Table of Contents
- Introduction to World War II History in Andaman
- Top Cities and Places for WWII Heritage
- Tourist Circuits (WWII-Themed)
- Activities for History Lovers
- Festivals and Commemorations
- Suggested Itineraries
- Budget Tips
- How to Reach the Andaman Islands
- Where to Stay and Estimated Costs
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Travel Tips by Traveler Type
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction to World War II History in Andaman
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands sit at a strategic crossroads of the Bay of Bengal. During World War II (1942–1945), the archipelago experienced Japanese occupation, Allied air raids, and a watershed moment in India’s freedom struggle when Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose symbolically raised the tricolour in Port Blair in December 1943. Today, moss-draped ruins, coastal bunkers, museums, and poignant memorials invite travelers to retrace this turbulent chapter while enjoying the islands’ tropical beauty.
Top Cities and Places for WWII Heritage
Port Blair (Gateway and WWII Core)
Port Blair concentrates most accessible WWII-era sites and museums.
- Cellular Jail National Memorial: A pre-WWII colonial prison central to India’s freedom movement; during the war, control shifted under Japanese occupation. The evening Light & Sound show narrates the era’s upheavals.
- Netaji Stadium & Aberdeen Jetty area: Commemorative spots linked to Netaji’s 1943 visit; look for plaques and memorial markers.
- Japanese Bunkers (Haddo & Corbyn’s Cove belt): Coastal pillboxes and gun emplacements from the occupation years; several are visible near Port Blair’s shoreline. Access and condition vary.
- Chatham Saw Mill & Museum: Asia’s oldest saw mill; the site and museum reference the 1942 Japanese air raids that damaged the area.
- Kalapani Museum (Garacharma): A private museum chronicling the penal settlement and wartime years through maps, models, and photographs.
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island)
Former British administrative HQ, later occupied by Japanese forces.
- Ruined colonial buildings: Churches, offices, and residences now entwined with tree roots, offering atmospheric WWII-era context.
- Japanese-era remnants: Bunkers, tunnels, and defensive positions dot the shoreline.
- Light & Sound show: An evocative narration of the island’s rise, fall, and wartime fate (check current schedules).
Viper Island
Known for an older jail predating Cellular Jail, Viper’s narrative ties into penal history that frames the WWII period.
- Note: Boat services and access can be limited or suspended; check locally before planning.
Other Notable Mentions
- Mount Harriet (Mount Manipur) National Park: Colonial-era significance with commanding views of the archipelago’s strategic channels; limited direct WWII relics on display.
- North & Middle Andaman (Mayabunder, Diglipur): Airstrips and wartime logistics existed historically; many installations today are within defense or restricted zones. Tourist access is limited; on-ground WWII exhibits are sparse.
- Nicobar Islands: Experienced intense wartime activity; however, Nicobar remains off-limits to general tourism and requires special permissions. Not accessible for casual visits.
Tourist Circuits (WWII-Themed)
Compact Heritage Loop (Port Blair Focus)
- Cellular Jail → Aberdeen Jetty memorials → Chatham Saw Mill → Evening Light & Sound at Cellular Jail
Island Heritage Loop
- Port Blair half-day → Boat to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island (Ross) → Explore bunkers and ruins → Return via North Bay (optional snorkeling add-on)
Extended South Andaman Heritage + Nature
- Port Blair WWII sites → Corbyn’s Cove coastal bunkers → Wandoor (WWII context at museums en route) → Sunset viewpoints
Activities for History Lovers
- Attend Light & Sound shows: Cellular Jail and Ross Island for immersive storytelling.
- Heritage walks: Aberdeen Bazaar to Seashore Road, spotting plaques, memorials, and coastal bunkers.
- Museum trail: Cellular Jail galleries, Kalapani Museum, and Chatham Saw Mill museum.
- Photography: Golden-hour shots at Ross Island’s root-overgrown ruins and seaside pillboxes.
- Researcher’s stop: Local archives and libraries in Port Blair may assist deeper study; access varies.
Festivals and Commemorations
- Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti (Jan 23): Island-wide tributes; commemorations in Port Blair.
- Independence Day & Republic Day: Flag hoistings and cultural programs, often referencing freedom-era history.
- Island Tourism Festival (usually January): Cultural showcases and exhibitions; some editions feature history-focused displays.
Suggested Itineraries
2 Days: Essential WWII Andaman
- Day 1: Cellular Jail galleries → Aberdeen Jetty area → Chatham Saw Mill → Light & Sound at Cellular Jail.
- Day 2: Morning boat to Ross Island → Explore bunkers/ruins → Optional North Bay → Return to Port Blair.
4 Days: Heritage + Coast
- Day 1: Port Blair arrivals; Cellular Jail and museum circuit.
- Day 2: Ross Island + Light & Sound; evening promenade.
- Day 3: Corbyn’s Cove bunkers → Wandoor coast; sunset viewpoint.
- Day 4: Kalapani Museum → Handicraft shopping → Departure.
6 Days: In-Depth History Trail
- Day 1–2: Full Port Blair WWII trail with multiple museum sessions and cemetery/memorial stops.
- Day 3: Ross Island at leisure; extended photography and interpretation.
- Day 4: Southern coastal drive; scout signed bunker sites; beach sundowner.
