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Ross Island is a small island in the harbour of Port Blair, and it was once the seat of British power in the Andamans. Today the buildings that served as the offices and homes of officials are ruins, being slowly swallowed by banyan and peepal trees, with roots wrapped around walls and arches. The effect is strange and beautiful, and it makes for one of the most evocative short trips in the islands.
A short history
The British established a penal settlement on Ross Island in 1858, and over the next decades it grew into an administrative centre with a church, a hospital, a bakery, a printing press, a swimming pool and tennis courts. An earthquake in 1941 damaged many buildings, and the Japanese occupied the island in 1942, building bunkers that still remain. After the war, the Indian Navy took over, and the island was abandoned to the forest. In 2018, it was officially renamed Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep.
What you will see
- The ruins. Walls of the Chief Commissioner's house, the ballroom, the hospital and the secretariat, all in various states of collapse.
- The church. A roofless building with arches draped in tree roots.
- The bakery and the water-distillation plant. Fragments of the colonial settlement.
- Japanese bunkers. Concrete structures from the wartime occupation.
- The deer and peacocks. Spotted deer roam the island and approach visitors; they are used to people but should not be fed.
- The jetty and sea views. The island looks across to Port Blair and the harbour.
The visit
The island is small enough to see in about two hours. A path winds between the ruins, with signs explaining each. Wear comfortable shoes, since the paths can be uneven. There is a small museum and a canteen. A light and sound show is offered on some evenings, though boat times may limit it.
Practical tips
- Take the earliest boat to avoid heat and crowds.
- Carry water, a hat and sunscreen.
- Do not feed the deer or leave litter.
- Respect the ruins; do not climb or write on them.
- Keep an eye on children near unstable walls.
- Check boat times for the return, since the last boat leaves before dusk.
Best time to visit
November to April offers dry weather and calm seas. In the monsoon, rain and rough water can cancel boats. Mornings are the best time for light and photography.
Who it suits
History lovers, photographers, families and anyone who likes atmospheric ruins. It is easy and short, though it can be hot.
Combine it with
Pair Ross Island with North Bay or the Cellular Jail in the same day. See the Ross Island and North Bay guide and the Port Blair guide, or ask us for a plan.
