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The Cellular Jail (Kala Pani) is a historical place that is located in Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair). The Colonial Jail Heave in Port Blair is a testament to the Indian fight for independence and the martyrdom of freedom fighters. You Visit Cellular Jail in The Explore a Great History
Cellular Jail: History Behind It
Built between 1896 and 1906 to separate political prisoners from the Indian subcontinent, the Cellular Jail was built by the British. “Cellular” refers to its nature—a prison of single cells to promote solitary confinement. This design was intended to mitigate potential communications or uprisings between prisoners. The jail was initially meant to be for freedom fighters, revolutionaries, and any threat to the British Empire.
Here some of the most well-known freedom fighters, including Veer Savarkar and Batukeshwar Dutt, were also imprisoned. Their stories of courage and perseverance will inspire generations to come.
An Architectural Wonder With a Dark Purpose
Originally, the Cellular Jail had seven wings, spreading out like the spokes of a wheel from a tower at the centre. Each wing was three stories tall and contained a total of 693 cells. These cells were only 4.5 x 2.7 meters and had a single window for ventilation. The central tower served as a main hub for guards to watch inmates.
Today, only three wings survive; the others were bombed during World War II and demolished in later years. The jail’s design—like a mix of clever architecture and grim monuments to colonial suppression—makes it a site worth visiting.
Life Inside the Cellular Jail
The prisoners’ life inside the confines of Cellular Jail was severe. They were forced to work, grinding oil seeds, cutting timber, and constructing roads. Food was meager, discipline was severe, and medical treatment was absent. Many freedom fighters died in torture, hunger strikes, and illness.
The jail was also used as a psychological weapon. Its isolation was intended to shatter the resolve of the men behind bars, sealing them off from the world outside. However, as these prisoners like Veer Savarkar turned their confinement into an opportunity for intellectual and political reflection, the author of the aforementioned works famously wrote them on the walls of his cell with thorns and charcoal.
The Cellular JailToday: A National Memorial
In 1969, the Indian government declared it a national memorial in honour of the selfless sacrifice of the freedom fighters of India. Today it is a museum, a historic site that draws thousands of tourists a year.
Cellular Jail Attractions:
The Light and Sound Show
Visitors are treated to a light and sound show, which should be considered a must-see experience. Taking place each evening, it shares the harrowing stories of the jail’s past, the bravery of inmates, and the brutality of colonialism. The show, which is streaming in Hindi and accordingly in English, is a journey of emotions in return to the period of India’s battle for independence.
The Museum
There are also artifacts, photographs, and pieces of historical documents housed in a museum at the Cellular Jail. The exhibits offer a window into the lives of the inmates and the torments they suffered. It also gives a brief history of the Andaman Islands during the colonial period.
Veer Savarkar’s Cell
His cell, one of the most popular heroes of India, “Veer Savarkar,” is one of the most visited areas in the jail to get some insight into the life of this hero.
The Rooftop
On the roof of the jail, the city of Port Blair (and the endless Andaman Sea) sprawls before us. This calm view is in stark contrast to the grim tales of the prison.
How to Reach Cellular Jail
Cellular Jail: Cellular Jail is the national memorial in Port Blair (capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands), and it was opened in 1906.
It is easily accessible by:
By air: Direct flights are available from Port Blair to Chennai, Kolkata, and Delhi.
Cruises: Offer a cruise experience from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam to Port Blair.
After reaching Port Blair, you can hire a taxi, an autorickshaw, or a bike to reach Cellular Jail.
