Everything You Need to Know About Ross Island

Ross Island is a small island located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, an archipelago in the Bay of Bengal. The island is situated about 2 km east of Port Blair, the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Ross Island is a popular tourist destination, known for its historical significance, natural beauty, and adventure activities.

Location

Ross Island is located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, an archipelago of 572 islands in the Bay of Bengal. The island is situated about 2 km east of Port Blair, the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Ross Island is accessible by boat from Port Blair.

Historical Significance

Ross Island was named after Sir Daniel Ross, a marine surveyor who surveyed the island in 1788. The island was developed as a self-sufficient settlement by the British Raj in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Ross Island was the administrative headquarters of the British government in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands from 1858 to 1942. During this period, the island served as the centre of British colonial power in the region. The British built a number of colonial buildings on the island, including a church, a hospital, a bakery, a printing press, and various administrative buildings. The British established their administrative headquarters on Ross Island, which was equipped with facilities like a church, bakery, swimming pool, tennis court, and more.

The island also served as a penal colony during the colonial era. The British used Ross Island to exile political prisoners and convicts from India. Many of these prisoners were subjected to inhumane treatment, and some of them died on the island.

Ross Island was abandoned after an earthquake in 1941, and the British shifted their administrative headquarters to Port Blair. In 1942, during World War II, the Japanese army invaded the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and captured Ross Island. The Japanese used the island as a military base and built a number of military structures, including bunkers, gun emplacements, and underground tunnels. The Japanese also forced the British prisoners of war to work on the construction of these structures.

After the end of World War II, the British regained control of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, but they did not return to Ross Island. The island was left abandoned, and the buildings and other structures were left to decay. After India gained independence in 1947, the Indian government took over the island, and it was declared a protected area in 1977.

Attractions

Ross Island is known for its natural beauty, historical significance, and adventure activities. Here are some of the top attractions on Ross Island:

British-era Ruins

Ross Island has several British-era ruins, including a church, bakery, swimming pool, tennis court, and more. These ruins are a testament to the island's colonial past and provide a glimpse into the island's history.

Ross Island Museum

The Ross Island Museum displays artifacts and photographs from the British era and provides information about the island's history. The museum also has a souvenir shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and gifts.

Light and Sound Show

The Light and Sound Show at Ross Island is a popular attraction that tells the story of the island's history through a sound and light show. The show is held in the evening and is a must-see for visitors to Ross Island.

Trekking

Ross Island offers several trekking trails that allow visitors to explore the island's natural beauty and historical sites. The trails are well-marked and offer stunning views of the island's flora and fauna.

British Cemetery

The British Cemetery on Ross Island is the final resting place of many British soldiers and civilians who lived and worked on the island during the colonial era. The cemetery is a somber reminder of the island's dark past and the suffering that many people endured.

Japanese Bunkers

The Japanese Bunkers on Ross Island are a series of underground tunnels and bunkers that were built by the Japanese army during World War II. Visitors can explore the tunnels and learn about the history of the island during the war.

Deer Park

The Deer Park on Ross Island is a beautiful park that is home to a large population of spotted deer. Visitors can watch the deer grazing and playing in the park, and they can also take a leisurely stroll through the park's lush greenery.

Accommodation

Ross Island does not have any accommodation options, as it is a protected area. However, visitors can stay in Port Blair, which is located just 2 km away from Ross Island. Port Blair offers a range of accommodation options, including budget hotels, mid-range hotels, and luxury resorts.

How to Reach

By Boat

Ross Island is approximately 3 km east of Port Blair, and it can be reached by boat from Port Blair. Boats are available from the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sport Complex Jetty in Port Blair, and the journey takes about 15-20 minutes. Visitors can take a private boat to reach Ross Island. The boat services are available from 8 am to 2 pm, and the last boat leaves from Ross Island at around 4 pm.

Travel Tips

1. Visitors are required to obtain a permit from the Forest Department in Port Blair before visiting Ross Island.
2. The boat ride to Ross Island can be rough during the monsoon season, and visitors are advised to check the weather conditions before planning their trip.
3. Visitors are not allowed to stay on the island overnight, and they must return to Port Blair before sunset.
4. The island does not have any food or water facilities, so visitors are advised to carry their own food and water.
5. The island has limited mobile network coverage, and visitors may not be able to make calls or access the internet on the island.