Myths and Legends of Port Blair: Stories from Historic Islands

I. Port Blair: Echoes from the Past, Whispers of Today

A. Gateway to Mystery

Port Blair, the bustling capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, serves as the primary entry point for travellers seeking to explore this unique archipelago. But it is more than just a logistical hub; it is a place where layers of history are etched into the landscape, and the sea breeze seems to carry whispers of bygone eras. The city’s past is a complex tapestry woven with threads of indigenous heritage, British colonial ambition, the poignant struggles of India’s freedom fighters, and the tumultuous events of World War II. This rich and often somber history has inevitably given rise to a fascinating collection of myths and legends that continue to intrigue visitors and locals alike.  

The very name “Kala Pani,” or “Black Water,” historically associated with the infamous Cellular Jail and the broader penal settlement, casts a long, dark shadow over the entire region. This term was not merely a geographical descriptor of the surrounding sea; it became a powerful cultural symbol of exile, profound suffering, and the terrifying unknown. For the prisoners transported here, often political dissidents and freedom fighters, the journey across the dark waters was perceived as a passage to a living death, a place from which escape or return seemed impossible. This overarching sense of dread and finality forms a crucial backdrop to many of the stories and legends that have emerged from Port Blair and its historic islands, infusing them with an inherent melancholy and mystery.  

B. The Allure of the Islands

Beyond the immediate confines of Port Blair city lie numerous islands, each possessing its own distinct character and, more captivatingly, its own cache of stories. These narratives are a compelling blend of stark historical fact and haunting folklore, inviting travellers to delve deeper than the picturesque beaches and azure waters. This article aims to guide readers on a journey through these tales, offering a different lens through which to view these popular, and sometimes unsettling, destinations.

The historical evolution of Port Blair itself is a story of encounters and transformations. For millennia, indigenous tribes such as the Jarawa, Onge, and Sentinelese have called these islands home, preserving their ancient traditions and unique ways of life. The arrival of the British East India Company in the late 18th century, and the subsequent establishment of penal colonies, dramatically altered the islands’ demographic and socio-cultural landscape. Later, communities from mainland India, including Tamil, Bengali, and Andhra populations, further enriched the cultural tapestry of the region. This confluence of cultures is vividly reflected in the islands’ folklore: ancient creation myths of the indigenous peoples exist alongside eerie ghost stories born from the suffering within colonial prisons and the turmoil of war. The very survival and continued relevance of indigenous myths, despite the overwhelming pressures of colonization and modernization, speak volumes about the deep spiritual connection these communities have with their ancestral lands and the enduring power of their oral traditions.  

II. Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island): The Haunted Jewel of the Andamans

A. From Parisian Dreams to Desolate Ruins

A short ferry ride from Port Blair, Ross Island, now officially known as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island , stands as a poignant testament to the rise and fall of colonial grandeur. Once the administrative headquarters of the British in the Andaman Islands, it was an enclave of power and prestige, reputedly called the “Paris of the East”. Imagine a vibrant settlement with stately bungalows, a beautiful Presbyterian church, a bustling bakery, tennis courts, and meticulously manicured lawns. This era of opulence, however, came to an abrupt end. A devastating earthquake in 1941, followed by the Japanese invasion during World War II, led to the island’s abandonment. Today, Ross Island is a place of captivating desolation, where the ruins of its colonial past are slowly being reclaimed by the relentless embrace of nature. Strolling through these crumbling edifices, one can’t help but feel like an archaeologist of memory, piecing together fragments of a lost world.  

The island’s dramatic transformation from a symbol of imperial authority to a haunting ghost town is central to its mystique. The powerful imagery of “trees twist[ing] around pillars and roots creep[ing] into rooms” is not merely a passive backdrop to its legends; nature itself appears as an active agent in the island’s ongoing narrative of decay and remembrance. This relentless, visible process of reclamation by tropical foliage transforms historical remnants into something otherworldly, “beautiful and spooky” , amplifying the sense of a “lost world” and making the whispered tales of lingering spirits feel all the more plausible.  

