Ross Island Andaman is a tiny remote island called for its distinct old-world charm. It is also known as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island. It is untouched, undisturbed and unfailingly authentic, where the essence of the ancient days remains. The Ross Island timings are 08:30 am to 04:00 pm.
Once the seat of colonial power, today, the Island boasts breathtaking ruins, sprawling creepers and a close peek into the luxurious imperial lifestyle. Frozen in time with an intriguing story, Ross Island is worth exploring.
History of Ross Island Andaman:
Contents
- 1 History of Ross Island Andaman:
- 1.0.1 Ross Island Andaman Timings:
- 1.0.2 Best time to visit Ross Island Andaman:
- 1.0.3 Ross Island Andaman Entry Fees:
- 1.0.4 Ross Island Andaman Boat Prices and Timings:
- 1.0.5 Ross Island Andaman Light and Sound Show:
- 1.0.6 Things to do at Ross Island Andaman:
- 1.0.7 Tips For Visiting Ross Island Andaman:
- 1.0.8 Tourist places nearby Ross Island Andaman:
- 1.0.9 Hotels nearby Ross Island Andaman:
- 1.0.10 Ross Island Address & Contact Numbers:
- 1.0.11 How to reach Ross Island Andaman:
- 1.0.12 FAQs:
- 1.1 Can we swim on Ross Island?
- 1.2 Who owns Ross Island?
- 1.3 What do you wear to Ross Island?
- 1.4 Is Ross Island open for tourists?
- 1.5 How much time had required in Ross Island?
- 1.6 Can we stay on Ross Island?
- 1.7 What is Ross Island now called?
- 1.8 How deep is Ross Island?
Ross Island has named after the marine surveyor Captain Daniel Ross. The Island became the base for the British and served as their Administrative Headquarters. Later on, the prisoners built houses, barracks, offices and other structures, following which they had sent to Viper Island, where the first Island has constructed.
A large bungalow, meant for use by the Chief of the Penal Settlement, was also built at the Island’s northern end. Popularly known as the Government House, this colossal building had Italian tiled flooring on the ground level. Remnants of this exquisite flooring can still see, though they are in a highly dilapidated condition now.
Ross Island Andaman Timings:
The Ross Island timings are 08:30 am to 04:00 pm.
| Days | Timings |
| Monday | 8:30 am to 4:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 8:30 am to 4:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 8:30 am to 4:00 pm |
| Thursday | 8:30 am to 4:00 pm |
| Friday | 8:30 am to 4:00 pm |
| Saturday | 8:30 am to 4:00 pm |
| Sunday | 8:30 am to 4:00 pm |
Best time to visit Ross Island Andaman:
Like most tourist destinations in Andaman, this Island has a typical tropical climate. The summer months are pretty hot and humid here. However, the ideal time to explore Ross Island is the winter months.
However, the monsoon months bring down the scorching heat, and the cool breeze offers a soothing experience. The Island is also replete with lush greenery in the monsoon months.
Ross Island Andaman Entry Fees:
The Island Entry Fees are here.
- Entry ticket for Adults Rs.20
- Children between 5 and 12 years Rs.10
- Children under five years have free entry.
- Video Camera Rs.50
- Still Camera Rs.10
- Ferry ticket in between Rs.75 to Rs.100.
Ross Island Andaman Boat Prices and Timings:
The Island Boat Prices and Timings are here
| Category | Timings | Entry Fee |
| Ross Island Andaman | 8:30 am | Rs.20 |
| Three Island Package Tour: Ross, North and Viper Includes Lunch, Mineral Water, Entry fee | 9:30 am | Rs.500 |
| Two Island Package Tour: Ross and Viper Lunch on Request Rs. 75/- | 9:30 am | Rs.300 |
| Two Island Package Tour: Rose and North Bay Lunch on Request Rs. 75/- | 9:30 am | Rs.290 |
| Light & Sound Show | 5:30 pm | Rs.100 for Adults Rs. 25 for Child |
Ross Island Andaman Light and Sound Show:
The sound and light show at Ross takes us back to the past and showcases how everything was planned and constructed on the islands. The complete show primarily focuses on the penal settlement period, which shows how Britishers came to Andaman and mainly focuses on building and setting the administration to rule the isles.
The show also focuses on the luxurious lifestyle of the Chief Commander and his family and the hardships they face as inmate Indian workers who build the Jail, only to be thrown in its cell later. We recommend attending the show if you’d like to add a pinch of history to your trip.
Things to do at Ross Island Andaman:
The Island is relatively small, and you can cover it all within a few hours on foot. The rest of the buildings are dilapidated, with overgrowth of trees and wild vegetation. The church is worth watching, as is the Farzand Ali Store, which now serves as a museum.
