Welcome to the beautiful Ross Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, an enchanting paradise that will take your breath away. Ross Island is a perfect destination for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and adventure seekers. This page is dedicated to providing you with all the information you need to plan your trip to this stunning island.
Best Ross Island Itinerary for Single Day Visit:
Exploring Ross Island of Andaman can be a memorable experience as it offers a glimpse into the colonial past of India. Here how you can plan your best trip to Ross Island of Andaman
Start early: Ross Island opens at 8:30 am, and it’s best to reach Water Sports Complex as early as possible to beat the crowds and the heat. The first ferry to Ross Island leaves at 8:30 am from the Water Complex jetty.
Take a boat ride: Visitors can take a short ferry to Ross Island, which is a great way to view the island from the sea. Boat takes almost 8-10 minutes to reach
Take a guided tour: Hiring a guide can be helpful as they provide valuable insights into the island’s history, architecture, and natural beauty. Guides are available at the island’s entrance, and their rates are low as Rs50 per hour.
Visit the British-era ruins: Ross Island is home to many well-preserved ruins from the British era, including the Chief Commissioner’s House, the Government House, and the Church. Take your time to explore these structures and learn about their history.
Enjoy the scenic beauty: Ross Island is surrounded by beautiful coral reefs and has many scenic viewpoints. Be sure to visit the highest point on the island & the southern most point (The Lighthouse) , for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Plan for half of the day: Ross Island can easily take up to 2 hours with all the attractions it offers. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks as there is only one food outlet on the island which sometimes remains closed.
Light and Show at Ross Island
In the evenings, Ross Island hosts a mesmerizing light and sound show, narrating the island’s history. Don’t miss this captivating show that adds to the charm of Ross Island. You can easily book the Light and Sound Show of Ross Island from Govt. official website
Attractions and Activities
Ross Island is a small island, but it has a lot to offer in terms of attractions. One of the top attractions is the Ross Island Museum, which houses several artifacts and documents related to the island’s history. The museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the British Raj and colonial history.
Another popular attraction is the ruins of the British Officer’s Club, which was once the center of social activity on the island. You can also explore the old ballroom, where dances were held during the colonial era.
You will also come across Barracks where the British Empire use to train and stationed all its soldiers.
British era bakery is an epic architecture around whose complex the Light and Show takes place in the evening
One of the most important attraction of Ross Island is its Light House. It is situated at the southernmost end of the island and offers panoramic views of the surrounding sea.
Other Important Attractions of Ross Island:
There are also various other things to explore like Graveyard, Japanese Bunkers, Lush greenery etc.
There is a very clean small beach generally not visited by victors, its called Ferrar beach. This area is not suitable for swimming due to strong currents and rough waters. However, visitors can enjoy the scenic views and take a leisurely walk on the beach.
Wildlife of Ross Island
One of the unique things about Ross Island is that it is home to a variety of wildlife, including peacocks, deer, and rabbits. You can take a leisurely stroll around the island and enjoy the natural beauty or explore the various walking trails.
For the adventurous, Ross Island is surrounded with some amazing coral reefs & marine life towards the periphery. But due to administrative restrictions, no water activities takes place here as of now.
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Nearby Attractions:
- North Bay
- Cellular Jail
- Samudrika Museum
- Viper Island
Related Tours
- North Bay Full Dya Trip
- Port Blair Sight seiing Tour
- Samudrika Museum
Related Tour Packages
How to Reach Ross Island in Andaman
To reach Ross Island, visitors first need to travel to Port Blair, the vibrant capital of the Andaman Islands that is connected by both air and sea to major cities in India, such as Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai. From there, visitors can take a ferry ride from the Aberdeen Jetty, conveniently located in the heart of the city, to reach the island.
Ferry services run throughout the day, and the ride takes around 20 minutes, offering scenic views of the Andaman Sea.
Timings of Ross Island
Open Timings: 8.30 am to 4.30 pm
Time to Spend: 2 hours with guided tour
Port Blair to Ross Island Ferry
It’s important to note that ferry rates vary depending on the season, but they have recently been fixed by the Water Sports Association. Dekho Andaman can help you book the ferry tickets to Ross Island in Andaman hassle free and with free cancellation option.
Pricing of tickets from Port Blair to Ross Island:
| DIFFERENT TYPES OF VESSELS | TYPE OF FERRY TICKETS | PRICING |
|---|---|---|
| Speed Boat, Catamarans & Ferries | Per Person | 370 /- |
| Speed Boats Only | Charter Personal Boat | 3000 / – |
Ferry Schedule for Ross Island
In general, ferries to Ross Island typically depart from the Aberdeen Jetty in Port Blair in the morning and return in the afternoon.
