I know, this may sound a bit dark and depressing but you wouldn’t regret one moment of your time spent here. The dreadful word “Kaala Pani” that we’ve heard since our childhood actually referred to this place. Yes, it’s the former British prison that is now a shrine to the political dissidents it once jailed. Even though several parts of it have been destroyed by the Japanese during the World War II, it still stands tall reminding us of our brave and gallant forefathers is one of the best places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar.
The aura of history and struggle around the Cellular Jail is palpable and you just cannot help but be overcome with a strong patriotic fervour.
The jail complex is now owned by the Government of India and it is recognised as the national memorial monument that showcases the life of prisoners during the British era.
The jail narrates of the horrifying and darkest period in the history of India. Soon after the Sepoy Mutiny in the year 1857, Britishers began to use the islands of Andaman and Nicobar as the jails to put fighters behind the bars. The secluded islands were chosen due to their distant location from the main parts of the country where the prisoners would be kept in the dark depriving them of the situation in the country and excluding them from the society. During the independence movement of India, thousands of Indians were imprisoned in the cellular jail, many of them died due to inhumane conditions, many were hanged till death and many simply perished. Today, the Cellular Jail is a solemn reminder of all the struggles that our freedom fighters fought through to win the independence of the country, and is an imperative part of our history that ought to be upheld.
There are three main attractions in the jail, namely:
-The gallery of photos and exhibits
-The library
-The everlasting flame
Location: Atlanta Point, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744102
Timings:
- Visiting hours for the Cellular Jail are between 9:00am to 5:00 Pm
- Light and Sound show timings: 5:30 Pm – 6:30 Pm (Hindi) & 6:45 Pm – 7:45 Pm (English)
Entry Cost is Rs.10, and an extra fee of Rs.25 To Rs.100 is applicable for using cameras and video cameras respectively.
Note: The jail remains closed on Monday and during Public & Government Holidays.