Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History & Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Things to Do
- How to Reach
- Entry Fees, Permits & Timings
- Where to Stay (Accommodation)
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping & Culture
- Nearby Attractions
- Estimated Costs & Sample Day Budget
- Travel Tips (General + For Families, Honeymooners, Friends)
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Ross Island, officially renamed Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island, sits just off Port Blair in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. A 10–15 minute boat ride transports you from the bustle of the capital to a surreal world of British-era ruins wrapped in banyan roots, peacocks calling from the canopy, and panoramic views across the blue Andaman Sea. This complete guide covers history, the best time, how to reach, costs, and everything to plan an easy, memorable day trip from Port Blair.
History & Importance
Following the 1857 revolt, the British established a penal colony in the Andamans. From 1858 to the early 1940s, Ross Island served as the administrative headquarters of the British in the archipelago—home to the Chief Commissioner’s residence, a church, clubhouses, a bakery, a printing press, and landscaped gardens.
- Earthquake & WWII: A 1941 earthquake damaged much of the island’s infrastructure. In 1942, Japanese forces occupied the island until 1945 and built bunkers and defenses that still dot the shore.
- Netaji Connection: Subhash Chandra Bose visited the Andamans in 1943; the island was later renamed in his honor.
- Nature Reclaims: Post-war abandonment let the forest slowly entwine over gothic arches and walls—creating the photogenic, eerie landscape visitors explore today.
Best Time to Visit
- October to April: Best weather, calmer seas, clearer views. Peak season December–January.
- May to early June: Hot and humid but manageable with early starts.
- June to September (Monsoon): Rains and choppy seas may disrupt boats; trails can be slippery. Check ferry operations on the day.
Tip: Aim for morning boats to beat the heat and secure earlier return slots.
Top Things to Do
- Walk the Ruins: Explore the church, officers’ club, barracks, bakery, printing press, hospital, and the Commissioner’s residence—now draped in banyan roots.
- Smritika Museum: A small but insightful museum with archival photos and objects narrating the island’s colonial past. Operating hours can vary; check at the jetty.
- Japanese Bunkers & Coastal Batteries: Trace WWII history along the shoreline.
- Wildlife & Photography: Spot free-roaming spotted deer and peacocks. Keep a respectful distance; do not feed wildlife.
- Viewpoints: Capture wide-angle shots of Port Blair’s skyline and North Bay’s lighthouse across the water.
- Guided Heritage Walk: Hire a local guide at the jetty for context and hidden details.
- Evening Sound & Light (status varies): Shows may run seasonally or on select days; confirm current schedules and ticketing in Port Blair.
How to Reach
Getting to Port Blair
- By Air: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) has direct flights from Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad (schedules vary by season).
- By Sea: Occasional passenger ships from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam (multi-day; limited sails; check months in advance).
Port Blair to Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island)
- Boats/Ferries: Depart from the Water Sports Complex/Aberdeen Jetty. Ride time: 10–15 minutes.
- Frequency: Morning through early afternoon. Last returns typically mid-to-late afternoon; operations depend on weather and season.
- Tickets: Available at the jetty counters and via authorized operators. Carry a government-issued photo ID.
- Notes: Boats may combine Ross with North Bay in a single excursion; confirm your route and timings before boarding.
Entry Fees, Permits & Timings
- Entry Fee: Nominal per-person entry is typically charged at the island gate (separate from boat fare). Camera/video fees may apply. Amounts can change; confirm on-site.
- Island Timings: Generally open during daylight hours (approx. 9:00 am–4:00/5:00 pm). Operations may pause on select holidays or due to weather/maintenance.
- Show Tickets: Sound-and-light show (if operational) is ticketed separately; buy in advance in Port Blair or at designated counters.
- E-carts/buggies: Limited availability for seniors/guests with mobility challenges (chargeable; not guaranteed).
Where to Stay (Accommodation)
Overnights on Ross Island are not permitted. Base yourself in Port Blair and visit as a half-day trip.
- Areas to Stay: Aberdeen Bazaar (central), Marine Hill/Phoenix Bay (harbor views), Corbyn’s Cove (beachside).
- Budget Range (indicative per night):
- Budget guesthouses: INR 1,500–3,000
- Mid-range hotels: INR 3,000–7,000
- Premium resorts: INR 7,000–15,000+
- What to Look For: Early breakfast, reliable AC, backup power, proximity to jetty, and assistance with boat bookings.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping & Culture
Food
- On the Island: Limited snack stalls; carry water and light snacks.
