Cellular Jail

The Cellular Jail is known as Kala Pani, or Black Water. The British built it in the late 1890s and early 1900s to hold political prisoners in single cells, far from the mainland. It first had seven wings spreading out from a central watchtower. An earthquake in 1941, Japanese demolition in the war and later clearing for a hospital left only the tower and three wings. Many freedom fighters were held here. It became a national memorial in 1979. You can walk the corridors and cells, see the gallows and the exhibits on the independence movement. You can return in the evening for the light-and-sound show, which tells the jail's history. It is on the Port Blair waterfront and takes about two hours to see properly. Most itineraries add Ross Island, a museum or Corbyn's Cove on the same day. Arrive early or after the afternoon heat. Check the current opening hours and show timings locally.