What comes to your mind when you think of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands? The Cellular Jail? For a large number of people, Andaman and Nicobar Islands is synonymous to the Cellular Jail. The Freedom Movement in India went long with a never-ending struggle. Freedom fights fought this struggle bravely and selflessly. The Cellular Jail or the ‘Kala Pani‘ holds testimony to the inhuman torture undergone by our brave fighters. Visit this historic place by booking Andaman Travel package .

Also read: The top 10 must-do experiences on your first visit to the Andaman

History of the Cellular Jail

From 1857 the Andaman Islands prisoned and suppressed rebellions from the days of the Sepoy Mutiny. These islands being remote from the mainland became ideal to hold exiled political prisoners and freedom fighters.

In the late 19th century, the Britishers considered constructing this huge jail with the Independence movement gaining momentum the need for a well-constructed, high-security prison occurred. Charles James Lyall and A.S.Lethbridge approved the construction of the Cellular Jail in Port Blair keeping the freedom fighters away from the mainland of India. The main motive behind the construction was to use it as a place of exclusion and isolation where prisoners could be subjected to harsh punishment upon arrival.

The construction of the Cellular Jail was built in 1896 and by 1906 freedom fighters were taken into prison. This massive three-storeyed structure has an original puce-coloured brick building with seven wings diverging from a central watchtower consisting of a large bell to raise an alarm. The standard design of the cellular jail is just like the British jails. The Cellular Jail has a capacity of holding 698 prisoners into confinement.

Freedom Fighters in the cellular Jail

A large number of Indian Freedom Fighters were convicted here for different ‘conspiracy cases’. They became prisoners and were kept in jail in isolation. The who’s who our freedom struggle underwent through severe torture and punishment in the Cellular Jail – a dark chapter in the history of the Indian Independence Movement. Some of the well-known freedom fighters include names like Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Barindra Kumar Ghosh, Batukeshwar Dutt, Babarao Savarkar, and Jatish Chandra Pal.

Cellular jail cells — Image Credits: Google Images

Cellular Jail: A National Memorial

Imagine a vacation to the Andaman Islands without visiting the Cellular Jail? You would be missing out on one of the most important iconic places in Andaman. Visited by all tourists and even foreign dignitaries don’t forget to get your feet here!

The Martyrs Memorial inside the jail will bring you back those days of struggle for freedom. The memorial displays a flogging stand, oil mill, gallows, and other instruments of punishment. The sight might give you goosebumps and make you shudder. You can explore the Gallery on War of Independence and learn about the displayed arts of the struggle which will make you leave horrified with all those experiences of our freedom fighters.

How to get to Cellular Jail?

Tourists can hire a private car from the hotel or rent a bike to get to the Cellular Jail at the Atlanta Point. In Port Blair or Andaman public transport is not common. Visitors staying near the jail can also take an auto-rickshaw or simply walk to the jail.

Best Time to Visit Cellular Jail

You can visit the cellular jail from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and apart from exploring the prison, you can also have an amazing opportunity to visit the museum. You can have a glimpse of the light and sound show which shows the life of freedom fighters. Regular shows conducted here are in both English and Hindi languages.

Entry Fees

The cellular jail charges an entry ticket for National Memorial Cellular Jail 30 INR per person for Indians and 100 INR per person for foreigners.

Cellular Jail of Andaman is an attraction that you cannot afford to miss during your vacation. It is a place of pilgrimage for all patriotic Indians and has been declared a National Memorial. Finding this guide useful? Create your itinerary on Pickyourtrail and book your dream beach getaway now! Visit the Pickyourtrail website and customize your Andaman And Nicobar Honeymoon packages.