Ross Island, Andaman: History, How to Reach, Things to Do and Best Time to Visit

The Andaman Islands archipelago has many pretty islands like Havelock, Baratang, Neil etc., which get featured in almost every traveller’s itinerary. However, Ross Island, the smallest island in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, holds a unique charm for the visitors. Nestled in the Bay of Bengal, Ross Island was named after a British marine surveyor, Daniel Ross and is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Andaman. Ross Island is now popularly known as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep (island), a very popular tourist destination. The spectacular view of Ross Island can be seen from Port Blair, situated approximately 5 km from this place. The island is properly barricaded with pathways and signboards for directions to make it easier for tourists to take a tour of Ross Islands. However, the fascination of the Ross Islands lies in its historic ruins and work of nature, which is a pleasure to history and nature enthusiasts. Almost all the beaches and islands of Andaman are famous and frequented by tourists throughout the year. Ross Islands in South Andaman is one such island that brings a bit of history to the table, making your trip to Andaman and Nicobar Islands complete.

History of Ross Island

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island, formerly known as Ross Islands, was occupied by the British Colony during the pre-independence era. In the early 1850s, the British government took control of Ross Island, and the island became the centre of British power. The British ruled on the island for almost 80 years and built a lot of infrastructures like a bakery, church, water treatment plant, tennis court, hospital, cemetery, and many more. In 1857, the Indian Government built a prison on the island where they would send the most dangerous prisoners to isolate them from the rest. Ross Island,Andaman was under British power until 1942, when the Japanese Government took it over. It was just nine months when the Japanese Government claimed the land, but in 1941, the land went through a massive earthquake which resulted in the abandonment of the island. In 1945, the Indian allies reclaimed the property and rebuilt some of the buildings like the bakery and local stores where you can buy souvenirs to recollect the memory of Ross Island. Taking a tour of Ross Island, a charming little island, will take you back in time as you can still see the historic ruins on the islands, which date back to the British occupation. Some buildings are still in great condition, giving you a clear picture of how things were during the British and Japanese ruling periods.

How to Reach Ross Islands

There are multiple options to reach Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island or Ross Island once you reach Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The best way to reach Ross Islands is by buying a ticket for a ferry ride. You can take a ferry from Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex, just a 15 min ride to Ross Island. If you wish to travel alone, you can choose to hire a guide who can give you a tour of Ross Island and help you see the best parts of the island. And the third option is to book your Andaman and Nicobar tour package, which will cover all inclusions that go into your trip, like ferry rides, local guide etc., to avoid last-minute hassles.

Things to Do at Ross Islands

Located in the vicinity of Port Blair, the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island or Ross Islands is counted as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Widely known as the “Headquarters of the British Colony”, Ross Islands has many things to do that you can add to your itinerary.

Explore the Old Ruins

Ross Island has an abundance of some of the oldest ruins of the British and Japanese rules. You will be able to see buildings that are still in good shape to learn about the luxurious lifestyle the Britishers used to have on the island. Ancient Presbyterian Church, Chief Commissioner's bungalow and British clubhouses are some of the buildings that you can see on the island that will remind you of India’s struggle for freedom.

Take a Tour of Wildlife and Marine Sanctuary

 The wildlife sanctuary is located just in the middle of Ross Islands, Andaman, where you will be able to spot deers and peacocks protected under the Andaman administration. All animals live inside the reserved area and are allowed to come out of the reserve to walk around where visitors walk. Ross Islands is also home to a Marine Sanctuary, which has an abundance of different water species like colourful fishes, turtles and coral reefs.

Enjoy the Light and Sound Show

If you are visiting Andaman for your honeymoon and want to add a pinch of history to your Andaman trip, we recommend you to attend the light and sound show at Ross Islands. The show focuses on how Britishers came to acclaim the island and what they focused on to build their establishment. The light and sound show also focuses on the life of the Chief Commander and the hardships faced by the Indian inmates who built the prison. You can book your Andaman honeymoon tour package and include Ross Island in your travel list to make your honeymoon memorable.

Sit Around the Pond

Ross Island is also home to a beautiful pond which is surrounded by tall trees and historic ruins that were once used by the Britishers a long time ago. You can sit under a tree to relax and enjoy the beautiful view of the pond.

Have Lunch

Once you are done taking a tour of the Ross Islands, you can take a break and sit under a shed to have your lunch. Although there is a canteen in Ross Islands where you can get lunch or buy snacks at reasonable prices, carrying your own packet of eateries to grab a bite to avoid any last-minute hassles is always advisable.

 Best Time to Visit Ross Islands

The erstwhile capital of Port Blair during the British rule, Ross Island is a tiny gem in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands that is frequented by visitors all throughout the year due to its tropical climate. However, the best time to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands if you want to enjoy the natural beauty of the Ross Islands to the fullest, along with many activities, is from October to March months. During this time, you can go for various water sports activities, do sightseeing and relax at the beautiful beaches of Andaman without stressing much about sudden rains. Avoid going to Ross Islands during monsoon season (July to September) as the place witness high tidal waves during this time of the year.

 Plan a Visit to Ross Islands

Ross Islands is one such island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands that is never short of tourists all throughout the year. The island has an abundance of hotels, restaurants, resorts and cafeterias to make your trip to Andaman comfortable, convenient and memorable. If you liked what you read and are planning for an Andaman trip anytime soon, don’t forget to add the quaint little island, Ross Island, to your Andaman and Nicobar tour package to have a good time on the island.