B. The Legend of the Haunted Island

Perhaps the most enduring legacy of Ross Island is its reputation as a haunted place. The most prominent of these tales revolves around the spectral figure of a British officer, said to wander the decaying buildings, his presence forever tied to the island’s past. Some versions of the legend link his ghostly appearances to the trauma of the 1941 earthquake, suggesting he may have perished in the disaster. Others believe his spirit, and those of other former inhabitants, linger due to the general suffering and abrupt abandonment associated with the colonial era.  

Specific ruins on the island are often cited as hotspots for these eerie encounters. The old Presbyterian Church, now a skeletal structure open to the elements, is described as being “like a sad ghost story” in itself. The once-grand Commissioner’s House, with its crumbling walls and overgrown courtyards, also exudes a spooky ambiance. Visitors have reported experiencing “eerie sounds, cold spots, and odd feelings” , sensations that fuel the island’s haunted reputation. While there is no factual support to verify these ghostly claims , the stories persist, passed down through local lore and traveller’s tales. The “earthquake ghost” legend, in particular, can be seen as a powerful metaphor for the sudden and violent demise of the island’s colonial era. The 1941 earthquake was a definitive historical rupture, and the ghostly officer becomes a personification of that lost epoch, embodying the shock and unresolved sorrow of its unceremonious end.  

C. Whispers of Secret Tunnels

Adding another layer to Ross Island’s enigmatic charm is the myth of secret, subterranean tunnels. Local lore suggests that these hidden passages, supposedly constructed by the British, connected Ross Island to other nearby islands. The purported purpose of these tunnels varies in the telling, from smuggling contraband to facilitating other clandestine activities of the colonial administration. While credible evidence for such extensive tunnel networks remains elusive – with some suggesting these tales might be misinterpretations of underground bunkers built for storage or defense – the idea of hidden pathways beneath the decaying grandeur perfectly complements the island’s mysterious aura.  

D. The Weight of History: Penal Colony and Netaji’s Visit

Beyond the ghostly tales, Ross Island carries significant historical weight. It served as an administrative center for the penal colony , overseeing the brutal regime imposed on Indian freedom fighters and other convicts. The inherent injustice of the colonial system, where British officials enjoyed a life of relative luxury while presiding over immense suffering just across the water, creates a stark historical dissonance. This contrast between opulence and oppression is a potent source for legends of curses and restless spirits. Indeed, some local beliefs suggest the island is cursed due to the cruel treatment of prisoners forced to labor in its construction, warning that visitors might carry misfortune away with them.  

In a later chapter of its history, the island became a symbol of India’s fight for independence. In December 1943, during the Japanese occupation, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose visited Ross Island and hoisted the Indian national flag, a powerful act of defiance. In 2018, the island was officially renamed Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island in honor of this historic event, adding a layer of patriotic reverence to its complex and often somber narrative. This multifaceted identity – colonial hub, penal site, symbol of freedom, and a place of natural decay – makes Ross Island a truly unique and compelling destination, where history and legend are inextricably intertwined.  

III. Viper Island: Gallows, Ghosts, and a Viceroy’s Fate

A. The First Wail of the Penal Colony

Viper Island, a small, unassuming landmass a short boat ride from Port Blair, holds a particularly grim distinction in the annals of the Andaman Islands. It was here, even before the construction of the formidable Cellular Jail, that the British established one of their earliest and most brutal penal settlements. Viper Island is where the “agonising story of freedom fighters” in the Andamans truly began, witnessing the “untold sufferings” of those exiled for challenging British rule.  

The conditions were horrific. The island became notorious for the “Viper Chain Gang Jail,” where prisoners were yoked together in chains and forced to perform grueling labor under the harshest conditions. Solitary cells, lock-ups, stocks, and whipping stands were common features of this early prison. The island’s very name adds to its ominous reputation. One theory suggests it was named after the vessel H.M.S. Viper, which Lt. Archibald Blair sailed when he arrived in the Andamans in 1789, and which supposedly met with an accident near the island. Another theory posits the name originated from the presence of venomous viper snakes on the island, making it an undesirable location from the outset. Regardless of the true origin, both connotations – shipwreck and venomous reptiles – evoke a sense of danger and misfortune. This ominous branding could have psychologically primed both colonizers and convicts to associate Viper Island with peril, making it a fertile ground for dark legends even before its penal history cemented its dreadful character.  

