Flag Point Port Blair: History, Pride & Sea Views

There are places in Andaman where you go for the view, and then there are places where the view makes you pause because of the story behind it. Flag Point in Port Blair belongs to the second kind. Standing beside the sea, with the national flag rising high above the waterfront, it is one of those places where history and everyday life quietly share the same space.

You don’t need to plan an entire day for Flag Point. In fact, one of the nicest ways to experience it is to start from Marina Park and walk towards the waterfront. The road and walkway gradually open up to the sea, and before long the large Tricolour becomes impossible to miss. Locals come here for their morning and evening walks, while tourists often arrive with their cameras, especially when the light starts becoming softer towards sunset.

Where Is Flag Point in Port Blair?

Flag Point is located in the waterfront area of Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), close to Marina Park and the city’s administrative area. The location is particularly easy to combine with other places around the seafront, so you don’t necessarily need to hire a vehicle just to visit it.

The area is also close to the Government Press, and its location beside the sea gives it an open feel that is quite different from the busy streets of the main market. From here, the waterfront stretches out in front of you, while the skyline of nearby islands can be seen across the water on a clear day.

Why Is Flag Point Famous?

The importance of Flag Point comes from its connection with one of the most memorable chapters of India’s freedom movement in the Andaman Islands.

On 30 December 1943, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose hoisted the Tricolour in Port Blair during his visit to the islands as Head of the Provisional Government of Free India. The event has an important place in the history of the freedom movement because the Andaman Islands were declared the first Indian territory freed from British rule under the Provisional Government of Azad Hind.

There is, however, an important detail that visitors should know. The original 1943 flag-hoisting location was not the present Flag Point. The Directorate of Art and Culture identifies the historic location with the area associated with the present Netaji Stadium and the 30th December Memorial. Flag Point later became the venue for the annual commemoration of that historic event.

That distinction is worth knowing because it makes the history more interesting rather than less. Flag Point is not simply a place with a giant flag; it is a modern memorial space created to keep alive the memory of an event that happened more than eight decades ago.

When Did Narendra Modi Hoist the Flag at Flag Point?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the National Flag at Flag Point on 30 December 2018, during the 75th anniversary commemoration of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s historic flag hoisting in the Andaman Islands. The occasion gave Flag Point an additional place in the modern history of Port Blair.

The same 2018 visit was also significant for the renaming of several islands. Ross Island was renamed Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep, while Havelock Island and Neil Island were renamed Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep respectively.

Today, the connection is remembered every year on 30 December, when a commemorative flag-hoisting ceremony is organised at Flag Point. The event brings together officials, local residents and visitors, turning the waterfront into a particularly patriotic place on that morning.

The View of Ross Island From Flag Point

One of the things that makes Flag Point enjoyable even for someone who is not particularly interested in history is the view.

Look out towards the sea and you can see Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island, formerly known as Ross Island, lying across the water. On a clear day, its presence adds another layer to the view. You are standing in Port Blair, looking across the same harbour towards an island that once served as the administrative headquarters of the British in the Andaman Islands.

The Directorate of Art and Culture records Ross Island’s former role as the headquarters of the British administration, while modern visitors know it for its ruins, old colonial buildings and its connection with the history of the islands.

So when you stand at Flag Point and look across the water, you’re not simply looking at another island. You’re looking towards a place that is deeply connected with the history surrounding Port Blair.

Why Locals Walk to Flag Point

One of the best things about Flag Point is that it isn’t only a tourist attraction.

Early in the morning and again in the evening, you will often see people walking along the waterfront. Some come for exercise, some sit for a while, some stop to talk with friends, and tourists naturally become part of the same scene.

The connection with Marina Park makes this especially easy. You can spend some time inside Marina Park, come out towards the waterfront and continue walking towards Flag Point instead of immediately getting into a vehicle.

This is probably the most enjoyable way to visit. You get the sea breeze, open views and a little glimpse of ordinary Port Blair life along the way. There is no rush, and that’s exactly what makes the walk pleasant.

Is Flag Point Better in the Morning or Evening?

Both have their own character.

Morning is a good time if you enjoy quiet walks and cooler weather. The waterfront feels fresh, and you will see locals out for their regular walks.

Evening, however, is when many visitors prefer Flag Point. The temperature becomes more comfortable, the sea breeze picks up and the changing light over the water makes the surroundings particularly pleasant. If you are already visiting Marina Park, continuing your walk towards Flag Point around sunset can be a very easy and enjoyable addition to your evening. You don’t need to rush through it. Find a place to sit, watch the water for a while and let the evening unfold.

