Cellular Jail - Andaman and Nicobar Islands - India

The historic Cellular Jail, earlier known as Kaala paani, was built in an inhospitable environment by the Britishers in the late 18th Century. The structure was built with seven wing prison. Each wing was three storied. The building had a total of 663 cells with one prisoner in each cell. A central tower with seven wings spread across to keep watch on each wing. 

Cellular Jail, located at Port Blair, Stood mute witness to the tortures meted out to the freedom fighter, who were incarcerated in this jail. The Jail, completed in the 1906 acquired the name ‘Cellular’ because it is entirely made up of individual cells for the solitary confinement.

The foremost thing that makes the jail unique is its structure. It was built as a seven wing prison that spread like seven spokes of a wheel. Each wing was three storied. The building had a total of 663 cells with one prisoner in each cell, though 30 more cells were built later on in 1909. A central tower was built at the center of the seven wings. The idea was to make solitary confinement for prisoners. The prisoners were either the culprits who committed crimes in mainland and some political prisoners who were mainly freedom fighters.

During the British occupation of India, the prisoners were sent to Cellular Jail, to keep them far off from the revolution. Once in these places, it was very difficult to get out and this led to the death of a number of prisoners. After a brief occupation by the Japanese forces during World War II, the town of Port Blair became the base of the Azad Hind Fauj.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands were mainly known for Cellular jail, an infamous historical monument that saw the struggle of many of its freedom fighters along with the various atrocities that the British and the even more horrific Japanese did on the prisoners.

The cellular jail is a must see historical attraction in Port Blair as it helps to understand the islands colonial past and the epic struggle for the independence of the Indian people once ruled by the British.

Today the complex serves as a national monument and one can visit the museum, art galleries, martyrs’ memorial, the original gallows and wander around the three remaining wings wondering how horrifying was back in the past.

Jail remains closed on Monday. There is a guided tour of about 45 minutes from 9.00 till 4.00 PM rest of the days followed by a Light and Sound show in evening.

Cellular Jail demands a must visit, especially for the Indian tourists as it is a national memorial of great historical importance.

How to Reach

By Air: Port Blair, the capital to Andaman and Nicobar Islands is connected with Chennai and Kolkata by air. To reach Andaman from other parts of India like Bangalore, Delhi etc., the traveler has to first reach Chennai or Kolkata by air, train or bus and then catch flight to Andaman and Nicobar islands (Port Blair airport) from Chennai or Kolkata. There are five Airlines namely Indian Airlines, Jetlite,Jet Airways, Spicejet and GoAir which operates regular flights to Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

By Train: The Andaman Express (16031/16032) is a long distance express train that connects Katra, Jammu and Kashmir to Chennai, Tamil Nadu from which the traveler can take a flight.

By Sea: Passenger ships ply from the cities of Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Kolkata (West Bengal) and Vizag or Vishakapatnam (Andhra Pradesh). Taking anywhere from between 56-60 hours, ships from Chennai and Kolkata ply four times a month, whereas from Vizag, they ply once a month.

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