- Day 5–6: Optional nature add-ons (Havelock/Neil) while keeping evenings free for reading/archival dives.
Budget Tips
- Prefer government ferries and combined boat tickets (Ross + North Bay) to save costs.
- Book Light & Sound seats early (same-day queues can be long in peak season).
- Use auto-rickshaws or scooter rentals for short hops instead of taxis.
- Choose accommodations in Aberdeen Bazaar/Phoenix Bay to reduce transport time and fares.
- Carry small notes (₹10–₹100) for entry fees and local transport; card acceptance is inconsistent.
How to Reach the Andaman Islands
- By Air: Fly to Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), Port Blair, from Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and other Indian cities. Typical flight time: ~2–5 hours (nonstop/one-stop).
- By Sea (Occasional/Long-duration): Government passenger ships may operate from Chennai, Kolkata, or Visakhapatnam to Port Blair, taking ~3–4 days. Schedules are infrequent and subject to change; check the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS).
- Local Transport: Autos, taxis, buses, and scooter rentals in Port Blair; boats to Ross Island depart from Water Sports Complex/ Aberdeen Jetty. Private catamarans connect Port Blair–Havelock–Neil; government ferries are cheaper but slower.
- Permits: Some islands/zones require special permissions; Nicobar District and tribal reserves are off-limits. Always verify current advisories.
Where to Stay and Estimated Costs
Areas to Stay (Port Blair)
- Aberdeen Bazaar/Phoenix Bay: Central, close to Cellular Jail and jetties.
- Junglighat/Haddo: Convenient for airport and coastal drives.
- Outskirts (Wandoor/Corbyn’s Cove): Quieter stays; longer commutes to museums.
Budget Guide (Per Person, Per Day; Approx.)
- Budget: ₹2,500–₹4,000 (hostel/guesthouse, public ferries, local eateries, entry fees).
- Mid-range: ₹6,000–₹10,000 (3-star hotel, private boats selectively, guided tours).
- Premium: ₹12,000+ (4–5 star stays, private transfers, curated experiences).
Common Entry/Boat Costs (Indicative; Subject to Change)
- Cellular Jail entry: nominal fee; Light & Sound: tiered seating with separate ticket.
- Ross Island boat: typically ticketed per person; combo with North Bay available.
- Kalapani Museum/Chatham Museum: small entry fees.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Seafood thalis featuring local fish, prawn, and crab curries.
- Multi-ethnic staples: Bengali, South Indian, and North Indian cuisines widely available in Port Blair.
- Coconut-based dishes and tropical fruit juices suit the climate.
Shopping
- Sagarika Emporium and government outlets for wooden handicrafts and souvenirs.
- Avoid buying coral, shells, or turtle products—collection and trade are illegal/prohibited.
Culture & Responsible Travel
- Andaman culture blends settlers from across India; Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, and English are commonly spoken in Port Blair.
- Tribal reserves are strictly protected—no visits, photography, or contact.
- Respect signage around defense zones, bunkers, and coastal batteries.
Travel Tips by Traveler Type
Families
- Pick centrally located hotels to reduce commute with kids.
- Reserve Light & Sound seats in advance; carry snacks and water.
- Midday breaks help avoid the strongest sun.
Honeymooners
- Time Ross Island or seaside bunkers for golden-hour photography.
- Combine heritage mornings with relaxed beach sunsets.
- Opt for private transfers for flexibility.
Friends/Backpackers
- Use scooters and government ferries to keep costs low.
- Join heritage walks; split cab fares for farther sites.
- Carry offline maps—signal can be patchy.
Packing & Safety
- Light cottons, hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, and insect repellent.
- Monsoon (May–Sep) brings rough seas and occasional disruptions; best season is Nov–Apr.
- ATM and card networks can be inconsistent; carry adequate cash.
- Drones require permits; avoid flying near defense areas and memorials.
FAQs
Q: What are the must-see WWII sites in Andaman?
A: Start with Cellular Jail (museum + Light & Sound), Japanese bunkers along the Port Blair coastline (Haddo/Corbyn’s Cove areas), Chatham Saw Mill & Museum, and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island (Ross) with its ruins and coastal defenses.
Q: Is Ross Island the same as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island?
A: Yes. Ross Island was officially renamed Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island; both names refer to the same place.
Q: Can tourists visit Nicobar for WWII sites?
A: No. Nicobar Islands are off-limits to general tourism and require special permissions. Travelers should focus on accessible WWII heritage around Port Blair and nearby islands.
Q: What’s the best time to explore WWII heritage in Andaman?
A: November to April offers calm seas, clear skies, and reliable boat operations—ideal for combining museums, walks, and island trips.
Q: Do I need a guide for WWII sites?
A: Not mandatory, but recommended. Guides add context at Cellular Jail, Ross Island, and around coastal bunkers. Audio shows also enhance understanding.
Conclusion
Andaman’s WWII landscape blends poignant history with serene seascapes. From the solemn corridors of Cellular Jail and the ruins of Ross Island to scattered coastal bunkers, the islands present a compact, accessible window into a global conflict and India’s freedom story. With sensible planning around Port Blair, travelers can absorb the era’s legacy while enjoying the island’s gentle pace and tropical charms.
