The Cellular Jail in Port Blair is the most important historical site in the Andaman Islands and one of the most moving monuments in India. Built by the British in the early twentieth century, this colonial prison was where freedom fighters were sent to serve harsh sentences far from the mainland. Known as Kala Pani, or “black water”, it became a symbol of both oppression and sacrifice. Today it stands as a national memorial, and almost every visitor to the Andamans makes it a priority.
The jail sits on the waterfront in Port Blair, close to the harbour and the city centre. This guide covers its history, what you will see, the evening Light and Sound Show, how long to allow, how to reach it and how to plan your visit. If you would rather have your sightseeing and transfers arranged for you, explore our Andaman tour packages, planned by Andaman Emerald Travels, a travel team based in Port Blair.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Atlanta Point, Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram), South Andaman |
| Type | National memorial, historic prison and museum |
| Built | Between the late 1890s and early 1900s, during British colonial rule |
| Known for | Solitary cells, freedom fighters’ history, evening Light and Sound Show |
| Suggested time | 1.5 to 2 hours for the galleries, plus the show in the evening |
| Best for | Everyone: families, history lovers, students, first-time visitors |
| Before you go | Check current opening hours, ticket prices and show timings |
After the uprising of 1857, the British sent many prisoners to the Andaman Islands, a remote group of islands far from the mainland and surrounded by sea. A penal settlement was set up in Port Blair, and the need for a larger, more secure prison led to the construction of the Cellular Jail. It was built using bricks brought from the mainland and was designed so that each prisoner would be held in a separate cell, away from the others. That design gave the jail its name.
The prison originally had seven wings that spread out from a tall central tower, like the spokes of a wheel. The layout allowed guards to watch every wing from one point, and prisoners were kept in isolation to break their spirit. Many prisoners endured forced labour, harsh punishments and disease. Over the years, a number of well-known freedom fighters were held here, and their experiences became part of India’s independence story. For a wider look at the islands’ past, read our guide to the history of the Andaman Islands.
Several wings were later damaged or demolished, and only some remain today. After Independence, the jail was declared a national memorial, so that future generations could remember those who suffered and fought here.
| Period | What Happened |
|---|---|
| Mid-1800s | Port Blair becomes a penal settlement for convicts sent from the mainland |
| Late 1890s to early 1900s | The Cellular Jail is built, with cells designed for isolation |
| Early 20th century | Freedom fighters and political prisoners are held here |
| World War II | The islands come under Japanese occupation |
| After Independence | The jail is preserved and declared a national memorial |
This is a simplified summary. Exact dates and details are explained in the jail’s own galleries.
Walking along the long corridors, past rows of narrow cells, is the most powerful part of the visit. Each cell was tiny, with a small ventilation opening high on the wall, and the rows stretch far down the wing. Standing inside one gives you a real sense of the isolation prisoners faced.
The tall central tower is where the wings once met. From here guards could watch every corridor, and visitors can still see how the design worked. The tower is a good place to understand the layout of the whole prison.
Inside the complex, galleries display photographs, documents and information about the prisoners and the penal settlement. Reading these accounts gives the building a human face. Many visitors say this is the part that stays with them longest.
Parts of the complex preserve the spot where executions took place, and memorial areas honour those who died here. These areas are solemn, so visitors are asked to be quiet and respectful.
Memorial plaques and displays list the names of freedom fighters who were held in the jail. Take time to read them. Many visitors leave a quiet moment of thanks here.
The Light and Sound Show is the highlight of many visitors’ trips. After dark, narration, music and lighting bring the story of the jail to life against the old walls and the ancient pipal tree in the courtyard. The show is told from the point of view of the prison itself and covers the era of the penal settlement and the freedom struggle. It is usually held in more than one language on different timings, so check the schedule for your preferred language. Arrive early to get a good seat, and dress comfortably, as the show is held outdoors.
| Highlight | What It Is | Approx. Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Cells and corridors | The preserved wings and solitary cells | 30 to 45 minutes |
| Central tower | The watchtower at the heart of the design | 10 to 15 minutes |
| Museum and gallery | Photographs, documents and information | 30 to 45 minutes |
| Gallows and memorial | Solemn areas honouring those who died | 10 to 15 minutes |
| Light and Sound Show | Evening show on the jail and the freedom struggle | About an hour in the evening |
Timings are approximate and vary with crowds and season.