While the later Cellular Jail in Port Blair became the more widely recognized symbol of colonial oppression, Viper Island’s earlier role as a site of extreme brutality, and its subsequent decline in importance after the Cellular Jail’s completion , might contribute to a unique sense of its mystique. Places of “forgotten” suffering can often become potent sources for ghost lore, as the spirits of those who endured torment there might be perceived as more restless, their stories less acknowledged by the grand narratives of history.  

B. The Shadow of the Gallows

A key feature of Viper Island’s dark heritage is the remnants of gallows situated atop a small hillock. It was here that condemned prisoners met their end. The image of this execution site, overlooking the seemingly serene waters, is a powerful and chilling reminder of the island’s past. One writer vividly described the atmosphere: “A wind, garrotted, gargles with a sore throat on the haunted hill”. Such poetic evocations capture the lingering sorrow and the palpable sense of tragedy that clings to places of execution, making them natural breeding grounds for ghost stories and legends of tormented souls. The original beam from which prisoners were hanged is said to still be part of the restored structure, a direct physical link to its grim purpose.  

C. The Tale of Sher Ali and Lord Mayo

Viper Island was the stage for one of the most dramatic events in British India’s colonial history: the aftermath of the assassination of Lord Mayo, the Viceroy of India. In February 1872, Lord Mayo was fatally stabbed by Sher Ali Afridi, a Pathan convict, while on an inspection tour near Port Blair. Sher Ali, who had been transported to the Andamans for a previous crime, was subsequently tried and hanged on the gallows of Viper Island in March 1872.  

This event sent shockwaves throughout the British Empire. Sher Ali reportedly stated he acted on the instructions of God and wished to kill both the Superintendent and the Viceroy as revenge for his sentence, which he felt was unjustly severe. While he has been hailed by some as a martyr in the context of anti-colonial sentiment , his execution on Viper Island undoubtedly cemented the island’s infamous reputation. While specific ghost stories directly attributed to Sher Ali’s spirit are not explicitly detailed in available accounts , the sheer historical weight of a Viceroy’s assassin being executed there would have ensured that the tale became a significant and enduring part of local lore, possibly evolving into various legends over time.  

IV. North Bay Island: Sirens, Soldiers, and Sunken Secrets

North Bay Island, often visited for its coral reefs and water sports , also harbors a collection of intriguing local myths that speak of the mysteries of the sea and the anxieties of island life. These tales, while perhaps less tied to grand historical traumas than those of Ross or Viper Islands, offer a fascinating glimpse into the everyday folklore of the Andamanese people.  

A. The Enigmatic Mermaid of North Bay

One of the most captivating legends associated with North Bay Island is that of a mermaid said to inhabit its surrounding waters. Fishermen have reportedly sighted this mystical sea maiden, who is sometimes described as a protector of the island and its inhabitants, and at other times as a seer, warning of impending storms or the approach of pirates. While mermaid legends are a common motif in maritime cultures worldwide, this local Andamanese version adds a unique charm. Some suggest a more scientific explanation for these sightings, proposing that sailors might have mistaken dugongs, marine mammals found in these waters, for mermaids. Christopher Columbus himself noted seeing “mermaids” in the West Indies that were “not as beautiful as they have been described,” possibly referring to manatees, relatives of the dugong. Despite such rationalizations, the romantic image of the North Bay mermaid endures in local storytelling, a testament to the enduring human fascination with the mysteries of the deep.  

B. The Curse of the Headless Soldier

A more chilling tale from North Bay Island is that of a headless soldier believed to roam the island, particularly at night. According to local tradition, children were advised to cover their heads with clothes before sleeping as a mark of respect to the spirits of soldiers, and specifically to avoid the wrath of this spectral figure. It is said that his ghost seeks out those who show disrespect, and such encounters could lead to “hazardous living conditions”. The headless horseman or soldier is a classic archetype in folklore across many cultures. Its presence in North Bay’s lore could be a distant echo of colonial-era conflicts, forgotten battles, or other violent events that occurred on or near the island. While no direct link is given in the narratives, the brutal history of the Japanese occupation in the Andamans included beheadings, such as that of Major A.G. Bird , and it’s conceivable that such traumatic events could have morphed or been localized into a legend like that of the headless soldier.  

