Now it is time to discuss the places you can see on Ross island and things you can do here for your enjoyment.
- Live History Inside the Ruins
One of the most charming things about this island is that here you will find some of the oldest structures built by the Britishers and the Japanese. India’s rich history before independence awaits you inside the remains of the Ross Island buildings. When Britishers occupied Andaman and Nicobar islands, they used this island as a place to oversee the proceedings of other islands. Once, this was the residence of the chief commissioner of the Andaman and Nicobar islands. You will be in awe to learn that the construction of the cellular jail was supervised by Ross island. You can spot the ruins of the following buildings
- Church
- Government House
- Chief Commissioner’s residence
- Printing press
- Water treatment plants
- Garden spread over a large area
- Pond
All these were abandoned long ago and now stand to remind us about the past. The church we have already mentioned here is one of the most prominent remnants of British rule in the Andaman and Nicobar islands. This ancient-looking Presbyterian Church was built entirely out of rock. Even now, you can spot several windows made using teak, which has withstood the test of time. Even now, if you look out of the church’s windows, you will get a breathtakingly beautiful view of the entire island.
Another thing you can hardly miss spotting on the island is the magnificent-looking bungalow built for the Chief Commissioner. Though few parts of the bungalow remain, proving how glorious the entire structure used to look. Inside the bungalow, you will find the structures mentioned earlier. The likes include large ballrooms, huge bedrooms, dining halls, serenely beautiful Amalia gardens, and long strips of walking paths. We hope that now you understand why we insist you pay a visit to the ruins of Ross Island.
- Get Mesmerized by the Light and Sound Show
The light and sound show is designed to showcase the past history of this island. It will take you back in time, and you can witness how every single structure on the island was built after proper planning. The show’s show’s primary subject is how the entire penal settlement took place and how the Britishers controlled the Andaman as a whole and Nicobar islands from this single island. Alongside all these, the show also exhibits how sumptuous the Chief Commander’s Commander’s life was. Last but not least, in the presentation, you can also observe the sufferings faced by the Indian freedom fighters inside the Cellular Jail of Andaman. All the workers who built the brick-by-brick were thrown into jail afterward. This tragedy has also been depicted beautifully in the light and sound show.
- Enjoy a Nature Walk Inside the Sanctuary
Right at the island’s heart is a sanctuary filled with wild animals and birds. The entire sanctuary is protected and well-maintained by the Central Government of India. Deers and peacocks are present here in large numbers, and all these animals live inside a reticent area. The animals can come out of this area to play with humans. Suppose you feel comfortable getting in close contact with these animals and birds. In that case, you should definitely pay a visit to the sanctuary. The population of peacocks and deers are increasing with time due to the continued supervision of the caretaker. Never try to feed or cause harm to the animals and birds inside the sanctuary. Alongside this sanctuary, there is also a marine sanctuary. The marine sanctuary is named after Mahatma Gandhi. You can spot many marine species, including sea turtles and endangered coral reefs. The underwater life will surely leave you spellbound.
These interconnected man caves were built during colonial rule to protect the British officials residing on the island. They were constructed so British officials could escape the place in times of crisis. You should take the help of a guide before entering these man caves for your safety and swift movement.
The place is exactly what the name suggests. It is a large pond, and there are some tall trees surrounding the pond. You can also spot some ruins around the lake. The lake is 15 minutes away from the dropping point. Find your comfy place here, sit back and relax.
There are several huts and sheds across the island. You can catch a breather here, and also, you can make your experience better by having lunch amid tall trees and smaller shrubs. You can also expect some visitors while having lunch. Don’t Don’t worry; you will be visited by some exotic bird species.