Ross Island is a small island located in Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It’s a popular tourist destination known for its historical significance and natural beauty. In this post, I’ll share my experience visiting Ross Island, how to get there, what you can see and do, and whether it’s worth a visit.
Ross Island Highlights:
- Easy to reach by ferry from Port Blair.
- Abundant old world charm with the British ruins.
- Got to see wildlife up close which was a highlight.
- Overall a great way to spend half a day exploring a unique island.
I do not typically enjoy commercial and built up spaces. According to my philosophies, I prefer to experience natural attractions in their raw, untouched form. Well, after coming to the Andaman Islands, I realized this philosophy does not apply in every case. The Andaman Islands boast pristine beaches, exotic wildlife, and lush rain forests. However, to protect these natural wonders, some commercial development is necessary. Though I still seek out remote, unspoiled areas, I learned to appreciate how sensitive development can actually aid conservation efforts. So I set aside my rigid expectations and focused on the islands’ natural beauty.
The journey to reach the remote Ross Island was a thrilling experience that I will never forget. As our speedboat zipped across the shimmering blue coastal waters, I was captivated by the deep azure hue and gentle waves that seemed to stretch as far as the eye could see. With the salty sea air whipping through my hair and the roar of the engine drowning out all other sounds, I felt a wonderful sense of escape and adventure. We weaved between small, forested islands scattered across the seascape, each one rising from the water with sandy beaches ringing its edges. I imagined what tropical secrets lay hidden in their interiors. The drone of the motor and the rhythmic slap of water against the hull relaxed me into a blissful, almost meditative state. To me, they embodied the freedom and exhilaration of our voyage. When the craggy black rocks of Ross Island finally came into view after hours of peaceful cruising past uninhabited islets, I felt a tinge of disappointment that our journey was nearing its end. The thrill of exploring the open water had been profoundly rejuvenating.
What to See and Do on Ross Island:
we were excited to explore the remnants of this former British colonial outpost, including the crumbling architecture and ancient cannons that have endured through decades of neglect. As we wandered amongst the ruins, it was fascinating to imagine what life on the island might have been like during its heyday as a strategic military base. The diverse wildlife we spotted, like graceful peacocks and curious deer, added to the island’s exotic, tropical allure.
We took photo after photo of the picturesque scenery, with the handsome old lighthouse and its connecting bridge making an especially photogenic focal point.
Yet while the initial novelty was enjoyable, the commercialized atmosphere of the island soon began to bother me. The proliferation of electric tourist vans shuttling visitors around and ever-present coconut vendors catering to the crowds detracted from the historic site’s authenticity. But what disappointed me the most was seeing how the local deer have been conditioned to associate humans with food. Their eagerness to approach visitors in hopes of being fed coconut pieces seemed to diminish the very qualities of these wild creatures that we found so endearing. While Ross Island’s striking scenery and ruins still made for an interesting visit, I left wishing it could be experienced in a quieter, less commercialized way that would allow its history and natural environment to make a more powerful impression.
The stunning sunsets over the coastline is remarkable. Though more built up than I initially hoped, I captured stunning photographs by concentrating on the Ross Islands’ natural splendor rather than commercial spaces. With an open mind, I found lack of harmony between development and conservation. This trip taught me that compromise is not always necessary to experience nature’s marvels in their full glory. Though my philosophies still lean natural about eco tourism, if not done thoughtfully, can lack meaningful interactions with the environment. Ross Island makes for an interesting and scenic half day trip from Port Blair. For history buffs and nature lovers, it offers a perfect getaway to explore British architecture ruins, small museums, wildlife, and beaches. I would recommend keeping aside 3-4 hours to soak in the charm of this historic island.
What do you think?