here for decades. Highly recommend!
Marina Park
We used to come here after school to hang out with our friends. It's Rashmi's favorite spot to walk with friends and family while eating jhaalmuri. Be sure to get some street food nearby or go to New Lighthouse restaurant
Chidiya Tapu Beach
Rashmi and Naveen's favorite spot for sunsets and beautiful views. Go here when in Port Blair. There is a sunset viewpoint that is a small hike but 1000% worth it. Stop at Chota Bhalu beach on the way (Rashmi's favorite). Also, visit Munda Pahad beach to catch up on the picturesque views and white sand beaches. Drive from Port Blair to this beach is kinda zigzaggy so go with someone who knows how to drive (similar to Lonavla roads).
SeaShell, Port Blair
The rooftop ambiance is lit 🔥 both restaurant and rooftop bar - Amaya! This is our favorite place to grab drinks and dinner with friends. Things we like to order: Seafood platter, Fish Begum Bahaar, Honey Chilli Prawns, Walnut Brownie Sundae. You won't regret getting their Long Island Iced Tea
TSG Emerald View Hotel & Spa
The OG hangout spot with numerous food options and bar is good as well! Things we like to eat here -> Fish Haryali, Nicobari Chicken Curry, Crispy Chilli Baby Corn, Prawn Masala, Rasmalai
Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island)
Ross is the closest island to Port Blair, you can hop on a ferry from Marina Park to visit this island (Alternatively, you can always test your swimming skills, lol). It has to offer because of its historical significance and also natural beauty. You can be around spotted deer and peacocks roaming freely around the island. You can hike the complete island in half a day.
Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
The go-to island for us is a great spot to chill, scuba (Dive India), and all the amazing watersports that Andaman has to offer. Daily ferries from Port Blair (Haddo Jetty) with a 1-1.5hr ride. Ideally, spend 2 nights here with 3 must-visit places - Radhanagar Beach (sunset and water), Kalapathar Beach (blue waters, white sand beaches to relax), Elephanta Beach (take a small boat or hike, snorkeling and water sports).
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
Shares similar vibes to Havelock but is less touristy and more relaxed. Daily ferries from Havelock (30-45mins) and Port Blair (Haddo Jetty, 1.5hrs). Should spend at least 2 full days here and hit 3 beaches- Sitapur Beach (great for tidepools, has a natural bridge), Laxmanpur Beach (great for snorkeling, and relaxing), Bharatpur Beach (isolated, tranquil and blue waters). Must try Misti Doi and melt-in-the-mouth rasgulla.
Anumod Bakery
This is our favorite place to grab pastries - black forest and butterscotch are the best. Their chicken puffs, shawarma and veggie burger is good too.
Icy Spicy - Pure Veg
[PURE VEG] Our favorite chaat shop near our home. Their chaats are amazing - my favorite is the raj kachori chaat, aloo tikki chaat. Their kaju katli and other indian desserts are amazing as well.
Annapurna Cafeteria Pure Veg
It is one of the oldest vegetarian restaurants in town serving the best chola bhatora with chutney combo. Rashmi loves their mini idli, their masala dosa and idli are authentic. The vegetarian meals here are the best.
Cellular Jail
One of the most prominent landmarks of Port Blair with a deep historical significance. Great scenic views from the " Watch Tower".
Baratang Island
Baratang is in the Northern Andaman connected via roads and sea to Port Blair. You can ride via a State Transport bus or rent a tourist cab. It has a lot to offer if you are a nature freak, with a rich variety of flora and fauna. From mangrove forest trails to deep limestone caves and mud volcanos, your to-do list can grow quickly here. Also, the road route leading to Baratang is a restricted passage and you are not allowed to drive on your own. There is a high probability that you can see one of the 7 indigenous tribes of the island on your way.
Silver Sand Sea Princess Beach Resort
Beautiful sunset, views, and food. Great place to drive to and also visit Wandoor Beach
Hotel Kattabomman
Hole in the wall kinda but great breakfast - Masala dosa and filter coffee definitely recommended