Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island, Port Blair (Ross Island)

Description

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island stands as one of the Andaman’s most compelling historical attractions, though honestly, not everyone leaves completely blown away by the experience. The island, which most folks still call by its former name Ross Island, carries the weight of India’s colonial past in its crumbling British-era ruins and overgrown pathways.

What strikes visitors first isn’t the grandeur you might expect from a former administrative headquarters, but rather the haunting beauty of nature reclaiming civilization. The British abandoned this place after a devastating earthquake in 1941, and since then, massive trees have grown through rooftops, their roots embracing brick walls like something out of an adventure movie. It’s both fascinating and slightly melancholic – you can almost hear the echoes of colonial officers conducting their daily business among these now-silent ruins.

The island welcomes families with children, and there’s something particularly magical about watching kids explore these historical remnants while spotted deer wander freely around the grounds. And yes, the deer are real! These gentle creatures have made the island their home, creating an unexpected wildlife sanctuary atmosphere that adds charm to your historical exploration.

But let’s be honest – some visitors find the island underwhelming, especially those expecting pristine monuments or extensive museums. The ruins are exactly that – ruins. Weather has taken its toll, and maintenance is minimal by design to preserve the natural takeover aesthetic. The experience lasts about 2-3 hours, which feels just right for most people, though photography enthusiasts often wish they had more time to capture the interplay between nature and history.

Key Features

The island offers several distinctive attractions that make the journey worthwhile:

• British Administrative Ruins – Explore the remnants of the Commissioner’s residence, Government House, and other colonial buildings where British officers once governed the Andaman Islands

• Free-Roaming Spotted Deer – Encounter friendly deer that have claimed the island as their sanctuary, creating unexpected wildlife photography opportunities

• Presbyterian Church Ruins – Discover the skeletal remains of the island’s church, where massive trees now serve as natural pillars through the roof

• Japanese Bunkers – Investigate World War II-era bunkers built during the brief Japanese occupation from 1942-1945

• Cemetery and Memorial Sites – Pay respects at the old British cemetery and various memorial plaques scattered throughout the island

• Nature’s Architectural Takeover – Witness the remarkable sight of tropical vegetation literally growing through and around colonial structures

• Peacocks and Exotic Birds – Spot colorful peacocks and various bird species that have made the island their permanent residence

• Museum Corner – Browse a small collection of artifacts and photographs documenting the island’s colonial and wartime history

• Panoramic Bay Views – Enjoy scenic vistas of the surrounding waters and Port Blair’s coastline from various vantage points

• Walking Trails – Navigate well-marked pathways that connect different historical sites across the compact island

Best Time to Visit

October through March represents the sweet spot for visiting Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island, when the weather cooperates and doesn’t leave you feeling like you’ve been through a steam bath. During these months, temperatures hover comfortably between 20-30°C, and humidity levels become bearable for extended outdoor exploration.

The monsoon season from May to September brings heavy rainfall that can make the walking paths slippery and potentially dangerous around the ruins. Plus, ferry services sometimes get cancelled during rough weather, which would be a real disappointment after planning your day around the island visit.

December and January are particularly pleasant, though these months also bring the largest crowds. If you’re someone who enjoys photographing historical sites without hordes of tourists in your shots, consider visiting during early October or late February.

Morning departures work best since you’ll beat both the heat and the tour groups. The first ferry typically leaves Port Blair around 8:30 AM, giving you cooler temperatures and better lighting for photography. Afternoon visits aren’t terrible, but the tropical sun can be punishing, especially when there’s limited shade among the ruins.

Weekend visits tend to be significantly busier, particularly during Indian holiday periods. If your schedule allows flexibility, weekday visits offer a more peaceful experience where you can actually hear the birds and deer moving through the undergrowth.

How to Get There

Getting to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island requires a boat journey from Port Blair’s Aberdeen Jetty, and thankfully, it’s pretty straightforward once you know the routine. The island sits just 3 kilometers east of Port Blair, making it one of the more accessible historical attractions in the Andamans.

Ferry services operate multiple times daily, with boats departing approximately every 30-45 minutes during peak season. The journey takes about 15-20 minutes depending on sea conditions, and honestly, the boat ride itself offers nice views of Port Blair’s coastline. Tickets cost around ₹30-50 for adults, with children usually getting discounted rates.

You’ll need to arrive at Aberdeen Jetty at least 30 minutes before your intended departure time since tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. During busy periods, ferries can fill up quickly, leaving some visitors waiting for the next available boat. The jetty gets crowded, so keep your belongings secure and stay aware of departure announcements.

Most visitors book round-trip tickets, but return timings are flexible – you can catch any ferry back to Port Blair throughout the day. The last return ferry typically departs around 5:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed.

Some tour operators offer package deals that include ferry tickets, guided tours, and sometimes lunch, but honestly, the island is small enough that you probably don’t need a guide unless you’re particularly interested in detailed historical commentary. Independent exploration often proves more rewarding since you can spend extra time in areas that capture your interest.

Tips for Visiting

Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip – the pathways can be uneven, and some areas have loose stones or roots that could trip you up. I’ve seen too many visitors in flip-flops struggling with the terrain, especially around the more overgrown ruins where footing becomes tricky.

Bring a water bottle and some snacks since food options on the island are extremely limited. There’s usually a small refreshment stall, but selection is minimal and prices are inflated. The walking and heat can dehydrate you quickly, even during cooler months.

Don’t expect pristine historical monuments – this isn’t like visiting the Red Fort or other well-maintained heritage sites. The appeal lies in the atmospheric decay and nature’s takeover, not in perfect preservation. Adjust your expectations accordingly, and you’ll appreciate the unique character much more.

Photography enthusiasts should bring extra batteries since the interplay of light filtering through tree canopies and ruined structures creates compelling shots that you’ll want to capture extensively. Early morning and late afternoon provide the best lighting conditions.

Keep some distance from the deer even though they appear tame and approachable. These are wild animals, and feeding them is prohibited both for their health and visitor safety. They’re generally docile, but males can become territorial during certain seasons.

The island’s small size means you can easily cover everything in 2-3 hours, but rushing defeats the purpose. Take time to sit quietly in different areas – you might spot birds or other wildlife that only appears when human activity settles down. Some of the most memorable moments happen when you simply observe rather than constantly moving between attractions.

Check ferry schedules in advance and have a backup plan, especially during monsoon season when services can be disrupted. Weather in the Andamans can change rapidly, and being stranded isn’t fun when you have other plans for the day.

Consider bringing insect repellent during warmer months, as mosquitos and other bugs thrive in the tropical vegetation surrounding the ruins. Light, long-sleeved clothing can also help protect against both insects and the sun while maintaining comfort in the humid conditions.

Location

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