Ross Island

History of Ross Island

The island is named after Daniel Ross, a British marine surveyor. In the nineteenth century the British chose it as the site of their administration for the Andaman penal settlement, since it was small, close to the main harbour and easy to defend. For close to a century it was the seat of government, with the chief commissioner’s house, a secretariat, a hospital, a church, shops and recreation spaces. It was sometimes nicknamed the “Paris of the East” because of its comfortable life for officials, a striking contrast to the prison across the water.

In 1941 a major earthquake damaged the island, and the Japanese occupation of the Andamans soon followed. Japanese forces built bunkers along the shore, and several remain. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose visited Port Blair in December 1943 during the occupation and is said to have hoisted the national Tricolour here. After the war the British returned briefly, and the island was abandoned before Independence. In December 2018 it was officially renamed Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep in his honour. For a wider look at the islands’ past, read our guide to the history of the Andaman Islands.

Key Moments at a Glance

This is a simplified summary. Exact dates and details are explained in the island’s museum and by local guides.

What to See on Ross Island

The Ruins

The main attraction is the collection of ruined buildings spread across the island. You can walk from one to the next along shaded paths. Look out for the remains of the Presbyterian church, the chief commissioner’s residence, the secretariat and government buildings, the officers’ quarters, the club house, the bakery, the printing press and the water treatment plant. Many are covered by giant banyan and other roots that have grown over walls and arches, creating dramatic scenes for photographs.

The Cemetery and Pond

A small cemetery holds the graves of colonial-era residents, and a quiet pond nearby is a pleasant spot to pause. The area is calm and a little haunting, a reminder of the lives lived here.

The Japanese Bunkers

Along the shoreline you will find bunkers built during the Second World War occupation. They are low, thick-walled concrete structures that show another layer of the island’s story. Read more in our guide to the Japanese bunkers in Port Blair.

Museum and Memorial

A small museum run by the Indian Navy, often called the Smritika Museum, displays photographs and antiques that explain the island’s history. A memorial to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose also stands on the island. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for the museum. It is best visited before you walk the ruins, as it gives context for what you will see.

Deer and Peacocks

Spotted deer and peacocks roam freely, and they are used to visitors. Enjoy watching them, but do not feed them or approach too closely.

The Sound and Light Show

The island has its own evening Sound and Light Show that tells the story of Ross Island through narration and lighting among the ruins. It is usually held on all days except Wednesday at around 5:30 pm. Tickets, language and schedule can change, and it may be cancelled in bad weather, so confirm before you plan around it. If you take the show, you will return by a boat after dark, so check the return arrangements.

Ross Island Highlights at a Glance

Timings are approximate and vary with crowds, season and weather.

Best Time to Visit Ross Island

The best season is October to May, when the weather is cooler and the sea is calm, making the boat ride and the walk comfortable. Morning is best for photography and smaller crowds. Monsoon months bring rain, rough seas and possible cancellations, and the paths can be slippery.

How to Reach Ross Island

Ross Island is reached by a short boat ride from the Aberdeen jetty area in central Port Blair, near the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex. The crossing takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes. Boats may leave from a different jetty on some days, so confirm the departure point before you go. Many visitors combine Ross Island with North Bay on a single trip. If you are on one of our packages, we arrange the tickets, the boat and the timing.