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Considered to be one of the most prominent spots of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Cellular Jail is a former British prison that today serves as a shrine to the freedom fighters who fought for Indian independence. Also known as ‘Kala Pani’, the place was considered to be one of the most gruelling and dreaded colonial prisons where some of the most atrocious punishments were imposed on the inmates. A national memorial, the cellular jail museum is a living witness of the pain and misery of the jailed revolutionaries.
Quick Details About Cellular Jail Museum
Cellular Jail Museum Address: Atlanta Point, Port Blair
Cellular Jail Museum Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Nearest Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair
Nearest Port: Port Blair
Best Time To Visit: Open throughout the year, however, preferably from October to March
Entry Fee: ₹50 per person (for Indians), ₹100 per person (for foreigners)
About Cellular Jail
Photo: Aliven Sarkar / Wikimedia Commons
The Cellular Museum is one of the famous landmarks of the capital city of Port Blair. Construction of this jail began in 1896 and it took over 10 years for the Britishers to build this place. Originally, the jail had seven wings with over 698 cells but several of these were destroyed by the Japanese army during the heights of World War II. Today, only three wings are remaining. One of the most famous prisoners of this jail was Veer Damodar Savarkar who was jailed here for 7 years from 1914 to 1921. Converted into the Kala Pani Museum today, you can visit the cells here, walk through the corridors and get to the gallows where executions were done.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Andaman And Nicobar Islands
How To Reach
Photo: Georgy Trofimov / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Cellular Jail Museum location is around 7.8 km away from Port Blair. It can be reached through an auto, bus, taxi, minibus or rickshaw. There are cycles and two-wheelers too that you can hire to get around in the city. You can also take regular ferries and ships to Port Blair and then visit the museum via cab or bus.
Where To Stay
Photo: Boonkong Boonpeng / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Since Kala Pani Museum is considered to be one of the prime tourist destinations of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, there are several hotels and resorts located nearby that can fit all types of budgets. Some of the popular ones are Blue Bridge Home, Sunnyvale Andaman, Atlanta Cottage, Hotel Raj Palace, Hotel Guru International, and many more.
Suggested Read: Wildlife Sanctuaries In Andaman And Nicobar
Where To Eat
Photo: Abhik Paul / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
When the hunger pangs hit, there are several eating options located right in the vicinity of the Cellular Museum. You can find both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options here for reasonable charges. Some of the best restaurants here are Icy Spicy, Ananda Multi-Cuisine Restaurant, Fortune Resort Bay Island, and New Lighthouse Restaurant.
Places To Visit Around The Museum
1. Chidiya Tapu
Photo: Arkadeep Meta / Wikimedia Commons
Also known as Bird Island, Chidiya Tapu is a charming little island located at a short distance away from the museum. The place has open seascapes with one of the best sunset points of Andaman. It also has a trekking trail that allows the trekkers to explore the fascinating Kala Patthar rugged rocks of the place. Though the place is famous for bird watching, there are water sports, beach treks and a biological park that add to the charm of this island.
Location: 25 km from Port Blair City
Timings: 7 AM – 5:30 PM
Suggested Read: Water Sports In Andaman
2. Samudrika Marine Museum
Photo: Yercaud-elango / Wikimedia Commons
Managed by the Indian Navy, the Samudrika Marine Naval Museum is located 2 km away from Port Blair City Centre. The place presents a perfect blend of the tribal roots and the marine biodiversity of Andaman. The museum is divided into 5 rooms that provide in-depth information on local Andamanese tribes and the exquisite array of flora and fauna thriving in the Andaman waters.
Location: Airport Authority Colony, Haddo, Port Blair
Timings: 9 AM – 12 PM, 2 PM – 5 PM (Mondays Closed)
Entry Fee: ₹50/person
3. Anthropological Museum
Photo: Yercaud-elango / Wikimedia Commons
The Anthropological Museum is a living portrait of the local community tribes of the Andaman Islands. The museum provides a sneak peek into the lifestyles of Onges, Jarawas, Sentinelese, Andamanese, Shompens, and Nicobarese. Since these tribes keep minimal contact with the world, this museum is a storehouse of information for those looking to gain a better insight into their lives.
Location: Thomas Colony, Junglighat, Port Blair
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5 PM (Mondays Closed)
Entry Fee: ₹10 for adults, free for children below 10 years
Suggested Read: Adventure Sports In Andaman
4. North Bay Island
Photo: Rockydsuza / Wikimedia Commons
North Bay Island is a secluded island of Port Blair that offers a host of water activities. In addition, the place has a great sea view, healthy coral settlements and lush green jungle cover for the visitors. The popularity of the view from the hilltop can be gauged from the fact that the same has also been featured on the Indian 20 rupee note too.
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM
5. Corbyn’s Cove Beach
Photo: Doctors photography / Shutterstock
Located just near the Cellular Jail is Corbyn’s Cove Beach which is one of the most popular beaches of Port Blair among both locals as well as tourists. This tranquil beach offers various thrilling water activities that one can indulge in including paragliding, scuba diving, snorkelling, and many more.
Timings: Open all day
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Andaman And Nicobar In 5 Days
6. Ross Island
Photo: Shimjithsr / Wikimedia Commons
A trip to Ross Island is considered to be one of the easiest inter-island trips that can be done in Andaman. This place features prominently in Indian history books with ruins of British-made sanatoriums, churches and government offices still standing on the island. However, no civilian settlement is allowed on the island.
Timings: 8:30 AM – 4 PM (Wednesdays closed)
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Thought Catalog / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Tips For Travellers
- The memorial remains closed on Mondays so plan your trip accordingly.
- Wear flats or closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothes as you need to trek and climb rocky trails while visiting this prison.
- Sound and Light shows are conducted in both Hindi and English languages, you can choose among both as per your preference.
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Port Blair
With its architectural marvel and great historical and sentimental value attached, the Cellular Jail Museum is one of the best places to visit when in Andaman. The place soaks you in the glory of the Indian freedom struggle. Plan your trip with TripXL for a customised itinerary to Cellular Museum and relish the beauty of this age-old marvel.
Cover Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons
