Andaman Wander Guide

Historical Places In and Around Port Blair

Click the Clickable Chart Below to Explore Famous Historical Places in & around Port Blair and Also Find Popular Andaman & Nicobar Tourist Places in Interactive Andaman & Nicobar Tourist Map. Watch Selected Informative YouTube Videos & Gather Tons of Information from ‘Andaman Wander Guide’ Website.

  • Port Blair --------- Historical places in and around Port Blair
    • Cellular Jail ------------ The iconic Cellular Jail, the history of British tortures, our heroes & unsung heroes
      • Cellular Jail Light & Sound Show ------------------ It is an audio-visual Presentation that takes place in the evening at the Cellular Jail premises.
      • Kalapani Museum ------------------- The Kalapani Museum is located at the entrance of Cellular Jail. There is also a private museum called Kalapani, located in Garacharama, Port Blair
    • Ross Island ------------ A place of immense historical importance, it was the administrative headquarters of the Andaman Islands in British India
      • Ross Island Light & Sound Show ------------------ A mesmerizing Light & Sound Show during evening in Ross Island
      • Ferar Beach ------------ This is a small but beautiful beach in Ross Island
    • Viper Island ------------ Viper Island, the forgotten history of “Hell on Earth”. The jail in Viper Island was built even before the Cellular Jail.
    • Japanese Occupation & Japanese Bunkers ---------------------- Stories of notorious Japanese atrocities towards Indians during World War-II
    • Flag Hoisting Point -------------------- The place where Netaji Subash Chandra Bose hoisted the Indian flag for the first time in Indian soil
    • Chatham Saw Mill -------------------- More than just a Saw Mill but a memorial of notorious British Colonial Economy

Cellular Jail (Port Blair)

As of May-2023, Cellular Jail is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List –

Cellular Jail, Andaman Islands – UNESCO World Heritage Centre

A video about the cruel history of Cellular Jail

1:07 – About the construction & design of Cellular Jail | 2:19 – Not all of the Cellular jail is intact today & why? | 3:03 – About the notorious cells of Cellular Jail | 3:40 – kitchen & Store Room of the Jail | 3:49 – Room where prisoners were hanged | 4:47 – Prisoners work-shed & punishment works | 6:28 – Flogging frame for torturing prisoners  |  7:30 – How Indians were made to torture Indians | 8:15 – Different techniques of Britishers to torture freedom fighters |  10:08 – Detailed description of cells | 11:40 – Detailed description about design of the Jail | 13:05 – Special cells for political prisoners & Veer Savarkar’s cell & related history | 15:06 – State wise List of imprisoned freedom fighters, the Unsung Heros of India | 17: 22 – Understanding the structure of Cellular Jail & identifying neighboring islands and landmarks from the roof top | 19:10 – Identifying Mount Monipur & the significance of its name & Hope Town |  20:33 – Why & how are the names Cellular Jail & Kalapani? |

This is a comprehensive video about the Cellular Jail. Refer to the video timeline given for details covered and watch the video for more. 

Video Title – Cellular Jail | CellularJail कलापानी की दर्दनाक कहानी Kalapani Cellular Jail || Guide Andaman | Channel – GUIDE ANDAMAN | Date Uploaded – Feb 5, 2023 | Duration – 23m 01s

A visit to the Cellular Jail

(Start-0:56) – Entry ticket counter of the Cellular Jail, ticket displayed | 0:57 – Entrance gate of the Cellular Jail | (1:27-3:51) – A video tour of Kalapani Museum at Cellular Jail | (3:52-11:20) – A video tour of the entire Cellular Jail | 4:37 – Overview of the area for Light & Sound Show | 6:21 – Cell for the prisoners | 8:30 – Particular cell of Veer Savarkar | 12:32 – A trip to the local market in Port Blair

A video tour of the Cellular Jail

Video Title – Visiting the iconic Cellular Jail, two times in a day!! #cellularjail vlog 2 | Channel – Nomadic Couch | Date Uploaded – Apr 1, 2023 | Duration – 17m 11s

Cellular Jail Light & Sound Show

The Cellular Jail Light and Sound Show is a popular attraction in Port Blair. It is an audio-visual presentation that takes place in the evening at the Cellular Jail premises. The show offers visitors a glimpse into the history of the jail and the struggles faced by Indian freedom fighters who were incarcerated there during the British rule. During the show, the jail’s façade is illuminated, and a narrated commentary is played over loudspeakers. The narration tells the story of the jail, highlighting the hardships faced by the prisoners and the sacrifices made by them in their fight for independence. The show incorporates music, sound effects, and projections to create a compelling and immersive experience.

