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Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island: Echoes of Colonial India

Explore colonial ruins and poignant history at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island, a short ferry ride from Port Blair in the Andamans.

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Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island, formerly known as Ross Island, is a historically significant island near Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Once the administrative headquarters of the British, it now stands as a captivating ruin, offering a glimpse into colonial life and India's freedom struggle. Explore the remnants of British architecture overtaken by nature, roam with friendly deer, and witness a moving sound and light show.

A brief summary to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island, Port Blair

  • MQG7+438, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 744104, IN
  • +913192232694
  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 8 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit between October and March for the best weather and uninterrupted ferry services.
  • Allow 1 to 2 hours for your visit to explore the island's key attractions.
  • Catch the Sound and Light show in the evening to witness the history of the island come to life.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the island's ruins and natural trails.
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Getting There

  • Ferry

    The most common way to reach Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island is by ferry from Port Blair. Ferries depart from Aberdeen Jetty at the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex. The boat ride takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Round-trip tickets cost around ₹370 per person. Ferries are available every 30-45 minutes. Be aware that the island is closed on Wednesdays.

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Discover more about Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island, Port Blair

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island, a short ferry ride from Port Blair, is a poignant reminder of British colonial rule in the Andaman Islands. Originally named Ross Island after marine surveyor Captain Daniel Ross, it served as the administrative center for the British from 1858 until 1942. The island was meticulously developed with bungalows, a church, a hospital, and other amenities, reflecting a luxurious colonial lifestyle. However, this prosperity was built on the dark reality of Kalapani, the infamous penal colony where Indian freedom fighters were exiled. The island's strategic location also made it a site of conflict during World War II when the Japanese occupied the Andamans. In 1941, an earthquake led the British to abandon the island and shift their headquarters to Port Blair. Over time, nature has reclaimed the island, with banyan trees entwining the ruins, creating a unique blend of history and wilderness. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of the British settlement, including the Government House, church, and other colonial structures. The island is also home to diverse flora and fauna, including deer, peacocks, and various bird species. The island features two museums: the Ross Island Museum and the Smritika Museum, which offer insights into the island's past. In the evening, a sound and light show narrates the island's history, bringing its past to life. In 2018, Ross Island was renamed Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island to honor the Indian freedom fighter.

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