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Ross Island
Ross Island had been named after the famous marine surveyor Sir Daniel Ross. Located at a distance of only 2 km from capital city of Port Blair in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Union Territory’s eastern side, Ross Island remains one of the most sought after in this region. This island had served as the Administrative Headquarters for all islands until 1941 when massive earthquake had literally rocked the area. A decision was taken then to shift the headquarters of Islands in Port Blair instead. Tourists can still analyze and observe the great past of this region in this island which preserves the remnants of its magnificent past.
They can be best analyzed in the church ruins to the swimming pool besides the residence of the chief commissioner which also had huge gardens and several uniquely designed grand ballrooms that would have transformed Ross Island to the best extent possible. The Indian Navy manages a cemetery in the island and so do they oversee the small museum located here. This museum has numerous displays of collections that contain varieties of old records from the island.
This tiny island still remains a center of attraction today as its treasure of ruins make it popular amongst the tourists. That is why it has become most sought after territory for tourism purpose. Some of the notable attractions in this island are ruins of the state Ballroom, the Chief Commissioner’s House, Government House, Church, an old 'Andamanese Home' which served as a Hospital besides Bakery, Press, Swimming Pool and Troop Barracks et al, existing in the ruined condition. They describe the days of the old British era since 1848 when Dr. James Pattison Walker from East India Company arrived here. It was occupied by the British till 1942.
For 3 years from 1942 to 1945, Ross Island came under the control of Japan. Once allies reoccupied it in 1945 it was once again inhabited until abandoned in the later years. It used to serve as power center during the British era.
Located merely a few kms from the Aberdeen Jetty at Port Blair, Ross Island is one of the finest islands of Andaman group of islands controlled by the Indian Navy now. Its thick forests seek the attention of every visitor. As no settlement is allowed now by the authorities due to total control by the Indian Navy it remains a restrictive visit option.
It was in April 1979 that Ross Island had been handed over to Indian Navy to set up one of its posts namely INS Jarawa which is a metaphor of one of the famous indigenous tribes in the Islands. Small museum in the island was established in December 1993 that the then Lt. Governor Vakkom Purushothaman had declared open for the visitors. This island has a small guesthouse exclusively meant for the Navy officers and hence no civilian is permitted to stay overnight.
Ferrying
It takes a short ride to reach to Ross Island through boat ride from Water Sports Complex. As this island is under the control of the Indian Navy and every visitor is therefore bound to sign in on entering to maintain safety and security.
Events / Festivals in Ross Island
Ross Island has also been developed in the past to make it tourist attraction. As frequent boat services from Port Blair to Ross Island are available it has become major attraction these days. Famous Light and Sound Show in Ross Island seeks the attention of everybody. The show is in Hindi language and runs for 45 minutes.
How to Reach Ross Island
Ross Island by Air: Nearest International Airport from the Ross Island is Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair which is easily accessible from this island by boat. This airport is well-connected to several prominent cities of the country including Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Bhubaneswar amongst others.
Nearest Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair