Ross Island Tourism And Travel Guide

The name Ross Island was conferred on this gorgeous isle in honor of the good work of Captain Daniel Ross, a marine surveyor of the colonial era. The island has borne the scrutiny of several instrumental events of the colonial era and India’s freedom struggle. The Light and Sound Show put up by renowned artists on a daily basis reverberates a patriotic fervor within tourists till date.

This island has been bestowed with fabulous sceneries and radiant surroundings. At one point in time, the colonial powers had been successful in modernizing the facilities and culture of this island. These efforts meant that Ross Island earned the title of “The Paris of the East” in those days. Tourism in Ross Island not only allows tourists to relax and rejuvenate themselves, but also offers splendid opportunities to discover relics of the past era. Let us walk through this travel guide to learn more about Ross Island.

By Air:

Airways is an accelerated way of getting to Ross Island. Flights from other parts of the country and the globe ply to the city of Port Blair on a frequent basis. Separated by approximately 4 km from Ross Island, the Veer Savarkar International Airport, also famous as Port Blair Airport, provides ample connectivity to this isolated isle. Once at Port Blair, tourists can book a helicopter to fly over to Ross Island. If tourists prefer inexpensive prospects, then the local ferries are the best way to reach Ross Island from here.

By Road:

Located around 2 km away from Port Blair, Ross Island enjoys good connectivity options from this city to its shores. The local means of transport such as buses, commute between Port Blair and the jetties, from where you can take a ferry to Ross Island. 

By Water:

Travelling to Ross Island involves travelling across serene waters of the Andaman Sea. Set apart from the rest of the Andaman And Nicobar Islands, Ross Island cuts a solitary figure in the middle of the sea. Tourists can rent a local ferry or hire a luxurious cruise boat to reach this island from Port Blair. The two prominent jetties that provide access to Ross Island include Phoenix Bay Jetty and Aberdeen Jetty. The journey is short and pleasing to the eye with the resplendent landscapes greeting tourists.

The winter and monsoon seasons offer better entertainment prospects for tourists that visit Ross Island. The otherwise excruciatingly humid climate subsides, allowing visitors to explore the island with ease. With its tropical essence affecting the weather, temperatures in Ross Island mostly stay between 20°C and 35°C.

Summer (March to May):

The climate regularly ranges between 25°C and 35°C during summer season. With equatorial proximity, Ross Island witnesses sweltering heat throughout the summer period of the year. Although the steaming climate is hard to contend with, some brave tourists also visit this island during this season to get tanned in bright daylight and explore the isle.

Monsoon (June to September):

The monsoons in Ross Island witness a truckload of precipitation. The weather does turn a bit pleasant due to such heavy rainfall. Temperatures keep wavering between 20°C and 30°C. The downpour gives life to splendid vegetation on the isle, which in turn feeds the selective animals that roam about the island. This is one of the preferred times of the year to explore Ross Island.

Winter (October to February):

Winter is the finest season of the year to venture into Ross Island’s captivating tourism spots. Pleasant weather beckons those who visit the island, giving ample opportunities to dive into the waters and get up close and personal with the marine life. Tourists find great comfort while exploring Ross Island during the winter season.

Antique Remnants of the Colonial Lifestyle:

Ross Island functioned as the centre of operations for the penal colony that the British had set up for more than 80 years. The British inhabited this island during those days, adding a touch of their cultural aspects to the monumental relics that grace this island. There are several ruins of the colonial era, such as club houses, a cemetery, the officer’s quarters, and an ancient Presbyterian church. It is truly a historian’s paradise. A visit to these intriguing historical remnants is sure to help tourists travel back in time and relive those days when Ross Island hustled and bustled with the vibrant banter of these colonial inhabitants.

Enthralling Watersports:

Ross Island offers visitors with a golden opportunity to witness pristine marine life at their very best. Tourists can satisfy their adventurous desires by taking up activities such as sea walking and scuba diving. Institutes lying in the vicinity actually provide special training to keep tourists well equipped when under water. Sea walking is a unique activity, wherein you climb down a ladder to get under water and walk along with these magnificent creatures. You can watch them glide past you while you admire them. Some lucky tourists could even have these aquatic beauties feed on some delicious food off their hands.

Incredible Natural Phenomena:

Owing to its reputation as an isolated isle, Ross Island’s natural wonders remain pure and unblemished. The stunning Ferar Beach adds to the appealing aura of this spotless island. Tourists would love to just soak up some bright tan on the gorgeous sands of this beach. The island also boasts of a beautiful reserve of eye-catching animals such as the spotted deer and dazzling peacocks. The peacocks are on the shy side, so it would require some effort to catch a glimpse of these gorgeous birds. On the other hand, the deer of Ross Island are easy to get along with. The island also hosts a sanctuary with some interesting plant animal species on display for visitors. Ross Island is studded with dense creepers and sky-scraping coconut trees, which further glamorize this abandoned island’s natural allure.