C. Vanishing Vessels and Haunted Lighthouses

The waters around North Bay Island are also associated with stories of mysterious disappearances of boats and ships, often attributed by local belief to supernatural entities or unknown sea monsters lurking in the depths. These tales tap into the inherent dangers and unpredictability of the sea, a constant reality for island communities. The historical shipwreck of the British steamship “Vixen” near North Bay Island in 1896, though a non-supernatural event where all passengers were rescued, contributes to the island’s maritime lore and reinforces the idea of the sea as a place of peril and lost vessels.  

Adding to this collection of eerie tales is the legend of the haunted North Bay Island Lighthouse. Locals claim to hear eerie wails at night, believed to be the voice of a British officer who took his own life inside the lighthouse, reportedly after a tragic, failed love affair. This story, a common trope in ghost lore globally, finds a specific home on North Bay Island. The isolated nature of lighthouses often makes them settings for such romantic and tragic tales. Its presence here suggests an adoption and localization of a universal narrative, adding a touch of gothic romance to the island’s folkloric tapestry, distinct from the more primal mermaid or the terrifying headless soldier myths. These stories of North Bay seem to reflect the more intimate spiritual and superstitious beliefs of the local populace, shaped by their direct and often challenging relationship with their immediate environment.  

V. Cellular Jail (Kala Pani): Stories of Suffering and Resilience

A. The Infamous “Black Water” Prison

The Cellular Jail in Port Blair, an imposing structure that has become a national memorial, stands as one of the most potent symbols of British colonial oppression in India and the immense sacrifices made during the country’s struggle for independence. Constructed between 1896 and 1906 , its very architecture was a tool of torment. The jail was designed with seven radiating wings, like the spokes of a wheel, ensuring that each prisoner was kept in solitary confinement in a small cell, unable to communicate with or even see any other inmate. The central tower allowed a single guard to keep watch over all the cells, an application of the ‘Panopticon’ theory, creating a constant sense of being watched by an unseen eye. This enforced isolation was a deliberate form of psychological torture, designed to break the spirit of the political prisoners and revolutionaries housed within its walls.  

Life in the Cellular Jail was, by all accounts, a living hell, often described by former inmates as “Hell on Earth”. Prisoners endured brutal physical conditions: back-breaking forced labor, such as operating the dreaded oil mill (kolhu) which required immense physical exertion, or beating coconut husks to extract fibers. Food was meager, often infested with insects or containing pebbles, and clean drinking water was severely rationed. Sanitation was appalling, with prisoners often having only an earthen pot for a toilet within their cell. Cruel punishments, including flogging and being kept in fetters for extended periods, were commonplace. The name “Kala Pani” (Black Water), synonymous with the jail, came to represent a place of no return, a sentence of slow death and unimaginable suffering. The profound psychological impact of this system, deliberately designed for isolation and mental torment, is a direct precursor to the many legends of madness, suicides, and lingering, tormented spirits associated with the jail.  

B. Legends Born from the Cells

The extreme conditions within the Cellular Jail inevitably gave rise to numerous stories, both harrowing and heroic, that have become part of its enduring legend. The tales of individual prisoners and their fates are deeply moving. For instance, Indu Bhushan Roy, unable to bear the relentless toil of the oil mill, hanged himself in his cell using a strand of his torn kurta. Others, like Baba Bhan Singh, were reportedly beaten to death by jail guards , while Ram Raksha starved himself to death in protest against the removal of his sacred Brahminical thread.  

However, amidst the despair, there were also extraordinary acts of resistance that became legendary symbols of the prisoners’ unbroken spirit. The most notable of these were the hunger strikes, particularly the mass strikes undertaken in May 1933 and again in 1937, to protest the inhumane treatment. These acts of defiance were met with brutal force by the jail authorities, who resorted to force-feeding. This cruel procedure, often carried out with rubber tubes inserted through the nose, led to the deaths of several prisoners, including Mahavir Singh (an associate of Bhagat Singh), Mohan Kishore Namadas, and Mohit Moitra, when milk or food accidentally entered their lungs. Their bodies were unceremoniously thrown into the sea, weighted with stones to prevent them from floating.  

