Historical & Heritage

Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep)

Paris of the East, British Colonial Ruins & Japanese WWII Bunkers

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Timings

8:30 AM - 4:30 PM | Light & Sound: 5:30 PM

🎟️

Entry & Show Rates

₹50 -₹100 (for Indians), ₹500 (for Foreigners Entry) | ₹420 - ₹470 Boat Pass | ₹300 Light & Sound

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Time Needed

3 - 4 Hours

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Best Season

October to May (Morning 8:30 AM to Afternoon 3:00 PM)

🏛️ Historic Penal Settlement & WWII Ruins

Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep)

Once known as the "Paris of the East", Ross Island served as the administrative headquarters of British Andaman penal settlement. Today, atmospheric banyan tree roots envelop colonial ruins of the Ballroom, Chief Commissioner Palace, WWII Japanese Bunkers, and a tranquil sanctuary of friendly deer and peacocks.

🚢 Ferry Pass & Ticket Fares

Ferry Departure Point:Aberdeen Jetty (Port Blair)

Round-Trip Speedboat Pass:₹520 / Person

Island Entry Fee:₹50 / Person

Boat Travel Time:10 - 15 Minutes

Battery Golf Cart (Optional):₹80 - ₹100 / Person

Evening Light & Sound Show:₹100 / Person

💡 Visitor Essentials & Pro Tips

Weekly Closed Day:Every Wednesday

No Food Stalls Warning:Commercial food stalls are restricted on the island. Carry your own drinking water & light snacks.

💡 Pro Tip: Senior citizens and families can hire battery electric golf carts (₹80-100/person) at the pier to navigate uphill ruins easily.

Top Experiences & Adventure

🏝️ Activities at Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep)

3 Activities Available

Heritage Walk🌿 Included in Entry

🔍 Click to Zoom Photo

🏛️ Banyan Tree Ruins Exploration

Walk through giant banyan tree roots intertwining 150-year-old British colonial ruins, ballroom, bakery, and Commissioner mansion.

✅ Included in Island Entry / Self-Guided🧭 Free Exploration

Wildlife Spotting🌿 Free / Sanctuary

🔍 Click to Zoom Photo

🦌 Spotted Deer & Peacock Sanctuary

Encounter friendly spotted deer, peacocks, and native birds roaming freely across the island shaded paths.

✅ Included in Island Entry / Self-Guided🧭 Free Exploration

WWII History🌿 Self Guided

🔍 Click to Zoom Photo

🎖️ Japanese WWII Bunkers Tour

Explore historical World War II coastal artillery positions and Japanese military bunkers built during World War II occupation.

✅ Included in Island Entry / Self-Guided🧭 Free Exploration

📅 🚢 Ross Island Half-Day Historic Tour Schedule

Full Day Schedule

⏰ 08:30 AM

Report at Aberdeen Jetty

Arrive at Aberdeen Water Sports Complex Jetty in Port Blair for ticket verification & security check.

⏰ 09:00 AM

Speedboat Cruise to Ross Island

10 to 15 min scenic boat ride across Port Blair harbor with ocean views.

⏰ 09:15 AM

Colonial Ruins & WWII Bunkers Exploration

Explore British Ballroom, Chief Commissioner Mansion, Church, Bakery, and Japanese Gun Bunkers.

⏰ 10:30 AM

Spotted Deer & Peacock Sanctuary Walk

Meet friendly spotted deer, peacocks, and rabbits roaming freely amidst banyan tree roots.

⏰ 11:30 AM

Return Speedboat to Port Blair

Board the return speedboat back to Aberdeen Jetty, Port Blair.

✅ What is Included

✓Round-trip speedboat pass (Aberdeen Jetty - Ross Island - Return)
✓Island entry permit & security clearances
✓Onboard life jacket safety equipment
✓Free interaction with roaming deer & peacocks

❌ Exclusions & Optional Add-ons

✕Electric battery golf cart ride fee (₹80-100 / person optional)
✕Evening Light & Sound show tickets (₹300 / person optional)
✕Hotel to Aberdeen Jetty private cab transfers
✕Personal food & beverages

🎒 What to Carry & Travel Packing Tips

✔️ Government Photo ID Proof (Mandatory for ferry boarding)✔️ Comfortable walking shoes / sneakers (uphill stone paths)✔️ Drinking water bottle & light dry snacks✔️ Sunscreen, sunglasses & hat / umbrella✔️ Camera / Mobile phone for heritage photography✔️ Cash in INR for battery golf cart fee

📸 Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep) Photo Gallery

Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep) featured photo

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📜 Overview & History of Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep)

Ross Island (officially Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep) is a historic island located just 2 to 3 km across Port Blair harbor. Once celebrated as the "Paris of the East", it served as the administrative headquarters for the British penal settlement in India. Today, atmospheric banyan tree roots envelop impressive colonial ruins including the Chief Commissioner Palace, Ballroom, Presbyterian Church, WWII Japanese Bunkers, and a serene sanctuary of friendly deer and peacocks.

🏛️ Key Attractions Inside Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep)

Chief Commissioner's Residence & Officers' Mess

Grand colonial mansion ruins set on the highest elevation of Ross Island, featuring marble floors, ballroom steps, and banyan roots winding through stone walls.

Japanese World War II Bunkers & Pillboxes

Intact concrete pillbox bunkers, trench lines, and coastal defense gun platforms installed by Japanese military forces between 1942 and 1945.

Friendly Spotted Deer & Peacock Sanctuary

A natural sanctuary where dozens of tame spotted deer (Chital) and vibrant peacocks roam freely along island trails and welcome visitors.

Colonial Bakery, Printing Press & Presbyterian Church

Historic 19th-century British institutional ruins, including a intact stone church with stained glass window frames and an automated bakery oven system.

Ferar Beach & Sanctuary Point Lookout

A serene coastal viewpoint offering sweeping vistas of Port Blair bay, Mount Harriet, and neighboring North Bay lighthouse.

🚗 How to Reach Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep)

Reach Aberdeen Jetty (Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex) in Port Blair town center by taxi (₹200) or auto-rickshaw (₹100). Board the government-approved ferry or speed boat pass (₹370-₹400 return). The boat journey takes approximately 15 minutes across the bay.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I reach Ross Island from Port Blair?

Take a 15-minute speed boat/ferry from Aberdeen Jetty (Water Sports Complex) in Port Blair. Round-trip boat passes cost between ₹370 and ₹400 per person.

Q: Is Ross Island open on all days?

No, Ross Island is closed for tourists on Wednesdays. It remains open on all other days from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Q: Are golf cart services available for elderly visitors?

Yes, battery-operated golf carts (₹80–₹100 per person) are available near the jetty to transport senior citizens and families up the hill to major ruins.