
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Explore the beauty, culture, and attractions of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
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10 Days in Ross Island for a Slow-Paced Getaway
Ross Island is a tiny slice of paradise where time seems to slow down. Once the administrative headquarters of the British, it's now a quiet escape with crumbling colonial ruins, lush forests, and stunning beaches. Over 10 days, you'll soak in the island's history, relax on empty shores, and enjoy the simple pleasures of island life. It's the kind of place where you can truly unwind, with no rush and no crowds.
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Day 1
Day 1 in Ross Island
A relaxed introduction to Ross Island, exploring its colonial ruins, scenic walks, and local flavors.
Activities
Explore the British Ruins
Start your day wandering through the remnants of the British colonial era. The old Chief Commissioner’s House, Presbyterian Church, and the bakery are fascinating. The island feels like a time capsule with nature reclaiming the structures—peacocks and deer roam freely here.
- Wear comfortable shoes—paths can be uneven.
- Carry water; there are limited shops on the island.
Scenic Walk to the Japanese Bunkers
A short, peaceful walk leads to World War II-era Japanese bunkers with stunning ocean views. The trail is shaded and quiet, perfect for soaking in the island’s history and natural beauty.
- Look out for the giant fig trees—they’re incredible.
- Binoculars are handy for spotting marine life from the cliffs.
Lunch at the Island Café
The only eatery on the island, this simple café serves fresh seafood and local Andaman dishes. Try their grilled fish or prawn curry—it’s basic but delicious, with a view of the jetty.
- Cash only—no ATMs on the island.
- Ask for the catch of the day; it’s usually the best option.
Must Try Foods
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Day 2
Day 2 in Ross Island
A mix of history, nature, and local flavors as we uncover more of Ross Island's charm, from its lighthouse to its vibrant marine life.
Activities
Visit the Ross Island Lighthouse
Head to the iconic Ross Island Lighthouse, a quiet spot with panoramic views of the Andaman Sea. The walk up is shaded by trees, and the breeze at the top makes it worth the climb. You'll get a different perspective of the island and maybe even spot dolphins in the distance.
- Bring binoculars for better sea views
- Wear comfortable shoes for the short uphill walk
Snorkeling at Coral Cove
Ross Island isn't just about ruins—its waters are teeming with marine life. Coral Cove, a short walk from the main jetty, offers shallow, clear waters perfect for beginners. You'll spot colorful fish and maybe even a turtle if you're lucky. Gear is available for rent nearby.
- Apply reef-safe sunscreen
- Carry a waterproof phone case for photos
Sunset at the Chief Commissioner's House
End the day at the sprawling ruins of the Chief Commissioner's House, where the golden hour light filters through the trees and old archways. It's less crowded than the main ruins area, with peacocks often strutting around the overgrown gardens. Perfect for quiet reflection.
- Look for the resident peacocks near the giant ficus trees
- Mosquito repellent recommended
Must Try Foods
Transportation
Day 3
Day 3 in Ross Island
A slower day diving into hidden corners of Ross Island, with a mix of nature, history, and local flavors.
Activities
Birdwatching at the Forest Trail
Ross Island’s dense forests are home to rare birds like the Andaman woodpecker and imperial pigeons. A quiet morning walk along the less-trodden forest trails near the old bakery ruins offers surprising sightings. The rustling leaves and distant calls make it feel like a secret world.
- Carry binoculars for better sightings
- Wear muted colors to blend in
Picnic at the Hidden Beach
Tucked away behind the ruins of the British officers' quarters, this tiny crescent of sand is perfect for a lazy picnic. The water is calm, and you’ll often have the place to yourself. Pack some fresh fruit and local snacks from the Island Café for a simple, satisfying meal by the sea.
- Bring a mat or towel to sit on
- Check tide timings—the beach disappears during high tide
Stargazing at the Abandoned Tennis Court
The old tennis court, now overgrown with vines, becomes a magical spot after dark. With minimal light pollution, the stars here are brilliantly clear. Lie back on the cracked pavement and spot constellations while listening to the waves crash nearby.
- Carry a flashlight for the walk back
- A light jacket helps—it gets breezy at night
Must Try Foods
Transportation
Day 4
Day 4 in Ross Island
A laid-back day diving deeper into Ross Island's lesser-known spots and enjoying its serene vibes.
Activities
Morning Yoga at the Old Church Ruins
Start your day with a peaceful yoga session amidst the ruins of the old Presbyterian Church. The quiet surroundings and gentle sea breeze make it a perfect spot to unwind. Local instructors often hold small sessions here, blending history with mindfulness.
