With its soft, sandy beaches, unique historic attractions, and crystal-clear water, Ross Island is a unique destination in the Andaman Islands. Ross Island is situated in the Indian Ocean, 2 mi (3 km) east from central Port Blair. From the colonial ruins to the wildlife sanctuary, this island brims with exciting recreation experiences, unique museums, and jaw-dropping landscapes. Step into the island’s past and explore historic structures in the Ross Island Penal Colony or the bunkers used by Japanese fighters during the Second World War, or watch history come to life in the renowned light and sound show. Learn about the island’s geography and aquatic life at the Samudrika Naval Marine Museum, then dive underneath the waves and try thrilling activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and sea walking in the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex. When you need a break from all the exciting sightseeing, head to one of the amazing sandy beaches and relax while palm trees sway in the breeze around you. Here’s our comprehensive guide to Ross Island, Port Blair.
Things to do
Once famous as the headquarters of the British Colony in the region, Ross Island is now just as renowned for its fantastic beaches and recreation opportunities, as well as its history. Wherever your interests lie, Ross Island is filled with interesting things to do and discover.
Samudrika Naval Marine Museum
The Samudrika Naval Marine Museum, also known as the Fisheries Museum, is a brilliant attraction that covers everything from anthropology to aquatic life in its five exhibition rooms. Visitors can learn more about the history and geography of Ross Island, as well as topics like the island’s flora, fauna, and tribal settlements. The museum also features fantastic information about the local oceanic life, and includes rare species of fish, shells, and corals.
Ross Island Penal Colony and British colony ruins
From 1857 to 1941, Ross Island was the administrative headquarters for the British Colony in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. During that period, many Indian prisoners were forced to build the opulent British infrastructure for the island, and the ruins of these buildings can be explored today. Visitors to the Penal Colony ruins can learn more about the Indian revolutionaries who tried to rebel against the British colonialists in 1857 and their lives of imprisonment after their failed uprising. In the evening, visitors can watch the daily light and sound show for a vibrant retelling of the Indian revolutionaries during colonial rule.
Visitors can also explore the nearby ruins of British buildings like the Government House, the Chief Commissioner’s residence, the hospital, and the grand ballrooms of many residences. A bakery, as well as a Presbyterian Church, were rebuilt by the Indian Navy to showcase what the buildings were once like. Visitors can learn more about this time period by watching the Ross Island Memorial Documentary or the Andaman Islands Documentary.
Both the Ross Island Penal Colony and the British ruins are open daily until sunset, and neither require tickets for entry. Souvenirs can be purchased from the reconstructed colonial bakery.
Japanese bunkers
During the Second War World, Ross Island was occupied by the Japanese Army. From 1942 until the end of the war, the Japanese used Ross Island as a base, and many tunnels and bunkers still stand around the island, as well as a cannon holder.
Wildlife sanctuary
Ross Island has one of the highest population of deer and peacocks, and animal lovers can enjoy lovely personal encounters with these wild animals. While feeding the animals is prohibited, visitors can see these lovely creatures up close in their jungle habitat. The deer and peacocks live inside a special wildlife sanctuary that is presided over by a government caretaker, but people are allowed to mingle with the creatures and take pictures.
Traveler tips
Accommodation reminder
There are no accommodation options available on Ross Island, so remember to book a round-trip or return ticket when you purchase your ferry or plane ticket to the island.
How to get there
Ross Island is located close to Port Blair, and is accessible through several means of transportation.
By airplane
The closest airport to Ross Island is the Veer Savarkar International Airport. Visitors can also travel to nearby islands using the inter-island helicopter services.
By ferry
Ross Island is also accessible by ferry. Many ferry services leave Port Blair from the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex or Aberdeen Jetty and arrive at the Phoenix Bay Jetty on Ross Island. Tickets for the ferry can be purchased at the Directorate of Shipping Services office, located at the Aberdeen Bazaar on Port Blair.
How to book tickets
For entry to the island, visitors must pay a fee of .50 USD (for adults). The entry cost for children is less.
Tickets for attractions on Ross Island are available on-site.
Ross Island information
Ross Island
Address: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Opening hours: 9am - 3pm (daily)
Cost: .50 USD
Website: Department of tourism
Port Blair Private Half Day Sightseeing Tour
Duration: 5hrsDuration
History
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