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Museums in Andaman offer more than a peek into the islands’ scenic beauty—they reveal history, culture, and nature that go far beyond the beaches. From the poignant tales of freedom fighters at Cellular Jail to the tribal stories preserved in the Anthropological Museum, each place carries a unique legacy. The Samudrika Naval Marine Museum showcases marine biodiversity, while others highlight island ecosystems, local crafts, and scientific curiosities. For travellers curious about what lies beneath the surface, every museum adds a rich, educational layer to their tropical escape.
Top 10 Museums In Andaman
Museums in Andaman reveal the islands’ hidden stories—freedom struggles, tribal heritage, marine life, and culture—offering a deeper look beyond the beaches and turquoise waters.
1. Cellular Jail National Memorial
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
Cellular Jail in Port Blair represents the most happening historical site in the Andaman Islands to a greater depth. It used to be ‘Kala Pani’ for the extreme isolation under which its prisoners lived when it was operated as a colonial prison by the British. Here, many of the Indian freedom fighters, including Veer Savarkar, were imprisoned under very harsh conditions. From the prison now stands a national memorial and museum. One can wander through small, dark cells, view galleries of photographs, and read stories about the sacrifices made by the inmates. The central watchtower, once used for monitoring prisoners, now provides a wonderful view of the entire structure.
How To Reach: Located in Port Blair, about 3 km from the Airport. Easily accessible by auto-rickshaw, taxi, or local bus.
Major Attractions: Solitary cells, Veer Savarkar’s cell, Light & Sound Show, Watchtower.
Suggested Read: Forest Museum Andaman
2. Samudrika Naval Marine Museum
Photo: Yercaud-elango / Wikimedia Commons
The Samudrika Naval Marine Museum is managed by the Indian Navy and is one of the best museums in Andaman, meant to showcase the magnificent marine biodiversity, tribal cultures, and the history seen behind its years. It segments all topics into five sections, including geography, archaeology, flora, fauna, and tribal lives. The giant skeleton of a blue whale displayed at the entrance arrests the attention of the visitors. The sections inside present corals, shells, and marine species found only in these islands. The tribal section is very interesting, with tools, ornaments, and photographs bringing to life the daily life of the indigenous communities.
How To Reach: Situated in Port Blair near Haddo, about 5 km from the airport. Taxis and autos are readily available.
Major Attractions: Whale skeleton, Tribal artefacts, Corals, Shells, Marine life exhibits.
3. Anthropological Museum
Photo: Eric Tompkins / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
One of the rare glimpses into the life and culture of the Andaman and Nicobar tribes, which are indigenous to those islands, is presented at the Anthropological Museum in Port Blair. Included in the displays are the Great Andamanese, the Onges, the Jarwas, and the Sentinelese, all of whom form some of the most secluded peoples of the world. On display are tools and implements used by the tribes, as well as model houses made out of wood, which give a realistic insight into their style of living. Photographs and dioramas only further underscore their unique cultures and traditions. This museum is a rarity in that it informs viewers who are far removed from the tribes.
How To Reach: Centrally located in Port Blair, around 3 km from the airport. Accessible by cab, bus, or walking if staying nearby.
Major Attractions: Tribal huts, Tools, Ornaments, Photos, Dioramas.
Suggested Read: Fisheries Museum Port Blair
4. Fisheries Museum
Photo: Magda Ehlers / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Opposite the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex, on Andaman Island’s Port Blair, is the outdated Fisheries Museum that must be an educational stop for marine life connoisseurs. They are home to more than 350 species of marine animals living in the surrounding water conditions near the islands, with their revenue being sourced primarily from fisheries. This tells you that the museum has undoubtedly captured the glory of marine creatures from all perspectives with their rare corals, shells, colourful fish, and invertebrates of marine creatures from all the corners of the Andamans. Children and families enrapture themselves at the sight of colourful presentations where they can view life forms.
How To Reach: Next to the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex in Port Blair, about 4 km from the airport. A short auto-rickshaw ride away.
Major Attractions: Reef fish, Corals, Shells, Marine species, Kids’ exhibits.
5. Zoological Survey Of India Museum
Photo: Raine Nectar / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) Museum, located in Port Blair, is another den for wildlife lovers and researchers. It is structured to highlight the higher fauna of these islands in Andaman and those in Nicobar, respectively, displayed in the form of large collections of preserved animal specimens. Indeed, mammals, birds, reptiles, and marine species are all put on display, showering light on the rich biodiversity of the islands. Of particular interest is the last section dealing with rare and endemic species that researchers believe exist nowhere else in the world! Not only does the museum conserve this diverse wildlife, but it also carries out fieldwork and studies on much of it.
How To Reach: Located in Port Blair, roughly 2 km from the city centre. Taxis, buses, and autos are convenient.
