The abandoned Ross Island in Andaman

The Ross Island in Andaman is one of the preserved heritage sites of India that was once occupied by the British and later by Japanese. At the first look of it, I felt I was in Cambodia. The ancient British architecture, now ruined and engulfed by the roots of huge trees on Ross Island in Andaman Sea, made me travel back in time. 

Ruins engulfed by trees in Ross Island, Andaman and Nicobar

I love ruins as they always have some story to tell.

Ruins engulfed by trees in Ross Island, Andaman and Nicobar

The story of Ross Island goes back into history where British and Japanese inhabited the island before the independence era.The British had made a residential colony on this island and built houses, church, bakery, stores, swimming pool which now remain in ruins. Japanese had taken over the island during the WWII, the island still has remnants of Japanese bunkers at strategic locations. After the WWII, the island was handed over back to the British. An earthquake in the past years scared the inhabitants and they fled away leaving the island abandoned. 

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 walk around it in a couple of hours.

Forest in Ross Island, Andaman and Nicobar

Its densely covered with huge wild trees and surrounded by the beautiful andaman sea, which made a scenic location for the British to live.

Ruins engulfed by trees in Ross Island, Andaman and Nicobar

The island looks prettier with the wildlife moving around freely. The peacocks walked with pride against the ruins

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

The baby spotted-deers kept shying away from me and hid behind the trees.

Spotted Deers in Ross Island, Andaman and Nicobar

My trip to Andaman Islands was for a specific purpose. I wanted to get my Advanced Open Water SCUBA Diving certification in Andaman Islands. I spent a week at the Havelock Island.
I was glad I made a short trip to Ross Island before I flew out of Port Blair. I would have missed out on something very beautiful otherwise.

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 are available at: 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00 hours

Where to stay in Port Blair:

Lalaji's Bay View is undoubtedly the best place in Port Blair. It has a the rooftop cafe overlooking the sea and the basic rooms are available for Rs.700-1200. Aberdeen Jetty is just 10 minutes walking distance from this guest house.

Lalaji's Bay View, Port Blair

Read more on my experience in Andaman Islands:

Havelock Island: what makes it special

Scuba Diving in Havelock Island