Jail at Viper Island in Andaman Islands
Jail At Viper Island is one of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, about 2 km east of Port Blair. It was the Administrative Headquarters for the islands, before an earthquake rocked it in 1941. The island is controlled by the Indian navy, which requires every visitor to sign in on entering.Jail At Viper Island can be reached by a short boat ride from Water Sports Complex. Regular ferries connect the island with Port Blair Marine Park. The small island, with its treasure of ruins, became the famous tourists spot in the territory. The back side of the Jail At Viper Island gives a lovely view of the open sea. You can sit for hours reveling in the cool breeze and the amazing sea view.
Netaji Subhash Chand Bose Island, Port Blair is in the Andaman Islands of India. This Island was the erstwhile capital for most of the Andaman Islands from 1858 until an earthquake in 1941. Netaji Subhash Chand Bose Island was also the base for the British Administrator of the penal colony in Port Blair.In 1941, the Japanese converted the site into POW camp, and built war installations, remnants of which can still be seen. It now lies deserted, and the few signs of its colonial glory, such as the Chief Commissioners house and the Presbyterian church, are neglected and overgrown. The area is now under the control of Indian Navy.
The Presbyterian Church at Jail At Viper Island was a protestant church built of stone and the windows had frames made of burma teak. The glass panes behind the altar were made of beautifully etched stained glass from Italy. The quality of the wood was so good that it survived the vagaries of weather for over a 100 years. A small structure south of the church was built to accommodate the parsonage.
Jail At Viper Island boasted of a superb bakery which offered one of the best confectioneries, bread loves, buns, cakes, croissants and many other delicacies of those times. The bakery was a tastefully constructed building based on 19th-century British architecture with all the modern facilities of the times including a self-contained cook house.
Basic Information
This small island was the site of the jail where the British used to imprison convicts and political prisoners. It has the ruins of a gallows atop a hillock. The jail was abandoned when the Cellular Jail was constructed in 1906.
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November to May
The Jail At Viper Island opens for tourists at 9:00 A.M and the closes at 3:00 P.M. The last boat leaves the island at the same time.
1-2 hour
Interesting Facts
- Violators of the Penal agreement were clapped in chains and forced to work.
- The conditions were really inhuman for the prisoners.
- One of its famous inmates was Sher Ali.
- This Pathan was guilty of murdering Lord Mayo, the Viceroy of India.
Things to DO
- Roam around in the ruins of the old British Jail.
- Check out some historical artefacts from the colonial era.
- Enjoy a well-deserved break by relaxing near the beach.
- Go for a nature walk along the green coconut trees.
- Take boat rides around the crescent shaped island to take in all the amazing views.
Traveller Tips
- The weather can be a little than what you are used to.It is advisable to travel in light colored cotton clothes.
- Always wear comfortable shoes.
- Carry water bottle and some snacks with you.
How to reach
The Viper jail is located near Port Blair's Harbor and can be reached in 20 minutes from Pheonix Bay Jetty.
Nearby Attractions
North Bay Beach
Mount Harriet National Park
North Bay Beach
Located just 15 minutes away from the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex, the North Bay Beach offers one of the easiest water sports—Sea-walking—in Andaman and Nicobar. Walking barefoot on the base of the sea offers you an exquisite view of rich marine-life and the corals. If you’re heading to Andaman and Nicobar, don’t miss this. Skilled life guards accompany you underwater, to ensure maximum safety.North Bay Andaman, is best known for its extensive water activities. Weather it is your first water adventure or you have done it before, the activities here will leave you refreshed and wanting more. Activities here are also designed for all age groups, which mean you can visit North Bay as a family including children and elders and still find something for everyone.
Mount Harriet National Park
Mount Harriet is the height point in South Andaman stands at a height of 365. Mount Harriet in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is located at such an altitude that it provides a fascinating view of the entire cluster of islands.. During the British rule in India, Mount Harriet was the summer headquarters for the Chief Commissioner. At Mount Harriet, the National Park, the one can spend time by taking a wildlife tour. The major attraction for tourists visiting Mount Harriet is the natural trek up to Madhuban. Along the trek, the tourist can feast their eyes with the sights of the various birds, animals and butterflies that are found in this region. The walk along the natural trail is one of the most exotic experiences for any traveler coming to tour the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Barren Island
Barren Island is an island located in the Andaman Sea. It is the only confirmed active volcano in South Asia, and the only active volcano along a chain of volcanoes from Sumatra to Myanmar. Barren Island volcano in Andaman Sea could be at least 1.8 million years old--A group of scientists at Ahmedabad-based Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) and the Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay have determined.
Restaurants Facility
- Lighthouse Restaurant
- Adi Bengali
- Brewberrys
- Paradise Cafe
- Mandalay Restaurant
- Golden Dragon
Places to stay near Cellular Jail
- A R Pride Residency
- Hotel Islander Inn
- Hotel Guru International
- Coral Cove
- Andaman Galley Resort
- Hotel Hilltop International
Frequently Asked Questions
Mount Harriet National Park
Barren Island
- Lighthouse Restaurant
- Adi Bengali
- Brewberrys
- Paradise Cafe
- Mandalay Restaurant
- Golden Dragon