Subhash Chandra Bose (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose) Dweep Island, formerly known as Ross Island, was established as the residential headquarters for the British administration of the Indian Penal Settlement in the Andaman Islands. It is now completely abandoned. Old houses, a church, a bazaar, stores, a big swimming pool, and a small hospital are still standing, albeit their brick is slowly being replaced by the roots of wild Ficus plants.

A Quick Overview of Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island)

The Ross Island, originally named for Captain Daniel Ross, was renamed the "Netaji Shubash Chandra Bose Dweep" by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018. It is a modest location in the south Andaman district of Port Blair, and is only 5 kilometres from the Water Sports Complex, making it one of the most accessible inter-island destinations on your journey to the Andamans.

Although most of the sites in the Andaman are known for their beaches and, Ross Island adds a touch of history to your visit.

This island was originally occupied in 1782, when a sanatorium was built there, and then again in 1857, when the British occupied it for 85 years as an administrative headquarters. The British built several significant government offices on this prison settlement at this period, which were eventually abandoned following an earthquake in 1941.

The remnants of these historic structures, built by Indian inmates, are still visible at Ross, covered by thick roots of peepal and serie trees, transporting us to a bygone period.

Magnificent man-caves, a historic church, and a bleak past linked with this location give it a distinct mood that is unmatched in Andaman & Nicobar.

The protected forest, which is a refuge for a variety of birds and animals including peacocks and deer, adds to the allure of the experience for those who prefer walking around and enjoying their time in the lap of nature beneath the shade of large tropical trees.

The island's most distinguishing feature is that civilian settlements of any type are outlawed by the government, implying that there is no place to remain the night here and that everyone must depart before morning.