The jail is in central Port Blair, a short drive from the airport, hotels and the main jetty. Cabs and autos are the easiest way to get there. If you are on one of our packages, your private cab will take you directly and pick you up after the show.
The galleries usually open during the day and close for the evening, and the Light and Sound Show takes place after dark. Ticket prices are generally modest and there may be separate tickets for entry and for the show. Days, timings and prices change, and the site may be closed on certain days or public holidays, so always confirm current details before you go, or ask our team to check for you.
Plan on 1.5 to 2 hours for the galleries. If you also want to attend the show, return in the evening or arrange your day so that you can stay on after sunset.
The jail can be visited all year. The galleries are best seen in the late afternoon, when the sun is lower and the heat is less intense, and the show follows in the evening. The best season for sightseeing is October to May, when the weather is pleasant. See our guides to October, December and February weather. Peak season crowds can be large, so book your show seats and arrive early.
The Cellular Jail is close to other historic and waterfront attractions, so it is easy to build a full day around it:
| Attraction | Why Pair It | Approx. Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Ross Island | The old British administrative headquarters, a short boat ride away | 2 to 3 hours |
| Viper Island | Another site from the penal settlement era | 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Anthropological Museum | Introduces the indigenous communities of the islands | 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Samudrika Museum | Covers the islands’ marine life and ocean ecosystems | 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Flag Point | A viewpoint over the harbour | 30 to 45 minutes |
| Marina Park | A relaxed waterfront walk to end the day | 45 minutes to 1 hour |
| Japanese Bunker | A relic of the Second World War occupation | 30 minutes |
Timings are approximate and vary with season and crowds.
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Morning | Visit Ross Island by boat and explore the ruins |
| Afternoon | Lunch in the city, then the museums or a stop at Marina Park |
| Late afternoon | Tour the Cellular Jail galleries when the heat eases |
| Evening | Attend the Light and Sound Show, then dinner in Aberdeen Bazaar |
Looking for a ready-made plan that includes the Cellular Jail? See our 3 nights 4 days and 4 nights 5 days Andaman packages.
Port Blair city sightseeing, including the Cellular Jail and the Light and Sound Show, is included in many of our packages. Every traveller has different needs, so we offer a package for each:
| Traveller Type | Package | What It Offers |
|---|---|---|
| Couples | Andaman honeymoon packages | Romantic stays, private transfers and relaxed sightseeing |
| Families | Andaman family packages | Comfortable, child-friendly plans |
| Friends and colleagues | Andaman group packages | Shared planning for large parties |
| Value-focused travellers | Andaman budget packages | Affordable trips that cover the highlights |
| Government employees | Andaman LTC packages | Plans designed for LTC travel |
| Thrill seekers | Andaman adventure packages | Water sports and active excursions |
Not sure which suits you? Reach out through our contact page for a customised itinerary. You can also browse all Andaman destinations on our site.
See what travellers say about us on Andaman Emerald Travels on Google, then call +91 9933245630 or send an enquiry for a free quote on your Andaman tour packages.
It is a colonial-era prison in Port Blair where many Indian freedom fighters were held. It is now a national memorial and museum.
It was built so that each prisoner was held in a separate cell, in isolation. That design gave the jail its name.
Kala Pani, meaning “black water”, was the name given to the sea crossing and the penal settlement in the Andaman Islands. It came to stand for exile and hardship.
Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the galleries. The Light and Sound Show takes about an hour more and is held in the evening.
The late afternoon is ideal for the galleries, followed by the evening show. October to May is the best season for pleasant weather.
Yes. It is one of the best ways to understand the history of the jail and is highly recommended. Check timings and languages in advance.
Yes, though there is a lot of walking and some stairs. Older children usually find it moving and educational, and we can adjust the pace for seniors.
Most of our packages include Port Blair city sightseeing with the Cellular Jail and the show. Couples often choose a honeymoon package, families a family package and budget travellers a budget package. Our team can customise any plan.
C-43 WARD NO. 12, DIGNABAD, PORT BLAIR, South Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 744101
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