Ross Island

Ross Island had been the administrative headquarters of the British at some point of time. During those days, this island was thickly populated and adorned by beauty which couldn't be described. Britishers came here to spend some luxurious stay and it was due to this that Ross Island of Andaman and Nicobar Islands was titled Paris of the East.

These days, this island is under the administration of the Navy. Although this island does not comprise the same thick population, it's thickly covered by a wide range of flora and fauna. Most of the monuments and the ancient buildings have been destroyed by the earthquake in 1941 which rocked the island and brought everything on a stand still at this charming location.

All the man made beauty was destroyed by the earthquake, but nature's scenery was less affected. Hence, till date this island is one of the favorite tourist locales. There is a small museum of the Indian Navy named 'Smritika' where you could check all the golden days of the island through pictures.

History of Ross Island

Ross Island was the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands during the British period from 1858 to 1942 and from 1945 to 1947. The island was under the control of Japanese from 1942 to 1945. It's just a 20 minutes sea journey from Phoenix Bay jetty of Port Blair. Port charters and cruises are available very often from Phoenix Bay to Ross Island.

In this island, people could see the remains of buildings built during British period. Remains of printing press, church, power house, government offices, bakery, tennis court, etc. could also be seen. A British graveyard bounded by coconut palm trees could also be seen. People could also visit the beaches by walk located at the other side of the island. Deer and peacocks are mostly found in the island and the island is full of palm and coconut trees.

Photography is not permitted from the front part of the island as it's considered to be a secured place. Also, people are not allowed to click photos while approaching the island as they are required to take tickets for all kind of cameras at the entry of the island. Once they take the tickets, they are free to take photographs inside the land. There is only a small shop in the island for snacks. You need a maximum of two hours to cover all the places in this island.

People could spend more time visiting the beaches at the other side of the island. If you want to swim, then you need to go near Smritika as it is only permissible there. Use of plastic items and disposing is thoroughly prohibited inside the island.

This island has the chief commissioner's residence known as the government house which was built on the Northern Summit of Ross Island. It was a huge house with the floor made up of Italian tiles. This has a courtroom and offices. The living rooms were built on the top of this wooden house and it was bounded by gardens of yellow laburnum, amaltas, mango trees, lawns and shrubbery.

Ross Island in Andaman make an interesting sightseeing option.