Historical Monuments in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

It is widely known that Andaman and Nicobar Islands houses immaculate natural beauty. Apart from the illustrious coral reefs, water sports, beaches and sightseeing, there are some historical monuments in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These monuments highlight the legacy of Andaman and Nicobar islands.

Historical Monuments of Andaman and Nicobar

Cellular Jail

The Cellular Jail is amongst the most outstanding landmarks of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is located in Port Blair, the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This is a gigantic structure and was constructed for the lonely imprisonment of the freedom fighters during the British Raj in India. Its construction was completed in 1906. This jail is a legendary mark of colonial coercion and was erected in such a way that every jailbird is locked in an individual cell. This jail was also famous by the frightful name 'Kala Pani' or 'Black Waters'. It mirrors the carnage that awaited the detainees.

During World War II a part of this jail was smashed by the Japanese troops. It was in the year 1945 when the Britishers brought the island back to their sway and closed the prison. Just three out of seven wings laid out around a middle watchtower stand till date. These cells measure 3 by 3.5 m.

This is a puce-colored building which is a national memorial today. Tourists from all over the globe, visit it.

An Art gallery, a Museum and a Photo gallery are also there. They remain closed on Mondays. There timings are from 9.00 AM to 12 Noon and 2.00 PM to 5.00 PM.

Ross Island

Ross Islands served as the estate of the British rule and enjoyed being the capital of these twin islands. Today, this island represents the forgotten glory of the past and stands as the wreck of the days bygone through an old structure more or less in debris. The island holds the remains of old edifices such as Church, Troop Barracks, Chief Commissioner's House, Bakery, Ballroom, Government House, Swimming Pool, Press, and Hospital. All these buildings are in a deserted state.

A little museum stands there which was established by the Indian Navy. The museum is known as 'Smritika'. It houses photographs and other historic items of the British and show relevance to these islands.

You can reach the island through Phoenix Bay jetty riding boats during day time.

Viper Island

Freedom fighters were imprisoned on this island also. The jail named as 'Viper Chain Gang Jail' was constructed here even before the construction of Cellular jail in Port Blair. Gallows on top of a hillock are there. Destined prisoners were hanged on these gallows. It was on these gallows where Sher Ali was hanged for killing Lord Mayo, the Viceroy of India in 1872.

National Memorial

This is a prison which was built by the British in the year 1906 for freedom fighters. It is a mute eyewitness of the atrocious carnage done to the convicts here.

Anthropological Museum

Located at Phoenix Bay, it depicts the life of the Paleolithic natives of the islands. Also, the models of the indigenous people and their tools are there. It remains open to tourists on all days except Mondays and holidays.

In the present day and age, historical monuments in Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a great attraction for tourists all over the planet. They visit these places to peep into the British colonial era. Vacationers can easily reach any of these places of historical importance from Port Blair by sailing on the chest of Bay of Bengal.