Cellular Jail Light and Sound Show Schedule
One of the best things to do in Port Blair would be to watch the Light and Sound show presented at Cellular Jail which narrates India’s struggle for freedom in a very interesting way. Here are the schedules and details:
| Sl. No | Tourist Spot | Language | Timing | Fare for Adults | Child (5-11) | Show Days |
| 1 | Cellular Jail Light & Sound – Hindi | Hindi | 05:50 PM | 300/- | 150/- | All Days |
| 2 | Cellular Jail Light & Sound – Hindi | Hindi | 06:50 PM | 300/- | 150/- | Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun |
| 3 | Cellular Jail Light & Sound – English | English | 06:50 PM | 300/- | 150/- | Mon, Wed, Fri |
| 4 | Cellular Jail Light & Sound – Hindi | Hindi | 07:50 PM | 300/- | 150/- | All Days |
| 5 | Cellular Jail Light & Sound – Hindi | Hindi | 08:50 PM | 300/- | 150/- | All Days |
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Cellular Jail [or, for that matter, Port Blair] would be between these months, October and April when the climate is mostly pleasant. Ayamont said that these islands are subject to heavy rainwater during monsoon season, which can create problems for itineraries.
(9:00 AM – 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM – 4:45 PM, closed on national holidays)
Tips for Visitors
Note: The Cellular Jail is a popular tourist attraction; hence, it is advisable to book the tickets in advance.
Bring I.D.: Visitors could be asked to present I.D. at the entrance.
Photography: Allowed, but don’t disturb others during the light and sound show
Dress Comfortably: There is a fair amount of walking on the site, so wear comfortable clothing and footwear.
Cellular Jail in Popular Culture
Many books, documentaries, and movies feature the Cellular Jail and describe its impact on India’s dependence struggle. It gets a strong show in Indian cinema; it reminds onscreen about the sacrifice that brought the nation’s freedom.
Why You Must Visit Cellular Jail
So, make sure to add this historical site to your Andaman tour journey and pay homage to those great martyrs who laid down their lives for you and your country.
So if you are on a tour to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, then you have to go to Cellular Jail to feel a calm and inspiring experience. When you travel again, check out this historic treasure.
By strolling its narrow corridors, viewing the claustrophobic cells, and experiencing the light and sound show, you connect with the stories of bravery and sacrificial struggle behind the making of modern India. So being a history lover, patriot, and traveler in the Andaman Islands, the Cellular Jail is the place for you.
How to Book Light & Sound Show Tickets at Cellular Jail
Ticket Booking for Cellular Jail Light and Sound Show So here’s how to claim your spot for this amazing event:
Go to the official site of Andaman Tourism or use third-party booking sites like Andaman Tourism.
Click on the Cellular Jail Light and Sound Show.
Choose your preferred show time and language (Hindi or English).
Enter the required information, including the number of tickets for adults and children.
Payment can be made using the available online payment methods (debit/credit cards, UPI, etc.).
A confirmation email or SMS will be sent to you with your e-ticket.
Conclusion
Cellular jail is another big part of Indian history, and this particular place, according to me, is a symbol of how the spirit of our freedom fighters lived, not just another beautiful tourist spot, you can feel what India’s freedom meant through walking in its corridors & getting to know the history. If you are planning an itinerary for Andaman, then include a visit to this historical site and pay homage to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country.
Thus a great visit to pay while on an excursion at Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Cellular Jail, to have a heart-mending and motivating experience. But the next time you’re traveling, do go visit this historical stunner.
Frequently asked questions about Cellular Jail
Cellular Jail (Kala Pani) is a colonial prison in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. British used it to exile political prisoners when we fought for freedom in India.
What this name means: Cellular The word “Cellular” is a nod to the prison’s specific layout consisting of individual cells that are set up to isolate inmates so that they remain completely isolated.
The Cellular Jail is open for visiting from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM to 4:45 PM, except on national holidays.
Cellular Jail is charged entry free around INR 30 per person. Light and Sound Show is chargeable separately.
Visitors can explore:
The prison cells Rephrase The prison cells
The museum displays historical artifacts
Veer Savarkar’s cell
The Rooftop which provides stunning views of Andaman Sea
The jail is situated in Port Blair and can be reached using local transport services such as taxis, auto-rickshaws or rented bikes.
The Cellular Jail is an important historical place where one can learn about India’s freedom struggle. With its heart-wrenching tales, immersive Light and Sound Show, and historical displays, it is a must-see for any history buff or traveler.
Yes, Kala Pani refers to the Cellular Jail located in Port Blair, Andaman Islands. It is a historical site that has been preserved as a national memorial.
