The short answer
Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep): what visitors should know first
Worth a day trip if you have interest in colonial history, architecture in decay or photography. The island feels like an open-air museum; walking among the ruins under overhanging trees is atmospheric. The small sandy beaches allow you to swim between history stops. Plan a half or full day.
Useful facts
Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep) facts at a glance
- Location
- Near Port Blair, about 2 km offshore, accessible by ferry from Port Blair jetty
- Type
- Day trip
- Time needed
- 3 to 4 hours, including ferry transfer and a self-guided walk of the island
- Best time
- November to April; morning to mid-afternoon before the light becomes harsh and the ferry schedules tighten
Why it matters
Why Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep) is worth your time
Ross Island is haunted by history. From the 1850s to 1941, it was the seat of the British commissioner and the administrative nerve centre of the Andaman Islands. It held the hospital, the jail, the office, and the homes of the elite colonial officials. It was also a place of exile for political prisoners and a processing point for convicts sent to the Cellular Jail.
During World War II, the Japanese occupied the Andamans and Ross Island was used as a military stronghold. After independence, the British left and the island was abandoned. The buildings have been reclaimed by the forest, creating a surreal landscape where officers' quarters sit alongside the graves of the colonial dead and the forest floor is soft with leaf mould and root systems.
Visiting Ross Island is about confronting both the history of colonialism and the transience of power and infrastructure. The beauty of the ruins is inseparable from the suffering they represent. It is not a comfortable place to be, which is part of why it matters.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
From Neil Island, take a ferry to Port Blair (3–4 hours), then arrange a same-day or next-morning trip to Ross Island. The ferry from Port Blair jetty departs at regular intervals and takes 20–30 minutes depending on the sea state. Upon arrival, you are free to walk the island on your own; there are no guides, and the paths are well-marked.
The ruins form a rough circuit. Start with the Commissioner's Bungalow, the largest and best-preserved ruin, with its wide verandas and views over the sea. Then visit the church, still standing with its altar and bell; bats roost in the roof. Walk to the former hospital, the barracks, the old jail, and other smaller buildings, all slowly being reclaimed by the forest. Bring a good camera; the interplay of light through trees, crumbling stone and the sea is endlessly photogenic.
The beaches on the island are small and sandy, good for a quick swim if you want one. Spotted deer roam the island (non-aggressive); you may see them grazing near the old buildings. The forest canopy provides shade; do not expect to get very hot. Plan 2–3 hours on the island and take the next available ferry back to Port Blair.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Book the ferry at the Port Blair jetty on the morning you want to go, or ask your hotel in Port Blair
- Bring water, sunscreen and a hat; the island has no shops
- Wear comfortable walking shoes; paths are uneven
- Bring a camera with a zoom and a good shutter for low light under the trees
- Do not touch the ruins; they are fragile and unstable in places
- Spotted deer are on the island; do not feed them or get between a mother and fawn
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Near Port Blair, about 2 km offshore, accessible by ferry from Port Blair jetty
- Time needed
- 3 to 4 hours, including ferry transfer and a self-guided walk of the island
- Best time
- November to April; morning to mid-afternoon before the light becomes harsh and the ferry schedules tighten
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- The ferry is a short 20–30 minute ride on a small passenger boat; it can be choppy if the sea is rough. On the island, the main walking paths are mostly level but uneven, shaded by forest canopy. There are benches near key ruins. The walking is unhurried; you can rest whenever you want.
- Tickets and access
- Ferry: roughly 150–200 INR per person, booked at the Port Blair jetty on arrival. The island itself is free once you arrive; no additional entry fee.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep)
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices are live on the partner site.
Travelling with parents?
The ferry is a short 20–30 minute ride on a small passenger boat; it can be choppy if the sea is rough. On the island, the main walking paths are mostly level but uneven, shaded by forest canopy. There are benches near key ruins. The walking is unhurried; you can rest whenever you want.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
What is Ross Island?
A historical island near Port Blair that was the British administrative headquarters of the Andamans. It was abandoned after independence and is now a ruin covered by forest.
How do you reach Ross Island?
By a 20–30 minute ferry from Port Blair jetty. Ferries run regularly; ask at your Port Blair hotel or the jetty.
Is Ross Island safe to explore?
Yes, the paths are marked and maintained. Be careful on steep stairs in the ruins, and do not climb on unstable sections of buildings.
How long should you spend on Ross Island?
Plan 2–3 hours on the island, including the ferry ride both ways. It is best done as a morning or afternoon excursion from Port Blair.
Are there animals on Ross Island?
Spotted deer and various birds. The deer are not aggressive. Bats roost in the church roof and emerge at dusk.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
