Many beautiful islands in the Andaman Islands archipelago are visited year-round by tourists who enjoy nature and marine life.

However, the ruins of the former British colony on the tranquil and isolated Ross Island have a special allure for tourists. After a British marine surveyor called Daniel Ross, the island was given its name.

This island has a wide range of plant species. One can also explore the cellular jail, remnants of a church, and several other structures.

Ross Island, the former British Administrative Headquarters, and its various ancient ruins are being maintained by the Indian Navy.

A light and sound show is the newest visitor attraction, which takes place every evening except on Wednesdays and the main holidays. Smritika Museum which is maintained quite well is also a place of tourist attraction.

Port Blair to Ross Island: How to Reach?

Reaching Ross Island from Port Blair is not a matter of problem since it is barely 2km away from Port Blair.

Most visitors choose to travel by boat to the island from Port Blair. It doesn't take long, and riding by boat is also pretty affordable.

Trip to this island is offered by many tour companies from the Aberdeen Jetty or Phoenix Bay Jetty. Ross Island can be reached by boat in ten to fifteen minutes, approximately, from Port Blair.

For those having a high budget, charter planes and helicopters are available for travel to the island. The planes land at Port Blair's Veer Savarkar International Airport. A few tour companies provide helicopter transportation to the islands near Port Blair.

But to reach Ross Island from Port Blair, you must buy a boat ticket and, if interested, a ticket for the Light and Sound show, in advance.

Individuals must ask their hotel or travel agency for the most recent information regarding the ticket purchasing procedures (whether online, at the jetty, or at the IP&T counter).

From 9.00 AM to 3.00 PM, the Port Blair ticket counter gets operational. At 8.30 AM, the first ferry leaves the dock.

At 5.30 PM, the light and sound show starts. Tourists must purchase their tickets three days before the event and provide photo identification for the same.

However, on the Island, overnight stays are not possible as there is no lodging.

Ideal Season to Visit

This island experiences typical tropical weather, just like the majority of Andaman's tourist sites. Here, the summers are very hot and muggy. The typical summertime temperature ranges from 35 to 38 degrees Celsius.

However, the intense heat is reduced during the monsoon season, and the refreshing wind offers a relaxing experience.

Apart from the hassle of the rough sea, the temperature in the monsoon season stays about 30 degrees Celsius. During the monsoon season, the island is wrapped in a thick canopy of foliage.

The best time to visit Ross Island is during the winter, though. The sea is in great condition, and the temperature does not drop too much. Typically the wintertime temperature ranges from 15 to 22 degrees Celsius on the island.

Ideally, people wanting to visit this island can schedule their trip between October and March.

Important Information about Ross Island

1. Mobile Connectivity: Ross Island's mobile connectivity, like that of the majority of the other islands in the Andaman Sea, may be rather sporadic and causes travellers headaches even today. The situation has slightly improved over the past few years, but the speed of the data is sluggish and network congestion as well as call drops are anticipated.

2. Medical Facilities: There are no overnight accommodations on the island and no appropriate medical facilities as a result.  When reaching Ross Island from Port Blair, you should have the necessary medications or first aid supplies with you.

Visitors who regularly take particular medicines should pay careful attention to this. In addition to prescribed drugs, one should bring antiseptic cream and sunscreen with themselves when visiting the island as precautionary measures.

3. Visiting Time: Ross Island is open for visits all year long, and as discussed the first ferry departs from Port Blair at 8.30 am. However, the bulk of visitors choose to arrive on the island in the afternoon to attend the evening light and sound show, which is one of the island's major attractions.

The island offers a variety of sightseeing opportunities, so it is best to go in the morning. Even in their deteriorated state, exploring the British colony's relics will take some time. This will give ample time to attend the evening light and sound show, which starts at 5:30 pm, before returning to Port Blair.

4. Restaurants and eateries: The Indian Navy maintains Ross Island, which is not inhabited by people. So, unlike some of the adjacent and well-known islands, tourists won't find many restaurants or eateries here.

It is therefore advised they keep enough water and food with them before going to the island. 

5. To-Do Activities - The Island can be explored on foot in a couple of hours due to its size. However, the historical ruins are highly alluring, and the Indian navy has even rebuilt parts of them. The remaining structures are in a fairly dilapidated condition, and there are a lot of overgrown trees and other wild vegetation throughout.

Both the remnants of the ancient Presbyterian Church and the former Farzand Ali Store, which is now a museum, are worth watching. 

Other Attractions

One ought to be mesmerized by a wide variety of aquatic animals at the Marine Sanctuary or Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. These primarily consist of coral reefs and marine turtles. In addition to these lovely abstract representations of nature, colourful species underwater will wow individuals.

There are also the remains of a small cemetery, a printing press, a water distillation plant, and a tennis court. This island is one of the top attractions in Andaman during the trip because of the island sanctuary's good collection of animals.

The island's wildlife, which is primarily made up of peacocks, deer, and parrots, is lively and does not mind being around people.

(Frequently Asked Questions) FAQs about Ross Island

1. What is Ross Island famous for?

Ross Island gained recognition for housing the state's British Colony's administrative centre. A small museum and several churches are located on the island, which is currently under the jurisdiction of the Indian Navy.

2. Is a trip to Ross Island worthwhile?

For witnessing the aristocracy of the British during the British Raj along with the spectacular light and sound show organized, Ross Island is worth a visit.

3. Does Ross Island have any means of transportation?

No, there isn't any transportation offered or necessary on Ross Island, and walking is the most viable mode of going around.

4. Which hotels on Ross Island are the best?

Since the island is uninhabited, no hotels are available where visitors can spend the night. A snack store can be found on the island. Port Blair is home to the nearest hotels.

5. Can you independently explore the island?

You can certainly take your time and independently tour the island. Greater beauty is discovered by exploring more.

6. What is the cost of the Ross Island light and sound show tickets?

Entry to the breathtaking light and sound show in Ross Island costs Rs. 100 for adults and Rs. 25 for children. Booking in advance is necessary to attend the show.

Conclusion

There is no justification for you not to visit Ross Island. Reaching Ross Island from Port Blair is among the most charming and wonderful experiences. You won't be let down by the location's infectious charm.

You can also experience the most expansive and breathtaking sights of the adjacent islands from this location. Not only brimming with the fascinating beauty of nature, but this island is also home to a diverse range of animals such as peacocks, deer, and many more.