 Ross Island is presently known for ruins of some prominent structures which are some of the remnants of the erstwhile capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is one of the prominent tourist spots of Andaman and Nicobar Islandwhich was the erstwhile capital of the island. It is a small island with the treasure of ruins which can be reached by small boats from Phoenix Bay jetty.
Location of Ross Island Ross Island is situated 3 kilometres east from downtown Port Blair. The island belongs to the Port Blair Islands and lies in the entrance of Port Blair. History of Ross Island The 1857 Revolt forced the British to turn to Andaman. This island remained under British activity and it remained as the Administrative Headquarters for the Andaman Islands for 85 years before an earthquake rocked it in 1941. In January 1858, British took control of three islands in and around Port Blair. It is named after the marine surveyor Captain Daniel Ross. The Island saw 24 chief commissioners after Stewart. Before the Japanese take-over of the entire set of islands, Ross Island experienced an earthquake, which caused a lot of people to leave the Island. The headquarters were then shifted to Port Blair. From 1942 to 1945, the island was occupied by the Japanese and they too left their mark on the island. In April 1979, the island was handed over to the Navy. Attraction of Ross Island The scenic beauty and landscape of Ross Island attracts a number of tourists. Ross Island has a passageway up to the northern end of the Island and there is the new concrete 10 metres high circular lighthouse tower located which was constructed in 1977. The tower is accessible for the period of the low wave. It was at this lighthouse that photo voltaic panels were introduced for the first time in India, to charge the batteries for the operation of light. The Island has deep forests. Deer and peacocks are mostly found in the island and the island is full of palm and coconut trees. There are a lot of historical contexts connected with the island. It still has the remains of the famous printing press that was located here and the secretariat office. Along with the Commissioner's house the Island also has the ruins of a church, and grand ballrooms with some well built swimming pools and troop's barricades. All turned into ruins after the severe earthquake that struck the Island in 1945 - 46. As the evacuation of the Island continued it once again came into prominence when Subhash Chandra Bose hoisted Indian Flag on the Island. There is also a sanctuary on the island which has a number of animals. Visiting Information of Ross Island Ferry takes around 15 minutes to reach at Ross Island from Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex located at Andaman. (Last Updated on : 09-04-2018) |
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