These acts of resistance, despite their tragic outcomes for some, became powerful counter-narratives to the story of pure suffering. They transformed victims into martyrs and fueled legends of resilience and an uncrushable will to fight for dignity and freedom. While specific cells are not always singled out in popular lore as being more haunted than others, the entire complex is said to exude a palpable energy, a sense of the profound suffering and extraordinary courage that its walls have witnessed. The Cellular Jail today stands not just as a memorial to suffering, but as a “place where the memories of brave freedom fighters are revived and patriotic fervour surges through the veins of the visitors”.  

VI. Echoes from Other Shores: Chatham and Indigenous Voices

A. Chatham Island: The Genesis of the Penal Colony and Mill Murmurs

Chatham Island, connected to Port Blair by a bridge, holds the distinction of being the site of the very first British attempt to establish a settlement and penal colony in the Andaman Islands, dating back to 1789. This initial settlement, originally named Port Blair after Lieutenant Archibald Blair, was later moved and renamed Port Cornwallis before being abandoned due to high mortality rates from disease. However, the idea of a penal colony in the Andamans was revived later, especially after the Indian Rebellion of 1857, leading to the permanent establishments that followed.  

Chatham Island is also home to the Chatham Saw Mill, established in 1883, which grew to become one of the oldest and largest sawmills in Asia. This industrial site has its own layers of history and potential for folklore. The mill was a place of intense labor, initially employing “unskilled labor” to operate its machinery. A particularly traumatic event in its history was the Japanese bombing on March 10, 1942, during World War II. The bombardment was severe, causing many worker deaths and significant destruction – it was said that “even the rocks flew like Frisbee discs and the underlying seawater gushed out”. While explicit ghost stories related to the bombing or worker deaths are not detailed in the available accounts , such sites of mass death, industrial accidents, and wartime trauma are often fertile ground for local legends of lingering spirits or eerie occurrences. The Chatham Saw Mill, therefore, represents a different kind of potentially “haunted” site, one whose tales might stem from industrial scars and the direct violence of war, distinct from the narratives surrounding the political prisoners of the penal era.  

B. Voices of the Ancients: Indigenous Creation Myths

Long before the arrival of colonial powers or the establishment of penal settlements, the Andaman Islands were, and continue to be, home to several indigenous tribes, including the Great Andamanese, Jarawa, Onge, and Sentinelese. These communities possess rich oral traditions and creation myths that offer a profound connection to the natural world and represent the islands’ oldest spiritual narratives.  

Central to the mythology of some Andamanese tribes is the deity Puluga, considered the creator god who is responsible for all natural phenomena and is believed to have fashioned the first humans. According to one belief, Puluga created men from bamboo and women from clay. Another legend recounts that Puluga initially lived among humans but withdrew after they disobeyed his commands, subsequently sending a great flood that only four people survived. These survivors, Loralola and Poilola (men) and Kalola and Rimalola (women), lost their fire in the deluge, and Puluga had to recreate the animals and plants for them. It is also believed that Puluga resides on Saddle Peak, the highest point in the Andamans. Dreams and the spirits of the dead (known as Čauga) also play a significant role in their belief system.  

Another figure from indigenous lore is Phertajido, sometimes described as the first man, who emerged from a bamboo shoot. These myths, often varying slightly between different groups and storytellers , emphasize a deep reverence for nature and explain the origins of life and sustenance, such as yams and honey, which are considered gifts from Puluga.  

This indigenous folklore, ancient and organically tied to the islands’ unique environment, presents a fascinating contrast to the colonial-era ghost stories. While the latter are essentially narratives of “imported” trauma, born from conflict, suffering, and displacement, the indigenous myths represent a continuous, age-old spiritual connection to the land itself. They form a foundational spiritual layer upon which the more recent, often violent, historical narratives have been superimposed.

VII. The Shadow of War: Legends from the Japanese Occupation

A. A Brutal Interlude

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands endured a harsh period of Japanese occupation from March 1942 to October 1945, during World War II. This era added another dark chapter to the islands’ already somber history, marked by extreme brutality and atrocities committed against the local population and remaining prisoners. It has been said that these “three and half years of Japanese occupation left more scars than almost a century of penal settlement”.  

