Ross Island

Ross Island, officially Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep, is a small island at the mouth of Port Blair harbour. From 1858 the British made it their headquarters in the Andamans. They built a church, a bakery, a bungalow for the chief commissioner and other buildings. The Japanese took it over during the Second World War. After an earthquake in 1941 and decades of neglect, strangler fig roots and creepers have grown over the brick walls. Today they make an atmospheric walking route. Spotted deer and peacocks roam freely. Boats leave from the Port Blair waterfront and take roughly 15 to 20 minutes. The island is small enough to see in about two hours. A light-and-sound show runs in the evening. Wear walking shoes and carry water, as there are few facilities. Check ferry timings and any closure days with local operators. Most people combine it with a morning at the Cellular Jail and an afternoon at the Samudrika museum.