Nestled amidst the azure waters of the Andaman Islands lies Ross Island, a place steeped in history and colonial intrigue. Once the bustling capital of the Andaman Islands from 1858 until the devastating earthquake of 1941, Ross Island held significant importance as the administrative center for the British colonial rulers.
At Villa By The Sea, guests have the opportunity to embark on a journey through time as they explore the remnants of Ross Island’s colonial past. As they set foot on the island, they are transported back to an era of imperial grandeur and colonial rule.
Ross Island served as the base for the British Administrator of the penal colony in Port Blair, overseeing the incarceration of prisoners in the nearby Cellular Jail. However, during the tumultuous years of World War II, Ross Island’s fate took a dramatic turn when the Japanese forces occupied the island in 1941. The Japanese converted the site into a prisoner-of-war camp and constructed war installations, leaving behind remnants that still stand as silent witnesses to the island’s tumultuous past.
Today, Ross Island lies deserted, its once-thriving colonial buildings now dilapidated and overgrown by lush vegetation. However, amidst the ruins, guests can still catch glimpses of its former glory. The Chief Commissioner’s house, with its faded facade and weather-beaten walls, stands as a poignant reminder of the island’s colonial legacy. Nearby, the ruins of the Presbyterian church evoke a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era.
At Villa By The Sea, guests can explore the hidden treasures of Ross Island, wandering through its abandoned streets and imagining the lives of those who once called this island home. As they stroll amidst the ruins, they can’t help but feel a sense of awe at the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring legacy of Ross Island’s colonial past.
For visitors seeking to delve deeper into Andaman’s history, Ross Island offers a captivating glimpse into a world long gone but not forgotten. At Villa By The Sea, guests can immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of the island’s past, as they uncover the secrets of Ross Island and pay homage to its storied history.