There are ruins of a former water distillation plant, a printing press, a tennis court, and a small cemetery. The island sanctuary has a good collection of animals which makes this Island one of the best attractions in Andaman during the trip. The Island’s wildlife, mainly peacocks, deer, and parrots, are bold and do not shy away from human company.
Tips For Visiting Ross Island Andaman:
- Usually, people visit the Island for only two to three hours. Ideally, a whole day trip to the Island is more enjoyable and worthwhile.
- If you wish to enjoy the Light and Sound Show on the Island, you must take the 4:00 pm boat ride to the Island, or a ride before that, to reach in time.
Tourist places nearby Ross Island Andaman:
Cellular Jail:
Cellular Jail stands as a mute Spectator of the inhuman sufferings of the patriots. They sacrificed their precious lives as victims of the British and Japanese governments’ tyranny and brutalities. The colossal construction imparts fear to the spectators and a feeling of great respect. Cellular Jail is now a National Memorial in Port Blair, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Corbyn’s Cove Beach:
Corbyn’s Cove beach is the coconut palm fringed beach, six kilometres from Port Blair town, and is ideal for swimming and sun-basking. Facilities like a hotel, restaurant, bar, changing room, and adventure water sports are available here. Historical remains like Japanese Bunkers can see on the way to this Beach.
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park:
Tucked away from the buzzing city streets, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is one of the most surreal spots in Andaman. It has situated in Wandoor village, which is about 29 kilometres away from the capital city of Port Blair. This park houses 15 quaint islands which exhibit the most quirky underwater life.
Elephant Beach:
Elephant Beach is one of the most distinctive beaches in the Andaman Islands. It is a stunning beach famous for its water activity. The Beach is also the most visited in the Andaman. Elephant Beach can be reached by Trek or by boat at Havelock Island.
Anthropological Museum:
Reckoned one of the best well-maintained museums, the Anthropological Museum of Port Blair is one of the must-visit destinations in Andaman & Nicobar. Besides being a historical delight, tourists label this place worthy of sightseeing, where one can explore the Paleolithic Islander’s Life. Jarawa Chest Guard and shamanic sculptures are significant exhibits of this place.
Mount Harriet:
The Indian Government has decided to rename Mount Harriet Mount Manipur. Mount Harriet is an island peak in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced this while addressing a public function at Port Blair in Andaman and Nicobar Islands on October 16, 2021. The Union Government has also announced that it will assist the Manipur state government to construct a memorial site at Mount Manipur in Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Hotels nearby Ross Island Andaman:
- Welcomhotel Bay Island Port Blair
- SeaShell Port Blair
- JHotel
- Hotel Sentinel
- Ami Grace
- Hotel GKM Grand
- Hotel King Safire
- Hotel Bell Elite
- Hotel Serene Palace
Ross Island Address & Contact Numbers:
- Ross Island, 2 km east of Port Blair, Port Blair, South Andaman Island, Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 744101, India
- Contact Numbers: 09933 285893, 09933 207768
How to reach Ross Island Andaman:
By Road:
Garacharma Bus Station is the nearest bus stand.
By Rail:
The closest railway station to Andaman is Chennai Central Railway Station.
By Air:
The nearest airport to Andaman is Veer Savarkar International Airport.
FAQs:
Can we swim on Ross Island?
There are many things to do at Ross Island in Andaman, such as a tennis court and swimming pool, so one can play tennis and go swimming.
Who owns Ross Island?
Ross Island Sand & Gravel Company owns the majority of Ross and Hardtack islands and the lagoon created between them. The islands have been under private ownership since the early 1900s. A portion of Ross Island on the northeast side (45 acres) had deeded to the City of Portland in 2007.
What do you wear to Ross Island?
Wear a light cotton dress, a hat and sunglasses. Also, carry an umbrella. Together, these provide much-needed protection from the hot sun as the day progresses. Carry drinking water in refilled water bottles which can supply here.
Is Ross Island open for tourists?
Ross Island opens for visitors at 9:00 am and closes at 3:00 pm.
How much time had required in Ross Island?
Exploring the Island can take around 3-4 hours.
Can we stay on Ross Island?
Accommodation is unavailable on the Island as a night stay is prohibited here.
What is Ross Island now called?
On December 30, 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that Ross Island would be renamed Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island.
How deep is Ross Island?
The lagoon is more than 100 feet deep in places. In recent years, the current owner–Ross Island Sand and Gravel Company–has ceased mining and begun restoration activity; this is a requirement of the company’s permit to mine gravel from a public waterway.