A Guide To Viper Island, Port Blair

Things to do / Highlights

The island is named after an incident that took place during the British colonial era in India where a British trading ship named Viper, crashed at the then inhabitable land. Fast forward to the present time, the island is now open for tourism and offers a number of sightseeing spots that are totally unmissable.

Visit the infamous British jail

In 1858, the British constructed a jail on the island to imprison hardcore criminals. Yet, in reality, the British used the jail to imprison innocent Indian freedom fighters as well. Due to the important legacy that prison caries, the jail is now regarded as a place of historical significance. Through an exploration of this historic site, you will learn about the struggles that Indian fighters went through to set India free.

Taking a walk around the remnants of the jail which are; gallows and cells will also entice you to know more about the history of India. In addition to it, be sure to check out the light show performed on the seashore of Viper Island, every evening except on Wednesday. The show showcases the important events that took place during the pre-independent era as well as the struggle that the freedom fighters face during their imprisonment.

Stop by other landmarks in the island

Many people don’t realize that the ‎0.335 sq. m. (0.129 sq mi) island is more than just the British jail, for there are also other landmarks within the area. To name a few: Water Sports Complex, Forest Museum, and Anthropological Museum. We recommend you to plan an itinerary that includes all of these spots. Nevertheless, the easiest way to explore all of these sightseeing spots is to go on a tour of Viper Island.

Don’t just bounce from one spot to another, explore the views and landscapes of the island. One of the tourists’ favorite places on the island is the spot where they may soak in the picturesque scenery of numerous boats crossing each other at regular intervals. The panoramic view of the harbor is also something to relish.

Travelers tips

No signal reception

Since the island is located on the remote part of the Andaman archipelago, you might find it hard to find signal reception in this area. As such make sure to plan your itinerary thoroughly, before traveling down. Also if you’re traveling with other people, avoid splitting up.

Lack of medical facilities

Visitors are advised to make sure that they are in good health before making a trip to the island for there aren’t any medical facilities here. The nearest medical institution is the GBP Government Hospital in Port Blair, which is almost an hour away. The journey time from the island to the hospital can be dangerous for people with an unpredictable medical condition that requires immediate action such as heart attack or seizures. It is recommended that you bring your own medicines as well.

Travel in groups

To avoid any unwanted incidents, it is recommended to travel in groups during high tourist season. This way, you can look out for each other and make sure that everyone is safe.

Not wheelchair-friendly

Some areas of the island might be paved but the rest of the area is comprised of bumpy grounds. If your mobility is considerably limited, consider bringing a companion with you to ease the stress of traveling on this island.

How to get there

By private car

From the heart of the Port Blair, it will take approximately 45 minutes to reach Viper Island using a private vehicle. The time estimation includes the journey crossing the sea. Alternatively, you can also set off from Havelock Island. However, since it isn’t as close to the island as Port Blair, you will only arrive on the island after spending four hours on the road. Traveling via car is by far the most preferred mode of transportation to reach the island.

By boat

Not in a hurry to arrive at Viper Island? Then you should consider getting to the place via boat which departs from Phoenix Bay Jetty. From the center of the city to the jetty, usually, it will take 20 minutes. Then purchase a ticket for the Harbor Cruise. The cruise will explore the different points of the harbor before making a stop at Viper Island. Other than Phoenix Bay jetty, you may catch a boat to Viper Island from Junglighat Jetty on the harbor of Port Blair. The harbor is located on the west side of the city.

Viper Island information

Viper Island

Address: Port Blair, South Andaman Island, Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 744202, India

Opening hours: 6am - 5pm (daily)

Cost: Free entry

Department of tourism: Visit Andaman Islands

News & updates for Viper Island: Viper Island in Andamans open to foreign visitors I Eyeing a few days’ escape? Try Andaman and Nicobar Islands