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3 ISLANDS || ROSS ISLAND – NORTH BAY ISLAND – VIPER ISLAND, ANDAMAN
1. ROSS ISLAND (Paris of the East)
Ross Island, Port Blair is in the Andaman Islands of India. Ross island was named after marine surveyor, Daniel Ross. It is a beautiful destination to visit when in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This is a lovely place to tour if you want to make a day out it by traversing for hours amidst its historical importance. Ross Island was the headquarters of the British colony and today it houses its ruins of the buildings that were built during the British time. The Islands century old trees have captured few important landmarks by its wild vines, roots, and trunks like the Officers Quarters and rundown Church of the British times.
ROSS ISLAND
Besides, some must-visit attractions in Ross Island are like the Chief Commissioner’s house, the Cathedral, and Graveyard of the Britishers. Today, if you visit the Island you will see the state of the art light and sound show commissioned by the tourism department to keep alive the vibes of the past. However, when in Ross Island, you are bound to get a great panoramic view of the nearby Island and get a chance to see a number of animals like peacocks, deers, and ducks amidst the cool breeze and the amazing view of the sea.
In December 2018, it was renamed as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island as a tribute to Subhas Chandra Bose.
How to Reach?
Getting to Ross Island is not a difficult task, there is plenty of ferry ride from Marine Park, Port Blair. To cover the entire Island in a day, it is wise to take a ferry in the morning and return back in the afternoon because the ferries run from 7 am to 3 pm.
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(Click on the photo to see full view)
2. NORTH BAY ISLAND (Coral Island)
At a distance of 28 km by ferry from Port Blair, North Bay Island is an island lies north of Port Blair in Andaman & Nicobar Islands. This island is famous for its beaches and mainly for water sports activities. This island is also one of the most visited places in the Andaman Islands.
North Bay Beach (Coral Island)
North Bay Island is a lovely place to go for a day trip. This is one of the uninhabited islands of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The wide array of water activities available at the island attracts more tourists to this beautiful place. Almost all kinds of water sports activities like jet ski, speed boat ride, snorkeling, and underwater sea walk can be covered here.
The corals at North Bay are spread over a large area. During snorkeling one can spot many species of fish, often lobsters and even clams on the coral reef. One can also trek to see the Lighthouse in the North Bay Island. However, sometimes the lighthouse is closed for outside travelers.
How to Reach?
North Bay Island can be reached by 30 – 40 minutes ferry ride from Port Blair Jetty or Marina Park. Most of the boats leave by 9 AM in the morning and they only come back by 3 PM. The boat timings can be changed according to the season and tourist traffic.
Image Gallary
(Click on the photo to see full view)
3. VIPER ISLAND
Viper Island is a small, beautiful and serene island located 23.6 kilometers from Port Blair, the capital city of the Indian territory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Covering a surface area of 69 acres, the island got its name from the ship in which Archibald Blair, a British colonial officer, came to the islands to set up a penal settlement in 1789. The ship got wrecked and was abandoned near the island. There is also another theory that says that the island’s name comes from the many viper snakes found on the island. These vipers are one of the main reasons why the island is so sparsely populated.
Before the famous Cellular prison was built in 1906, the colonialists used Viper Island jail. The jail was built in 1867 to hold Indian freedom fighters, and its construction was supervised by a British officer called Barnet Ford. The Indian freedom fighters who were held on Viper island jail underwent horrendous suffering, and convicts who violated the rules were made to work while chained on the island.
Viper Island Andaman & Nicobar
Due to such horrible working conditions, the jail was called the Viper chain gang jail. Historical documents record the torture that Indian royals (maharajahs) and peasants were subjected to as they tried to end British rule. Jail-life was characterized by whipping stands, lock-ups, and solitary cells. Visitors flock to Viper Island to see the ruins of the jail and experience this history.
In addition to its historical importance, the island’s serenity and captivating grandeur is another big draw for tourists. The numerous coconut plantations enhance the island’s scenic beauty. Viper Island is perfect for picnicking or just basking on the sunny beach. Due to its clear waters, swimming and snorkeling enthusiasts will thoroughly enjoy its facilities. With its low population, visitors can also take walks and enjoy its mesmerizing beauty and fascinating, pristine fauna and flora. This also makes it ideal for photography. Another popular tourist attraction is a hill which has gallows where the colonialists’ hanged female prisoners. Because of its tranquility, Viper Island is also popular with couples who are on honeymoon.
How to Reach?
The island is accessible by boat from phoenix bay jetty and the journey takes 20 minutes. There are also cruise services which provide visitors with tours to various parts of the island including the prison.
