Cycling Through Port Blair: Reliving the Magic of the Tour of Andaman!!

There is something special about arriving in the islands early in the morning. The air feels lighter, the sea breeze carries a quiet freshness, and the roads seem to invite you to explore them slowly. This morning, I landed back in Port Blair with one simple thought in mind — to experience the city the way cyclists do during the Tour of Andaman.

Instead of hopping into a car or rushing through the day, I decided to do what every rider eventually does here — get on a bicycle and let the island guide the journey.

A friend of mine, who is a resident of Port Blair, kindly lent me his cycle. With no rush and no strict schedule, I began pedalling through the city streets, trying to mimic what participants will experience during Day 1 of the Tour of Andaman.

My first stop was the iconic Cellular Jail. Standing there early in the morning is always humbling. The structure is a powerful reminder of India’s freedom struggle, but arriving there on a bicycle adds another layer to the experience. The slow rhythm of pedalling allows you to take in the surroundings, the architecture, and the stories that echo through the corridors of history.

From there, the ride continued towards Chatham Saw Mill, located in Chatham. Known as one of Asia’s oldest and largest sawmills, this place carries a unique charm. The route leading there is lined with glimpses of the sea, small settlements, and the gentle island pace of life. Riding through this stretch with the sea breeze constantly brushing past makes you realise why cycling is one of the best ways to experience these islands.

The next part of the journey added a touch of adventure.

From Chatham, I boarded a ferry to Bamboo Flat — bicycle and all. This is one of the beautiful things about exploring the Andaman Islands on two wheels. The journey isn’t just about roads; sometimes it involves crossing the sea itself.

Once at Bamboo Flat, the climb towards Mount Harriet National Park began. The road winding up the hill is quiet, green, and incredibly rewarding for cyclists. With thick tropical forests surrounding the route and occasional glimpses of the sea, the climb feels less like a challenge and more like a journey through nature.

Reaching Mount Harriet always feels like discovering a hidden viewpoint. From here, the islands spread out in front of you, with layers of blue sea and distant landforms painting a breathtaking picture.

After soaking in the views, the ride continued towards North Bay Island, a place many people recognise from the Indian ₹20 note. The waters here are clear, the surroundings pristine, and the route itself makes you feel completely disconnected from the rush of mainland cities.

Eventually, the loop brought me back to Port Blair, completing what felt like a perfect cycling circuit around the island capital.

What made this ride special wasn’t just the locations — it was the experience of moving slowly through them. When you cycle, you notice things you would otherwise miss: fishermen heading out for the day, children waving as you pass by, the smell of the sea, the sound of waves meeting the shore, and the rhythm of island life unfolding around you.

And that’s exactly what the Tour of Andaman is all about.

It’s not just a cycling event. It’s an immersive journey through the landscapes, culture, and stories of these beautiful islands. Day 1 itself offers riders a stunning combination of heritage, forests, coastal roads, ferry crossings, and breathtaking viewpoints — all packed into one unforgettable ride.

Today’s ride was a small attempt to relive that magic.

But this is just the beginning.

Over the next three days, I’ll be cycling across different parts of the islands again — exploring routes, revisiting familiar roads, and experiencing the landscapes that make the Tour of Andaman one of the most unique cycling adventures in India.

So if you love cycling, exploration, and discovering places beyond the usual tourist routes, stay tuned.

There’s a lot more coming from the roads of the Andaman Islands. 🚴‍♂️🌊🌴