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If you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about the colonial past of the Andaman Islands, the History Buffs Trails to Ross Island tour offers a quick peek into a fascinating era. This three-hour guided walk takes you through the ruins of the once-bustling British settlement, with a knowledgeable guide sharing stories of the island’s past. It’s a compact experience, designed for those who love exploring historical sites on foot and enjoy a more intimate group setting.
What we like most about this tour is the chance to see some well-preserved remnants of Ross Island’s colonial architecture, including the old printing press building overtaken by peepal tree roots — a picture-perfect combination of decay and nature reclaiming history. However, a notable drawback is the inconsistent communication from the tour operator, as some reviews mention last-minute cancellations or difficulty reaching the organizers.
This experience is best suited for travelers who are keen on history, enjoy walking tours, and appreciate small-group settings where personal attention from guides is a priority. If you’re looking for a quick, inexpensive introduction to Ross Island’s past, this could be a good fit. But if you’re after a fully smooth, hassle-free experience, it’s worth considering the reviews before booking.
Key Points
- Historical insights: The guide shares stories and details that are hard to find on your own.
- Small group size: Ensures more personal attention and engaging conversations.
- Limited inclusions: No bottled water or snacks, so bring your own if needed.
- Variable communication: Some reviews report issues with organization and last-minute cancellations.
- Affordable price: At around $24 per person, it offers decent value for a guided walk.
- Flexible timing: Morning or afternoon options suit different schedules.
Introduction to Ross Island and Its Significance
Ross Island, also known as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island, is a captivating site for anyone interested in colonial-era architecture, military history, or Indian independence. Historically, it was once the British administrative hub in the Andamans and boasted facilities like markets, bakeries, a conference hall, and even a police station. Today, it’s a hauntingly beautiful ruin, with crumbling buildings and overgrown pathways that tell tales of a bygone era.
This tour isn’t about grand museums or polished exhibits; instead, it’s about walking through the remnants of this former British capital, with your guide narrating stories that bring the sights to life. We found that the historical details shared by the guide, such as the purpose of the printing press building and the significance of the armed soldier barracks, added depth to the experience.
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What the Tour Looks Like
The tour begins at the Phoenix Bay Jetty, where you meet your guide — a friendly, well-informed storyteller who speaks both English and Hindi. From there, you’re led on a walk through the island’s narrow lanes, passing by ruins and hidden corners that are not easily accessible or visible on your own.
The main stop is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island, more commonly called Ross Island. Here, your guide points out the most notable ruins, including the powerhouse and the printing press building, which is now a picturesque ruin overtaken by the roots of peepal trees. This spot is a favorite for photos thanks to its evocative, almost surreal, appearance.
The walk lasts about two hours, leaving you plenty of time to absorb the atmosphere and take photos. Since transportation is not included, most visitors opt for pre-arranged boat rides to the island, making this a good choice for those already exploring Port Blair or nearby islands.
The Guide’s Role in Enriching the Experience
One of the bright spots of this tour is the guide’s storytelling. Although individual guides may vary, reviews indicate that guides can be quite knowledgeable and friendly, sharing interesting anecdotes that add context to the ruins. Many reviews mention that the guide’s insights made the visit more engaging than a solo exploration.
However, some reviewers have expressed frustration about inconsistent communication from the operator, especially regarding last-minute cancellations or delays. One reviewer shared that they waited at the meeting point for 20 minutes, only to find that the guide or the tour company had not coordinated properly. It’s a reminder that, for this tour, confirming details and being flexible can go a long way.
What’s Included and What’s Not
The tour price of $24.31 per person covers the guided walk, access to hidden lanes, and the storytelling. It’s important to note that admission tickets to the island are not included**, so you’ll need to purchase these separately (which isn’t typically expensive). The tour also offers some practical benefits such as group discounts and a mobile ticket, making it convenient for tech-savvy travelers.
What’s missing are essentials like bottled water or snacks, so bringing your own refreshment is advisable, especially if you’re sensitive to the heat or plan on spending extra time exploring.
Timing and Group Size
You can choose between morning or afternoon departures, which offers flexibility depending on your schedule. The group size is capped at 15 travelers, fostering a more intimate environment where you can ask questions and get personalized stories. This small-group format is definitely a plus, especially if you enjoy engaging with your guide rather than walking in a large crowd.
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The Value Factor
Considering the cost and what’s included, the tour offers reasonable value for those interested in a guided historical walk. It’s not a comprehensive tour with museum visits or extensive site access, but it provides a thoughtful overview of Ross Island’s key sights and stories.
The main downside, as some reviews highlight, is the organisational hiccups. One reviewer pointed out that last-minute cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances (like the guide’s family emergency during the Covid wave) can happen. It’s wise to double-check your booking and stay in touch with the operator.
Authentic Insights from Past Travelers
One reviewer described Ross Island as “the skeleton of the erstwhile British capital,” emphasizing its evocative atmosphere. Others appreciated the guide’s stories about the island’s facilities and military presence, which aren’t always obvious just by walking around.
On the flip side, some felt the experience was too brief or lacked depth due to the limited time and scope. A common sentiment is that this is best suited for those with a genuine interest in history rather than casual travelers looking for a leisurely day.
This guided walking experience is perfect for history buffs and curious travelers who want a brief but meaningful glimpse into Ross Island’s past. It’s also ideal if you prefer small group tours that prioritize personal interaction and storytelling. Those who enjoy photography will love the chance to capture ruins overtaken by nature at just the right time of day.
However, travelers seeking a comprehensive, professionally organized tour with all logistics handled might find this experience lacking. The potential for last-minute cancellations or communication issues suggests it’s best to confirm your reservation and be flexible with plans.
In essence, the History Buffs Trails to Ross Island tour offers a compact, affordable way to step into the past of this once-thriving colonial settlement. While it has some organizational kinks, the chance to walk through ruins, hear stories from a knowledgeable guide, and capture striking photos makes it worthwhile—especially for history lovers.
If you’re interested in learning about Ross Island’s colonial roots and don’t mind the possibility of minor hiccups, this tour can be a rewarding addition to your Port Blair itinerary. Just remember to bring water, confirm your booking ahead of time, and keep your expectations aligned with what’s included.
Is transportation to Ross Island included in the tour?
No, transportation is not included. Tour prices cover the guided walk and entry access, but most visitors arrange their own boat rides to the island.
What should I bring for the tour?
Since bottled water and snacks are not included, it’s best to carry water and any small refreshments you might need. Comfortable walking shoes and sun protection are also recommended.
How long does the tour last?
The guided walk is approximately 2 hours, with the overall experience lasting about 3 hours including getting to and from the meeting point and the island.
Can I choose the time for the tour?
Yes, you can select between morning and afternoon departures, providing some flexibility for your schedule.
Is the group size small?
Yes, the maximum is 15 travelers, creating a more personal environment for storytelling and questions.
What language are the guides?
Guides speak both English and Hindi, making the tour accessible to a broad range of travelers.
Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, but check with the operator if you’re traveling with young children or have specific mobility concerns.
What is the cost of the tour?
The tour is priced at around $24.31 per person, offering a budget-friendly way to explore Ross Island’s ruins and history.
To sum it up, this tour is best suited for travelers who value storytelling, small-group intimacy, and are comfortable managing their own logistics. While organizational issues have been noted, the chance to walk among the ruins and hear stories from an engaging guide can make it a memorable highlight for history lovers exploring Port Blair.