- In Port Blair: Try Andaman-style fish curry, grilled reef fish, crab/prawn dishes, coconut-based gravies, and seasonal fruits. Vegetarian South Indian thalis and Bengali-influenced seafood are common.
Shopping
- Aberdeen Bazaar (Port Blair): Wooden handicrafts, shell-inspired souvenirs (avoid coral/rare shells), coconut-shell art, spices, and local packaged products. Ask for legalization/permits where applicable.
Culture & Etiquette
- Heritage Site: Treat the ruins with care—no climbing or defacing.
- Eco-sensitivity: The Andamans are biodiversity hotspots; avoid littering and single-use plastics.
- Respect Protected Communities: Do not attempt to visit or photograph indigenous tribes anywhere in the islands; it is illegal and unethical.
Nearby Attractions
- North Bay Island: Water sports, snorkeling, glass-bottom boats, and sea-walk experiences. Iconic lighthouse views.
- Cellular Jail (Port Blair): Freedom struggle museum and evening show.
- Corbyn’s Cove Beach: Close-to-town beach for a relaxed evening.
- Chidiya Tapu: Sunset point and short hikes; rich birdlife.
- Mount Harriet (Mount Manipur) National Park: Cool forest hikes and views across the bay.
- Viper Island: Historical gallows ruins (check current access).
- Samudrika Naval Marine Museum & Anthropological Museum: For natural history and cultural context.
Estimated Costs & Sample Day Budget
- Boat (return) Port Blair ↔ Ross: INR 300–600 per person (service/operator dependent).
- Entry + camera (if applicable): INR 30–150+ per person; camera fees (if levied) extra.
- Guide (optional): INR 300–800 per group.
- Local transport in Port Blair: Auto/taxi INR 150–500 per ride; day car hire INR 1,800–3,500.
- Meals/snacks: INR 200–700 per person (daytime).
- Indicative day-trip total: INR 1,000–2,500 per person (excluding flights/hotel), depending on choices.
- Flights to Port Blair (one-way, variable): INR 6,000–18,000+ based on season and origin.
- Hotels (per night): INR 1,500–15,000+ across categories.
Note: Prices are indicative and subject to seasonal changes; verify current rates locally.
Travel Tips (General + For Families, Honeymooners, Friends)
General Tips
- Start early; mid-day heat can be intense. Carry water, sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent.
- Wear comfortable closed footwear; paths are uneven with roots and rubble.
- Do not feed deer/peacocks; maintain distance and keep food sealed.
- Carry some cash; small vendors and counters may not accept cards/UPI consistently.
- Check boat timings and last returns before exploring deeply.
- Drones are typically restricted; seek formal permissions if required.
For Families
- Strollers struggle on uneven trails; consider a baby carrier.
- Pack quick snacks, ORS, and caps for kids; rest in shaded spots.
- Ask about e-carts for seniors (limited availability).
For Honeymooners
- Visit early for quieter ruins and softer light for photos.
- Combine Ross with North Bay for a mix of heritage and water adventures.
- Consider an evening in Port Blair at Cellular Jail show or a seaside dinner at Corbyn’s Cove area.
For Friends/Groups
- Negotiate group rates on boats or guides where possible.
- Plan a photo walk—ruins and wildlife make strong storytelling sets.
- Pair Ross with museum stops in Port Blair for a full-day, well-rounded itinerary.
Accessibility & Safety
- Accessibility is moderate; expect some steps, slopes, and root-covered paths.
- Avoid swimming off Ross Island; shores are rocky and not designated for bathing.
- Follow signage and staff instructions; closures may occur due to weather or maintenance.
FAQs
Q: Is Ross Island the same as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island?
A: Yes. Ross Island was officially renamed Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island, but many visitors and operators still use the former name.
Q: How much time do I need to explore the island?
A: Two to three hours is sufficient to see the major ruins, visit the museum, and enjoy viewpoints. Add more time if you prefer a guided walk and unhurried photography.
Q: Can I swim or snorkel at Ross Island?
A: No. Ross Island is not a swimming/snorkeling spot. Head to North Bay, Jolly Buoy, or other designated sites for water activities.
Q: Are drones allowed?
A: Drone operations are generally restricted and may require formal permissions from local authorities. Check regulations before you fly.
Q: Is there mobile network and are ATMs available on the island?
A: Mobile coverage can be patchy, and there are no ATMs on the island. Withdraw cash and download offline maps in Port Blair.
Conclusion
Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island) distills Andaman’s layered history into a compact, evocative landscape of roots and ruins just minutes from Port Blair. Visit in the cooler months, go early, walk the heritage trail, and pair your trip with nearby experiences like North Bay or the Cellular Jail to round out a meaningful day in the islands.
