Ross Island

Ross Island served as the administrative headquarters of the Andamans from 1858, built up with a church, a bakery, a ballroom, tennis courts, a swimming pool and officers' bungalows, and known in its day as the Paris of the East by those posted there. An earthquake in 1941 damaged it badly, the Japanese occupied it during the war, and it was abandoned afterwards. Since then the forest has taken it: ficus and other trees have grown through and over the buildings, roots wrapping around walls and holding up structures that would otherwise have collapsed. Deer and peacocks move through the ruins, and a light and sound show runs in the evening.

What you actually see

• The root-bound ruins - trees growing through the church and bungalows.
• The church shell - the roofless building held by ficus roots.
• The deer and peacocks - animals moving freely through the site.
• The sound and light show - the island's history staged in the evening.

When to go

November to April; the monsoon brings rough crossings and ferry cancellations. Morning ferries avoid the heat, and the evening show requires a separate late boat.

Honest expectations

Ferry timings are limited and the last boat back leaves early. Parts of the island are restricted as it remains under naval control. Shade is limited and the walk around is on uneven ground.

Nearby

Port Blair lies west; North Bay is north.