Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel back in time and witness the glory and the downfall of a colonial era? If yes, then you should definitely visit Ross Island, a historical and scenic island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Ross Island was once the administrative headquarters of the British in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and was known as the “Paris of the East” for its grandeur and elegance.
Today, Ross Island is a tourist attraction and a historical monument, where you can explore the ruins of the colonial buildings, visit the sanctuary and the museum, attend the light and sound show, and enjoy the scenic views and the natural beauty of the island. In this comprehensive guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about Ross Island, its history, attractions, activities, tips, and nearby places.
History of Ross Island
Ross Island was discovered by the British in 1788, and was named after Captain Daniel Ross, a marine surveyor. The island was chosen as the administrative headquarters of the British in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and was developed into a self-sufficient and luxurious settlement. The island had a church, a secretariat, a government house, a commissioner’s residence, gardens, a swimming pool, ballrooms, a tennis court, a water treatment plant, a hospital, a printing press, and many other facilities. The island was also home to a large number of British officers, soldiers, and civilians, who lived a lavish and comfortable life.
However, the island’s fate changed in 1942, when the Japanese invaded and occupied the Andaman and Nicobar Islands during World War II. The British were forced to evacuate the island, and the Japanese took over the control. The Japanese built bunkers, watchtowers, and gun emplacements on the island, and used it as a base for their operations. The Japanese also tortured and killed many Indian freedom fighters and prisoners on the island and left behind a dark legacy.
In 1945, the British returned to the island after the end of the war, but they found it in a dilapidated and damaged condition. The island had also suffered a major earthquake in 1941, which had caused severe destruction and erosion. The British decided to shift their headquarters to Port Blair, and abandoned Ross Island. The island was then reclaimed by nature, and became a haven for wildlife and vegetation. The colonial buildings were gradually engulfed by the roots, vines, and branches of the trees, and the island became a ghost town.
In 1979, the Indian Navy took over the island, and renamed it as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island, in honor of the Indian freedom fighter and leader. The island was also declared as a historical monument, and was opened to the public as a tourist attraction. The island was also restored and preserved, and a museum, a sanctuary, and a light and sound show were added to showcase its history and heritage.
Attractions and Activities on Ross Island
Ross Island is a place where you can experience the past and the present, the man-made and the natural, and the beauty and the horror of history. The island offers a variety of attractions and activities for the visitors, such as:
1. Exploring the ruins of the colonial buildings
One of the main attractions on Ross Island is the ruins of the colonial buildings, which are a testimony to the island’s glorious and tragic past. You can walk around the island and see the remains of the church, the secretariat, the government house, the commissioner’s residence, the gardens, the swimming pool, the ballrooms, the tennis court, the water treatment plant, the hospital, the printing press, and many other structures. You can also see the signs of the Japanese occupation, such as the bunkers, the watchtowers, and the gun emplacements. You can also see the effects of the earthquake and the erosion, such as the cracks, the gaps, and the fallen walls.
2. Visiting the sanctuary and the museum
Another attraction on Ross Island is the sanctuary and the museum, which are located near the jetty. The sanctuary is a fenced area where you can see various animals and birds that live on the island, such as peacocks, eagles, parrots, deer, rabbits, and squirrels.
The museum is a small building where you can see various artifacts and photographs that depict the history and culture of the island, such as the coins, the stamps, the maps, the paintings, the weapons, the utensils, and the dresses. You can also see a statue of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, and a memorial for the Indian freedom fighters and prisoners who died on the island.
3. Attending the light and sound show
Another attraction on Ross Island is the light and sound show, which is held every evening near the church. The show is a spectacular and informative presentation that narrates the history and the stories of the island, using lights, sounds, and special effects. The show is conducted in both Hindi and English, and lasts for about 45 minutes. The show is a great way to learn more about the island, and to witness its beauty and charm in the night.
4. Enjoying the scenic views and the natural beauty of the island
Another attraction on Ross Island is the scenic views and the natural beauty of the island, which are a treat for the eyes and the soul. You can enjoy the panoramic views of the sea, the sky, and the surrounding islands, such as North Bay Island, Viper Island, and Port Blair. You can also enjoy the lush greenery and the colorful flowers of the island, which create a serene and soothing atmosphere. You can also enjoy the fresh air and the pleasant breeze of the island, which refresh and relax your mind and body.
Tips for Visiting Ross Island
Ross Island is a place where you can have a memorable and enjoyable time, if you follow some tips and tricks for visiting it. Here are some of them:
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Ross Island is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and dry, and the island is less crowded and more peaceful.
Duration
The duration of your visit to Ross Island depends on your interest and preference, but you can generally spend about 2 to 3 hours on the island, to see and do everything. You can also spend more or less time, depending on your schedule and availability.
Entry fee
The entry fee for Ross Island is INR 30 per person, which is valid for one day. You can also buy a combo ticket for INR 100 per person, which includes the entry fee for Ross Island, North Bay Island, and Viper Island. You can buy the tickets at the jetty or online, and you need to show them at the entry gate of the island.
Permit
The permit for Ross Island is required for foreign nationals, and can be obtained from the immigration office in Port Blair. The permit is valid for 30 days, and can be extended for another 15 days. You need to show the permit at the entry gate of the island, along with your passport and visa.
Ferry
The ferry for Ross Island is available from the Aberdeen Jetty in Port Blair, and takes about 15 minutes to reach the island.
Ferry Timing
The ferry operates from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, and runs every 30 minutes. The ferry fare is INR 150 per person for a round trip, and can be paid at the jetty or online. You need to book the ferry in advance, as the seats are limited and the demand is high. You also need to show your ticket and your ID proof at the jetty and the island.
Timings
The timings for Ross Island are from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, and the island is open on all days except Wednesday. You need to plan your visit accordingly, and make sure to return to the jetty before the last ferry leaves.
Nearby Places to Visit from Ross Island
Ross Island is not only a destination in itself, but also a gateway to other destinations in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. You can visit other nearby places from Ross Island, such as North Bay Island, Viper Island, Cellular Jail and Corbyn’s Cove Beach.
Ross Island is a journey through time and history in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The island is a place where you can see and experience the past and the present, the man-made and the natural, and the beauty and the horror of history. The island is also a place where you can learn and appreciate the history and the culture of the island, and pay respect to its heroes and martyrs. The island is also a place where you can enjoy and relax, and have a memorable and enjoyable time. If you are looking for a unique and fascinating destination in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, you should definitely visit Ross Island, and experience its history and beauty for yourself.