Exploring Ross Island : The old Headquarter

The tiny Ross Island was the headquarter of British Empire during their regime at Andaman Island. Now this small Island holds the witness of the past era in the form of old buildings, church, swimming pool etc. The Island is also blessed with the presence of colourful peacocks, human friendly deer and rabbits. The statute of loan sailor in the back side of this Island reminds the commitment of sailor in sea.

Table of Content

• Introduction
• How to reach Ross Island?
• Timings & Entry Fee
• Things to Do at Ross Island
• Light & Sound Show at Ross Island
• Travel Tips
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) about Ross Island

Introduction

Ross Island, recently renamed as Netaji Subha Chandra Bose Island, is a small island near Port Blair, the capital city of the Andaman Islands. The location is well-known for its old British-era monuments, free-roaming deer and peacocks, and a long walk to the end, where a pleasant statue known as the Lone Sailor greets visitors, followed by a working lighthouse. Tourists usually visit in conjunction with North Bay Island, which is known for its water sport activities. A small speed boat ride of about 20 to 25 minutes from Rajiv Gandhi water sports complex is used to visit Ross Island. A shared electric vehicle is available at the Ross Island entrance gate and is worth riding to get a glimpse of the island with the help of a guided tour. It is recommended to spend at least two hours relaxing in the area. There are numerous excellent opportunities to take good photos on the island. The location is also quite romantic and would be ideal for newlywed couples to visit. The speed boat ride itself provides visitors with a thrilling experience. A light and sound show, which begins at 05:30 PM, is also an added attraction for this historic location.

How to reach Ross Island?

Ross Island is a small Island, located about 20 minutes ride in a fiber boat from Aberdeen Jetty located at Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex.

By Fiber Speed Boat

The only way to reach this island is by fiber speed boat which you can catch from Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex or more commonly known as Marina Park. There are plenty of ticket counters near the entrance to book a ride. To avoid last minute rushes and inconvenience, it is best to book your ride in advance through a travel agent. There are no online services available to book the tickets for Ross Island. Usually, the price of ticket includes the ride of Ross Island as well as North Bay Island. The boat is booked in sharing basis, with a capacity of 10+2 person. Depending upon the weather conditions, fiber boat services starts at 0900 AM in the morning.

Timings & Entry Fee

The place is open to the public on all days from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM. There was a nominal fee to enter Ross Island, which was recently removed by local administration, visitors can now enter the Ross Island for free.

Things to Do at Ross Island

The places is known for its old British building standing in depleted conditions, freely roaming peacocks, deer and rabbits, the journey to the statute of loan sailor, and light and sound show which showcase the glorious history of Ross Island through world class projectors, lighting setup and sound system.

Witness the History through old buildings

The Ross Island was the headquarter of British Era, during their regime the place was build up as an administrative headquarter, hence they had constructed an administrative building, gymnasium, church, a swimming pool, a long tennis court etc. Today those buildings stand in depleted conditions with roots of tree capturing the walls. Yet the place is quite a charm to roam around through the well maintained footpaths. The path way is around 3-4 kms, and have slight incline routes. Hence, if you do not wish to get tiered walking, you could book for a battery operated buggy. The driver of the buggy will act as a tour guide as well, explaining things around. The Ross Island is also a home of colorful peacocks, human friendly deer and rabbits.

Visit to the Light House & Statue of Loan Sailor

In the back side of Ross Island is a working Light House which is established to guide the vessels sailing in the sea. A statue of Loan Sailor is also being placed by the Indian Coast Guard in the honor of those serving in the sea for the protection of mother land. A well maintained wooden bridge has been built up to reach to the Light House and Statue of Loan Sailor, which is a perfect spot for some glamorous photo shot.

Light & Sound Show at Ross Island

The Light and Sound Show at Ross Island brings the island’s colonial past to life with a mesmerizing blend of narration, music, and visual effects. Set against the backdrop of the historic ruins and the sea breeze, the show beautifully recounts the story of British rule, the island’s downfall after an earthquake, and its transformation over time. It’s a must-experience attraction for visitors looking to connect with the rich history of the Andaman Islands in an unforgettable way.

Travel Tips

There are few things you should consider before visiting Ross Island. Pack light as you will be travelling in a fiber speed boat, follow the instruction of boat driver, do wear a life jacket until you get off shore, wear light and water resistant footwear, and carry hat, sunglasses and suns cream for protection from dazzling sun.

Conclusion

Ross Island is a captivating blend of history and natural beauty, where colonial ruins meet lush greenery and vibrant wildlife. Just a short boat ride from Port Blair, it offers visitors a chance to step back in time while enjoying the serene charm of the Andaman Islands. A visit to Ross Island is not just a journey into the past, but also an experience of peace and scenic splendor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) about Ross Island

Q 1: Where is Ross Island located?

Ans: Ross Island (now officially renamed Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island) is located near Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India.

Q 2: How do I reach Ross Island?

Ans: You can reach Ross Island by a short boat ride (around 15–20 minutes) from Port Blair’s Aberdeen Jetty.

Q 3: What is Ross Island famous for?

Ans: It is famous for its British-era ruins, colonial structures, lush greenery, wildlife like deer and peacocks, and the Light & Sound Show.

Q 4: What are the visiting hours of Ross Island?

Ans: Generally, Ross Island is open for visitors from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, though timings may vary slightly.

Q 5: Is there an entry fee for Ross Island?

Ans: No, at present the island could be entered for free, but boat ride is chargeable.

Q 6: How much time is required to explore Ross Island?

Ans: Typically, 2 to 3 hours are enough to explore the island and enjoy its attractions.

Q 7: Are food and accommodation available on Ross Island?

Ans: There are no accommodations, and food options are very limited. Visitors are advised to carry water and light snacks.

Q 8: What is the best time to visit Ross Island?

Ans: The best time to visit is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant.

Q 9: Is photography allowed on Ross Island?

Ans: Yes, photography is allowed, and the island offers scenic backdrops of ruins, greenery, and the sea.

Q 10: What is the Light and Sound Show at Ross Island?

Ans: It’s an evening show that narrates the island’s colonial history through lights, sound effects, and storytelling, making history come alive.