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Cellular Jail

Museum

The Cellular Jail in Port Blair was a colonial prison where Indian independence activists were interned; the site functions as a national memorial with a museum and an evening light‑and‑sound programme.

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In this guide

Cellular Jail essentials

Address: Cellular Jail National Memorial, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Website: andaman.gov.in
Hours: Typically 9:00am-5:00pm (check local administration for current hours); Light & Sound shows usually in evening
Admission: INR 10-20 (local fees historically nominal); a modest fee may apply for the Light & Sound show
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About Cellular Jail

Cellular Jail in Port Blair is a colonial-era prison built in the early 20th century by British authorities to detain political prisoners from across India. The complex is characterised by seven radial wings of cells arranged around a central observation tower, a design intended to isolate inmates.

The site now functions as a national memorial and museum, with preserved cell blocks, exhibits on notable detainees, and displays about life in detention under the penal system. Visitors typically walk through the radial galleries and view interpretive material about the jail’s role in the independence movement.

The jail stands within Port Blair on South Andaman Island and is one of the primary historic sites in the city.

  • Colonial-era prison: Constructed in the early 20th century by British colonial authorities and used to house political prisoners and freedom fighters during the colonial period.
  • Location and present use: Located in Port Blair on South Andaman Island and commonly presented today as a national memorial with exhibits on the independence movement.

What to See#

  • Radial cell blocks: Seven radial wings of individual prison cells extend from a central watch tower, forming the jail’s characteristic spoke-and-hub layout.
  • Museum and memorial galleries: A museum and preserved cell galleries present exhibits on inmates, daily life under confinement, and the jail’s role in the independence movement.
  • Central tower and courtyard: The central tower and the cell wings together form the main architectural ensemble that visitors walk through when touring the site.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Cellular Jail

Best visited October-May for drier weather and reliable programming; evening programs are popular.

Dry season
October-May · 24-30°C
Less rain and comfortable for outdoor visiting and evening programs.
Monsoon
June-September · 25-30°C
Heavy rains and humidity; some services may be disrupted.

Weather & Climate near Cellular Jail

Climate

Cellular Jail's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 32°C. Heavy rainfall (2571 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 63 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
FebruaryMarchJanuary
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
33°
Warmest Month
24°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Excellent 23° - 30° 26° 38 mm partly cloudy 75% 2.0 m/s 1.9 very high 11.4h
February Ideal 23° - 30° 26° 25 mm mostly sunny 72% 1.7 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.7h
March Excellent 23° - 31° 29° 41 mm some cloud 71% 1.9 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.0h
April Very Good 25° - 33° 32° 112 mm partly cloudy 72% 2.0 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.3h
May Acceptable 25° - 31° 32° 300 mm overcast 79% 2.0 m/s 2.0 very high 12.5h
June Good 24° - 30° 31° 339 mm overcast 83% 3.1 m/s 1.9 very high 12.7h
July Good 24° - 29° 27° 340 mm overcast 84% 2.5 m/s 1.9 very high 12.6h
August Good 24° - 29° 27° 350 mm overcast 84% 2.6 m/s 2.0 extreme 12.4h
September Good 24° - 29° 27° 399 mm overcast 83% 2.0 m/s 2.0 extreme 12.1h
October Good 24° - 30° 27° 311 mm overcast 81% 1.7 m/s 2.0 extreme 11.8h
November Good 24° - 30° 27° 217 mm partly cloudy 79% 2.0 m/s 1.8 very high 11.5h
December Very Good 24° - 30° 27° 99 mm partly cloudy 77% 2.3 m/s 1.7 very high 11.3h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Cellular Jail

The Cellular Jail is in Port Blair; from the town center it’s a short taxi ride or a walk depending on accommodations. Veer off Aberdeen Bazaar for local transit options.

Tips for Visiting Cellular Jail

  • Attend the evening Light & Sound show for a dramatized history of the jail and independence movement.
  • Respect the solemn nature of the memorial - much of the site commemorates political prisoners and freedom fighters.
  • Combine the visit with other Port Blair sites (Anthropological Museum, Ross Island) to understand the islands' colonial history.