The Cellular Jail Light and Sound Show is both educational and emotional, giving visitors a deeper understanding of the historical significance of the prison and the freedom struggle. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in India’s history and the struggle for independence.

For further information and Online Booking of Tickets visit – eTourist Portal Andaman and Nicobar Administration

A video about Cellular Jail Light & Sound Show

A comprehensive video about ‘Cellular Jail Light & Sound Show’ with important information that you may want to know before attending the show.

Video Title – Cellular Jail Light & Sound show Port Blair Andaman and Nicobar Islands |Kala Pani| Tickets History | Channel – Dr. Jaskirat Kaur | Date Uploaded – May 1, 2022 | Duration – 11m 50s

Viper Island (Near Port Blair)

Viper Island is a small island and is situated about 5 km west of Port Blair. During the colonial era, Viper Island served as a place of exile for Indian freedom fighters who were deemed dangerous to the British colonial government. The island was named after a ship called H.M.S. Viper, which came to this island in 1789. The vessel, it is believed, met with an accident and its wreckage was found near the island.

The jail on Viper Island was established in 1867, even before the Cellular Jail was built. It was used to incarcerate convicts who were given life imprisonment or sentenced to death. The jail was infamous for its inhumane treatment of prisoners and was known as the “Viper Chain Gang Jail” due to the use of chains to restrain prisoners. . The prisoners were forced to do hard labour and were subjected to brutal punishments such as flogging and solitary confinement.

Some of the famous prisoners here included Brij Kishore Singh Deo, popularly known as the Maharaja of Puri, who died during his internment, and  Sher Ali Afridi, who had assassinated the then Viceroy of India, Lord Mayo, who visited Andaman for the purpose of inspection. On 8 February 1872, when the Viceroy had almost completed his tour of inspection and was returning at 7:00 PM to his boat, where Lady Mayo was also waiting, Sher Ali Afridi appeared from the dark and stabbed him. Sher Ali was immediately arrested by twelve security personnel. Lord Mayo soon bled to death. This incident, took place at the foot of Mount Harriet now renamed as Mount of Manipur. Sher Ali Afridi was hanged to death here in 1873.

In 1906, the Cellular Jail was built in Port Blair to replace Viper Island as the main prison for political prisoners. The jail on Viper Island was subsequently abandoned and fell into disrepair. Today, the ruins of the jail can still be seen on the island, which is now a popular tourist destination.

Visitors can take a boat from Port Blair to Viper Island to explore its historical sites and enjoy its scenic beauty. The main attraction of Viper Island is the ruins of the jail, which serve as a reminder of the island’s dark past. Visitors can explore the cells and the gallows where prisoners were executed. The jail also has a watchtower from where guards would keep an eye on the prisoners. The island has a serene atmosphere, and visitors can relax on its sandy beaches or take a walk through its lush forests.

Viper Island is a significant historical site in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

A visit to the Viper Island

0:04 – Display board about the history of Viper Island | 0:12 – Display board about the history of Viper Jetty | 0:15 – Display board showing why the name Viper, and how this island’s history is deeply rooted in the history of Indian Freedom Movement |  0:37 – Way to the “Gallows” | 0:45 – Display board showing story of Sher Ali Afridi, who assassinated the then Viceroy of India, Lord Mayo | 1:02 – Difficulties in reaching this island in recent days | (1:09-2:09) – Video tour of the “Gallows” | 2:15 – View of Port Blair from Viper Island | 4:08 – Display board showing map of Viper Island | 4:17 – Display board showing why Viper Island was “Hell on Earth” | 4:30 – Way to “Chain Gang Jail” | 4:46 – Pond used by the prisoners |

A comprehensive video covering the Viper Island. Video show different display boards explaining how this island’s history is deeply rooted in the history of Indian Freedom Movement. Viewers may pause the video at different points and try to read the details given in the display boards.

Video Title – धरती पर नर्क वाईपर आईलैंड Viper Island Port Blair, Andaman | Channel – BMJ | Date Uploaded – Jan 21, 2023 | Duration – 5m 36s

narration of a dreadful history of the "Hell on Earth”

(Start-6:27) – Narration of Viper Island’s dreadful history

An emotional narration of the dreadful history of Viper Island standing next to the Gallows where hundreds of Indian Freedom Fighters were once hanged by British Raj

Video Title – Awesome story telling of Viper Island (Andaman and Nicobar) India | Channel – Desi Traveller | Date Uploaded – Jan 6, 2015 | Duration – 6m 27s

Japanese Bunkers & Japanese Occupation of Andaman & Nicobar Islands

During World War II, the Japanese occupied the Andaman and Nicobar Islands from the British. The Japanese built a number of bunkers on the islands as part of their defensive strategy. It is believed that the Japanese built a significant number of bunkers, pillboxes, and other defensive structures throughout the islands. These bunkers were built to protect the Japanese military installations, including airfields, from potential attacks by Allied forces.

