Peepul Trees of Ross Island Andamans

The trees of Ross Island Andamans are fascinating, standing the test of time. These massive trees have grown around the historic ruins of the island. I know I featured another tree from Ross Island Andamans earlier, but there are so many to show off!

We reached Ross Island Andamans one drizzly morning via speedboat from Aberdeen Jetty, Port Blair–it takes exactly 15 minutes–and by the time we arrived, the rain had stopped. Convenient, because one has to cover the island on foot and walking in the wilderness when it is raining can be quite dangerous. Slippery slopes and slushy paths.

However, the rain stopped long enough for us to explore parts of the island before we were due back on the jetty to proceed to North Bay island. We had exactly two hours, and we set off.

Ross Island now known as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island in the Andaman and Nicobar islands is among the most picturesque with its historic ruins and an interesting history.

Beautifully preserved for tourists, visiting hours are from 8 am to 5 pm. There are no hotels on Ross Island.

Also called Ross Island Penal Colony, the island was originally a convict settlement established in 1858 by the British colonial government in India. The aim was to jail a large number of prisoners from the Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as the Indian Mutiny. It was initially occupied by the British and then by the Japanese during the pre-Independence era. The island was a residential colony occupied by the British with a bakery, a church, shops, etc. Later, during the World War II, the Japanese took over the island. We saw a Japanese bunker as we got off our boat. After the War, the island went back to the British. The story goes that an earthquake forced everyone to abandon the island. Remnants of the British buildings are now overgrown and covered by the huge trees.

There’s a lighthouse in one part of the island where there’s a light and sound show.

We were dazzled by the lush greenery on one side and the vast sea on the other. And the trees of Ross islands Andamans? They were like heirlooms. So many aerial roots. The trees themselves are massive and grow around the ruins on the island. The island has lots of deer–the deer came to us and were quite friendly, roaming around. They were probably accustomed to visitors and didn’t mind being petted. There were also peacocks, we were told, but we did not spot them–although we did see feathers strewn around. Yup, I carried one home!

We did visit the ruins of the old church amid the gorgeous, massive ficus trees. There was also a small children’s park and a “Japanese” pond. We simply enjoyed walking around taking photos and the time just flew. We saw some magnificent ancient machinery and turbines that must have been used hundreds of years ago. Just as we were returning to the jetty, the skies opened up and the rains came down heavily.

It’s funny though–it is really refreshing to feel the rains while visiting beaches and islands. And of course, by the time we left Ross island and headed off to North Bay island, the sun was out again, determined to give us a good time.

Trees of Ross Islands Andamans

Today’s tree is this gorgeous Peepul tree. I love how it looks, as if seated comfortably forever. The structure around which it must have grown has long disappeared but Nature has ensured that the tree is timeless.

I swear the roots have stories to tell. The branches swaying over the waters probably talk to the sea.

Sea on one side, a comfortable bench by the tree, and one could sit there and stare at either side, enjoying the peace and the sounds of nature.

Absolutely standing the test of time for centuries.

What a beautiful sight. If I could go back I would and photograph what I missed the first time around.

Walk tall as the trees,
live strong as the mountains,
be gentle as the spring winds,
keep the warmth of the summer sun in your heart
and the great spirit will always be with you.
– Native American proverb

I am joining the lovely Parul for her ThursdayTreeLove blog hop. Do join us.