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. 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. 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. The church stands beautifully amidst the roots of wild Ficus. The island is quite small, and one can easily walk around it in a couple of hours. 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. The island appears more captivating when the wildlife roams freely. The peacocks strut confidently against the ruins. The baby spotted deer kept shying away from me and hiding behind the trees. 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.
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AUTHORNamaste! I'm Medhavi Davda.
I travel to Evolve.. In Nature, I confide.. I find my calling in the Himalayas.. In the Oceans, I meditate.. A High-Altitude Trekker & PADI certified SCUBA Diver, I love exploring the heights and depths of the planet with my regular doses of mountains and oceans. Discovering myself & life through nature, adventures, travels, sports and dance has been an addiction since my existence! Recent PostsRavenousLegs on InstagramRavenousLegs on FaceBookRavenousLegs on X |