Ross And Smith Island

Port Blair | Discover the history and natural beauty of Ross and Smith Island - A paradise in the Andaman Sea. | Show on map

Quick Info

Visit Duration: 1-2 hours

Timings: all days (except Sunday) between 6am to 2pm.

Entry type: Paid

Entry Fee: 50

Entry Details: INR 50 for Indians and INR 500 for foreigners

summary

Ross and Smith Island is a beautiful tourist destination located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. The island is composed of two connected islands, Ross Island and Smith Island, which are separated by a narrow sandbar.

Ross Island has a rich history as the former administrative headquarters of the British during their colonial rule in India. It is now a popular tourist attraction known for its historical ruins and scenic beauty. On the other hand, Smith Island is a serene and pristine island known for its white sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and coral reefs.

Visitors to Ross and Smith Island can enjoy a range of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing. The island is accessible by ferry from Port Blair, the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and the ferry ride takes around two hours.

Overall, Ross and Smith Island offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for tourists visiting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Highlights of Ross And Smith Island

Historical ruins: Ross Island has a rich history as the former administrative headquarters of the British during their colonial rule in India. Visitors can see several colonial-era buildings, including a church, a bakery, and a cemetery. They can also explore the remains of a printing press, a swimming pool, and a tennis court.

Scenic beauty: Both Ross and Smith Island are known for their natural beauty. Smith Island is a serene and pristine island with white sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and coral reefs. Ross Island offers a stunning view of the sea and the surrounding forests.

Water activities: Visitors can indulge in a range of water activities on the island, such as swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing. The island is surrounded by crystal clear waters with a rich marine life, making it an ideal place for underwater activities.

Ferry ride: The ferry ride from Port Blair to Ross and Smith Island is a scenic journey in itself. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful view of the Andaman Sea, the lush green forests, and the occasional sightings of dolphins and other marine animals.

Overall, Ross and Smith Island offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a popular destination for tourists visiting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Ross And Smith Island Overview

Points Of Interest for Ross And Smith Island

The sandbar connecting Ross and Smith Island changes its shape and size depending on the tides. During high tides, the sandbar is submerged, making the two islands appear as separate entities.

Ross Island was also known as the "Paris of the East" due to its luxurious lifestyle and modern amenities during the British colonial rule. It had a cinema hall, a swimming pool, a club, and other facilities that were uncommon in other parts of India at that time.

Ross Island was abandoned by the British after the earthquake of 1941, which destroyed many of its buildings. The island is now maintained by the Indian Navy and the Archaeological Survey of India.

Smith Island is a turtle nesting ground, and visitors can sometimes see turtles hatching on the beach.

The waters surrounding Ross and Smith Island are home to a variety of marine life, including corals, fishes, and sea turtles. The island is a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiasts.

Ross and Smith Island is a plastic-free zone, and visitors are not allowed to carry any plastic items on the island. This is an initiative to preserve the natural beauty and protect the marine life of the island.

Best time to visit Ross And Smith Island

The best time to visit Ross and Smith Island is from October to May when the weather is pleasant, and the sea is calm. During this time, the temperature ranges from 20°C to 30°C, and the humidity is low, making it ideal for outdoor activities and water sports.

The monsoon season in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands starts from May and lasts until September, and during this time, the sea can be rough, and water sports may not be available due to safety reasons. The island may also experience heavy rainfall, making it difficult to explore the area.

Therefore, it is recommended to plan your trip to Ross and Smith Island during the dry season from October to May to enjoy the island's beauty and participate in various outdoor activities.