Ross Island Port Blair
Explore haunting British-era ruins entwined with nature on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island, a historical gem near Port Blair.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Ross Island Port Blair
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore haunting British-era ruins entwined with nature on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island, a historical gem near Port Blair.
"A must-visit for history buffs and photographers, offering a glimpse into colonial past amidst lush greenery."
Book Boat Tickets Early
Secure your ferry or speedboat tickets from Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex in Port Blair.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the ruins and natural beauty.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.7 · 1,600 reviews
Type
Island
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
British-Era Ruins
Throughout the island
Explore hauntingly beautiful remnants of the British penal colony, entwined with nature.
Japanese Bunker
Near the jetty
Discover remnants of World War II history, a stark reminder of past conflicts.
Presbyterian Church Ruins
Central area
See the picturesque ruins of a church, a poignant symbol of the island's past.
Wildlife Encounters
Across the island
Spot friendly deer and peacocks roaming freely amidst the historical landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Boat Ride & Time Management
Island Exploration Options
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Boat Tickets Early
Secure your ferry or speedboat tickets from Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex in Port Blair.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the ruins and natural beauty.
Allow 2-3 Hours
This is enough time to explore the island and enjoy the sights.
Beware of Falling Coconuts
Stay alert while walking, as coconuts can fall from trees.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Boat Tickets Early
Secure your ferry or speedboat tickets from Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex in Port Blair.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the ruins and natural beauty.
Allow 2-3 Hours
This is enough time to explore the island and enjoy the sights.
Beware of Falling Coconuts
Stay alert while walking, as coconuts can fall from trees.
Don't Feed the Animals
While friendly, it's best not to feed the deer and peacocks.
Light & Sound Show
Check DSS Andaman website for showtimes and book in advance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island) is a highly recommended destination, praised for its unique blend of colonial history and natural beauty. Visitors enjoy exploring the atmospheric ruins and spotting wildlife like deer and peacocks. The short boat ride makes it an accessible half-day trip from Port Blair.
"Netaji Subhash Chandra Boss Island is previously known as Ross Island. Ross Island is a fantastic destination, just a quick 15 to 20-minute boat ride from Port Blair in ferry or speed boat. There they give you 1.5 hours for sightseeing after finishing the time you have to return with same ferry to reach north bay island so calculate the time & enjoy the view.
The island it used to be 200 acres & now it's just 70 acres left due to tsunami attack on the year 2004. Because of this island is being there some other places have been saved from tsunami in Andaman and Nicobar island. There are two options for sightseeing in the island. Either you can walk & enjoy the beauty of the island (or) you can take the ride which is Rs. 100/-per head in battery vehicle. Beware while walking because there sometimes the coconuts will fall from the tree.
Old architecture buildings & church. It was once a British colony but is now maintained by the Indian Navy. British had made it the administrative capital of Andaman. Here we can see how British occupied this island though their buildings. Then how Japan made bunkers during world war. The Japanese Bunker (near the jetty), the Presbyterian Church, water distillation units, & the power house are really amazing. But the church has been ruined by tsunami.
You can book the light & sound show through the DSS Andaman online website. The show tickets do not include boat tickets you have to purchase them separately. While the show is not of high quality, it offers a brief 40-minute explanation of Andaman's history in the beautiful voice of Gulzar Sahab, which history enthusiasts may appreciate. There are shows in both Hindi and English, but not on the same day. Please check your language & book the tickets accordingly. The light & sound show is not allowed to photos & Videos .
This island is famous for a large deer & peacock and have become very friendly with the humans. Please don't feed the animals.
Don't forget to meet the boss lady of the island Anuradha mam who is seeing after the island for more years. The most photogenic location. Worth visiting."
Ramya BabuMalar
"The island itself carries a lots of history of British colonial era.... An abandoned press, water distillation, a church and staff quaters many more things which remind British colonial era....."
rumpa 10
"ROSE ISLAND (ALSO KNOWN AS ROSS ISLAND OR NETAJI SUBHAS CHANDRA BOSE ISLAND) IS A MUST-VISIT FOR ANYONE EXPLORING THE ANDAMAN ISLANDS. JUST A SHORT 20-30 MINUTE FERRY RIDE FROM PORT BLAIR’S PHOENIX BAY JETTY, THIS TINY GEM OFFERS A FASCINATING GLIMPSE INTO COLONIAL HISTORY AMID LUSH, OVERGROWN RUINS. THE BRITISH-ERA BUILDINGS—COMPLETE WITH A CHURCH, BAKERY, PRINTING PRESS, AND THE GRAND CHIEF COMMISSIONER’S BUNGALOW—ARE NOW ENTWINED WITH MASSIVE BANYAN AND PEEPAL TREE ROOTS, CREATING AN EERIE, INDIANA JONES-LIKE ATMOSPHERE THAT’S PERFECT FOR HISTORY BUFFS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS. THE ISLAND IS COMPACT AND EASY TO EXPLORE ON FOOT (ABOUT 1-2 HOURS), WITH WELL-MARKED TRAILS AND INTERPRETIVE BOARDS SHARING STORIES OF ITS PAST AS THE ADMINISTRATIVE HUB FROM 1858 TO 1941. WE SPOTTED A FEW FRIENDLY SPOTTED DEER ROAMING AROUND, ADDING TO THE SERENE VIBE. THE LIGHT AND SOUND SHOW IN THE EVENING (IF YOU TIME IT RIGHT) IS A HIGHLIGHT, NARRATING THE ISLAND’S TURBULENT HISTORY UNDER BRITISH AND JAPANESE RULE—BOOK AHEAD AS IT CAN SELL OUT.
THANK YOU . . . ."
NIJIL C
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island) via ferry or speedboat from the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex in Port Blair. The journey typically takes about 15-20 minutes.
The boat ticket price is around Rs. 370 per head for a round trip. It's advisable to check current prices at the ticket counter.
Boats usually start operating in the morning, and the last entry to the island is typically around 3 PM. It's best to confirm the exact timings when booking your ticket.
Yes, private speedboats are also available, offering a quicker but potentially more expensive option compared to the government ferry.
No, Ross Island is only accessible by boat from Port Blair due to its location in the sea.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Visitors are typically given about 1.5 hours for sightseeing on the island before the return ferry departs. +1
It's recommended to book your boat tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid disappointment.
The primary cost is for the boat ticket. While there isn't a separate entry fee for the island itself, the boat ticket covers your access and return.
Yes, many boat tours combine a visit to Ross Island with North Bay Island, with a set time allocated for each.
Ross Island has been officially renamed Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the ruins of British colonial buildings, a church, a Japanese bunker, and enjoy the natural beauty with sightings of deer and peacocks.
While there are interpretive boards, you can also hire a local guide or opt for the battery-operated vehicle tour for a guided experience.
Yes, you can walk around the island to explore its historical sites and natural beauty. Comfortable footwear is recommended.
The Light and Sound Show narrates the island's history under British and Japanese rule. It's a 40-minute show, available in Hindi and English on alternate days. Book tickets separately.
Absolutely! The blend of historical ruins and lush greenery makes it a highly photogenic location.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are limited food and refreshment stalls on the island, but it's advisable to carry your own water and snacks.
While some basic snacks might be available, it's not a place for a full meal. Plan to eat before or after your visit in Port Blair.
📸 📸 Photography
The overgrown ruins of the British administrative buildings, the church, and the Japanese bunker offer fantastic photographic opportunities.
No, photography and videography are not allowed during the Light and Sound Show.
Morning light is ideal for capturing the atmospheric ruins and wildlife without harsh shadows.
Social
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