The Andaman archipelago lies in the Bay of Bengal. It has a copious amount of history and heritage that fascinate visitors. Tourists love to spend their time on its picturesque beaches and test their nerves with exhilarating water sports. During the golden hours, the beaches of Andaman buzz with shutterbugs. Everyone tries hard to catch the perfect sunset shot. Many also come here to watch and appreciate the coral reefs, marine, land and avifauna.
Andaman is also an ideal place to go trekking, camping, and cave exploration. However, those with a thirst for knowledge and passion for history should go for a heritage walk in Andamans. They will truly appreciate the fascinating stories these islands hold.
What is a Heritage Tour/ Walk & Why is it Important?
Heritage walks are undertaken to spread awareness about a historic site. They are also done to protect and preserve the historical sites and monuments. These walks are conducted for individuals who are interested in learning history, architecture and traditions of a city/village/island. A guided heritage tour presents a window through which a person can learn about an era gone by.
The cultural nuances and learnings one picks on a heritage tour broadens one’s horizon and changes perspective. You learn to appreciate diverse traditions and practices. A heritage tour also gives opportunities for social interaction. Listening to the guide’s explanation, asking questions, and engaging in brainstorming, makes the entire process memorable.
Best 7 Places to Visit in Andaman for a Heritage Walk
The Andaman Islands has many heritage sites where you can go for a heritage tour/ walks. The heritage walks in Andamans are done in a group with a tour guide. The guide is responsible for managing the group. Educating them about historic sites in their itinerary and the impact these sites have created on the island's history.
Here are top heritage sites to witness on your Andaman trip
1. Cellular Jail
2. Ross Island
3. Viper Island
4 Netaji Flag Hoisting Memorial
5. Balidan Vedi
6. Param Vir Chakra Memorial
7. Chatham Island
1. Cellular Jail
The must-visit attraction in Sri Vijaya Puram, Cellular Jail, is on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. On a heritage tour to Cellular Jail, you will come face to face with the most grim and painful chapters of India’s freedom struggle. The construction of cellular jail was done by the Britons in 1906 for imprisoning political convicts. This three-storied edifice testifies the brutalities and torment inflicted by the colonial forces on the Indian freedom fighters. You can also explore the museum that displays photographs of prisoners and their murky living conditions under British rule.
Address: Atlanta Point, Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Timings: The timings of cellular jail 9 AM to 12 PM & 2 PM to 5 PM from Tuesday to Saturday. It remains closed on public holidays and Mondays.
The timings for sounds and light show: Hindi language show beings at 6.00 PM and the English show at 07:15 PM
2. Ross Island
On 30th December, 2018, Ross Island’s name was renamed as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island. It is situated just 3 kilometers from the capital Sri Vijaya Puram. Going for a heritage walk on this island unveils many stories that still narrate the painful colonial past. Ross Island was once used as a headquarters of the British officials. You will see ruins of colonial buildings (some used as offices, others as homes) on this island. The big trees with their roots, branches, and trunk have taken over the ruins of a dilapidated cathedral and British officers quarters.
Besides history, the natural vegetation and vistas are absolutely beautiful to watch. Deer, ducks and birds are also seen thriving on this island. Shared ferries and private charter boats ply from Sri Vijaya Puram to Ross Island on a daily basis.
3. Viper Island
Another fascinating island for your heritage tour in Andaman Island is Viper Island. This small island can be easily covered on foot within 2 to 3 hours. It is an incredible site for history enthusiasts and nature lovers. The island got its name from the vessel which was used by British official Lt. Archibald Blair, who came here in the year 1789.
Viper Island was used as a jail to imprison political convicts before the construction of the Cellular Jail. It still has ruins of an edifice smeared in auburn hues, leaving the colonial presence of the island. The prisoners also received capital punishment, as one can see a gallow located on a hill top.
How to reach Viper Island?
Viper Island lies in the middle of Navy Bay and belongs to Sri Vijaya Puram. You can take a boat ride from the Phoenix Bay jetty and reach the islands in 20 minutes (approximately).
4. Netaji Flag Hoisting Memorial
Located inside the Netaji Stadium, Netaji Flag Hoisting Memorial is an important heritage site and cultural landmark to add in your Andaman tour package. Irrespective of wherever you are staying in Sri Vijaya Puram, you will find autos, buses, and taxis to reach this iconic landmark.
The Andaman Island got colonies twice, once by the British and then the Imperial Japanese Army took over. Later the Japanese surrender the island. On 30th December 1943, Netaji Subash Chandra Bose hoisted the Tricolor, declaring freedom from British rule. Ever since then, the flag point has become a significant landmark and memorial. Add Netaji Flag Hoisting Memorial as part of the Andaman heritage tour and feel the sense of pride as an Indian.
Address: Netaji Stadium, Rajiv Gandhi Nagar, Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
5. Balidan Vedi
The word Balidan means sacrifice and Vedi means altar. Balidan Vedi is an important memorial point in the Andaman and Nicobar islands. This landmark narrates the history of 44 islanders who lost their lives by the hands of the Imperial Japanese Army occupying the islands. These 44 islanders were a part of Indian Independence League (IIL) and Indian National Army (INA). The Japanese shot dead many natives and buried them in an "L" shaped mass grave over false spying charges. The gruesome incident took place on 30th January 1944. To commemorate the death of the members of IIL and INA and pay homage to their deaths, a solemn ceremony is organised by A & N administration on 30th Jan every year.
Address: Balidan Vedi, Homfraygunj, Port Blair
6. Param Vir Chakra Memorial
Another important memorial to include in your heritage tour in Andaman is Param Vir Chakra Memorial. This memorial is built in the Marina Park and located in Sri Vijaya Puram. This memorial is dedicated to Lieutenant Governor Lt Gen A K Singh (Retd). The memorial has pictures and details of all the 21 Param Veer Chakra awardees. Param Vir Chakra is the highest honour awarded for displaying esteemed acts of courage during wartime. This memorial commemorates the sacrifice of the brave Indian soldiers.
Address: Marina Park, Rajiv Gandhi Nagar, Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
7. Chatham Island
The last attraction on the list of best heritage sites in Andaman & Nicobar Island is Chatham Island. The British official Lt. Archibald Blair colonised it and named it Mark Island. In 1857, more Britishers started creating settlements here. The island saw the commissioning of a mill—the largest one in Asia at that time. Later, this place was occupied by the Japanese during WW-II. The British re-occupy this island and begin its reconstruction. Post India’s independence, a memorial column was established to commemorate the very first of freedom fighters who fought for the nation.
These were the top 7 places to visit in Andaman for a heritage tour. Remember, beyond all the instagrammable places in Andamans, many places are a solemn reminder of its colonial history. If you are a history buff or a cultural enthusiast, visiting the above places will be an incredibly humbling experience.
