The moment you step onto the soil of Ross Island Andaman you know you have entered a zone that doesn’t belong to this era! The eeriness of the place is palpable and it takes you back in time – a different world, a different age.
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I walked past the entry zone mulling over the golden period of Ross island and how Britishers used to exploit it for their own good. It’s hard to visualise the way Indian freedom fighters were made to work tirelessly while the Britishers used to have a gala time ruling over them. Just when I got a tad too restless, a gorgeous deer walked past me.
Umm the secret stories that Ross Island harbour! On our last trip to Andaman, we visited the ruined Ross Island that was once the administrative settlement of Britishers.
We were extremely excited about visiting the island ever since a good friend (thanks for the tip Vishwajeet) tipped us about the place. An abandoned island, it once boasted of lavish gardens, modern amenities like swimming pool, open-air theatres, bakery, ice-making plants.
The ruined edifices of British haven prove that Ross Island Andaman at one point of time was a mark of affluent imperial lifestyle. To our delight the island was just ideal for spending a tranquil afternoon away from the bustling Port Blair.
30 minutes ferry later you are at the Ross Island
Follow the island rules
The entry point
I am manning this today 😉
Shame!
Named after British Marine Surveyor Sir Daniel Ross, Ross Island was the administrative headquarter of Andaman and Nicobar islands.
Owing to its strategic location, it housed the various Chief Commissioners of the Andamans, who could overlook the Cellular Jail at Port Blair from their opulent residence.
The island thus housed lavish facilities for the British officials, including a bakery, a tennis court, a bazaar and a printing press, remnants of which attract tourists from all over the world today.
The island was shaken due to a massive earthquake in 1941, and the headquarters were shifted to Port Blair.
Soon after, in 1942, the Japanese took over Ross Island as part of their reconnaissance during the Second World War, owing to which some articles of their presence are displayed on the island.
It was restored only in 1979, when it was handed over to the Indian Navy.
The ruined bakery
Japanese Bunker
It’s so green
Water distillation plant
Tell me I’m funny
Gotta relax now – to that view
Somehow for me, the haunting ruins of Ross Island were reminiscent of the Scooby Do series – where Scooby along with Shaggy went to find out missing people in old, spooky buildings. I bet, it looked just like that in the night! Thank god for no tours to that island after evening.
If you are not too willing to walk up all the way to the highest point of the island, opt for a battery operated golf cart. We had to choose it as it was too sunny on the day we visited Ross Island.
All those who want to get a better clarity about the way things used to work during the bygone era can go for a guided tour with the only guide on the island, Ms Anuradha Rao.
It is well worth spending 300 INR and getting around the island with her as she treats the entire place as her home, and communicated with the animals (deers and peacocks) like they are her children.
Ms. Anuradha – a humble lady
Entry fee to Ross Island: 30 INR Per Person
DSLR Photography: 30 INR
Videography: 75 INR
*****
We’ll recommend you to read the following travel blog posts on Andaman:
Truly a fascinating place. I love ruins too and always seek them out, but I think at Ross island that won’t be tough 🙂
That image of the Bakery was great…so beautiful ruins…
Wow looks like you had a great day out, and an educational one!
Beautiful. Andaman is really a gem of a place. While mostly tourists go to Port Blair and Havelock, I feel ross island is a gem that shouldn’t be missed when one travels to Andaman. Thanks for bringing it’s vivid and beautiful looks out to the readers and providing a wonderful guide about visiting here
I absolutely agree Neha. So glad you enjoyed reading our post 🙂
Very nice post
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