Bunkers were primarily located on the southern part of the islands, particularly around Port Blair, even though bunkers are also observed in Mayabundar, North Andaman and other places.

While many of these bunkers have been destroyed or have fallen into disrepair over time,  some of them are now popular tourist destinations. The most well-known Japanese Bunkers are in Corbyn’s Cove beach & Chatham Island in Port Blair and in Ross Island, Mayabundar etc.

These Japanese bunkers in the Andaman Islands are a reminder of the region’s role in World War II and its military history. It is believed that the Japanese destroyed all records when they left in 1945 to hide their notorious atrocities towards Indians in Andaman Islands. Know more about Japanese occupation of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands from the videos given below……….

Japanese atrocities towards Indians in Andaman Islands during World War II

An outstanding video about the little known but one of the deadliest episodes of World War II

Video Title – Why did the Japanese murder 1000+ Indians in Andaman? | Shocking Story | World War 2 | Nutshell | Channel – Nutshell | Date Uploaded – Apr 30, 2022 | Duration – 10m 46s

Notorious atrocities of the Japanese towards Indians in Andaman Islands during World War II

An excellent video about a dreaded period of pre independence history of India

Video Title – Japanese Occupation in Andaman and Nicobar Islands (1942-1945) | Channel – Prasad | Date Uploaded – Jan 2, 2018 | Duration – 17m 06s

Ruins of a Japanese Bunker in Corbyn’s Cove Beach, Port Blair

A video tour of the ruins of a Japanese Bunker and its surrounding in Corbyn’s Cove Beach, Port Blair

Video Title – Japanese Bunker I Port Blair I ANDAMAN | Channel – Jaspal Kamana | Date Uploaded – Feb 21, 2022 | Duration – 4m 49s

Flag Hoisting Point (Port Blair)

The place where Netaji Subash Chandra Bose hoisted the Indian flag for the first time in Indian soil on 30th December 1943

Flag Hoisting Point in Port Blair

This video is an immersive tour of the Flag Hoisting Point, showcasing the stunning beauty of the area and the rich history that surrounds it. The video offers a detailed look at the site, covering the history behind it and gorgeous lighting of the area highlighting beauty of Flag Point during the evening. It provides a breathtaking view of Port Blair city, Ross Island and surrounding sea. It also covers the wall art and memorials present at the site, depicting historical events and the sacrifices made by individuals during the struggle for India’s independence. Overall, the video is a captivating visual journey that offers a glimpse into the natural beauty and rich history of the Flag Point.

Video Title – Flag Hoisting Point, Port Blair | Channel – Priyanka Saha| Date Uploaded – Nov 22, 2021 | Duration – 5m 43s

Chatham Island (Port Blair)

Chatham Island is a small Island connected to Port Blair by a 100-meter-long bridge

Asia’s largest and oldest saw mill, Chatham Saw Mill, Port Blair

(0:00-0:12) – Approach bridge to Chatham Island from Port Blair | 0:13 – Government Saw Mill (Chatham)  entrance gate | 0:25 – Entry ticket counter (Timing notice) | 1:20 – Entry ticket displayed | 1:23 – Introducing private tourist guide for Chatham Saw Mill | (1:37-3:56) – History of British settlement in Andaman & Chatham Saw Mill | 2:55 – Chatham Memorial | 3:13 – Rail trolly system for transporting cargo | 3:29 – History of Tramline in Andaman & Nicobar Island | (3:57-7:06) – Museum & information about Padauk Wood and other verities of wood | (7:20-8:16) – Bombpit & Japanese Bunker | (8:18-11:32) – Workshop of Chatham Saw Mill | 11:32 – More about the dreadful history of Andaman and its deep root to Indian Freedom Movement |

A comprehensive video about the history and timber production of Chatham Saw Mill

Video Title – Chatham Saw Mill || एशिया का सबसे बड़ा मिल || Guide Andaman Vlog | Channel – GUIDE ANDAMAN | Date Uploaded – Feb 12, 2023 | Duration – 12m 15s