Sri Vijaya Puram

Sri Vijaya Puram is the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on the eastern side of South Andaman Island, where forested hills slope down to the harbour basin. Several small bays and headlands shape the coastline, while residential neighbourhoods spread in terraces across the slopes.

The British East India Company founded a penal colony at this site in 1789 and named it after Captain Archibald Blair. It later became a place of exile for political prisoners from the Indian independence struggle.

Local fishing boats dock at Aberdeen Bazaar every morning and sell fresh catch directly from the deck. The streets around the market display a mix of Bengali script and Hindi lettering on the shopfronts.

The airport terminal sits about 4 kilometres south of the town centre and taxis run regularly in both directions. Ferries to surrounding islands depart from Phoenix Bay Jetty, which is within walking distance of Aberdeen Bazaar.

The place officially received the name Sri Vijaya Puram in September 2024, although many maps and signs still show the earlier designation. Japanese bunkers from World War II remain at some beaches south of the town.

Location: Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Inception: 1858

Elevation above the sea: 17 m

GPS coordinates: 11.66453,92.73904

Latest update: December 14, 2025 20:23