Cellular Jail, Andaman And Nicobar Islands Travel Guide

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Explore the poignant history of India's freedom struggle at the Cellular Jail, a colonial-era prison turned national memorial in Port Blair.

The Cellular Jail in Port Blair, also known as 'Kala Pani,' is a historic colonial prison that stands as a haunting reminder of India's struggle for independence. Built by the British in the early 20th century, it housed numerous political prisoners and freedom fighters who endured immense suffering. Today, it serves as a national memorial, preserving the stories of sacrifice and patriotism.

A brief summary to Cellular Jail

Port Blair, Atlanta Point, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 744104, IN
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Monday 9 am-12 pm
Tuesday 9 am-12 pm
Wednesday 9 am-12 pm
Thursday 9 am-12 pm
Friday 9 am-12 pm
Saturday 9 am-12 pm
Sunday 9 am-12 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Cellular Jail.

Visit the Cellular Jail Museum to view exhibits of artifacts, photographs, and documents detailing the lives and struggles of the freedom fighters imprisoned here.
Attend the Light and Sound Show in Hindi or English to witness a dramatic retelling of the jail's history and the sacrifices of its inmates; book tickets in advance.
Photography is allowed in most areas, but avoid taking pictures of the gallows and prison cells out of respect for the site's solemnity.
The jail is closed on Mondays and national holidays; plan your visit accordingly.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From central Port Blair, take a local bus towards Atlanta Point. Buses are a budget-friendly option for reaching Cellular Jail. Alight at the Cellular Jail bus stop, which is a short walk from the entrance. The bus fare is approximately ₹10-20.
Taxi/Auto-rickshaw

Hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw from anywhere in Port Blair. These are readily available and can take you directly to the Cellular Jail. Negotiate the fare beforehand; a typical ride from the city center costs around ₹150-₹250. Note that parking is not available at the monument, so your driver will have to park elsewhere.
Walking

If you are near Aberdeen Bazaar or the Water Sports Complex, Cellular Jail is within walking distance (approximately 2 km). Walk northeast towards Atlanta Point; the jail is easily visible on a small hill. This is a free option, but be prepared for a 20-30 minute walk.

Discover more about Cellular Jail

The Cellular Jail, or 'Kala Pani' (Black Water), in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is a historically significant monument symbolizing India's fight for independence. Constructed between 1896 and 1906 by the British, it served as a colonial prison primarily for political prisoners and revolutionaries. The remote location of the Andaman Islands made it an ideal place for the British to exile those who threatened their rule.The jail's design, comprising seven wings radiating from a central tower, was intended to ensure solitary confinement, preventing communication among inmates. Each wing had three stories with a total of 696 small cells. Freedom fighters such as Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Batukeshwar Dutt and Yogendra Shukla were imprisoned here, enduring harsh conditions, forced labor, and torture. The term 'Kala Pani' not only reflected the geographical isolation but also the immense suffering experienced within its walls.Following India's independence in 1947, the Cellular Jail was recognized as a National Memorial in 1969 and dedicated to the nation in 1979. While an earthquake and subsequent demolitions have left only three of the original wings intact, the site continues to evoke the resilience and sacrifices of India's freedom fighters. Visitors can explore the museum, which displays artifacts and stories from the independence movement and witness the moving Light and Sound Show that recreates the prisoners' experiences. The eternal Flame of Freedom burns as a tribute to the martyrs.