A trip to Andaman is incomplete without visiting the iconic Cellular Jail Port Blair. Whether you are a history buff or on a honeymoon trip, this is something you can’t leave forget. Cellular Jail is not just a historical landmark, it is the sacred place of all those freedom fighters who endured great suffering to give us the taste of freedom.
I grew up reading stories about how the freedom fighters have sacrificed their lives for our freedom. The British rulers tortured them to hell but couldn’t break their spirit. Cellular Jail was one of the places where they were taken for the famous Kala Paani Jail Saja. I had heard a lot about this place but never got a chance to visit it. Last month my colleagues were planning for Andaman and yes I was so excited about that trip of crystal clear beaches, sea corals, and the cellular jail. It is a must-visit tourist attraction in Port Blair that every Indian must visit during their Andaman trip.
Know the history of Andaman Cellular Jail
At the heart of Port Blair, the Cellular Jail, also known as ‘Kala Pani’ (Black Water), stands as a stark reminder of India’s struggle for independence. Built by the British between 1896 and 1906, this infamous prison was used to exile and torture freedom fighters. Indian revolutionaries, deported far from the mainland, were forced to clear land and build the jail where they were later confined in solitary cells.
The jail originally had seven wings radiating from a central tower, holding 698 cells designed to isolate prisoners. Many endured inhumane treatment, and frequent executions took place in full view of these cells. The site became a symbol of resistance, with prominent campaigns by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore leading to the eventual release of prisoners.
The Japanese occupied the jail during World War II, but it was declared a national memorial in 1979. Today, only three of the original wings remain, preserving the stories of courage and sacrifice that paved the way for India’s independence.
Cellular Jail Highlights
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
- Entry Fee: ₹30 per person (for Indian citizens)
- Status: National Memorial
- Cellular Jail Established in: 1906
- Area: Approximately 16 acres
What is Inside the Cellular Jail: Things to do
Here are the Top things to do in cellular jail during the Andaman itinerary.
Museum
As you buy the ticket and enter through the main gate, you will find a museum on your right-hand side. It features instruments of torture, such as a flogging stand and an oil mill, as well as artifacts like the dresses worn by freedom fighters during their imprisonment, locks, handwritten books, slogans, photographs, and documents about the freedom struggle.
Art Gallery
There are several art galleries in the Andaman Jail. As you walk toward the cell side, you will come across an exhibition gallery. This gallery showcases books, photographs, and handwritten notes of the freedom fighters, preserving their legacy and sacrifices.
Amar Jyot
Located near the entrance, Amar Jyot (Infinity Flame) is surrounded by a lush green garden. The flame is a tribute in memory of all our legendary freedom fighters who lost their lives in the Cellular Jail. This 5-foot-tall Jyot is covered with a 14-foot bronze cast metal structure. The Jyot (flame) is maintained by authorities using LPG cylinders.
The Cells
There were 698 cells where freedom fighters were kept. The cells were very small, and the only source of light was a small rectangular open box that was also approximately of size of a brick. Food too was served from the same. These freedom fighters will use the same cell the whole day for the daily motions, eating food, and later sleep.
Execution Room
The purpose of this jail has always been to reveal the cruelty faced by freedom fighters under British rule. There is an execution room where freedom fighters who rebelled were hanged. The execution room is in a small wooden building at the corner of the jail compound. Inside this dark room, three thick ropes still hang from the ceiling – a chilling reminder that the British used to hang three freedom fighters at the same time. I got very emotional while visiting the room, thinking about how much our freedom fighters struggled for our independence. I quickly walked away because I had a weak heart, but this place filled me with inspiration and pride.
The Watchtower
The watch tower was constructed to keep an eye on all seven towers. When we entered the watch tower, we were mesmerized by the incredible view. You could see the entire complex, including the overlook view of Ross Island, Mount Harriett, Ross Island, and North Bay Islands.
Cellular jail Light and Sound show
The light and sound show happens in the evening, in both Hindi and English language. On the day of our arrival, we visited the Cellular Jail at 5:30 PM for the show. The entry fee for the show is 300/- per adult and 150/- for children aged 5-11. You can book ticket online and offline. The 3D show presents some famous audio-visuals in tribute to freedom fighters, connecting with their struggles and sacrifices. I bet you will get goosebumps while watching the show, or we can say it’s a short story about our freedom fighters.
Here are the show timings to choose any of the following to watch the one-hour show:
- 05:30 pm to 06:30 pm
- 06:45 pm to 07:45 pm
- 08:00 pm to 09:00 pm
- 09:15 pm to 10:15 pm
The Final Words
Each visit to the Cellular Jail gives me chills down my spine, and why not? This is a story of sacrifice that we shouldn’t forget. It’s not just that they did all this to gain freedom for this country; it’s something we live and breathe freely because of their heroic fight for freedom, which they never lived.
Also, this jail is a reminder of how horrible the conditions were and how it was designed to break down the freedom fighters. Separating them from other inmates and placing the gallows just outside the meal room was quite severe.