Viper Island

Viper Island is a very peaceful island in Andaman and Nicobar. It has appeared numerous times in Indian history due to the British-built jail on the island a few hundred years ago. Because of the striking combination of history and nature, this island is frequently visited by Indian and international tourists.

The ruins of the jail, gallows, and cells tell several stories from a bygone era, sordid tales of a torturous rule that the country had to endure. A bird’s eye view of the neighboring islands, the seven-point harbor, and the mighty ocean in its glorious shades is available.

Aside from the historical jail, visitors can enjoy a scenic view of the harbor and several boats that cross at regular intervals. With so many Andaman beaches nearby, Viper Island is an ideal place to spend an hour.

How to reach Viper Island

Viper Island is accessible by road and sea from Port Blair. Viper Island is approximately 45 minutes away by road, which includes crossing the stretch of sea. One can begin at the Phoenix Bay jetty, which takes approximately 20 minutes to reach. The Harbor Cruise, which departs and returns from the jetty, can assist in exploring the various points of the harbor, as can a trip to Viper Island.

From Havelock Island

Havelock Island to Viper Island is quite a distance and takes more than 4 hours to reach majorly by sea and by road.

Best time to visit Viper Island

Viper Island is open for visitors all year. During the summer months of May and June, the temperature soars, making the island and beach hot and humid. Monsoons, on the other hand, are difficult months to explore the island and the ruins. The best time to visit Viper Island is from November to May, when the traveler can scout, delve, and relax in the various locals on the island.

Places to visit in and near Viper Island

The British built a jail on Viper Island a few hundred years ago to punish hardcore criminals and Indian freedom fighters. Parts of the jail, gallows, and cells still stand to remind the current generation of the bitter lives that Indian freedom fighters endured in pursuit of an independent India. Every evening, a light and sound show on the shores of Viper Island showcases many incidents from the pre-independence era to the struggle of the freedom fighters. Except for Wednesdays, the show is held every day.

On the way to the island, one can admire the beauty of the 7 Point Harbour, with boats and ships sailing through the mighty ocean, creating joyful ripples. During the journey to Viper Island, a glimpse of the cellular jail can also be seen.

Things/activities to do in Viper Island

A walk to the ruins of the British-built jail, which is historically significant, may pique the interest of visitors interested in Indian history. A walk around the island can help you discover views and landscapes of neighboring islands, the harbor, and the vast ocean, which add to the island’s mystic beauty.

Places to stay in Viper Island

Viper Island has no accommodation options, but Port Blair has a plethora of hotels and resorts of every conceivable category to suit every budget.

 

FAQs

1.   What is the travelling mode on the island?

Viper Island can be easily explored by your happy feet, as the Island is relatively small and places of interest are not too many.

2.   What is the condition of mobile connectivity?

Like other places in Andaman, one might not be too happy with the mobile connectivity barring occasional mobile network in BSNL phones.

3.   What are the places to eat on the Island?

There are no tourist eateries or restaurants on the island. Travelers either pack light snacks in their backpacks or return to Port Blair for a hearty meal. Few restaurants and eating places in and around Port Blair, such as the New India Café, Adi Bengali Hotel, and Lighthouse residency, serve up fancy Bengali, North Indian, and even multi-cuisine delicacies.

4. What is the condition of medical facilities on the Island?

Viper’s Island doesn’t have any medical facilities one has to visit the GBP Government Hospital at Port Blair for medical exigencies for a thorough treatment.

5. How much time duration I need to visit the whole of Viper Island?

Viper Island is a small island with few points of interest. Thus, exploring the ruins of the jail and gallows and reminiscing about its gruesome past would take less than an hour. Visitors who are interested in history will want to spend more time delving deeper into the past.

6. How far is Viper Island from Port Blair?

Viper Island is a mere 20km from Port Blair and it generally takes 20 minutes to reach the serene Island by sea from the Phoenix Bay jetty.

7. Is there any emergency help service in the Island in case of an emergency?

Unfortunately there are no emergency services within the Island, however, the coastal services are always alert on any mishaps or emergencies occurring in any of the Islands in Andaman.

8. Any travel tip before visiting Viper Island?

It is recommended to be in groups during high tourist season.

Depart the island before the sun goes down for your destination.Avoid bushes and ruins to avoid being spooked by creepy crawly creatures.