Ross island is a very small yet beautiful destination situated in the South Andaman district, Port Blair. It is located around 5 KM from the Water sports complex and that makes it one of the easiest Islands to visit during your Andaman trip.
First, it was named after Captain Daniel Ross but in 2018 it was renamed as the Netaji Shubash Chandra Bose Dweep by our prime minister Narendra Modi.
Table of Content:
- History of Ross Island
- Is Ross Island Worth Visiting?
- Places to Visit and Things to do
- Where to eat?
- How to reach Ross Island?
- Best time to visit
- Tips
History of Ross Island:
Most of the best places to visit in Andaman like Havelock Island, Neil Island and North Bay Island are famous for their beaches but Ross island is famous for its history that gives you a completely different vibe that can’t be found anywhere else in Andaman.
The island first occupied between 1789 to 1792 and a hospital & sanatorium was built there. But in 1857 it was captured by the British Government when they shifted the Penal Settlement from Singapore to Port Blair. For the next 85 years, the island was used by the British as an Administrative Headquarters and lots of government buildings were made by Indian prisoners. But during the earthquake of 1941, the island was abandoned.
From 1942 to 1945 the island was occupied by the Japanese. It was the period when Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose took help from the Japanese in his fight against the British. The Japanese left their imprint on the island in the form of bunkers used as the watchpoint to protect the island from any attack. And in April 1979 the island was handed over to the Indian Navy who set up a small post, INS Jarawa.
The ruins of old buildings are still available at Ross island which was built by Indian prisoners. Also, the man-made caves, historic churches and old trees are still present on the island which takes you in the era back, long gone yet still remembered.
Apart from its history, this place is famous for its amazing wildlife with its protected forest that is a sanctuary of a variety of birds and animals. Therefore, it is a perfect place for nature lovers who want to walk around and enjoy their time under the shade of long tropical trees.
The unique thing about this place that any kind of civilian settlements is not allowed by the Administrations therefore you must leave the island before sunset. There is no place to stay at night at Ross Island.
Is Ross Island worth Visiting?
Yes, because Ross Island gives you the complete unique vibes with its history that can not be found at any other attractions of Andaman. Every year number of tourists come here to enjoy the history, culture and legacy of this place. Here you’ll see lots of churches, ruins of old buildings, man-made caves and a small museum, the Samudrika Naval Marine museum that shows the geography, anthropology and aquatic life of Ross Island.
Things to do and Places to Visit at Ross Island:
1. Visit Ross Island Penal Colony:
The Ross island penal colony is a place that used by the British government to prison the Indian locals who raised their voice against the bullying of the British government. This the place where you’ll get to know about how Britisher came to Andaman and established their administration rules. The history of this place is so inspiring and mesmerizing that you’ll get goosebumps.
2. Watch the Light and Sound Show:
When the sun sets, all tourists start to assemble and taking chairs to watch the Light and sound show. The show is all about the history of this island – how Britisher planned and construct everything at Ross Island. It shows you the penal settlement period that how the British Government prison the Indian Freedom Fighters. Also, it shows the luxurious lifestyle of the Chief Commander and his family along with the hardship faced by the Indians worker who builds the Jail.
3. Explore the old Ruins:
The island is home to some of the oldest British and Japanese buildings that shows the lifestyle of Britishers after they came to Andaman. And explore them is one of the best things to do at Andaman.
Included: Churches, Chief Commissioner Residence, Tennis Court, Hospital, Printing Press, Bunkers, Man-made caves and Government houses.
4. Ross Island Wildlife Sanctuary:
Located at the center of the Island, Ross Island wildlife sanctuary is protected by the Andaman administration. The sanctuary is home to many birds and animals including peacocks and deer. These animals are taken care of by the officials on daily basis. And all animals live inside a reserved area filled by large tropical forests including palms and coconuts. Overall it is a great place for wildlife lovers.
5. Man-made caves:
The man-made caves are build all around the island by the Britisher to escape during an attack. Now when the caves are not is used, they are abandoned and a great place to visit for the history lover.
The caves have several paths that are connected by the important buildings and offices throughout the island. While visiting the caves we recommend you take a guide to ensure safety while returning from the caves.
6. The Pond:
It is a place where the water accumulates and stays there for a long period of time. The color of the water is green. Also, there are ruins located near the pond.
The pond is surrounded by large tropical trees that make it a pleasant place to visit.
Where to eat:
There is a small restaurant at Ross Island that offers food to both tourists and defense officers. The restaurant offers both veg and non-veg food but doesn’t expect a variety of dishes. The price may be higher as compare to Port Blair. So if you can pack your own food that will be a great option. During the afternoon, having launch under the shade of a large tree is simply the best way to eat at Ross Island.
Around the jetty, you can also find lots of small vendors and shops that offer fresh coconut juice and snacks. So you can also get refreshments on the island.
If you need to refill the water bottle then there is a water purifier near the jetty.
How to reach Ross Island?
It is very easy to access Ross Island as it is located just 11 KM away from Port Blair. From Port Blair, you’ll get a number of options to reach Ross Island. Ferries and boats are the most convenient and fastest way to reach the Island. The ferry leaves from Phoenix Bay Jetty of Port Blair and reaches the island in just 15 minutes. The cost of a ferry can vary from 150 to 500 based on the size and seat position.
As the island is completely disconnected by land so its not possible to reach there by road.
Best time to Visit Ross Island:
October to March is considered the best time to visit Ross Island because during this time weather in Andaman becomes pleasant and there is less chance of rainfall. To explore Ross Island at best try to leave early in the morning as there are lots of places to explore. So this will leave you enough time to enjoy the evening show and return back to Port Blair.
Visitor Information:
Entry Tickets: 30 INR for adults and 25 INR for Children. Price is subject to change
Mobile Connectivity: Likewise other attractions of Andaman, mobile connectivity at Ross Island can be quite weak. From the last few years, things have improved but still, you’ll face drops calls, network congestion and sluggish data speed. At some part of the island, you’ll find zero network connection.
Medical Facility: There are no medical facilities are available on Island. So bring your own first aid kit with basic medicines. Also, you can carry sunscreen and antiseptic cream.
Timing: The ticket counter (Port Blair) is open from 8:30 AM to 3 PM every day.
Tickets for Light and sound show: You need to book tickets well in advance because of heavy demand and limited seats. The tickets can be bought from the tourism department office near the district court. Any locals or taxi will guide you. The show takes place every day except Wednesdays and govt. Holiday.
Ross Island FAQ’s
Ross island used to be closed on Wednesday a few months ago but the holiday was removed. Now, the island is open for tourists for every day. But on the Govt. Holidays island remains closed so you need to confirm it before visiting it.
In 2018, the Ross island was renamed as the Netaji Shubash Chandra Bose Dweep by our prime minister Narendra Modi.
The Ross Island is located just 9.6 KM away from Port Blair. Therefore, it is very easy to reach the island from Port Blair. You can easily get boat from the Phoenix Bay Jetty or Aberdeen Jetty or water sports complex to Ross Island. It will take around 15 to 20 minutes to reach the island.
No, staying at Ross island is prohibited by Govt. Therefore, no hotels are there. You need to get back to Port Blair for stay as the island get closed at 3 P.M for tourists.
No, water activities are not available at this island as it is a non-commercial island. To enjoy water sports you can visit Havelock, Neil or North Bay island.
The show starts around 5:15 and ends in 45 minutes. The show held everyday except for public holidays and Wednesday.