Viper Island is one of the South Andaman districts located in the Andaman Islands. It is situated four kilometers west of Port Blair, the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. So when you are planning your Andaman Tour Packages with us, include this island in your travel itinerary as one of the top Places to visit in Andaman. It has been named after the ship H.M.S. Viper, which Lt. Archibald Blair used to reach the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in 1789. It is said that the ship met with an accident and its remains were found near the island.The small Viper Island served as the prison where the British held political prisoners and convicts. Ruins of a gallows can be found on a hill. When exploring things to do in Port Blair, visiting this historic site provides a deep historical experience.
It is interesting to know that the Viper Island Jail was abandoned after Cellular Jail came up in the year 1906. Although the mention of Cellular Jail comes about while describing Port Blair, its Andaman connection, and involvement with the freedom movement, Viper Island jail, so to say, finds much precedence to this magnificent marvel because a great deal more in terms of the brutal atrocities, they planned against their fighters was suffered long before its actual existence as an idea and thus when Cellular Jail came up.
Viper Island is unique because of its history. This island took its name after a British ship HMS Viper that sank there during the 19th century. Long before Cellular Jail came into existence, this island itself had a jail, where many prisoners, some being freedom fighters, were accommodated. In addition, even this island has gallows; those prisoners held captive, were executed through hanging on the gallows. Some of those remain there until this day.Today, Viper Island is a very popular tourist destination, where people can experience the history and the beauty of the Andaman Islands. The blend of its past and peaceful present makes it a must-visit place.
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Best Time to Visit Viper Island
The best time to visit Viper Island is during the dry season. Viper Island enjoys dry weather throughout October and up to May when sunshine is the normal occurrence along with cool breeze winds, keeping the sea in a smooth sailing state so as not to trouble the ferry riding experience, too. Also, perfect in time for sightseeing ruins of this place with no threat of rain showers at all.It has heavy rain from June to September, known as the monsoon season. This makes the island green, but also disrupts ferry services and complicates exploring. If you go during the monsoon season, be prepared for sudden changes in the weather.
How to Reach Viper Island
Reaching Viper Island is easy. The island is 4 kilometers from the capital of the Andaman Islands, Port Blair. A ferry is available from the Phoenix Bay Jetty in Port Blair and it takes 15 to 20 minutes. The ferries are very frequent and are economical as well, giving great sea views. Just plan in advance according to the schedule of the ferries to reach Viper Island without any hitches.Things to Do in and Around Viper Island
Even though Viper Island is small, there are several activities to enjoy during your visit. Here are some things to do in and around Viper Island:1. Explore the Historical Ruins
The old jail is the main attraction of Viper Island. It is a beautiful place to visit, walking through the remains of the jail and the gallows, giving one a glimpse into the dark past of the island. It is a touching experience, thinking about the struggle of the prisoners who were kept there. It is one of the best Things to do in and around Viper Island.
2. Enjoy the Natural Beauty
Not just the historical background, Viper Island is surrounded by scintillating natural beauty. The sea is calm and the breeze is cool. People can well enjoy their time in such an environment of peace.
3. Visit Nearby Islands
To make your tour more exciting, you can consider visiting other islands nearby. Among the popular ones, Ross Island and North Bay Island are easily included in your itinerary. These islands are a mix of history and natural beauty.
4. Take a Ferry Ride
The ferry ride to and fro Viper Island is an experience in itself. The views of the turquoise water and the islands surrounding it are stunning. Do not forget to click pictures!
5. Photography
From the historical ruins to the scenic landscapes, there is so much to click in Viper Island. Take some shots that would help in remembering the moment forever.
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There are no hotels in Viper Island, but there are several places to stay in Port Blair. It’s not a hassle to stay in Port Blair as it is located close to the jetty and therefore close to the island. The following are good places to stay in Port Blair:1. Sinclairs Bayview: This hotel offers luxury and stunning sea views. It’s perfect for travelers who want to relax in comfort after a day of exploring.
2. Hotel Shompen: A budget-friendly option, Hotel Shompen provides comfortable rooms and good service, making it a great choice for families and solo travelers.
3. Seashell Port Blair: Seashell is a boutique hotel known for its cozy atmosphere and excellent location. It’s ideal for those looking for a quiet and relaxing stay.
When booking hotels in Viper Island, try to choose one that’s close to the Phoenix Bay Jetty for easy access to Viper Island.
Places to Eat in Viper Island
Since Viper Island is uninhabited, no restaurants or food stalls are there. It’s advisable to bring along some eatables and bottles of water as it may come in handy. Yet, Port Blair offers a host of great eateries with yummy food and is worth checking out. Here are two popular places to eat in Viper Island:1. New Lighthouse Restaurant
This restaurant is famous for its fresh seafood. Try their crab masala, prawns, and grilled fish for a true taste of the Andamans.
2. Annapurna Cafeteria
If you prefer vegetarian food, Annapurna is the perfect choice. Their simple yet tasty dishes are loved by locals and tourists alike.
Make sure to enjoy a good meal in the restaurants of Port Blair before heading to Viper Island, as you won’t find food options on the island itself.
Tips for Visiting Viper Island
Here are some tips for visiting Viper Island to help you make the most of your visit:1. Pack the essentials: Since there are no shops or facilities on the island, carry water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat. Wear comfortable shoes since one will have to walk around the ruins.
2. Start Early: Go to the island during the morning to avoid the afternoon heat and to enjoy more time there.
3. Respect the History: The ruins are a part of India’s heritage. Be mindful of their importance and do not litter or destroy the site.
4. Plan Your Visit as a Combination Trip: To get the most out of your time, plan your Viper Island trip in combination with a visit to the nearby attractions, like Ross Island, North Bay Island, or the Cellular Jail.
5. Confirmation of Ferry Schedule: The ferries also carry out schedules hence, the check on the actual ferry timings while going is suggested.
Viper Island is small, but it holds a big piece of India’s history. Visiting this island gives one the chance to learn about the past in the beauty of the Andaman Sea. From the historical ruins to the scenic ferry ride, every moment spent on Viper Island is memorable.This could be the ideal time to pay a visit to Viper Island, pack those essentials, and get ready for your step into an island where you can find historic beauty. But do not miss out on discovering other attractions. Enjoy a dinner at Port Blair and take sufficient photographs to immortalize your experience. Viper Island is such a gem a traveler should certainly experience.
