Chidyatapu Beach / sunset

NATIONAL MEMORIAL CELLULAR JAIL

The history of the Andaman Islands as a colonial prison dates back to the aftermath of the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Lt. Archibald Blair had surveyed the islands in 1688, but it was only after the rebellion that the British authorities began using the islands as a penal colony. Freedom fighters from the revolt were sent here, forced to work as laborers in the construction of the infamous Cellular Jail and other buildings on Ross Island, which served as the British administrative headquarters and residence for officers.

Located in the heart of Port Blair, the Cellular Jail is just 2 km from Aberdeen Bazaar and 6 km from the airport, making it one of the first stops for most tourists visiting the Andaman Islands.

The Cellular Jail is open to visitors every day from 9 am to 5 pm, although the entry gate closes at 4 pm. It serves as a poignant reminder of India's colonial past and the sacrifices made by freedom fighters.

The Cellular Jail was built across three floors with seven wings, each radiating out from a central tower like the spokes of a wheel. The jail also included an entrance block that housed all the administrative offices. It had a total of 696 cells, each designed for a single inmate. The name "Cellular Jail" comes from this distinctive feature, as it was solely made up of individual cells, unlike other jails that used dormitories. Each cell measured 13.5 feet by 7 feet and had an iron-barred door at the front. A small ventilator, nearly 10 feet above the ground, was the only source of light and air.

After India gained independence, political factors led to the demolition of four out of the seven wings of the Cellular Jail. However, after a strong protest by the freedom fighters who had been imprisoned there, the demolition was halted, and the jail was declared a national memorial.

Today, the Cellular Jail stands as a National Memorial and is open to tourists. The site features a museum that showcases the lives of the convicts, with exhibits of their clothing, utensils, and the tools they used. There is also a gallery displaying photographs of the inmates. Visitors should not miss the gallows, where many inmates were hanged.

Visiting Hours:
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Note: The Cellular Jail is closed on Mondays and public holidays.