Viper Island - Andaman.
First Colonial Prison, Witness to History

About Viper Island of the Andaman Islands

Viper Island is a small island located inside the Port Blair harbour, accessible by a short boat ride from the mainland jetty. It holds the distinction of being Andaman's earliest colonial prison, predating the Cellular Jail by several decades and serving as the original site where the British imprisoned Indian political prisoners and convicts sent to these islands.

The island gets its name from HMS Viper, a British naval vessel that carried Lieutenant Archibald Blair to the Andaman Islands in 1789 to establish a penal settlement. The ship is believed to have met with an accident near the island and its wreckage was discovered close to its shores giving the island its distinctive name.

The island houses two significant historical structures. The gallows positioned on a small hill where prisoners were executed and the red brick courthouse building which remains clearly visible from the jetty. Both stand as haunting reminders of the colonial era and the price paid by Indian freedom fighters who were brought to these islands.

The History of Viper Island
- Before Kala Pani There Was This

The history of Viper Island begins in 1789 when the British first established a penal settlement in the Andaman Islands following the arrival of Lieutenant Archibald Blair. Viper Island served as the first prison in the Andaman chain and housed convicts and political prisoners long before the Cellular Jail was conceived or constructed.

Among the most significant prisoners held on Viper Island was Sher Ali, the man who assassinated Lord Mayo the Viceroy of India in 1872. His imprisonment and execution on this island gave Viper Island a permanent place in the darkest chapters of India's colonial history. Many other freedom fighters and political rebels were also held here under brutal conditions. Prisoners were kept in fetters, forced into hard labour and subjected to conditions designed to break their spirit and their connection to the Indian mainland.

The island also housed a women's prison during the British era, a fact that is less widely known but equally significant in understanding the full scope of colonial oppression in the Andaman Islands.

When the Cellular Jail was constructed between 1896 and 1906, Viper Island's role as a primary prison facility was gradually reduced. However it continued to hold prisoners for many years and the gallows on the hilltop continued to be used well into the colonial period.

Viper Island
- A Historic Landmark of Andaman

Viper Island is one of the most significant historical attractions in the Andaman Islands, known for its colonial-era ruins and rich heritage. Located near Port Blair, the island once housed a jail used by the British before the construction of the Cellular Jail. Surrounded by scenic waters and lush greenery, Viper Island offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the islands' past while providing beautiful views of the surrounding coastline.

Viper Island is renowned for its historical significance, featuring the remains of the old British jail, gallows, and administrative structures that played an important role during the colonial era. Visitors can explore these heritage ruins while learning about the island's connection to India's freedom struggle. The peaceful surroundings and panoramic views of the harbor make it a popular destination for history enthusiasts and photographers.

Most visitors spend 1 to 2 hours exploring the island and its historic landmarks. Viper Island is usually included in harbor cruise and island-hopping tours from Port Blair, making it an easy half-day excursion. The best time to visit is between October and May, when the weather is pleasant and boat services operate smoothly.

Tips for Visiting Viper Island

• Start your trip early in the morning from Port Blair to enjoy calmer sea conditions, pleasant weather, and fewer crowds.
• Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and drinking water, as there is limited shade and facilities on the island.
• Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear, as you will need to walk around uneven paths and historical ruins.
• Use only authorized ferry services or guided tours from Port Blair, as trips depend on weather and official schedules.
• Carry a camera or phone to capture scenic harbour views and historic ruins, but avoid entering restricted or unsafe areas.
• Respect the site’s heritage by not littering or damaging structures. It is a protected historical location with significant colonial history.
• Combine your visit with nearby attractions like Cellular Jail in Port Blair for a more complete historical experience.

Include Viper Island in Your Andaman Itinerary

Viper Island is one of the most historically significant and atmospheric destinations near Port Blair, offering visitors a powerful glimpse into the early colonial past of the Andaman Islands. Once used by the British as a place of imprisonment, the island is home to the haunting remains of the old gallows and jail structures, set against a calm and scenic coastal backdrop that makes the experience both reflective and visually striking.

Our team at Andaman Vacations India includes Viper Island in Port Blair itineraries for travelers who want to go beyond beaches and discover the deeper history of the Andaman Islands. Share your travel dates with us, and we will design a Port Blair day plan that thoughtfully combines heritage sites, island views, and relaxed travel pacing for a meaningful and well-rounded experience.