The Japanese forces repurposed existing structures like the Cellular Jail, turning them into new centers for torture and interrogation. Numerous accounts detail horrific acts, including individual murders, mass arrests based on suspicion of spying, the forced recruitment of “comfort women,” and mass deportations that led to widespread death. One particularly gruesome incident involved the public beheading of Major A.G. Bird (known locally as “Chirrie”), the former Deputy Commissioner, by the Japanese Colonel Bucho. Another tragic event was the forced deportation of hundreds of people from the Aberdeen area of South Andaman to an uninhabited island to grow food; many drowned or were eaten by sharks during the journey, while others perished from starvation or were killed by pirates, with only a handful of survivors found later. It is estimated that around 2,000 people in the Andamans died as a result of the occupation, representing a significant portion of Port Blair’s pre-war population. This new wave of intense violence undoubtedly compounded the existing atmosphere of fear and dark associations with certain locations.  

B. Echoes of Wartime Ghosts

Given the scale of suffering and death during the Japanese occupation, it is highly probable that this period generated its own set of dark memories and local legends, even if they are not as widely documented or formalized as some of the older colonial-era ghost stories. The physical remnants of this era, such as the numerous Japanese bunkers found scattered across the islands, including at Chidiya Tapu and Ross Island , serve as grim reminders. These concrete structures, often hidden in dense jungle or overlooking strategic points, could easily become focal points for tales of wartime ghosts or unexplained phenomena. Indeed, Chidiya Tapu’s bunkers are sometimes referred to with an air of “terrifying mystery”.  

While specific, well-defined ghost stories directly attributed to Japanese soldiers or their victims are less prominent in the widely available accounts compared to, for example, the British officer’s ghost on Ross Island, the sheer brutality of the occupation makes it almost certain that such tales exist within local oral traditions. The relative silence in broader narratives might indicate that the trauma is perhaps more recent and less mythologized for wider consumption, or that older colonial-era ghost narratives have remained more dominant. It is also possible that stories related to the Japanese occupation are more closely held within local communities, shared in more intimate settings. The potential for these sites of wartime memory to be associated with lingering spirits or unsettling energies remains strong, adding yet another layer to the islands’ complex paranormal tapestry.

VIII. Visiting the Past: A Traveller’s Note

A. Journeying to the Isles of Lore

For travellers intrigued by these tales of history and mystery, Port Blair serves as the starting point for expeditions to the surrounding historic islands. Ferries are the primary mode of transport. Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island) is a brief 10-15 minute boat ride from Aberdeen Jetty in Port Blair. Viper Island can be reached by a boat journey of about 20 minutes. North Bay Island, often combined with a trip to Ross Island, is approximately a 30-minute ferry ride. The Cellular Jail is located within Port Blair city itself and is easily accessible. Chatham Island, home to the historic saw mill, is connected to Port Blair by a bridge.  

B. What to Expect

Visitors to Ross Island can explore the captivating colonial ruins, now entwined with lush vegetation, and witness the Light and Sound show that narrates its history. On Viper Island, the remnants of the old jail and the gallows atop the hillock are the main points of interest. North Bay Island offers beautiful coral reefs and opportunities for water sports, alongside the sites linked to its local legends. The Cellular Jail, now a National Memorial, provides a deeply moving experience with its museum, galleries, and the poignant Light and Sound show depicting the lives of the freedom fighters. At Chatham, the historic Saw Mill and its associated museum offer insights into the island’s industrial and wartime past.  

It’s worth noting that Ross Island is generally closed to visitors on Wednesdays. Entry fees are applicable for some sites, such as Ross Island (around Rs. 30-90) and the Cellular Jail. The Light and Sound shows at Ross Island and Cellular Jail also have separate ticket costs. The act of visiting these sites, facilitated by modern tourism, allows travellers to become contemporary witnesses to these past events and sufferings. This engagement, even if primarily for leisure, plays a role in keeping these complex histories and their associated folklore alive, transforming these locations into spaces of active remembrance.  

Table: Quick Guide to Historic Islands

C. Important Contacts for Tourists

For general tourist inquiries, information, or assistance, visitors can contact the Directorate of Tourism, Andaman & Nicobar Administration:

• Tourist Information Helpline: 03192-232694 / 232747  
• Email for Tourist Helpdesk: touristhelpdeskandamans[at]gmail[dot]com  
• Email for Director (Tourism): thedirectortourism[at]gmail[dot]com  
• Main Office Address: Directorate of Tourism, Kamaraj Road, Sri Vijaya Puram – 744101, Andaman & Nicobar Islands.  

Emergency Helpline Numbers:

• Police: 100  
• Fire: 101  
• Ambulance: 03192 232102  
• Disaster Management: 1070 / 03192 238881  

For specific island tours and packages, travellers usually engage with local tour operators based in Port Blair. The Directorate of Tourism website may list approved operators.

IX. The Enduring Mystique of Port Blair’s Islands

A. A Tapestry of Time

Port Blair and its historic islands are far more than just picturesque tropical destinations. They are places where the threads of time have woven a rich and intricate tapestry of indigenous heritage, colonial ambition, wartime trauma, heroic struggle, and the persistent whispers of myth and legend. The ruins that dot these landscapes are not silent; they speak of opulent pasts and sudden abandonments, of unimaginable suffering and indomitable human resilience. The stories, whether rooted in verifiable history or the ethereal realm of folklore, offer a unique and profound travel experience, inviting contemplation and a deeper connection with the multifaceted past of this archipelago.

The myths and legends themselves are not static relics of a bygone era. They are a living, breathing part of the islands’ identity, actively shaping the visitor experience and contributing to their contemporary allure. The “haunted” reputation of Ross Island, for example, is acknowledged as a “tourist draw” , indicating that folklore is a dynamic element that continues to evolve and contribute to the cultural and even economic landscape of these islands today. Light and Sound shows creatively narrate these histories, ensuring that the stories are passed on to new generations of visitors.  

B. The Call of the Unexplained

Why do these myths and legends endure with such tenacity? Perhaps it is humanity’s innate fascination with the unknown, the unexplained phenomena that hint at realities beyond our everyday perception. Perhaps it is a way to make sense of profound tragedy and suffering, to give voice to the silent anguish of those who came before. Or perhaps it is simply the undeniable atmosphere these historic places exude – an almost tangible sense of the past that lingers in the crumbling stones, the rustling leaves, and the sigh of the sea.

As travelers explore these historic islands, they are encouraged to do so with respect and a sense of contemplation. For in recounting and remembering these tales – many of which are born from extreme suffering and injustice – there lies an opportunity for reflection. The stories of “Kala Pani,” of wartime atrocities, and of restless spirits serve as a reminder of our collective past, urging us to learn from the human cost of colonialism and conflict. The Andaman Islands, with their stunning natural beauty and their equally compelling, often somber, narratives, call out to those who seek not just a vacation, but a journey into the heart of history and the enduring power of human storytelling. The shadows of the past here are not just to be feared, but to be understood, offering a deeper connection to the people and events that have shaped this extraordinary corner of the world.

Below is the quick guide, where we’ll take you on a journey through the most intriguing myths and legends of Port Blair and the Andaman Islands, blending history with mysticism and wonder.

1. The Haunting of Ross Island

Also known as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island, Ross Island was once the administrative headquarters of the British in the Andaman Islands. Today, it’s a hauntingly beautiful place, with the ruins of colonial-era buildings being reclaimed by nature. However, locals and visitors have often reported strange occurrences on the island.

The Legend

• According to local folklore, Ross Island is said to be haunted by the ghosts of British soldiers and officers who once lived there. Some believe that the tragic deaths of prisoners and officials during the island’s tumultuous history have left behind lingering spirits.
• People have reported hearing footsteps, whispers, and eerie laughter echoing through the ruins, particularly near the old church and cemetery.

Reality Check

While there’s no concrete evidence of paranormal activity, Ross Island’s eerie atmosphere—especially during dusk—can certainly give visitors goosebumps. The combination of decaying buildings, creeping tree roots, and the island’s desolate feel creates a naturally spooky ambiance.

2. The Cursed Gold of Viper Island

Viper Island, named after a British ship that sank nearby, has a dark history tied to British colonization. It was one of the earliest penal settlements in the Andamans, predating the infamous Cellular Jail. Rumors of a hidden treasure on the island have sparked tales of curses and misfortune.

The Legend

• It is said that during the construction of a gallows on Viper Island, British officers discovered a chest of gold believed to have been buried by pirates or smugglers. However, those who attempted to take the gold faced untimely deaths due to accidents, illness, or mysterious circumstances.
• The treasure was reportedly left untouched, as fear of the curse spread among the island’s inhabitants and soldiers.

Reality Check

Though there’s no archaeological evidence of a hidden treasure, the story of the cursed gold continues to fascinate locals and visitors. The gallows on Viper Island, a reminder of the island’s grim history, still stands and is a chilling sight.

3. The Forbidden Island: North Sentinel

North Sentinel Island is one of the world’s most mysterious and least explored places. Home to the Sentinelese, a tribe that has lived in isolation for thousands of years, the island is surrounded by myths and legends about its untouchable nature.

The Legend

• Local folklore suggests that the island is protected by ancient spirits who guard it from outsiders. Anyone who attempts to enter the island is said to face either violent resistance from the Sentinelese or misfortune brought on by the spirits.
• Stories have circulated about shipwreck survivors and explorers who mysteriously disappeared after coming too close to the island.

Reality Check

While the Sentinelese fiercely protect their territory, leading to tragic confrontations, the legends of supernatural protection may be symbolic, representing the tribe’s spiritual connection to their ancestral land. The Indian government enforces strict no-contact policies to protect both the Sentinelese and outsiders from potential harm.

4. The Phantom Light of Chidiya Tapu

Chidiya Tapu, famous for its birdwatching and stunning sunsets, is also the site of a peculiar legend involving mysterious lights. The dense forests and secluded beaches in this area are rumored to be home to a wandering light that guides or misleads travelers.

The Legend

• According to locals, a strange, glowing orb of light can sometimes be seen floating through the trees or along the coastline of Chidiya Tapu. Some say the light is a benevolent spirit protecting travelers from wild animals, while others claim it is a trickster spirit that leads wanderers off the trail.

Reality Check

The phenomenon could be attributed to natural causes such as bioluminescent organisms or reflections of distant lights. However, the dense forest and the eerie silence of Chidiya Tapu make it easy for imaginations to run wild, especially at night.

5. The Healing Waters of Baratang Island

Baratang Island is known for its mud volcanoes, limestone caves, and dense mangrove forests. However, few know about the legend of a secret spring on the island that is said to have healing powers.

The Legend

• The spring, hidden deep within the island’s mangroves, is believed to have been discovered by a tribal healer. It is said that the water from this spring can cure various ailments, including skin diseases and joint pain.
• According to the story, only those with pure intentions can find the spring, as it is guarded by ancestral spirits who reveal its location to those in need.

Reality Check

While there are natural springs on Baratang Island, no evidence of miraculous healing properties has been found. However, many visitors have experienced a sense of rejuvenation simply by immersing themselves in the island’s pristine, natural environment.

6. The Phantom Ship of the Andaman Sea

Stories of ghost ships are not unique to Port Blair, but the Andaman Sea has its own version. Fishermen and sailors have reported sightings of a phantom ship that appears during storms and disappears without a trace.

The Legend

• The ghost ship is said to be the SS Ramona, a cargo vessel that vanished without a distress signal in the early 1900s. According to the legend, the ship reappears during heavy storms, with its ghostly crew still on board.
• Sailors claim to have seen the ship’s silhouette illuminated by lightning, only for it to vanish as quickly as it appeared.

Reality Check

While this may be nothing more than maritime folklore, stories of phantom ships have persisted among the island’s fishing communities, adding an element of mystery to the region’s seafaring culture.

7. The Lost Souls of the Cellular Jail

The Cellular Jail holds some of the darkest stories from India’s struggle for independence. Many believe that the anguish and suffering of the inmates have left an indelible mark on the site.

The Legend

• Visitors and staff have reported hearing disembodied voices, chains rattling, and sudden cold spots within the jail’s solitary cells. Some believe these are the restless spirits of prisoners who died under brutal conditions.

Reality Check

While there is no scientific evidence of paranormal activity, the emotional weight of the site is undeniable. Walking through the dark corridors of the Cellular Jail, it’s easy to feel a deep connection to the tragic stories of the past.

Port Blair’s myths and legends offer a captivating blend of history, spirituality, and folklore that adds depth to your exploration of the Andaman Islands. Whether you’re visiting the haunted ruins of Ross Island or marveling at the untouched beauty of North Sentinel, these stories provide a unique lens through which to view the region’s cultural heritage.

So, the next time you’re in Port Blair, take a moment to immerse yourself in these fascinating tales—you might just feel the magic in the air.