Once the capital of British India in the Andaman Islands, Ross Island was officially renamed to ‘Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island’ in December 2018. It is a small island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands archipelago, in the Bay of Bengal, India. Located just a few kilometres away by boat from the current capital city of Port Blair, it was named after the marine surveyor, Daniel Ross. It was established as a penal settlement in 1858 after the previous year’s revolt by Indian revolutionaries against British rule. The British lived in style on this island, setting up numerous officer’s quarters, church, printing press, stores, bakery, hospital, swimming pool and even a water treatment plant. After the deadly earthquake of 1941, the British evacuated the island, which was then captured by the Japanese who set up bunkers during World War II. Now the island is a part of India and is a major tourist attraction due to its historic ruins. It also teems with wildlife alongside swaying coconut and palm trees. To know more, come and take a look at our guide to Ross Island, Port Blair.
Things to do
Explore the historic ruins
When it was the capital of British empire in the Andaman Islands, Ross Island was a bustling town complete with officers quarters, hospital, secretariat, printing press, bazaar, tennis courts, swimming pool, and manicured gardens. Now all these buildings lie in ruins, dilapidated and covered in creepers. Take a trip back in time as you wander through the island, exploring the ruins of the old church made of stone and Burma teak. Walk past the officers’ quarters and see the bakery and pond. Some of the structures are in such bad condition that they have gaping holes in them through which you can see the azure waters of the Bay of Bengal. The Japanese bunkers and tunnels are worth checking out too.
See the free-roaming animals and birds
Ross Island is also a sanctuary for many animals and birds. The island is home to many deer who roam around freely and are friendly to humans. Visitors to the island can approach them and interact them. Protected by the administration, there is no natural threat to them on the island. Peacocks and parrots are also frequently seen here. Amidst the lush vegetation and swaying palm and coconut trees, these birds thrive abundantly and are looked after by the caretakers of the island. It is quite nice to see animals living on their own, free from the fear of human beings.
Attend the light and sound show
A light and sound show depicting the life of former residents of the island is shown on Ross Island. Available almost daily except Wednesdays and public holidays, this show is a must-watch for all visitors. You have to buy tickets for the show from Port Blair and board a special ferry that will take you to the island. The show begins at sunset. It highlights the events that took place on the island before India attained independence. Explore the history of the buildings, the penal settlement and the officers and their luxurious lifestyle in stark contrast to the hardships suffered by Indian revolutionaries jailed on the island.
Travel tips
Don't miss the last boat
Make sure that you book a return ticket for your Ross Island trip. The last boat from the island leaves at 3 pm, after which the island is closed to the public. No overnight accommodation is available or allowed here.
Feeding the deer on the island
There are a lot of free-roaming deer on the island and they are very well taken care of by the administrators. Hence, visitors are requested to refrain from feeding the deer. Also, try not to litter as the deer tend to eat anything lying on the ground and it can upset them later.
Wear comfortable footwear and clothes
The best way to explore the island is on foot and that can take up to two full hours. Thus, wear a comfortable pair of walking shoes. Also, the sun can be quite harsh in the day time, so wear a cap, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Time your visit
The best time to visit Ross Island is during the winter months of October to February when the weather is pleasant. Summers are hot and very humid, and monsoons see a lot of torrential rainfall. It’s best to avoid visiting the island at those times. Also, try to go out on the first boat of the day, early in the morning, to avoid the hot midday or afternoon sun.
How to get there
Ferry
The only way to reach Ross Island is via a ferry from Port Blair. It is located at a distance of just 3 kilometres (1.86 miles) from Port Blair and visitors can take a ferry from Aberdeen jetty (also known as Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex jetty) or Phoenix Bay jetty to reach the island. The travel time is between 15 to 20 minutes and a number of ferry boat options are available. You can book a ticket at the Directorate of Shipping Services office in Aberdeen Bazaar or bargain at the jetty for a seat on a local ferry.
Take note that transportation via local fishing boats is not permitted by the administration, so it’s best to steer clear of such options.
How to get tickets
The only way to buy entrance tickets to Ross Island is on-site at the entrance area. Tickets generally cost 0.42 USD (30 INR). But you will have to pay an additional 0.42 USD (30 INR) for still cameras and 1.05 USD (75 INR) for video cameras.
Tickets for the light and sound show will cost you an additional 1.40 USD (100 INR). Ferry boat tickets will cost you anywhere between 1.40 to 7 USD (100 to 500 INR) based on the size of the boat and the selected seat. You can also opt to take a package tour for Ross Island and nearby North Bay Island for about 5.05 USD (360 INR) from the Aberdeen jetty on Port Blair.
Ross Island information
Ross Island
Address: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island, South Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744101, India.
Opening hours: Thu - Tue: 8:30am - 2pm (closed on Wed)
Cost: 0.42 USD (30 INR)
Department of tourism: Andaman Tourism
News & updates for Ross Island: Abandoned Ross Island once prison coast of India
History
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