- Bring your own mat if possible
- Wear light, comfortable clothing
Explore the Marine Life at the Secret Tide Pools
Head to the rocky outcrops on the island's eastern side during low tide to discover vibrant tide pools teeming with marine life. You’ll spot tiny fish, crabs, and even the occasional starfish. It’s a great spot for quiet observation or some light photography.
- Wear sturdy sandals or water shoes
- Don’t disturb the marine life
Lunch at the Local Fisherman’s Catch
Skip the usual café and try a simple, fresh seafood meal prepared by local fishermen near the jetty. They often grill the day’s catch right on the beach—think butter garlic prawns, grilled fish, and coconut rice. It’s as authentic as it gets.
- Cash only—no cards accepted here
- Ask for the day’s special
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Transportation
Day 5
Day 5 in Ross Island
A laid-back day diving deeper into Ross Island's history and natural beauty, with a mix of quiet exploration and local flavors.
Activities
Morning Walk to the Old Bakery and Bakery Gully
Start your day with a peaceful stroll to the remnants of the Old Bakery, where the British once baked fresh bread for the island. The path leads through Bakery Gully, a shaded trail lined with towering trees and occasional peacocks. It's a lesser-known spot, perfect for soaking in the island's serene vibes.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the slightly uneven trail
- Carry water and a hat—shade is patchy in some areas
Kayaking in the Mangrove Creeks
Head to the northern edge of Ross Island for a guided kayak tour through the tranquil mangrove creeks. Paddle through narrow waterways, spotting crabs, mudskippers, and maybe even a monitor lizard. The calm waters and dense mangroves make this a refreshing escape from the usual tourist trails.
- Book in advance—spots fill up quickly
- Wear quick-dry clothes; you might get splashed
Lunch at the Coconut Grove
A tiny, family-run spot tucked away near the jetty, Coconut Grove serves simple, delicious seafood straight from the day's catch. Try their coconut prawn curry or grilled lobster, paired with steamed rice and a chilled fresh coconut. The open-air seating under palm trees adds to the island vibe.
- Ask for the 'catch of the day'—it's always the freshest
- Cash only; no ATMs on the island
Must Try Foods
Transportation
Day 6
Day 6 in Ross Island
A day of quiet discovery, blending history with the island's natural beauty, and ending with a taste of local flavors.
Activities
Morning at the Old British Cemetery
Start your day with a reflective walk through the Old British Cemetery, a lesser-known spot tucked away in the island's greenery. The weathered tombstones tell stories of the colonial era, and the peaceful atmosphere makes it a perfect place for some quiet time. Look for the inscriptions—some date back to the 1800s.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the uneven path.
- Bring a hat—the area has little shade.
Relax at the Whispering Waves Beach
Head to Whispering Waves Beach, a secluded stretch of sand away from the usual tourist spots. The gentle lapping of waves and the rustling palms create a serene vibe. Perfect for reading, sketching, or just soaking in the sun. If you're lucky, you might spot dolphins in the distance.
- Carry water and snacks—there are no vendors here.
- The beach is rocky in parts, so watch your step.
Lunch at the Bamboo Hut
Try the Bamboo Hut, a tiny eatery run by a local family. Their grilled fish, marinated in Andaman spices and wrapped in banana leaves, is a must-try. The seating is basic—just a few bamboo stools—but the food is fresh and full of flavor. Don’t miss their coconut chutney, made with freshly grated coconut and green chilies.
- Ask for the catch of the day—it’s always the freshest.
- Cash only—no card payments accepted.
Must Try Foods
Transportation
Day 7
Day 7 in Ross Island
A day dedicated to uncovering more of Ross Island's hidden stories and enjoying its serene beauty, with a mix of history and relaxation.
Activities
Morning at the Old British Hospital Ruins
Start your day with a quiet visit to the lesser-known British Hospital ruins. Overgrown with roots and vines, this spot feels like stepping into a forgotten world. The crumbling walls and eerie silence make it a fascinating place to explore. Bring a flashlight if you want to peek into the darker corners—just watch your step!
- Wear sturdy shoes—the ground is uneven.
- Look for the old pharmacy shelves still standing in one corner.
Relax at the Secluded Shell Beach
After the hospital ruins, head to Shell Beach, a quiet stretch of sand tucked away from the usual tourist spots. The beach gets its name from the tiny shells that wash up here. It’s perfect for a lazy morning—bring a book, dip your toes in the water, or just listen to the waves. You might even spot a few hermit crabs scuttling around.
- Pack a small snack and water—there are no vendors here.
- The best shell finds are usually after high tide.
Lunch at the Island’s Fresh Catch Grill
For lunch, try the Fresh Catch Grill, a tiny spot near the jetty where the day’s catch is grilled right in front of you. The fish is marinated in local spices and served with coconut rice and a tangy tamarind chutney. Sit under the thatched roof and enjoy the sea breeze while you eat.
- Ask for the 'catch of the day'—it’s always the freshest.
- Try the grilled prawns if they’re available.
Must Try Foods
Transportation
Day 8
Day 8 in Ross Island
A relaxed day exploring lesser-known historical spots and enjoying the island's natural beauty with a mix of quiet moments and local flavors.
Activities
Morning at the Old British Officer’s Quarters
Start your day with a peaceful stroll through the remnants of the British Officer’s Quarters, tucked away in a quieter part of the island. The overgrown pathways and crumbling walls tell stories of colonial life, and the shaded spots make it a great place to sit and soak in the history. Bring a book or sketchpad—it’s a serene spot for some quiet time.
- Wear comfortable shoes—the paths can be uneven.
- Carry water; there are no shops nearby.
Lunch at the Island’s Spice Shack
A tiny, family-run spot known for its fresh seafood and Andaman-style spices. Try their grilled lobster with local tamarind chutney or the coconut fish curry, both bursting with island flavors. The shack has just a few tables under a thatched roof, so it feels like a secret find.
- Ask for the day’s catch—it’s always the freshest.
- Cash only; no ATMs nearby.
Afternoon at the Forgotten British Garden
A hidden gem most visitors miss, this once-manicured garden is now a wild, enchanting space with rare flowers and towering trees. Look for the old stone benches and the remnants of a fountain. It’s a great place to spot butterflies and listen to the island’s birds.
- Bring insect repellent—the garden is lush and bug-friendly.
- Perfect for photography; the light is soft in the afternoon.
Must Try Foods
Transportation
Day 9
Day 9 in Ross Island
A laid-back day exploring lesser-known spots and soaking in the island’s serene vibes, with a mix of history and relaxation.
Activities
Morning at the Old British Water Reservoir
Head to the quiet, often-overlooked British-era water reservoir, a fascinating relic of the island’s colonial past. The stone structure, now covered in moss and vines, feels like a hidden ruin. It’s a peaceful spot to wander and imagine the island’s bustling days. The surrounding area is shaded by tall trees, making it a cool retreat in the morning.
- Bring a hat and water—it’s a short walk but can get warm.
- Look for the small plaques with historical notes near the reservoir.
Lunch at the Island’s Banana Leaf Café
A tiny, family-run spot where meals are served on banana leaves, just like the locals do. Try their fresh catch of the day, usually grilled with simple spices, or their coconut-based curries. The seating is basic—wooden benches under a thatched roof—but the food is bursting with flavor. It’s a great place to chat with the friendly owners and learn about island life.
- Ask for the ‘catch of the day’—it’s always the freshest option.
- They don’t serve alcohol, but their fresh lime soda is fantastic.
Afternoon at the Silent Cove
A secluded little cove tucked away from the usual tourist paths, perfect for an afternoon of quiet relaxation. The water here is calm and clear, ideal for a gentle swim or just dipping your feet in. The beach is lined with driftwood and shells, and you’ll often have it all to yourself. Pack a book or just enjoy the sound of the waves.
- Wear sturdy sandals—the path to the cove is a bit rocky.
- Bring a small towel or mat to sit on—there’s no shade here.
Must Try Foods
Transportation
Day 10
Day 10 in Ross Island
A leisurely final day soaking in the last bits of Ross Island’s charm, with a mix of quiet reflection and local flavors.
Activities
Morning Sketching at the Old British Barracks
Bring a sketchbook or just sit and admire the crumbling yet picturesque ruins of the old British barracks. The morning light casts beautiful shadows on the weathered walls, making it a perfect spot for some quiet creativity or photography. Few people come here early, so you’ll have the place mostly to yourself.
- Carry a light snack and water, as there are no vendors nearby.
- Wear comfortable shoes—the ground around the ruins is uneven.
Farewell Lunch at the Island’s Sunset Grill
Head to this cozy open-air grill by the water for a final meal on Ross Island. Known for its fresh seafood and laid-back vibe, it’s the perfect spot to reflect on your trip. Try their grilled lobster or the catch of the day, served with local spices and coconut chutney.
- Ask for a table by the water for the best views.
- Their tamarind-based fish curry is a must-try if you love bold flavors.
Final Stroll Along the Memory Lane Trail
A short, serene walk along a lesser-known path lined with old British-era plaques and remnants. It’s a quiet way to end your trip, with glimpses of the island’s history and plenty of shade from the towering trees. Keep an eye out for the occasional peacock or monitor lizard crossing your path.
- This trail is mostly flat and easy, ideal for a relaxed walk.
- Carry a hat—some sections are sunny.