Walking From Marina Park to Flag Point

One of the nicest ways to reach Flag Point is on foot from Marina Park. You can spend some time inside Marina Park and then continue towards the seafront, following the waterfront road and walkway towards the flag. The walk is not particularly difficult, and you don’t have to worry about heavy traffic on much of this stretch.

What makes the walk enjoyable is the changing scenery. On one side, there is the open sea, while the other side has government buildings, roads and greenery. As you continue, the tall national flag gradually becomes more prominent, almost giving you a destination to walk towards. The route is especially pleasant in the morning and evening when the weather is more comfortable. Travel guides also recommend taking the walk from Marina Park rather than simply driving directly to the point.

If you are already at Marina Park, I would personally suggest walking instead of taking a vehicle for this short stretch. You get to see more of the waterfront and experience the area at a much slower pace.

Is There Parking Near Flag Point?

Yes, visitors coming by scooter, car or other private vehicles can find parking around the Flag Point area. However, parking availability can depend on how busy the waterfront is, particularly during evenings, weekends and special occasions.

If you are visiting during a normal weekday, reaching by your own vehicle is generally convenient. But if you are already exploring Marina Park, walking can actually be a better option. You can leave your vehicle near the area where you begin your waterfront walk and enjoy the seafront without worrying about finding another parking space closer to the flag.

The Sea View Makes Flag Point More Than a Memorial

The history is the main reason people come to Flag Point, but the sea is what often makes them stay for a little longer.

The open waterfront gives you a broad view across the harbour. On clear days, you can look towards Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep, formerly Ross Island, across the water. The island’s green landscape and historic ruins are visible from several points along this waterfront stretch.

There is something satisfying about seeing the island from here after learning about its history. Ross Island was once the centre of British administration in the Andaman Islands, and today its old structures and ruins attract visitors arriving by boat. The view from Flag Point therefore connects two different sides of Port Blair—the modern city where you are standing and the historic island across the water.

A Good Place for an Evening Walk

If you are looking for somewhere to go in Port Blair after the day’s sightseeing is finished, Flag Point is an easy choice.

The atmosphere changes towards evening. People come out for walks, friends meet along the waterfront and families spend some time sitting and talking. The sea breeze becomes more noticeable as the temperature drops, making the area much more comfortable than during the hotter part of the afternoon.

You don’t need a specific activity here. That is actually part of its charm. Walk for a while, sit down, look across the harbour and watch the changing sky. If you have already spent the day visiting museums and historical places, this slower part of the evening can be a welcome change.

Is There a Temple Near Flag Point?

Yes, there is a Hindu temple near the Flag Point area. Because the temple is close to the waterfront route, visitors exploring the surroundings can easily notice it while walking or travelling through the area.

It is not necessary to make the temple the main purpose of your Flag Point visit, but it is one of those small local details that makes the neighbourhood feel more lived-in. Port Blair’s waterfront is not an isolated tourist zone; people live, work, worship and spend their evenings around these same roads.

If you visit the temple, maintain the usual respect for the place of worship and avoid disturbing people who are there for religious purposes.

What Can You See Around Flag Point?

A visit to Flag Point can easily be combined with several nearby places, especially if you are exploring Port Blair without a packed itinerary.

Marina Park is the obvious starting point for a walk towards the flag. The park itself has open spaces and waterfront views, and it is also home to the statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

From the same general waterfront area, you can also plan a visit to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep (Ross Island), although reaching the island requires a boat trip rather than simply walking across from Flag Point.

The Cellular Jail is another important attraction in the wider Port Blair sightseeing circuit. Depending on your schedule, you can visit the historic jail during the day and come towards the waterfront later in the evening.

This makes Flag Point particularly useful for tourists who don’t want to treat every attraction as a separate trip. Several places can be combined into one comfortable Port Blair day.

Flag Point on 30 December

If you happen to be in Port Blair around 30 December, Flag Point becomes much more significant.

Every year, a commemorative function is organised here to remember Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s historic flag hoisting of 30 December 1943. The Ministry of Tourism notes that the annual function at Flag Point brings together senior administration officials, public representatives, local people and tourists.

The atmosphere on that morning is different from an ordinary day. The national flag, the historical significance of the occasion and the presence of people gathered for the ceremony give the waterfront a strong patriotic character.

If you are visiting specifically for the event, it is worth checking the official programme and timings beforehand rather than assuming the normal visitor experience will be the same.

How Much Time Do You Need at Flag Point?

You don’t need several hours just to see Flag Point.

For the flag, photographs and a quick look at the waterfront, around 30–45 minutes can be enough. But if you are walking from Marina Park, sitting by the sea and enjoying the surroundings, you may naturally end up spending longer.

A good approach is not to rush. Combine the visit with Marina Park and the nearby waterfront instead of treating Flag Point as a place where you arrive, take one photograph and immediately leave.

