Why visit Ross Island?
If your Andaman itinerary includes Port Blair, Ross Island is unmissable. Just 10–15 minutes by boat from the city, the island was once the British administrative capital of the Andamans (1858–1941). A major earthquake and the Japanese occupation during World War II abruptly ended that chapter, leaving behind haunting ruins now draped in roots and sea breeze. Today you can walk an easy circuit of the island, spot deer and peacocks, climb to viewpoints, and trace the layers of history—from Victorian churches to Japanese bunkers—on a compact, car-free island.
What makes it special
- History in the wild: Nature has reclaimed barracks, a ballroom, a printing press, a bakery, and the Chief Commissioner’s House—Instagram gold and a vivid lesson in impermanence.
- Quick, easy escape: Boats leave from Port Blair’s waterfront; you can do Ross Island plus North Bay Island or Cellular Jail in a single day.
- Family-friendly walking: Mostly flat paths with shade, benches, and signboards.
- Views for days: The island faces Aberdeen jetty and the blue expanse of Marine National Park waters, perfect for photos at golden hour.
At a glance
- Location: 2 km east of Port Blair, South Andaman
- Access: Public boat/ferry from the Water Sports Complex/Aberdeen Jetty (tickets sold on the spot via counters/operators)
- Time needed: 2–3 hours for a full circuit; 4–5 hours if combining with North Bay Island
- Best for: History lovers, photographers, families, couples, solo travelers
- Stays: No accommodation on Ross Island; sleep in Port Blair and visit by boat
- Other name: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep (use both names when asking locals or checking signboards)
How to reach Ross Island
Base: Port Blair, capital of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
By air to Port Blair: Fly to Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) from major Indian cities like Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi (nonstops vary by season). From the airport, it’s roughly 15–25 minutes by road to the Water Sports Complex/Aberdeen Jetty.
Boat to Ross Island:
- Departure point: Water Sports Complex/Aberdeen Jetty area in Port Blair.
- Ride duration: About 10–15 minutes across the harbor.
- Tickets: Sold at counters/through local tour operators; you’ll usually buy a return ticket with a fixed time for your return boat.
- Combo trips: Many boats bundle Ross Island + North Bay Island (for snorkeling/sea-walk) on a single excursion.
Local tip: Boats are often scheduled in batches and can sell out around mid-morning in peak months. Aim for the first boats (8:30–10:30 am) for cooler weather, softer light, and thinner crowds.
Best time to visit Ross Island
- October to April (peak season): Blue skies, lower humidity, calmer seas—the best time for ferry reliability and photos.
- May to September (monsoon): The island is lush and moody, but sea conditions and showers can disrupt boat timings; carry a rain jacket and expect slippery patches on forest paths.
- Golden hours: Early morning and late afternoon create glowing light on the ruins and banyan roots. If you love photography, time your visit accordingly.
Top places to visit on Ross Island:
You can explore most highlights on a well-marked loop trail. Wear comfortable footwear; carry water and small snacks.
1) Chief Commissioner’s House (Government House)
Once the grandest address in the Andamans, this hilltop residence offered commanding sea views and manicured lawns. Today, dramatic root systems and shattered walls create photogenic frames. Stand along the viewpoints near the residence to see Port Blair’s cityscape across the water.
2) The Church Ruins
Possibly the island’s most iconic sight: arched Gothic windows wrapped by banyan and ficus roots. Dappled sunlight through leaf canopies turns the stonework and creepers into a living cathedral. Go slow here—details are everywhere, from carved lintels to patterned bricks.
3) The Bakery & Printing Press
Ross Island once baked fresh bread and printed notices for the entire settlement. The shell of the bakery (with a recognizable oven outline) and the printing press building show how self-sufficient the island was—even at the edge of the Bay of Bengal.
4) The Hospital & Ballroom remnants
You’ll find floor plans and low walls hinting at larger structures. Mentally layer in the past: doctors, nurses, a dispensary, and evening dances at the ballroom for the British elite. These remnants are a reminder of the parallel realities that existed here while convicts labored in the wider penal colony.
5) Cemetery & Water Reservoirs
Quiet and sobering, the cemetery evokes the harshness of island life in the 19th century: tropical disease, cyclones, isolation. Nearby reservoirs and storage tanks reveal the engineering that supported the settlement.
6) Lighthouse Viewpoint
Toward the northern end is a small lighthouse area and seaside viewpoint. Watch boats trace white wakes across impossibly blue water; on clear days, the horizon is postcard-perfect. Morning light from here is especially flattering for wide shots.
7) Japanese Bunkers & Defensive Positions
World War II shifted the island’s purpose. Japanese bunkers, pillboxes, and trenches remain scattered along the shoreline. These concrete structures are photogenic in their own way and add a striking, lesser-known layer to Ross Island’s story.
8) The Forest Canopy & Animal Encounters
The island’s star performers are banyans, ficus, and tropical hardwoods, whose aerial roots and buttressed trunks weave in and around brickwork. You’ll likely see spotted deer, peacocks, and monkeys. Enjoy them at a distance—do not feed wildlife and keep snacks zipped up.
