The Cellular Jail, also known as Kālā Pānī (Black Water), is a colonial prison located in Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India. It was used by the British colonial administration to exile political prisoners during the struggle for India's independence. The jail was designed in a way that each cell was isolated from one another, hence the name Cellular Jail.
The Cellular Jail is open for visitors from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on all days except Mondays. The jail is closed on national holidays.
The entry fee for visiting the Cellular Jail is INR 30 for adults and INR 10 for children. There is an additional fee of INR 200 for a camera permit.
It is recommended to allocate at least 1-2 hours for exploring the Cellular Jail. Items such as cameras, mobile phones, and bags are restricted inside the jail premises and need to be deposited at the entry gate.
The Cellular Jail is a three-story structure with seven wings radiating from a central tower. The architecture of the jail was designed in a way that allowed a single guard to watch all the wings from the central tower. The building was constructed using bricks and limestone, giving it a distinct appearance.
The best time to visit the Cellular Jail is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and conducive to sightseeing.
The Cellular Jail is located in Port Blair, and can be easily reached by taking a flight to Veer Savarkar International Airport. From the airport, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the jail.
The Cellular Jail was built between 1896 and 1906 by the British colonial rulers to imprison political activists. Many freedom fighters, including Veer Savarkar, Batukeshwar Dutt, and Yogendra Shukla, were incarcerated in the jail for their role in the independence movement.
Inside the Cellular Jail, visitors can explore the various cells where prisoners were kept in inhumane conditions. The jail also houses a museum that showcases the history of the Andaman Islands and the freedom struggle.
It is advisable to carry a water bottle and wear comfortable footwear while visiting the Cellular Jail. It is also recommended to book tickets in advance during peak tourist season to avoid long queues.
Some of the hotels near the Cellular Jail include: 1. Sea Shell Hotel and Resort 2. Hotel Sentinel 3. Hotel Shreesh
There are several tourist spots near the Cellular Jail that visitors can explore, including: 1. Ross Island 2. Corbyn's Cove Beach 3. Anthropological Museum 4. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park