Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History & Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Things to Do
- Nearby Attractions
- How to Reach
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs
- Food, Shopping & Culture
- Practical Tips
- Traveler-Specific Tips
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Ross Island, officially renamed Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island, sits a short boat ride from Port Blair in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Once the British administrative headquarters, today it is a hauntingly beautiful open-air museum where giant banyan roots wrap around colonial ruins. Expect peacocks and spotted deer darting through sun-dappled avenues, Japanese bunkers facing the sea, and views across the turquoise Bay of Bengal—all on a compact, car-free island perfect for a half-day history walk.
History & Importance
In 1858, following the Indian Uprising of 1857, the British established a penal colony in the Andamans and made Ross Island their administrative hub. Grand structures—officers’ quarters, a church, a bakery, a printing press, clubs, a hospital, and a ballroom—rose swiftly, earning the island the moniker “the Paris of the East.”
In 1941, a major earthquake damaged many buildings. During World War II (1942–1945), the Japanese occupied the island, leaving behind bunkers and gun emplacements. After Independence, the island came under Indian administration; nature steadily reclaimed the ruins, creating the unique, tree-entwined silhouettes seen today. The island was officially renamed Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island to honor the freedom fighter who briefly visited the Andamans in 1943.
Why it matters: Ross Island is a vivid, walkable chronicle of colonial ambition, wartime upheaval, and ecological resilience, offering crucial context to a visit to the Cellular Jail in Port Blair.
Best Time to Visit
- Peak season (October to March): Pleasant, breezy, and ideal for walking tours and photography.
- Shoulder (April–early May): Hot and humid; visit early morning for comfort.
- Monsoon (May/June to September): Heavy showers and choppy seas can disrupt boat services. Trails get slippery; check conditions before you go.
Typical visiting hours are daylight-focused, with most boats returning by late afternoon. Occasional evening projection/light-and-sound shows run seasonally and weather-permitting.
Top Things to Do
1) Stroll the Colonial Ruins
- Key spots: Church façade, Chief Commissioner’s House, club/ballroom, bakery, printing press, barracks, cemetery.
- What to look for: Banyan and ficus roots draped over brick arches—remarkable photo ops in soft morning or late-afternoon light.
2) Explore WWII Relics
- Japanese-era bunkers and gun placements dot the shoreline. Read onsite placards to understand their strategic positions across the harbor.
3) Visit the Island Museum (Smritika)
- Small but insightful, showcasing old photographs and artifacts from the island’s British era. Hours can vary; check on arrival.
4) Seek Scenic Viewpoints
- Short, shaded paths lead to sea views, a lighthouse point, and overlooks toward Port Blair and North Bay Island.
5) Meet the Resident Wildlife—Responsibly
- Spotted deer, peacocks, and friendly but curious fauna roam freely. Enjoy from a distance; do not feed or touch.
6) Catch the Evening Light/Projection Show (Seasonal)
- Storytelling through lights and narration brings the island’s past alive. Special boat transfers operate for scheduled shows; buy tickets in advance in Port Blair when available.
Nearby Attractions
- Cellular Jail (Port Blair): Essential to pair with Ross Island for a complete historical perspective. Evening light-and-sound show available.
- North Bay Island: Popular for snorkeling, glass-bottom boats, scuba, and sea walks; often combined with Ross Island on day trips.
- Corbyn’s Cove Beach: Easy sunset beach near Port Blair.
- Viper Island: Additional colonial-era ruins and quiet coastal views (service/visiting status can vary).
- Chidiya Tapu: Birding and sunset point with forested trails.
How to Reach
By Air to Port Blair
- Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), connected to major Indian cities.
Boat to Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island)
- Departure point: Aberdeen Jetty/Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex in Port Blair.
- Duration: Approximately 10–15 minutes by boat.
- Tickets: Buy at the jetty or via local tour operators. Boats are frequent in the morning; last returns are usually by late afternoon.
- Permits: No special permit for Indian citizens. Most foreign travelers do not require Restricted Area Permits for Port Blair/Ross Island day visits; carry your passport and check the latest advisory before travel.
Accommodation Options
No stays are allowed on Ross Island. Base yourself in Port Blair.
- Budget (₹1,200–₹2,500 per night): Clean guesthouses in Aberdeen Bazaar/Phoenix Bay.
- Mid-range (₹2,500–₹6,000): Hotels near the seafront or Haddo with easier jetty access.
