A Walk Through History on the Abandoned Ross Island in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Exploring the abandoned Ross Island in the Andaman Islands

Ross Island, preserved heritage site of India, is one of the most intriguing historical places to visit in the Andaman Islands. Located off the coast of Port Blair, the island paints a vivid picture of its British and Japanese past with its overgrown colonial buildings, ancient churches, and crumbling bunkers. For history enthusiasts and heritage travelers, Ross Island offers a unique experience of exploring haunting ruins and tropical landscapes.
At first glance, I was transported to Cambodia. The ancient British architecture on Ross Island in the Andaman Sea, now ruined and covered in the roots of massive trees, transported me back in time. 

Ruins engulfed by trees in Ross Island, Andaman and Nicobar

I’ve been drawn to ruins - places where time stands still and every crumbling wall whispers a forgotten story. Ruins don’t just show us what remains, they invite us to imagine what once was, making every visit a quiet, reflective journey into the past.

Ruins engulfed by trees in Ross Island, Andaman and Nicobar

​The history of Ross Island spans centuries, with British and Japanese inhabiting it before the era of independence. The British established a residential colony on the island, constructing houses, a church, a bakery, stores, and a swimming pool that now lie in ruins. During World War II, the Japanese occupied the island, leaving behind remnants of their bunkers strategically placed throughout. After the war, the island was returned to British control. However, an earthquake in recent years caused fear among the inhabitants, leading them to flee and abandon the island. 

Ruins engulfed by trees in Ross Island, Andaman and Nicobar

The church stands beautifully amidst the roots of wild Ficus.

Ruined church in Ross Island, Andaman and Nicobar

​The island is quite small, and one can easily walk around it in a couple of hours.

Forest in Ross Island, Andaman and Nicobar

​Densely covered with towering wild trees, the location was surrounded by the beautiful Andaman Sea, making it a scenic haven for the British to reside.

Ruins engulfed by trees in Ross Island, Andaman and Nicobar

​The island appears more captivating when the wildlife roams freely. The peacocks strut confidently against the ruins.

Peacocks and Ruins engulfed by trees in Ross Island, Andaman and Nicobar

​The baby spotted deer kept shying away from me and hiding behind the trees.

Spotted Deers in Ross Island, Andaman and Nicobar

My trip to the Andaman Islands was for a specific purpose, to get my Advanced Open Water SCUBA Diving certification. I spent a week at Havelock Island.
I was glad I made a short detour to Ross Island before departing from Port Blair. Otherwise, I would have missed out on something truly beautiful.

​How to reach Ross Island from Port Blair

Ross Island is just 2 km away from Port Blair. It takes 10-15 minutes of a ferry ride to reach Ross Island.
Ferries to Ross Island are available from Aberdeen Jetty, Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex.
Ferry timings To Ross Island: 08:30, 09:30, 10:30, 12:30 and 14:30 hours (closed on Wednesdays)
Return ferries to Port Blair depart at: 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00 hours.
The ferry timings mentioned here are subject to change.

​Where to stay in Port Blair

Lalaji’s Bay View is undoubtedly the best place to stay in Port Blair. It boasts a rooftop cafe overlooking the sea, and the basic rooms are available at affordable rates. Aberdeen Jetty, just a 10-minute walk away, offers a variety of attractions.

Lalaji's Bay View, Port Blair