For many travellers, the best part is actually the few minutes after the photograph—when you sit down, feel the sea breeze and look across towards Ross Island.

Is Flag Point Worth Visiting?

Yes, particularly if you are already exploring Port Blair.

Flag Point may not be the kind of attraction where you need to plan an entire morning around it, but it works extremely well as part of a relaxed waterfront walk. Its historical connection gives the place meaning, while the sea view and nearby attractions make it enjoyable even for visitors who are simply looking for somewhere peaceful to spend some time.

If you have already visited Marina Park, don’t immediately turn back. Continue along the waterfront towards Flag Point. The short walk, open sea, view towards Ross Island and the huge Tricolour make the extra few minutes worthwhile.

How to Reach Flag Point

Reaching Flag Point is quite easy if you are staying in Sri Vijaya Puram. Since it is located in the main waterfront area, you can reach it by auto-rickshaw, taxi, scooter or private vehicle.

However, if you are already near Marina Park, walking is a better option. The waterfront route is short and gives you the chance to enjoy the sea instead of sitting inside a vehicle for those few minutes.

For visitors staying around Aberdeen Bazaar, the route through the waterfront is also convenient. You can combine Marina Park, Flag Point and other nearby attractions without repeatedly arranging transport.

What Is the Best Time to Visit Flag Point?

For most visitors, early morning or evening is the best time to visit Flag Point. The weather is generally more comfortable than during the middle of the day, and the waterfront is more enjoyable when the sun is not directly overhead.

Morning is particularly good if you enjoy walking. You will see local residents out for their regular walks and get a quieter view of the waterfront.

Evening has a different atmosphere. More people arrive, the sea breeze becomes pleasant and the changing light over the harbour makes it a good time for photographs. If you are staying in Port Blair, an evening walk from Marina Park to Flag Point is an easy way to finish the day.

Is Flag Point Free to Visit?

Yes. There is generally no separate entry ticket for Flag Point. It is an open public waterfront area rather than a ticketed attraction.

You may, however, have to pay for parking or transportation depending on where you leave your vehicle and how you reach the area. If you walk from Marina Park, you can simply enjoy the waterfront without paying an entrance fee.

Can You See Ross Island From Flag Point?

Yes, Ross Island, now officially known as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep, can be seen across the water from the Flag Point waterfront on a clear day.

The view is one of the reasons the location works so well for photographs. The island’s green landscape sits across the harbour, while the national flag stands in the foreground.

If you are planning to visit Ross Island separately, don’t confuse the view from Flag Point with the island visit itself. You cannot reach Ross Island from Flag Point on foot. You need to take a boat from the designated jetty.

Can You Visit Flag Point With Children?

Yes. Flag Point can be a comfortable stop for families because there is no demanding walking trail or complicated activity involved.

Children can enjoy the open waterfront, watch boats moving across the harbour and see the large national flag. Parents should still keep an eye on young children around the seafront and follow any local safety instructions.

For families staying in Port Blair, combining Marina Park and Flag Point can be easier than planning a separate long excursion.

Is Flag Point Good for Photography?

Absolutely. You don’t need professional equipment to get good photographs here.

The large Tricolour naturally becomes the main subject, while the sea and surrounding waterfront provide an open background. In the evening, the softer light can make the photographs look considerably better than during the harsh midday sun.

You can also photograph the harbour and, when visibility is good, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep in the distance.

If you are taking photographs during the commemorative ceremony on 30 December, be mindful of the event and avoid obstructing officials or other visitors.

What Makes Flag Point Different From Other Port Blair Attractions?

Many Port Blair attractions are either historical buildings, museums or places that require a specific activity. Flag Point is different because it combines history with everyday waterfront life.

You can come here without buying a ticket, without booking a tour and without spending an entire day. You can simply walk from Marina Park, see the national flag, look across the harbour towards Ross Island and spend some time by the sea.

That simplicity is perhaps the best reason to include it in a Port Blair itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flag Point

Flag Point is not the kind of place you need to rush through. Its importance comes from the story attached to the national flag, but its charm comes from everything around it—the sea, the waterfront, the view towards Ross Island and the people who come here for their everyday walks.

If you are staying in Port Blair, take some time to experience it the simple way. Start at Marina Park, walk along the waterfront, stop whenever the view catches your attention and continue towards the Tricolour. By the time you reach Flag Point, you will have experienced more than just another sightseeing spot—you will have taken a short walk through a small but meaningful part of Port Blair.

For travellers exploring the city, Flag Point is best enjoyed slowly: a little history, a little sea breeze and a view that makes you want to stay for a few more minutes.