Set up by the British administration in the 1780s and named after marine surveyor Captain Daniel Ross, Ross Island features old houses, a church, a market, stores, a bakery, a swimming pool, tennis courts, a hospital, a cemetery, and other buildings. However, as the island is now abandoned, the tropical tree roots are taking over.
One of the Andaman Islands, Ross Island belongs to the South Andaman administrative district and is situated just 3 km (2 mi) east from downtown Port Blair. In 1857 the British setup Ross Island Penal Colony, and then this island became the Administrative Headquarters for the Andaman Islands until 1941. The most luxurious building on the island— the Chief Commissioner’s residence—had large gardens, grand ballrooms, and reception halls.
In 1942 during World War II, the Japanese invaded the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. One year before that, Ross Island experienced a major earthquake, after which the Island was almost abandoned. The allies reoccupied the island in 1945 but didn't stay there, so the main residents of Ross Island are deer and peacocks that wander among the forest of palm and coconut trees.
The best time to visit Ross Island is from November through March.
Practical info
When was Ross Island established, and who established it?
Captain Daniel Ross, a marine surveyor, gave the island the name Ross Island, and the British administration founded it in the 1780s. The island became the center of administration for the Andaman Islands until 1941. Show more
What is the geographical location of Ross Island?
Ross Island belongs to the South Andaman administrative district and is situated in the Bay of Bengal, to the east of the Indian mainland. It is one of the Andaman Islands and is located only 3 km (2 mi) east of Port Blair's downtown area. Show more
What happened to Ross Island during the Japanese invasion?
The Japanese invaded the Andaman and Nicobar Islands during World War II, and the allies recaptured them in 1945 but left soon after. This resulted in the island being abandoned and overrun by nature, and as of today, it remains uninhabited by humans. Deer and peacocks are the island's primary residents. Show more
Who are the main inhabitants of Ross Island, and what else can be seen there?
Ross Island's main inhabitants are deer and peacocks. Apart from that, the island is home to various tropical trees such as palm and coconut trees. Visitors may wander around the abandoned buildings, which are now surrounded and overtaken by nature. Show more
What can be said about the history of the Chief Commissioner's residence?
The Chief Commissioner's house, which was the most luxurious building on the island, had grand ballrooms, reception halls, and vast gardens. Damaged in World War II, it was never restored and lies in ruins today. Visitors can explore the remains of the house and contemplate what life was like in such a grand structure. Show more