- Boutique/Resort (₹6,000–₹12,000+): Sea-facing rooms and upgraded amenities; book early in peak season.
Look for properties that include early breakfast (for morning boats), reliable Wi‑Fi, and airport transfers.
Estimated Costs
- Boat transfer (return): ~₹150–₹500 per person depending on operator/season.
- Island entry fee: Often nominal; policies can change—budget ₹30–₹100 for Indians; foreigners slightly higher.
- Light/Projection show (if running): ~₹200–₹500 per person, plus special boat charge if applicable.
- E-cart rides: Optional, chargeable on island if available.
- Guide: Private guiding in Port Blair typically ₹800–₹1,500 for a half-day covering Ross + nearby sights.
Day-trip ballpark: ₹800–₹2,500 per person excluding meals, depending on activities and transfers.
Food, Shopping & Culture
Food
- There are limited refreshments on the island; carry water and light snacks.
- Back in Port Blair, try coastal staples: fish curry with rice, grilled reef fish, prawns, and coconut-based preparations. Vegetarian thalis and South Indian tiffin are easy to find.
Shopping
- Sagarika Government Emporium: For authentic, fairly priced shell crafts, coconut crafts, spices, and local art.
- Private boutiques around Aberdeen Bazaar sell souvenirs; avoid purchasing coral or restricted marine products.
Culture & Etiquette
- Ross Island and Cellular Jail narrate pivotal chapters of India’s freedom struggle; be mindful at memorial sites.
- Andaman is ecologically sensitive. Respect wildlife, avoid litter, and follow plastic restrictions.
- Photography is generally allowed outdoors; observe any signage around sensitive buildings or security areas.
Practical Tips
- Timing: Catch an early boat for cooler weather and softer light.
- Footwear: Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes—paths can be uneven with roots and leaves.
- Sun & hydration: Hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle are essentials.
- Mobility: The island is walkable but not fully wheelchair-friendly; limited e-carts run on main paths when available.
- Safety: Do not feed wildlife; watch for monkeys around food. Keep a safe distance from cliff edges.
- Cash: Carry small cash for tickets, carts, and snacks; digital payments may be intermittent.
- Drones: Typically require prior permission; check current regulations.
- Weather: Boat services may pause during storms; keep schedule flexible.
Traveler-Specific Tips
Families
- Opt for morning visits to beat heat and crowds.
- Point out wildlife and WWII bunkers to keep kids engaged; keep snacks handy and secure from monkeys.
Honeymooners
- Go late afternoon for golden-hour photos among the ruins.
- Pair with a relaxed dinner by the Port Blair seafront after your return.
Friends/Groups
- Combine Ross Island with North Bay for snorkeling or a sea walk.
- Consider hiring a guide for deeper historical context and efficient routing.
Packing List (Day Trip)
- Light, breathable clothing; quick-dry towel or scarf.
- Comfortable walking shoes; flip-flops for the boat if you prefer.
- Waterproof pouch for phone/camera; basic first aid and motion-sickness tablets.
- Reusable water bottle; eco-friendly wet wipes; rain jacket in monsoon months.
FAQs
Q: How long do I need on Ross Island?
A: Most visitors spend 2–3 hours exploring the ruins, viewpoints, and museum. Add time if you plan to see an evening light/projection show.
Q: Is Ross Island the same as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island?
A: Yes. Ross Island is the former name; it was officially renamed Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island. Locals and tours still commonly use “Ross Island.”
Q: Can I stay overnight on the island?
A: No. There are no accommodations on Ross Island, and visitors return to Port Blair by late afternoon unless attending a scheduled evening show with designated transfers.
Q: Are there guided tours available?
A: Yes. You can hire a licensed guide in Port Blair or join a combined Ross Island–North Bay boat tour that includes basic commentary.
Q: What should I wear?
A: Light, breathable clothing, a hat, and sturdy walking shoes. Carry sunscreen and water; the sun can be intense even on cloudy days.
Conclusion
Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island) is a compact, evocative glimpse into the Andamans’ layered past. From banyan-cloaked colonial ruins and WWII bunkers to serene sea views and resident deer, it pairs history with gentle nature in a single, atmospheric walk. Plan a half-day from Port Blair—ideally in the cooler hours—and combine it with Cellular Jail or North Bay to round out a meaningful, well-paced day in the Andamans.
