Ross Island

Once the seat of British power and capital of these islands, it stands now as a ruin of the bygone days. The erstwhile administrative headquarters of the British was referred to in the early 20th century as the Paris of the East. Manicured lawns that led up to clubhouses, swimming pools, granaries, officers messes, tennis courts and a majestic church lie in ruins, reclaimed by nature after an earthquake in June 1941. Deer roam the islands today, peering from behind the thick bushes, and sometimes mustering up courage to eat biscuits out of your hand. A graveyard has headstones of army officers who died young, and that of an infant who lived for just 22 hours. It is an eerie place, now owned by the navy. Some parts are off limits for visitors. A small museum displays pictures of its old grandeur. The island can be explored on foot.

Ross Island, the erstwhile capital of Port Blair during the British regime, is a tiny island standing as guard to Port Blair harbour. The island presently houses the ruins of old buildings like Ballroom, Chief Commissioner’s House, Govt. House, Church, Hospital, Bakery, Press, Swimming Pool and Troop Barracks, all in dilapidated condition, reminiscent of the old British regime. The island with historical background and preservable ruins is spread along an area of 0.6 sq. kms. With the ruins and also with the historical background, the Island has gained a lot of popularity among the tourists. Ross Island is open for the tourists to visit during day time as the boat services are available from the Phoenix Bay jetty at 8.30 AM, 10.30 AM, and 12.30 PM. Navy has established a museum on the Island Known as ‘Smritika’ depicting the history of the Island.