Ross Island (Port Blair)

Overview

Ross Island was named after Captain Daniel Ross and is now called "Netaji Shubash Chandra Bose Dweep" by the Honorable Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi in 2018. It is a very small tourist destination that falls under the Southern District of Andaman. and is only 5 km away from the water sports complex making it one of the easiest islands to visit during your trip to Andaman.

Although most Andaman attractions are famous for their beaches, Ross Island brings a bit of history to the table that makes a complete vacation experience. This island was first occupied and a sanatorium was built there in 1782, and again in 1857 by the British who used it as their administrative headquarters for 85 years. During this period, the British built many important government offices in this penal settlement, which were later abandoned after a severe earthquake in 1941.

The ruins of these ancient buildings, built by Indian prisoners, still exist in Ross, with thick peepal-textured roots and serial trees that transport us to a time long gone but still memorable.

Magnificent man caves, the ancient church, and the somber history associated with this place give a unique atmosphere that cannot be found anywhere else in India.

The whole experience is made even more mesmerizing by its protected forest which is a sanctuary for a variety of birds and animals including peacocks and deer and provides an amazing experience for people who enjoy hiking and enjoying their time in the lap of nature in the shade of higher tropical trees. The most unique thing about the island is that the administration prohibits civilian settlements of any kind, which means that there is no place to stay here and therefore everyone has to leave the island before sunrise.

Places to visit and things to do:
  1. Explore the Ruins
  2. Attend the Light and Sound Show.
  3. Visit the Sanctuary.
  4. Explore the man-caves.
  5. Visit the Pond.
  6. Enjoy a calming lunch.
The Old Ruins:
  1. One of the most effective things about visiting Ross Island is the history related to it. The island has an ardent assortment of a number of the most recent British and Japanese structures in India, that show the luxurious lifetime of Britishers once they occupied Andaman. All operations within the aisles, together with the development of Cellular Jail were overseen from this island, which conjointly served because of the residence of the old Chief Commissioner.
  2. Old Church at Ross Island, Andaman
The ruins include:
  1. Church
  2. Secretariat
  3. Government House
  4. Chief Commissioner's residence
  5. Long strips of luxury gardens
  6. Swimming pool
  7. Grand ballrooms
  8. Tennis court
  9. Water treatment plants
  10. Hospital
  11. Printing press
  12. and much much more....

The joy of these remnants of our unforgettable past takes us back to the era of penal settlements and reminds us of our struggle for freedom. Located in the center of the island, the sanctuary is teeming with deer and peacocks that are under the protection of the Andaman Islands Management.

Deer on Ross Island, Port Blair. These animals are cared for daily by a government-appointed zoo keeper and as such the deer and peacock population on the islands is the highest on Ross.

The animals live in a reserved area full of large tropical trees, including coconut and palm trees, and are allowed to play with humans outside of the reserve. It is strictly forbidden to feed the animals or harm them in any way. Overall, it's a great place if you're an animal lover and would like to have a close encounter with them.

Uniquely interwoven man caves were built around Ross to help. Key British officers escape during an attack. Now that the caves have lost their purpose, they are abandoned and serve as a showcase for the skills, struggles, and hardships that Indian workers go through to make them. The caves follow several common paths connecting offices and important buildings across the island, presenting a very mysterious environment to the explorer who explores them. Before the visit, it is always recommended to have a guide with you to ensure safety and a quick return so there are no complications later.

The pond is exactly what it's called. It is a large pond where water accumulates and stays for a long time. , which has caused it to turn green. Near the pond, some small ruins were used by the British a long time ago.

  • Show Mobile/Printer Voucher.
  • Fixed Date Ticket.
  • English Language.
  • Minimum 1 traveler to book.
  • Meet up with guide.