Major Attractions: Endemic species, Taxidermy, Marine specimens, and Reptiles.
Suggested Read: Cellular Jail Museum
6. Forest Museum
Photo: Jacob Antony / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Nestled amidst Chatham, one of the oldest places of sawmilling in Asia, the Forest Museum is operated by the Forest Department of the Andaman. It aims to encourage a peek at the rich forest resources of the Andamans and Nicobar Islands and the intricate mastery of wood artistry. The museum’s halls show a variety of wooden craft items, carvings, and models made from locally available woods such as padauk, gurjan, and satinwood. Permanent exhibits display sustainable utilisation of forest products and the skill of local artisans, thereby educating visitors on the flora of the islands, forestry practices, and conservation. A small zoological garden and mini-zoo also serve as a further attraction amidst its more family-friendly cool environmental dimension.
How To Reach: Situated in Chatham, about 10 minutes from Port Blair city centre, accessible by taxi or bus.
Major Attractions: Wood carvings, Forest products, Mini zoo, Sawmill heritage.
7. Science Centre
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
Located in Port Blair, the Science Centre is a great place for private education through entertainment. The centre aims to ignite curiosity, particularly among children and young learners. It has a variety of displays covering physics, astronomy, and marine science. Adventurous enthusiasts get to observe displays that explain the formation of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, volcanic activity, and severe weather anomalies that occasion them. Optical illusions, modern technology, and fascinating experiments are a fun science user encounter. The marine-study exhibit is an enchantment for tracking the little marine societies, where models and information detail the underwater ecosystems of the islands.
How To Reach: Around 5 km from Port Blair town on Corbyn’s Cove Road. Easily reached by cab or auto.
Major Attractions: Island formation, Optical illusions, Marine science, Interactive displays.
Suggested Read: Samudrika Naval Marine Museum
8. Smritika Museum – Ross Island
Photo: Yercaud-elango / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Smritika Museum on Ross Island, now known as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island, is a small representation of the colonial epoch the island experienced. Set up and managed by the Indian Navy, this museum narrates beautifully the tales of the colonial legacy of the islands. The museum preserves a collection of photographs, antiques, and records that once belonged to the British era, dating back to the time when Ross Island was the administrative headquarters of the Andamans. Many products like typewriters, uniforms, and the old furniture give the old-world feel of the officers who commanded the little indolent world. It provides a somewhat haunting, yet beautiful sense of nature reclaiming human settlements over time.
How To Reach: Accessible by a short boat ride (10–15 minutes) from Aberdeen Jetty in Port Blair. Boats run regularly.
Major Attractions: Colonial artefacts, Uniforms, Photos, Ruined buildings.
9. ZSI Regional Museum
Photo: Yercaud-elango / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
ZSI Regional Museum, another term for the Zonal Anthropological Museum, gives an incredible insight into an island’s natural and tribal heritage. Port Blair’s exterior is showcased in extensive taxidermy specimens that belong to birds and reptiles to marine creatures, apart from botanical specimens and insects like butterflies and beetles. Also, the nugget of ZSI or Zonal Anthropological Museum dives deep into the rich natural heritage and tribal heritage of the islands. Located in Port Blair, it boasts an extensive display of specimens, including taxidermies of birds and reptiles to marine organisms, as well as showcases of botanical specimens and insects such as butterflies and beetles.
How To Reach: The ZSI Regional Museum is located on Haddo Road in Port Blair, around 3 km from the city centre.
Major Attractions: Insects, Marine life, Botanical displays, Tribal specimens.
Suggested Read: Museums In Port Blair That You Must Visit On Your Next Trip
10. Marine Interpretation Centre
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Tucked away in Port Blair, the Marine Interpretation Centre gives visitors a chance to experience the fascinating world beneath the Andaman seas without ever stepping into the water. Run by the Department of Environment and Forests, this small but engaging spot is designed to explain the region’s rich marine life and why it needs protection. Inside, you’ll find preserved specimens, coral formations, shells, and easy-to-follow displays about mangroves, seagrass beds, and the vibrant reefs that surround the islands. It’s not a large museum, but what it offers is depth – a clear picture of how island life depends on the sea.
How To Reach: About 3 km from central Port Blair; easily accessible by taxi or auto.
Major Attractions: Corals, Shells, Mangrove displays, Reef dioramas.
The museums in Andaman go beyond beach vibes, offering rich glimpses into its history, tribal life, and marine wonders. From the poignant Cellular Jail to the vibrant Samudrika and Anthropological Museums, each stop deepens your understanding of these islands. Even smaller gems like the Fisheries, Forest, and Smritika Museums add charm. Explore the top museums in Andaman with TripXL for a meaningful, well-rounded travel experience.
Cover Photo: AjayTvm / Shutterstock
