On Ross Island Andaman, you can see beautiful ruins surrounded by lush green trees, walk easily with friendly deer, and listen to the peaceful sound of the waves. This tiny island was once the British base in the Andaman Islands. It is now one of the most beautiful and interesting places to visit near Port Blair. There is a story around every corner and every road looks like a scene from an old movie.
Today, Ross Island is a peaceful place for tourists who want to experience nature, history, and beauty as part of their Andaman package. It is a great place to visit whether you like history, photography, or just walk by the beach. Let's talk about everything you need to know before going there. This blog will be covering all essential information you need to know before planning your trip.
Ross Island Andaman Historical Significance
Ross Island, which is now called Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island, has a history that seems almost too good to be true. Before it became a peaceful place for tourists to visit, it was the British government's primary headquarters in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands from 1858 to 1942. The island used to have fancy colonial buildings, clubs, churches, ballrooms, bakers, and even a printing press. It was a very different world from the Cellular Jail, which was across the water.
For British officers, Ross Island was like a "mini London" to them because the Ross island location had everything from power, water, lush gardens, and well-planned streets. But when the Japanese Army came in during World War II in 1942, everything changed. After they left, the island was left empty, and nature slowly took over what people had made. The old buildings are now covered in the roots of banyan trees, which stands as a quiet reflection of the power of time.
The history and nature of Ross Island come together in a hauntingly beautiful way. As you walk around the island, you feel like you're entering a forgotten story of grandeur, battle, and nature's unending healing power.
Best Time to Visit Ross island
Most of the year, Ross Island weather is nice, which is one reason why tourists like to stay here for a long time and explore the ruins, woods, and quiet beaches. The best time to see sights, take pictures, go for outdoor walks, and see the light and sound show at night is from October to March, when the temperature stays between 23°C and 30°C. The sea is calm and the breeze is cool, so the boat rides are smooth and fun.
From April to June, the temperature starts to rise and can hit 33°C. However, the island is still fun to visit if you like sunny, warm tropical weather. From July to September, monsoon season brings heavy rain, rough seas, and a lack of uncertainty about ferry service. Even though the outdoors looks lovely, now is not the best time for a calm trip.The best times to visit the island are in the winter or early summer, when it is warm enough to explore and do all kinds of activities without having to worry about the weather.
How to Reach Ross Island from Port Blair
It is very easy to get to Ross Island because it is only a short distance from Port Blair, across the clear Andaman Sea. Because it's an island, there are no straight roads that connect to it. The only way to get there is by ferry boat. Taking the boat over to see the old buildings slowly come into view makes the trip feel special. There is a cool breeze from the ocean and the waves are calm.
The most common and easiest way is by ferry. The Aberdeen Jetty in Port Blair is where you can catch a ferry to Ross Island.
Travel Time: around 15-20 minutes
Ferry Price: ₹370 per person (can vary based on operator)
Ross Island ferry timings are from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM, but this can change based on the weather and the number of seats available .To get a ticket, you should get to the wharf a little early during peak season, when there are a lot of tourists. Most tourists like to take the first boat in the morning because it's usually less busy and the weather is comparatively better.
Ross Island Light and Sound Show
The Light and Sound Show is one of the most memorable things to do on Ross Island. It brings the history of the island to life in a truly magical way. As the sun goes down and the sky turns purple, the broken-down buildings light up with different colors while a strong story is told about British rule, the earthquake of 1941, and how nature slowly took back the land. As you sit in the middle of the old amphitheater and listen to the wind whistle and the trees rustle, you can feel history all around you. Most tourists say that this hour is emotional, makes them feel nostalgic, and is definitely worth seeing.
Show Details
Time: 5:30 PM
Days: Everyday except Wednesday
Approximately one hour long.
Tip: Get there 20 to 30 minutes early to get the best places and enjoy the sunset before the show starts.
Places to Visit in Ross Island
There are several places to visit within Ross Island Andaman. Even though it is a small island, its beauty and significance still has a long lasting impact that makes people want to visit here from across the globe.
1. Ruins of British Administrative Headquarters
The ruins of the old British Administrative Headquarters are the most iconic attraction on Ross Island. The remains of offices, clubs, and grand residential buildings tell stories of luxury and power during the colonial era. Today, deer roam freely across the ruins, and the atmosphere is peaceful, making it a surreal blend of past glory and nature reclaiming its space.
2. Ross Island Church (St. John’s Church)
The sunlight coming through the broken windows of this abandoned church makes it feel like a magical place. It stands quietly under tall trees. St. John's Church was built with stones brought in from all over India. British officials and their families used to go there to hear beautiful hymns sung. The roof is gone, but the structure and archway are still very impressive. The area around the church is peaceful and quiet, which draws people who like to take pictures, learn about history, and see old buildings.
3. Indian Navy Museum (Smritika Museum)
Smritika Museum on Ross Island preserves the island’s colonial history through photographs, furniture, uniforms, and old household items from the British era. The museum explains how Ross Island functioned as the administrative capital and how it eventually declined after an earthquake and World War II attacks. The exhibits also offer information about the impact of Japanese occupation.
4. Barren Island Viewpoint
From the coastal side of Ross Island, there is a scenic viewpoint overlooking the blue ocean, where on a clear day you can spot the distant Barren Island which is India’s only active volcano. The viewpoint is quiet and breezy, surrounded by coconut trees and gentle slopes leading to the sea. Visitors enjoy sitting here to relax, click wide-angle photos, and watch boats sailing across the Andaman Sea. The sunset from this point is especially beautiful and calming.
5. Ross Island Beach
Ross Island Beach is small but extremely picturesque, with turquoise waters, smooth wooden walk bridges, and rocky edges shaped by the waves. The beach is not for swimming, but it’s perfect for strolling, relaxing, and photography. Dense forests touch the shoreline, giving it a wild yet dreamy appearance. Many people enjoy watching deer walk around casually near the beach, making it one of the most peaceful natural corners of the island.
6. Japanese Bunkers & Cannon Relics
Japanese troops took over Ross Island during World War II and made it a military base. You can still go inside the bunkers, underground shelters, and big, rusty cannons that face the ocean. These buildings from the war make the island feel like an open-air museum and help visitors understand how important it was strategically. The bunkers are exciting to visit, especially for people who are interested in war history and abandoned military sites. They are surrounded by jungle and a sea breeze.
7. Lighthouse Point
Lighthouse Point is a scenic corner of Ross Island that offers panoramic views of the endless sea and lush greenery. The lighthouse itself is modest in design, but the pathway that leads to it is extremely beautiful lined with trees, fresh sea air, and stunning cliff-edge viewpoints. Many visitors sit here to relax, enjoy some quiet time, and take dramatic pictures of crashing waves. It’s one of the most peaceful and less crowded spots on the island.
8. Forest Trails & Feral Deer Sightings
One of the most enjoyable experiences on Ross Island is following the natural forest walking trails that loop around the island. The routes are shaded, full of tropical plants, and alive with the sound of birds. The highlight is the friendly herds of deer wandering freely around the island, often coming close to visitors without fear. These trails are ideal for nature lovers, slow travel explorers, and anyone who wants to escape into a quiet paradise away from the city.
Conclusion
In Andaman, Ross Island is more than just a place to see. It is a live museum of history wrapped in beautiful nature. The crumbling buildings from the British era, the soft sand walks along the lake, the friendly deer that roam freely, and the calm ocean breeze all make for an experience that you will remember for a long time. Island has everything you could want: nature, history, photos, or just some quiet time by the water. Take a short ferry ride from Port Blair to get to a world that seems to have stood the test of time. There, stories from the past and the beauty of tropical woods come together in a beautiful way. When you plan your trip to the Andamans, make sure Ross Island is at the top of your list. Everyone should go there at least once to get a real sense of the islands.
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