Viper Island

Viper Island in Port Blair (celebrated across Indian freedom struggle chronicles as the forerunner to Cellular Jail and one of the most poignant historical penal monuments in the Bay of Bengal, positioned within the protected inner harbor of Port Blair just off the coast of Haddo Wharf, world famous for its hilltop brick gallows tower constructed by the British in 1867 AD where Indian freedom fighters and political prisoners were hanged, solitary confinement cells, execution of Afghan revolutionary Sher Ali who assassinated Viceroy Lord Mayo in 1872, and peaceful harbor cruise approaches across tranquil mangrove waters), located in the inner harbor of Port Blair in Portblair in Andaman and Nicobar, stands as the union territory's premier freedom struggle martyrdom memorial and heritage island.

Named after the British naval vessel HMS Viper which wrecked on its reefs in 1789 while surveying the archipelago under Lt. Archibald Blair, this small 0.3 square-kilometer island was developed by the British East India Company and British Raj following the 1857 First War of Independence to construct a brutal high security island prison for rebel leaders.

It's the home of the weathered red brick gallows structure standing silently on the high crest of the island with its arched hanging chamber preserved against tropical coastal winds, the ruined solitary cell blocks where convicts were subjected to inhumane hard labor and chain gang punishments before the construction of Cellular Jail in 1906, the lush green walking pathways shaded by wild sea hibiscus and tamarind trees offering 360 degree panoramic views of Port Blair's working harbor and naval docks, the historical memorial honoring Sher Ali Afridi and countless unnamed martyrs, and an intensely solemn, reflective atmosphere where the whisper of coastal sea breezes carries echoes of India's freedom struggle.

It represents a rich Indian independence martyrdom heritage, British colonial penal history, and heritage harbor tourism where historic gallows towers, solitary prison ruins, harbor boat cruises, and Port Blair eco tourism unite in Viper Island.

Located in the inner harbor of Port Blair, it sits just 4 km northwest of Phoenix Bay Jetty and Haddo Wharf, 8 km from Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), and 5 km from Cellular Jail, easily accessible via a 20 minute passenger ferry or private harbor motorboat cruise.

The 1867 British Gallows & Penal Architecture

Constructed in 1867 under British Superintendent Major Ford, the Viper Island jail complex included a two story courthouse, lockups, and an execution chamber where capital punishments were carried out.

Convicts who rebelled against forced labor conditions on Ross Island and Chatham were transferred to Viper Island, where they were confined in chains and subjected to grueling whip punishments.

Truth is, standing at the foot of the brick gallows on the silent hilltop while looking out over the quiet harbor is a deeply moving experience.

The Martyrdom of Sher Ali & 1857 Freedom Fighters

Sher Ali Afridi Execution: On March 11, 1872, Pashtun freedom fighter Sher Ali Afridi was hanged from the Viper Island gallows for assassinating Viceroy Lord Mayo during his official visit to Hope Town.

1857 Mutiny Prisoners: Hundreds of prominent freedom fighters from the 1857 revolt, Wahabi movement, and regional uprisings were imprisoned in solitary cells across the island.

Port Blair Freedom Circuit & Harbor Cruise

Harbor Cruise Package: Port Blair's popular harbor boat cruises from Phoenix Bay Jetty combine a visit to Viper Island with panoramic views of Chatham Saw Mill, Dundas Point, and naval docks.

The Freedom Triangle: Viper Island (early penal settlement), Ross Island / Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep (British administrative HQ), and Cellular Jail (national memorial) form the historic freedom trail.

After exploring the historic gallows of Viper Island, visit Cellular Jail, cruise to Ross Island, or tour Portblair.