Ross Island is located just a few kilometers from Port Blair. A boat from Phoenix Bay Jetty can take you to Ross Island. This place was the administrative head quarters of the British when they ruled over India. It had all the facilities like a bazaar, bakery, swimming pool, water treatment plant, church, tennis court hospital and cemetery. Where there were majestic bungalows, manicured lawns and swimming pools at that time, today you can see ruins of these structures. It is interesting to know the history of this place and look around the ruins.

In the year 1857, the British Government decided to establish a penal settlement in Andaman to send the Indian freedom fighters here to curb their activities. Andaman was not connected to the mainland and this would keep these prisoners away from their colleagues. The water scarcity in Port Blair made them choose Ross Island as their base. The island was named after surveyor Daniel Ross.

Initially, crude prisons made of bamboo and grass were constructed here. Later, the first jail was constructed on the nearby Viper Island. The freedom fighters were given the job of building houses for the British on Ross Island. Recreational facilities like swimming pool and tennis court were built for the officers and their families.

From 1942 to 1945, the island was occupied by the Japanese. Later it was recaptured by the British. Remains of the Japanese bunkers can be seen on the island today. Later, an earthquake hit the island and people left the island. After independence, the Indian Navy took charge of Ross Island. Now there is no settlement on the island. New structures are not allowed here. A small Navy museum called Smritika has a good collection of pictures of Ross island.

A couple of hours are required to see the place completely. Small tea shops and coconut water stalls are there for refreshments on the island. A pair of spotted Deer will pose with you for a picture if you lure them with biscuits! There are frequent boat services from Port Blair to Ross Island. The authorities charge entry fee of Rs. 20 for adults. There is no entry fee for children up to nine.