Ross Island
Colonial ruins reclaimed by the forest, a short boat ride from Port Blair.
Once the administrative headquarters of British India's penal colony, Ross Island is now a quiet ruin — old ballrooms and bungalows wrapped in the roots of banyan trees, with deer and peacocks wandering freely. It's typically combined with North Bay in a single half-day boat trip from Port Blair.
Why Visit Ross Island
- Genuinely atmospheric colonial ruins, not a reconstruction
- Easy half-day trip from Port Blair, usually paired with North Bay
- Resident deer and peacocks roaming the old grounds
Places to See
Old Chief Commissioner's House
The most photographed ruin on the island, now largely overtaken by banyan roots.
Ross Island Church ruins
A roofless colonial-era church, one of the island's best-preserved structures.
Things to Do
How to Reach
Government and private boats run from Port Blair's Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex; the crossing takes about 20 minutes.
Travel Tips
- Go early to avoid the midday heat while walking the open grounds.
- Combine with North Bay in one boat trip to save a return crossing.
Gallery
Ross Island FAQs
Yes, but it's most efficient as part of a combined Ross Island + North Bay boat trip, which we arrange as a standard add-on for any Port Blair stay.
Planning a trip to Ross Island?
Tell us your dates and we'll suggest the best-fit itinerary.
Packages Featuring Ross Island
Family Explorer
The full South Andaman circuit at a genuinely family-friendly pace.
Classic Leisure Tour
The complete Andaman introduction — every major South Andaman stop, plus Baratang, at a comfortable pace.
Exclusive Private Journey
A fully private, extended route built for groups and extended families who want the complete islands, at their own pace.
Nearby Destinations
Port Blair
Gateway to the Andamans — history, harbours and your first island evening.
Almost every Andaman trip begins and ends in Port Blair. It's the administrative capital, the only city with a commercial airport, and home to the Cellular Jail — the single most important historical site in the islands. Most travellers spend their first and last nights here, using it as a base for a city tour before heading out to Havelock or Neil.
Explore Port Blair →
North Bay Island
The most accessible reef near Port Blair — snorkelling, sea walk and glass-bottom boats.
North Bay is the easiest reef to reach from Port Blair, which makes it the default choice for travellers who want a water activity without heading all the way to Havelock. Snorkelling, sea walk and glass-bottom boat rides are all set up here, usually as a half-day trip combined with Ross Island.
Explore North Bay Island →
Havelock Island
Radhanagar Beach, reef diving and the island most people picture when they think 'Andaman'.
Havelock — officially Swaraj Dweep — is the reason most people come to the Andamans. Radhanagar Beach is routinely ranked among Asia's best, the reefs off Elephant Beach are the easiest in the islands to snorkel, and the dive schools here are the most established in the archipelago. It's a 90-minute to 2.5-hour ferry from Port Blair, and most itineraries give it the longest stay of any single island.
Explore Havelock Island →