Ross Island, located just a short ferry ride from Port Blair, is a paradise for photographers. With its historic ruins, lush greenery, coastal views, and vibrant wildlife, it offers endless opportunities to capture stunning shots. Whether you are a professional photographer or a casual traveler, Ross Island has something for everyone.
How to Reach Ross Island
Ross Island is 3 km from Port Blair, and the ferry ride takes around 15-20 minutes. Daily ferries operate on the Port Blair to Ross Island and to North Bay route. You can book ferry tickets online instantly, which makes planning your photography trip easy and hassle-free.
Best Photography Spots on Ross Island
Ross Island is rich in scenic and historical spots. Here are the top places to capture amazing photos:
1. British-Era Ruins
The colonial ruins on Ross Island are iconic photography subjects. Capture:
- Old church ruins with sunlight streaming through broken walls
- Abandoned cottages with creepers and moss
- Lighthouse viewpoints for panoramic island shots
2. Nature Trails & Coconut Groves
Ross Island is covered in coconut palms, lush trees, and green pathways. Ideal for:
- Sunrise and sunset shots with soft natural light
- Close-ups of tropical plants, flowers, and scenic walking trails
- Wide-angle landscapes capturing the island’s greenery and coastline
3. Wildlife & Birds
Ross Island hosts peacocks, deer, and exotic birds. Photography tips:
- Use a zoom lens for wildlife and birds to avoid disturbing them
- Early morning is best for wildlife photography, when animals are most active
- Capture birds in flight for dynamic shots
4. Coastal & Seaside Views
The island’s shoreline offers beautiful sea and sky photography:
- Capture the turquoise waters and boats passing by
- Golden hour shots of the sea meeting the horizon
- Reflections on shallow tidal pools for creative compositions
5. Light & Shadow Photography
The combination of historic ruins and natural light creates dramatic shadows:
- Capture arches, doorways, and broken walls in soft morning light
- Experiment with silhouette photography during sunset
Photography Tips for Ross Island
- Best Time to Shoot: Early morning or late afternoon for soft light
- Equipment to Carry: DSLR or mirrorless camera, wide-angle and zoom lenses, tripod, spare batteries
- Safety Tips: Watch your step around uneven ruins, stay hydrated, and protect equipment from sand and water
- Composition Ideas: Use ruins as frames, include wildlife for scale, and play with leading lines on trails
- Drone Photography: Allowed in certain areas-check local regulations before flying
Combining Photography with Sightseeing
Ross Island is perfect for photography enthusiasts who also want to enjoy sightseeing:
- Capture historic architecture while exploring the island
- Walk through nature trails for serene landscape photography
- Take a ferry to North Bay for underwater or coastal photography
Why Ross Island is a Photographer’s Paradise
Ross Island offers diverse photography opportunities in one location:
- History and architecture
- Nature and wildlife
- Coastal landscapes and sunsets
It’s also easily accessible from Port Blair, making it ideal for a half-day or full-day photography trip.
Plan Your Photography Trip
Make your Ross Island photography trip smooth and enjoyable:
- Book ferry tickets online in advance
- Carry necessary photography gear and water/snacks
- Explore early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting
- Respect wildlife and the historical ruins while photographing
FAQ
1. Is Ross Island good for photography?
Yes! Ross Island is a photographer’s paradise, offering historic ruins, lush greenery, coastal views, and wildlife, making it ideal for both professional and casual photography.
2. How do I reach Ross Island for photography?
Ross Island is 3 km from Port Blair. You can take a ferry from Port Blair to Ross Island and to North Bay, which takes around 15-20 minutes. Tickets can be booked online instantly.
3. What are the best times to photograph Ross Island?
The early morning (sunrise) and late afternoon (golden hour) provide the best natural light for landscapes, ruins, and wildlife photography.
4. What photography spots are best on Ross Island?
British-era ruins – churches, cottages, and lighthouse viewpoints, Nature trails & coconut groves, Wildlife & birds – peacocks, deer, exotic birds, Coastal views & shorelines – turquoise waters and sunsets
5. Can I photograph wildlife on Ross Island?
Yes, Ross Island has peacocks, deer, and various birds. For the best shots: Use a zoom lens, Visit early morning when wildlife is active, Maintain a safe distance
6. Are there restrictions on photography?
Drone photography may require permissions; check local regulations, Avoid touching or disturbing historic ruins or wildlife
7. How much time should I spend for photography on Ross Island?
Most photographers spend 2-3 hours exploring key spots. If combined with North Bay or other nearby islands, plan for a full-day trip.
8. What equipment should I carry?
Camera (DSLR or mirrorless), Wide-angle and zoom lenses, Tripod for low-light or sunset shots, Extra batteries and memory cards
9. Can families and beginners enjoy photography here?
Yes! The island is family-friendly and easy for beginners. Some ruins have uneven terrain, so wear comfortable shoes.
10. Are there food and water facilities for photographers?
Small cafes are available near Port Blair ferry point, but on Ross Island, it’s best to carry water and snacks.