India /Andaman /Andaman /Port Blair
Ross Island 2 km east of Port Blair, Port Blair, South Andaman Island. Edit
Detail InformationEdit
Ross Island is accessible via boat services that ply between Port Blair and Phoenix Jetty on Ross Island. The island is wholly controlled by the Indian Navy, and all tourists are required to sign in and out. What makes Ross Island the center of attention for historians is that fact that the British Colonial government decided, in 1857, following the first Indian revolt for independence, to setup a hardcopy punishment administration facility to deal with high profile Indian Freedom Fighters. This carried on for close to 80 years! Back then, the island had a hospital, bakery, a market place, tennis courts, living quarters and every other amenity one could think of. All of these today lie in ruins since the island was momentarily at war when the Japanese invaded during World War 2. Ross Island adjoins a twin island called Smith Island also worth visiting.
Ross Island, Port Blair
HistoryEdit
Ross Island served as the capital to the Britishers from 1858 to 1941 when the Japanese occupied it and converted it to a ‘POW site’. The Ross Island is controlled by the Indian navy, which requires every visitor to sign in on entering. It was during the British rule that the island was developed to a perfect township. Many reminiscent of old British regime are still alive in this stunning Island. The island presently houses the ruins of old buildings like Ballroom, Chief Commissioner’s House, Govt. House, Church, Hospital, Bakery, Press, Swimming Pool, Troop Barracks, the Cathedral and graveyard of the Britishers and few other important landmarks which today is hugged by wild wines and huge roots and trunks of century old trees which are very evocative of the ruins and remains. Ever since Dr. James Pattison Walker arrived in Port Blair aboard the East India Company’s steam frigate ‘Senuramis’ on 10 March 1858, this island remained under British occupation till 1942. From 1942 to 1945, the island was under the occupation of Japanese. However, the allies reoccupied the island in 1945 and later abandoned it. During British occupation, this island was the seat of power of the British.
The Ross Island Prison Headquarters, 1872
Must SeeEdit
Popular
Visiting TimeEdit
from 8:30 in the morning to 16:30
Closed OnEdit
Wednesday.
Best Season to VisitEdit
October – May
Best Time To VisitEdit
Morning, Afternoon, Evening.
Time Required for SightseeingEdit
Around 1 hour
Ticket Required : Yes Edit
Individual National Adult Rs. : Entry Ticket: Rs.20/- per person.
Ferry Ticket: Rs.75/- per person.
Kids Rs. : Below 5 years no Charge and between 5 to 12 years is Rs. 10
Individual Foreigner Adult Rs. : Entry Ticket: Rs.20/- per person.
Ferry Ticket: Rs.75/- per person.
Kids Rs. : Below 5 years no Charge and between 5 to 12 years is Rs. 10
Still Photo Camera Rs. : Rs. 10/-
Video Camera Rs. : Rs. 50/-
Guide Required : No Edit
Approximate cost: N.A
Dress Code (If Any) : No Edit
Dress Require: N.A
Restaurants NearbyAdd / Edit
- Navin Praveen Bar & Restaurant ; NH223, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744202 ; Ph/M – N.A ; Food Serve – Indian
How to ReachEdit
Taxi : The major mode of transport is by roads and there are also the island water transport and sometimes air transport. A stretch of 240 kilometers between Port Blair and Maya Bunder is covered by bus transport. In between Port Blair and Maya Bunder two islands lie and the buses and passengers are ferried by boats. The islands that have to be crossed are Baratang and Kadamtala islands. Then a city called Rangat has to be crossed to reach the destiny. From Maya Bunder they have to change the busses to travel upto Kalighat, Diglipur which is the end point of Andaman.
Bus : Hundreds of busses run between Port Blair and south Andaman convenience of the passengers. Apart from the busses tourist taxis, maxi cabs and call taxis in the islands the bus service offered by the government are limited. Details on Intra island transport and shipping service, traffic contacts can be enquired with the director, shipping service, A $ N administrations, Phoenix Bay, Port Blair-744101. Phone: 232752/232742.
Train : Andaman doesn’t have railway station. Chennai Central (MAS) is a close railway station connected to Mumbai for being nearest to Andaman on rail route.
Air : To travel to the Indian union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, it is most convenient to avail the airport located at the capital city called Port Blair. From this place, one can easily travel to the important cities of mainland India like Chennai and Kolkata. Flights are operated regularly between Chennai, Kolkata and Port Blair. A few major airlines that operate such flights are Jet Airways, Indian Airlines and Air Deccan.. Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair : 91 3192 235 619.
Others : By Ship
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands stand in the midst of the Bay of Bengal. Therefore, one should not miss the fascinating experience of reaching Andaman and Nicobar Islands by ship. Passenger ships connect Kolkata, Chennai and Vishakhapatnam, which are major cities of mainland India with Port Blair. These ships are available on a regular basis and help one to make a tour to Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
On an average, in a month, 3 or 4 ships are available from Chennai and Kolkata to travel to Port Blair. From Vishakhapatnam, one ship is available per month to travel to Port Blair.
It takes around three days to reach Port Blair by sea. A ship generally halts for around 2 days at the seaport before leaving it to start a reverse journey, that is, from Port Blair to Kolkata, Chennai and Vishakhapatnam. The ferries can take up to five days to arrive depending on weather and various other variables.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands stand : 91-9933214071, 91- 9474286311.
Auto-rickshaws here at local places are the other mode of preferred transport as the rates are standardised. You can hire them either from the market area or flag them down on the main road
Things to CarryEdit
N.A
Safety / WarningEdit
- Take a ferry ride from Marine Park (Water Complex), Port Blair.
- Ferries run from 7 am till 3 pm. It is better to take a ferry in the morning and return back by afternoon.
- These ferry rides usually charge around Rs.100 per person per trip.
- Beware of fake items.
- Better to buy from reputable shops even though you have to pay more.
HelplineEdit
- Ambulance : 102
- Fire Brigade : 101
- Police : 100
