The Birth of Cellular Jail: A Colonial Nightmare

Constructed between 1896 and 1906 by the British, the Cellular Jail was designed to exile and isolate India’s freedom fighters and political prisoners. It was meant to break spirits and isolate inmates from the mainland and from each other. The prison had seven wings radiating from a central tower like a spoke of a wheel, each with rows of individual cells—thus earning the name Cellular Jail.

Over 600 prisoners could be held in solitary confinement, ensuring no communication, no solidarity, and no uprising. Many legendary freedom fighters like Veer Savarkar, Batukeshwar Dutt, and Yogendra Shukla were imprisoned here. The conditions were harsh, inhumane, and torturous, yet it became a symbol of endurance and sacrifice.

Life Inside Kala Pani

The term Kala Pani translates to "Black Water," and for good reason. Inmates were subjected to hard labor — from oil extraction using primitive methods to road construction — under oppressive surveillance. Flouting rules or refusal to work often led to beatings, starvation, and solitary confinement in even more horrific conditions.

Yet, despite the cruelty, the spirit of freedom among these brave prisoners did not die. Instead, it became a fire that would fuel India’s independence struggle on the mainland.

Cellular Jail Today: A National Memorial

In 1969, the Indian Government declared Cellular Jail a National Memorial, ensuring that future generations would never forget the sacrifices made by India’s brave sons. Today, it houses:

• A well-maintained Freedom Fighters Museum

• A Light and Sound Show that narrates the jail’s dark past

• Galleries showcasing artifacts, photos, and documents

• Access to Veer Savarkar’s cell and others like it

It stands not only as a reminder of British atrocities but as a temple of resilience, courage, and India’s hard-earned freedom.

The Light and Sound Show: An Emotional Experience

Every evening, the Light and Sound Show at the jail narrates the painful stories of inmates, the birth of the jail, and its role in the independence movement. With dramatic lighting, powerful narration (in both Hindi and English), and patriotic music, this show transports you back in time. It is one of the most emotionally moving attractions in the Andamans and a must-attend for all visitors.

Timings & Entry Fees

• Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM (Closed on National Holidays)

• Light & Sound Show Timings: Varies between 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM depending on the season

• Entry Fee: Nominal fees for both general visit and show (discounts for students and Indian nationals)

It is advisable to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons (October to March).

Why You Should Visit Cellular Jail

1. Pay Tribute: Honoring the freedom fighters is every Indian's privilege.

2. Educational Value: A powerful lesson in history, politics, and human rights.

3. Architectural Significance: Colonial-style prison design with a unique layout.

4. Cultural Insight: Understand the lesser-known stories of India’s past.

5. Emotional Connection: The stories echo patriotism, pain, and pride.

How to Reach Cellular Jail

The Cellular Jail is located in Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. You can reach Port Blair by:

• Flights from major Indian cities like Chennai, Kolkata, and Delhi

• Ships from Chennai, Kolkata, and Vizag (takes 3–4 days, for those seeking adventure)

From the airport, the Cellular Jail is just about 15 minutes by road. Local taxis, autos, or pre-booked transport arranged by Andaman Discover are easily available.

Nearby Attractions

• Corbyn’s Cove Beach – A relaxing beach just 8 km from the jail

• Ross Island – A short ferry ride takes you to British colonial ruins

• Anthropological Museum – Offers insight into the indigenous tribes of Andaman

• Chatham Saw Mill – One of Asia’s oldest and largest sawmills

Pair your visit to Cellular Jail with these nearby sites for a wholesome historical and cultural experience.

Why Travel with Andaman Discover?

Andaman Discover is not just a tour operator — it’s your local connection to the islands. With over a decade of experience, we offer:

• Expert local guides who bring stories to life

• Custom tour packages covering Cellular Jail, beaches, water sports & more

• Time-efficient itineraries to cover multiple attractions in a day

• 24/7 support for all your travel needs

• ✅ Hassle-free bookings for tickets, ferries, accommodations, and permits

We believe every traveler should see the Andamans not just for their beauty, but also for their soul-stirring history.

Book Your Journey Into History

If you're planning a trip to the Andaman Islands, make sure that a visit to Cellular Jail is at the top of your list. It’s not just a tourist stop — it’s an experience that will stay with you long after you leave.

Book with Andaman Discover | Andaman's Local Tour Operator
Mr. Gourav: +91-8900900011 | ✉️ info@andamandiscover.com
Miss Kalpana: +91-8900900022 | ✉️ b2b@andamandiscover.com
Website: www.andamandiscover.com
Address: Opp. Unique Hotel, Dollygunj, Port Blair, South Andaman, A & N Islands (UT) INDIA - 744103

Come walk through the echoes of India’s freedom struggle. Let history speak to you at Cellular Jail.