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. I love ruins as they always have some story to tell. 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. The church stands beautifully amidst the roots of wild Ficus. The island is quite small and one can walk around it in a couple of hours. Its densely covered with huge wild trees and surrounded by the beautiful andaman sea, which made a scenic location for the British to live. The island looks prettier with the wildlife moving around freely. The peacocks walked with pride against the ruins The baby spotted-deers kept shying away from me and hid behind the trees. 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. Read more on my experience in Andaman Islands:
7 Comments
jayesh kotecha
12/10/2016 12:35:10
Columbus of 2016......
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1/4/2017 12:29:05
Guides are available if you want to understand some interesting historical facts about this place. Else, you have enough signboards and necessary information on boards to explore this island on your own
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Thanks for the informative article. The schedules for the boat keeps on changing at regular intervals which includes the pricing too. Its always good to check and book one day before you board the ferry to the Ross Island by visiting the Water Sports complex in Port Blair.
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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! Quite fond of the natural & cultural diversity of India, I've travelled extensively in my own country before exploring international destinations. I had left my 9+ yrs of career in Software Industry in a quest to make a living out of my passions. I packed my basics in my car (gave away the rest) and lived in different parts of Himachal Pradesh for 16 months. This invaluable time taught me to experience life from a broader perspective. I'm currently living in Mumbai to work with an Adventure Travel company as a product manager for Scuba Diving. I continue living a minimalistic life. RavenousLegs on FaceBookRavenousLegs on InstagramRavenousLegs on TwitterRecent PostsAnnapurna Base Camp Trek from Ghandruk Village - the shortest route to ABC Trek
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