THREE ISLANDS TOUR

Local travel agencies sell "Three Islands Tours", one-day trips to three sites of interest off Port Blair. Departures are usually from Phoenix Bay. While the first two are of limited interest, Ross Island is well worth a visit. You can visit only Ross Island by taking the ferry from Aberdeen Jetty (near the Port Blair Aquarium) at 8.30am, 10.30am, 12.30pm or 2pm. The crossing takes 20 minutes.

- Viper Island: this small island to the west of Port Blair is home to a former prison where political opponents were hanged in total isolation. All that remains today are ruins and the ghosts of the deceased. The island was named after the Viper III, Captain Archibald Blair's ship, which sank on its voyage from Calcutta to Andaman.

- North Bay: as its name suggests, this bay lies to the north of Port Blair, opposite Phoenix Bay. It is renowned for its beach and seabed. You can dive or snorkel from the beach. If you prefer walking, you can reach the North Bay lighthouse.

- Ross Island: a small island that can be seen from Cellular Jail, this is where the British set up their administrative headquarters when they took over Andaman. The ruins of the Victorian-style buildings have been nibbled away by the vegetation, giving the place an air of mystery and enchantment. The museum displays old photos of Ross.