Ross Island, now renamed Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island, is a small island located just 3 km east of Port Blair in the Andaman Islands. It was previously the capital and administrative headquarters of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands under British colonial rule from 1858 to 1941.The island has a rich history - it was first occupied by the British in 1782 and served as a penal colony, with the British constructing various administrative buildings, a church, and other infrastructure. After an earthquake in 1941, the island was abandoned by the British and later taken over by the Japanese during World War II.Today, the island is a popular tourist attraction, known for its well-preserved ruins and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the remnants of the British-era buildings, now overgrown with vegetation, as well as spot free-roaming spotted deer and peacocks. However, no civilian settlements are allowed on the island, which is administered by the Indian Navy.The island can only be accessed by boat or ferry from the Water Sports Complex in Port Blair, with the journey taking around 15 minutes. The best time to visit is from October to March when the weather is pleasant.
North Bay Island, on the other hand, is a separate island located north of Port Blair. It is a popular tourist destination known for its water sports and coral reefs. Some key facts about North Bay Island:
It is situated about 4 km from Port Blair and can be reached by a 45-minute boat ride from Aberdeen Jetty.
The island is famous for activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, glass bottom boat rides, and sea walking. It has a rich underwater marine life and coral formations.
There are no overnight accommodations on the island, but visitors can spend a few hours exploring the beach and participating in water sports.
The island's iconic lighthouse has been featured on the back of the old Indian Rs. 20 note.
The best time to visit is between November and May to avoid the monsoon season.
So in summary, while Ross Island and North Bay Island are both popular tourist destinations in the Andaman archipelago, they are distinct islands with different attractions and histories. North Bay Island is known primarily for its water sports and natural beauty, while Ross Island has historical significance as the former colonial capital.