First ferry to Ross Island leaves in the morning 8.30 am & last ferry or boat departs at 2.00 pm
Note: Though, the exact timing of the ferry service may vary depending on the season, weather conditions, and other factors.
Location and History
Ross Island is located about 3 km east of Port Blair, the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It was once the administrative headquarters of the British Empire, and its ruins still stand today as a testament to its rich history. During the British Raj, Ross Island was known as the “Paris of the East,” a bustling hub of activity with grand mansions, churches, and a ballroom.
History: Ross Island is steeped in history. The island was named after the surveyor Sir Daniel Ross, who arrived here in 1858. It was developed as a settlement by the British, with bungalows, a church, a bakery, a hospital, a market, and other facilities. The island was also used as a penal colony, with prisoners from the Indian freedom struggle being sent here.
Japanese Occupation: During World War II, Ross Island was occupied by the Japanese, who built bunkers, tunnels, and gun emplacements here. The British returned in 1945 and found the island in ruins, with most of the buildings destroyed or damaged.
Present Day: Today, Ross Island is a popular tourist destination, with its ruins and natural beauty attracting visitors from around the world. The island is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including deer, peacocks, and rabbits. Visitors can explore the ruins of the British settlement, see the remains of the Japanese bunkers and gun emplacements, and enjoy the beautiful beaches and lush greenery.
Getting Around Ross Island
Once you are done with the ferry to Ross Island, our next step will be to check how we can explore Ross?
Getting around Ross Island is relatively easy as it is a small island, spanning only 0.6 square kilometers. The main mode of transportation on the island is walking, and visitors can explore the island’s various attractions on foot. The island is well-maintained, with clearly marked walking paths that make it easy to navigate. There are no cars or other motorized vehicles allowed on the island, so visitors can enjoy a peaceful and pollution-free environment.
Another option for getting around the island is by hiring a bicycle or a golf cart. Bicycles can be rented from vendors near the jetty, and golf carts are available for rent at the entrance to the island. These are great options for those who may have difficulty walking or want to cover more ground in a shorter period of time.
Guided Tours Of Ross Island
Guided tours are also available on the island, which allow visitors to learn more about the island’s history and culture. These tours are typically conducted on foot and last around 45 minutes to an hour.
There is a very fampus guide called as Anuradha. She is very famous for taking care of all the wild animals over there since past 15 years. There is no better way to enjoy the island then exploring Island with her. Check the video below
Tips for Visitors:
- It’s important to note that the number of ferries per day may be limited, especially during peak tourist season, so it’s recommended to book in advance to ensure availability. It’s also a good idea to arrive at the jetty early to avoid any delays or long queues.
- Visitors to Ross Island should wear comfortable walking shoes, carry sunscreen and insect repellent, and bring a camera to capture the island’s beauty.
- Visitors should also respect the island’s natural environment and not litter or damage any of the ruins or structures.
Accommodations and Dining
Ross Island does not have any accommodations or dining options as it is a protected area. However, you can find plenty of options in Port Blair, which is just a short boat ride away from Ross Island. Port Blair offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury resorts, and restaurants serving delicious local and international cuisine.
However, visitors can stay in nearby accommodations in Port Blair and take a day trip to Ross Island. Some of the recommended lodging options in Port Blair include:
- Sunny Homes
- Blue Bridge
- Atlanta Cottage
Related Water Sports in Andaman
FAQ's
Ross island has been honored by the name of freedom fighter Subhash Chandra Bose by India Prime Minister “Narednra Modi” on 30th Decembe 2018 and is now called as “Subhash Chandra Bose Island”
Most tour operators also provide a guided tour of Ross Island, which includes transportation to and from Port Blair, as well as a visit to other nearby attractions such as North Bay Island and the Cellular Jail. These tours typically start in the morning and return to Port Blair in the afternoon.
The best time to visit Ross Island is from October to May when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. The monsoon season, which lasts from June to September, is not the best time to visit the island due to heavy rainfall and rough seas.
There are multiple ferry timings to Ross Island from Water Complex of Port Blair. Ferry and speed boats departs in a roaster system & departs every 5-10 minutes starting from 8.30 am till 2.00 pm. Its always advised to book ferry tickets to Ross beforehand.