Things to do on Ross Island:
i) Take the heritage walk (DIY or guided)
The classic activity is a leisurely 2–3 km loop connecting ruins, viewpoints, and bunkers. Most visitors go self-guided with occasional signboards. If you prefer context and stories, hire a local guide at the jetty—they’ll point out small details and retell the island’s rise and fall.
ii) Photograph banyan-cloaked ruins
Come early or late for softer shadows. Bring a wide-angle lens for interiors and archways, and a portrait lens for leafy textures, deer, and peacocks. If you’re using a phone, switch to ultrawide for dramatic compositions.
iii) Combine with North Bay Island (snorkel/sea walk)
A popular combo is Ross Island in the morning followed by North Bay Island for coral views, snorkeling, glass-bottom boat rides, or a guided sea walk (helmet walk). If you book a combo ticket, confirm your return timings to avoid rushing the heritage loop.
iv) Sunset viewpoints from the waterfront
If your boat timing allows, linger near the shoreline viewpoints for late-afternoon glow. Colors pop on the brick and green canopy; peacocks sometimes step into the frame like they own the place (they do).
v) Attend the sound & light experience (seasonal/operational)
When operational, a sound-and-light show narrates Ross Island’s history against the backdrop of ruins. Schedules may vary by season and maintenance—check locally in Port Blair for the latest status and timings on the day you arrive.
Suggested itineraries
Half-day “Classic Ross” (3 hours)
- 08:30 Boat from Port Blair
- 08:45–10:45 Heritage loop: Church → Bakery/Press → Hospital/Ballroom → Commissioner’s House → Japanese bunkers → Lighthouse viewpoint
- 11:00 Boat back to Port Blair; lunch near the Waterfront
Full-day “Ross + North Bay” (6–7 hours)
- 08:30 Boat to Ross Island; heritage walk (2–3 hours)
- 11:30 Boat to North Bay Island
- 12:00–15:30 Snorkeling/sea walk/glass-bottom rides
- 16:00 Return to Port Blair; evening at Cellular Jail (consider sound & light show there)
Heritage highlights day
- Morning: Ross Island
- Afternoon: Cellular Jail National Memorial (museum + galleries)
- Evening: Walk the Corbyn’s Cove promenade for a relaxed sunset
Where to stay
There are no hotels or guesthouses on Ross Island. Sleep in Port Blair and visit by boat. Choose your base by travel style:
- Comfort & convenience: Mid-range hotels near Aberdeen Bazaar or the Water Sports Complex save commute time for early boats.
- Sea views/quiet: Boutique resorts a short drive from central Port Blair.
- Budget & backpacker: Guesthouses and small hotels around Aberdeen Bazaar.
Pro tip: Book your Port Blair stay with flexible cancellation if you’re traveling in the monsoon months, in case sea conditions prompt slight plan changes.
Combine Ross Island with these Port Blair classics
- Cellular Jail National Memorial: India’s freedom struggle museum; plan 90–120 minutes.
- North Bay Island: Coral views, snorkeling, glass-bottom boats, sea walk.
- Corbyn’s Cove: Easy sunset stroll near the city.
- Chidiya Tapu: Birding and sunset vistas (a drive from Port Blair).
- Samudrika Marine Museum / Anthropological Museum: Add context to the natural and cultural history of the Andamans.
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The bottom line
Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep) is a compact masterclass in Andaman history—a living ruin where trees and time tell the story. In one breezy circuit you’ll see Gothic arches strangled by roots, grand residences reduced to romantic skeletons, wartime bunkers staring out to sea, and friendly deer wandering shaded lanes. It’s easy to reach from Port Blair, easy to love, and easy to combine with coral adventures at North Bay. Pack light, go early, tread gently—and let the island whisper its past as the sea hums around you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) Is Ross Island the same as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep?
Yes. The island was officially renamed Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep in 2018. Locals and boat operators still commonly use “Ross Island”—you’ll see both names on signboards and tickets.
2) How long do I need for Ross Island?
2–3 hours is perfect for a relaxed loop, photos, and viewpoints. Add more time if you’re a history buff or combining with North Bay Island.
3) Can I stay overnight on Ross Island?
No. There are no hotels on Ross. Base yourself in Port Blair and visit by boat.
4) Are there guided tours?
Yes. You can hire a local guide at the jetty or book through a tour operator. Guides bring the ruins to life with stories you might miss on a DIY walk.
5) Is the island suitable for kids and seniors?
Absolutely, with pacing and shade breaks. Paths are mostly easy; wear proper shoes and carry water.
6) What about food and water on the island?
Options are limited. Carry a reusable bottle and light snacks. Plan main meals in Port Blair.
7) What should I wear?
Light, breathable fabrics; closed shoes; a hat. In monsoon months, a light rain jacket helps.
8) Are drones allowed?
Generally no without prior written permission. The area is sensitive; check regulations before flying any drone.
9) Can I do Ross Island and North Bay Island in one day?
Yes, that’s a popular combo: heritage walk on Ross + coral activities at North Bay. Book a combo ticket to streamline timings.
10) Is there a sound & light show?
There has been a heritage sound-and-light experience at Ross Island at times. Operations can vary due to maintenance and season—ask in Port Blair for current status and timings.
11) Are there lockers on Ross Island?
Not typically. Travel light—small daypack, water, sunscreen, camera, and essentials.
12) Are there entry fees?
Expect a modest island entry/eco fee and separate boat fare. Prices can change; confirm at the Water Sports Complex/Aberdeen Jetty counters.
13) Is swimming allowed at Ross Island?
Ross is primarily a heritage walking and viewpoint island. For swimming and water sports, visit North Bay or other designated beaches around Port Blair/Havelock.
14) What wildlife will I see?
Spotted deer, peacocks, and monkeys are common. Please do not feed or approach wildlife—keep food out of sight.
15) Is Ross Island safe for solo travelers?
Yes. Stick to daytime visits, follow path signs, and catch your scheduled return boat. Port Blair and its excursion circuits are generally welcoming and straightforward.
