Aman Singh of Delhi was interested in writing a historical novel on the infamous Kala Pani to re-create the struggle of the freedom fighters of India. He paid a visit to Port Blair and Ross Island to see the places first-hand.

The remains of the British administrative buildings and the dreaded Cellular Jail are testimony to the oppression and torture faced by thousands of Indian political prisoners, many of whom laid down their lives for their Motherland.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Cellular Jail - The dark history of Port Blair, which was used as a prison camp by the British for Indian freedom fighters, is a thing of the past now. However, one can visit the Cellular Jail to pay homage to the hundreds of brave men and women who were incarcerated here.
• Anthropological Musuem - this is a must-see to get a glimpse into the lives of the unique tribes who inhabit the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Among them are the Jarawas, Great Andamanese, Shompen, and Sentinelese, who are the last survivors of truly indigenous tribes in the world.
• Fisheries Museum - this is a colourful aquarium with displays of rare tropical fish and marine life.
• Samudrika Marine Museum - anyone interested in India's naval history should visit this museum run by the Indian Navy.

ROSS ISLAND

This island has a rich history as it was used by the British as their administrative base. You can see remnants of British bungalows, churches and offices. You can also see the ruins of the Japanese POW camp of World War II. These islands are also the home of the Great Andamanese tribe, whose numbers sadly decreased drastically due to contact with the outsiders who brought in infections and diseases.

HOW TO GET TO THE ANDAMAN ISLANDS

• Indian Airlines and Jet Airways have regular flights from Kolkata and Chennai to Port Blair.
• The Shipping Corporation of India has four trips a month from Kolkata (52 hrs) and Chennai (60 hrs), and once a month from Vishakhapatnam (56 hours). The ships that ply are MV Nicobar, MV Nancowry, MV Swarajdweep, MV Harshavardhana and MV Akbar.
• Foreigner's Registration Offices are at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Port Blair.