Rising majestically up from emerald waters, Port Blair in the Andaman Islands has to be seen to be believed. An ex-18th century penal colony, the island is today the capital city in the Andamans as well as being the main entry point for the rest of the archipelago. As with the other islands in the archipelago (86% of the Andamans are covered with forest), wildlife is diverse and plentiful and offers much in the way of amusement: 270 species of birds (including 14 endemic birds) call the islands home. The Asian elephant has been introduced and now thrives in the habitat. Pay a visit to the Mount Harriet National Park to the north of Port Blair for a chance to see these gentle giants undisturbed and unafraid. The jewel in Port Blair’s wildlife crown is of course the underwater life, which is made all the more spectacular by the island’s coral reef. Snorkeling and diving are major pastimes here, and nearby spots such as Mahatma Ghandi Marine Reserve, Corbyn’s Cove and Ross Island are world famous among the diving community for their psychedelic offerings. The aforementioned penal colony was established in 1789. The Cellular Jail, built by the British when the island was under their reign, is today Port Blair's major attraction. The jail has been dedicated as a shrine to the freedom fighters that were held here during India's struggle for independence. Though only three wings remain of the original six, it still gives a fair impression of the conditions under which the detainees were kept here.
Originally chosen by the British as the capital of the Andaman Islands, today Ross Island is characterized by a series of old buildings, left behind from a gilded age of occupancy between 1858 and 1941. Among the relics are a church, bakery, three clubs, printing press, government offices, Chief Commissioner’s house, tennis courts, an ice-making plant and a cemetery – all now in ruins. Creeping vines, fig and banyan tree roots overgrow and encase many of the old buildings giving the place a mysterious, haunting and timeless beauty.