EXPLORE  Viper Island (Harbour Cruise)

Boasting a rich history and mysterious past, Viper Island, also known as Harbour Cruise is situated in the Bay of Bengal's Andaman archipelago. The fact that it is connected to colonialism, incarceration, and India's independence movement makes it extremely significant even though it's minuscular landmass.

A Dark History:

During India's British colonial era, Viper Island became well-known. It was called after the ship HMS Viper, which brought British Brigadier-General Archibald Blair, the superintendent of the Andaman Islands' Indian penal settlement, to the island in the late 1700s. The British East India Company built a prison camp on the island in 1867. The main purpose of it was to house political prisoners from India who were striving for their country's independence from British domination and to execute them in solitary confinement.

Once the Cellular Jail in Port Blair was built, the Viper Island Jail, which housed Indian inmates subjected them to the cruelest types of torture, was closed.

The incarceration and execution of Sher Ali Afridi, a Pathan from the Northwest Frontier Province (now in Pakistan), who was given a death sentence for his involvement in the Indian Rebellion of 1857, is one of the most notorious events connected to Viper Island.

A Memorial:

Viper Island now serves as a memorial to the horrors carried out during the colonial era in India as well as the country's fight for independence. Visitors can explore the historical remains on the island and discover more about its troubled past. As a solemn memorial to the lives lost in the struggle against British control, the ruins of the gallows from the colonial era, where many independence fighters were hanged, still remain.

Viper Island is not only historically significant but also incredibly beautiful. Encircled by glistening waters and lush foliage, it draws in both outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking adventure. Explore the island's stunning shoreline, go diving or snorkeling in its colorful coral reefs, or just unwind on the peaceful beaches.

Efforts of Conservation

The island's old buildings have been preserved, and efforts have been made to inform tourists about the island's significance in India's independence movement. The life of the former inmates and the terrible conditions they suffered are revealed through visual aids and guided tours.

Viper Island is a moving reminder of India's stormy past and the people's tenacity in the face of injustice. The island has preserved its history and culture, making it a symbol of the fight for justice and freedom that still motivates modern-day Indians.