Beach Fun at the Island Tourism Festival, Port Blair

One of the most popular ways of beating the January cold wave is to rush to a warm, sunny beach. This time, give the usual spots a skip and try something new. Even if you are lucky enough to be in a warmer part of the country, make Port Blair your favored beach destination, because this year, the island city’s sandy beaches are teaming up with the Island Tourism Festival to make a super memorable holiday for you. The capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Port Blair hosts one of the most colorful festivals in India – the Island Tourism Festival – to promote tourism in this erstwhile colonial island once dreaded for its Cellular Jail. The festival dates are January 5-15, 2013 and visitors flock from other islands, mainland India as well as a host of other countries for this colourful festival celebration in India. The beauty of Port Blair city, the mishmash of different cultures from all the nearby islands and the rollercoaster of activities will make it worth your while to visit. Worried about where to stay? There are some great hotels around for you to consider.

Photo Credit: Sankara Subramanian / Flickr

Get Busy

Once in Port Blair, you’re bound to get busy if you want to soak up on the festivities, and there’s a lot to do and see. This 15-day long fun-o-rama will keep you happily occupied with musical performances, theatre shows and dance recitals presented by local artists as well as international troupes. An exposition of the islands’ arts and crafts showcases its unique culture and is a highlight of the festival with local craftsmen displaying and selling their works. Don’t fret over how to handle the kids while you admire Port Blair’s arts; let them have the time of their lives with special puppet shows, magic shows and even baby shows!

There is something for everyone in this outstanding festival and adrenalin junkies can pump it to the max with aqua sports like parasailing and scuba diving. Not adventurous enough for you? Go deep sea swimming or snorkeling in the vibrant coral reefs surrounding the island. In case you prefer being on the other side of the action, the Port Blair Island Tourism Festival is not going to disappoint with its several spectator sports like canoe racing competitions and the Nicobaric Hodi Race – a must see event where participants compete against Nicobarese tribes (these guys are pros and usually beat their opponents to pulp!)

Port Blair, usually a place in no hurry to get anywhere, comes alive during the Island Tourism Festival. The shopping areas in the city are well lit and bustling with activity, theatre and drama find new audiences and the beaches are dotted with holiday makers. The island just does not sleep during the 10 days of the festival!

The Island Tourism Festival helps promote Port Blair as an eco-friendly holiday destination in a big way and before you think of visiting another ecotourism spot on the globe, give Port Blair a shot. Getting there is not difficult and you can fly in from New Delhi, Kolkata or Chennai. Fancy traveling by sea? Stowaway on a cruise boat from Chennai (We’re kidding. Please buy tickets