Mallika Dureja
This popular tourist place in Andaman run by the Indian Navy, Samudrika Marine Museum is one of its kinds in Port Blair showcasing marine life and its vivid forms. It has a huge collection of corals, seashells, fishes and different species of sea animals in distinct hues and sizes. The museum has been divided into five prominent sections as marine archaeology, history of Andaman, marine life, geographical information and people of Andaman. A major objective of the museum is to generate awareness towards the oceanic environment and marine life.
The major attraction of the museum is the skeleton of a baby blue whale that was washed ashore on the coast of Andaman & Nicobar. A tiny zoo within the museum premises boasts of a few saltwater crocodiles in Haddo of Andaman. Another speciality of the museum is its inbuilt aquarium featuring regional varieties of the sea plants and animals. Shop amazing handicrafts, bamboo craft, sea shell knick-knacks and other souvenirs from the curio shop within the museum premises. Thus to sum it up the museum serves as a repository of marine flora and fauna found in the pristine area of Andaman.
How to reach Samudrika Marine Museum
From Port Blair – The Samudrika Marine Museum is 9km from the centre of Port Blair, thus easily accessible by road and a walkable distance.
From Havelock Island – The distance from Havelock Island to the museum is approximately 65km and takes both sea and road to reach. Situated in the Haddo area of Port Blair it takes close to 3 hours to reach. A government-run ferry from Havelock to Port Blair takes 2.5 hours to reach Port Blair which is scheduled twice a day.
Essential Info:
1. Places to visit near Samudrika Marine Museum
There are several places of interest in and around the museum like the mini zoo housed within the museum complex, visiting Ross Island and indulge in some activities in the Andaman sports complex. The Chatham saw mill, Forest museum and Cellular jail are in close proximity to Samudrika Marine museum and should be visited to enlighten oneself of the glorious history of India.
2. Things to do in and around Samudrika Marine Museum
There are several activities that can be done in and around the museum which includes, coral cruising, beach activities, ferrying to islands, Forest walk, visiting museums, water sports, photography, Beach walk and shopping. A perfect destination for travel, the places nearby Samudrika Marine museums attracts tourist of every age group from every continent to have an enjoyable moment at Andaman.
3. Places to eat in and near Samudrika Marine Museum.
When it comes to select a restaurant to satiate the hunger, tourists are spoiled for choice. Port Blair has an array of eateries and restaurants offering different cuisines and pockets. Café Rebel is the closest to the museum tantalizing their guests with the best of burgers in town. A few more restaurants like Ruchi, Rola costa, Amaya, Annapurna and Mandalay dish out mouth-watering delicacies and are popular amongst the tourist circle.
4. Places to stay near Samudrika Marine Museum
Andaman being a destination of choice for many especially during the peak season,the Island is dotted with hotels, guest houses and B&B. Hotel Driftwood, Hotel Hill view, TSG Emerald view, Noth Harriet view and Hotel Sentinel are a few of the options for stay closest to the museum.
If you are looking for places to stay, skip the hotels and go offbeat with beach resorts in Havelock Islands.
5. Medical Facilities in Samudrika Marine Museum
As the museum is prominently located in Port Blair, one may visit the G.B.P Hospital, which is a 400-bed government-run medical centre with super speciality departments.
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6. Best time to visit Samudrika Marine Museum
The museum is open round the year for the visitors to enjoy and appreciate the marine and archaeological beauty of Andaman. Months between October to May are the best months to visit Andaman so as to avoid the monsoons.
7. Mobile Connectivity in Samudrika Marine Museum
Mobile network at Samudrika Marine museum is descent with BSNL which is a leading service provider in the Island. Tourists using other service providers might have to manually shift to the said network.
8. Travellers’ Tip before visiting Samudrika Marine Museum.
– Do not feed the fish or crocodiles, as it is against the rules set by the authorities.
– Do not litter the place, dispose of waste at a proper place.
– Be careful not to touch any of the relics or exhibits as many are rare showpieces and fragile.
Andaman offers vast water sports of its kind. Enjoy snorkerling, speed boating, scuba diving in Andaman Islands and an experience of a lifetime.
9. Entry Fee and Photography allowed in Samudrika Marine Museum
The entry fee for the museum is Rs.50/- for adults and Rs.20/- for children per head and cameras are charged at Rs.50. Entry is free for senior citizens and specially-abled citizens on providing a valid identity card.
10. Visiting Time & Duration for Samudrika Marine Museum
The museum is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm except Mondays. It takes approximately 2-3 hours to explore the nuances of the showpieces exhibited with great care.
