Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov. 11: After the encouraging response to the Barren Island Volcano Cruise, the Directorate of Shipping Services under the guidance of A&N Administration is delighted to announce yet another immersive maritime experience — the ‘Dweep Darshan’. This unique harbour cruise offers visitors an opportunity to relive the Islands’ freedom movement legacy while enjoying a panoramic view of Sri Vijaya Puram’s harbour and surrounding islets.
The Heritage Harbour Cruise will commence operations from 17th November, 2025, with the inaugural sailing at 0930 hrs from the Phoenix Bay Jetty. Online and counter bookings open on 15th November, 2025.
Route & Schedule
The four-hour cruise will take passengers on a captivating circuit across the historic harbour and will offer an enriching experience for history enthusiasts and leisure travellers alike:
Phoenix Bay Jetty→Chatham Island→Viper Island (30-minute stopover) →Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep (1-hour stopover)→Phoenix Bay Jetty.
The Fare will be Rs. 550/- per person
Tickets will be available at the Directorate of Shipping Services STARS counter and through official online booking portals from 15th November, 2025.
A Journey Through Time – Highlights of the Tour
Chatham Island:
Home to one of the oldest saw mills in Asia, established in 1883 by the British, Chatham Island stands as a testament to the early industrial activity in the region. The Island bears scars of World War II bombings and offers visitors a glimpse into the Islands’ colonial-era infrastructure and strategic importance.
Viper Island:
Once the site of the first jail established by the British before the construction of the Cellular Jail, Viper Island resonates with the memories of India’s freedom struggle. The gallows atop the hill silently narrate stories of the brave freedom fighters who faced colonial tyranny long before independence. Its name is derived from the ship H.M.S. Viper which met with a tragic end near its shores.
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep:
Known as the “Paris of the East” during the British era, this island served as the administrative headquarters of the British Government in the Andamans. Post-independence, it was renamed in honour of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, who raised the Indian National Flag in our Islands’ in 1943, symbolizing India’s assertion of independence. The ruins of the British settlement, the church, the bakery, and the Chief Commissioner’s residence are reminders of a dark colonial era, now gracefully reclaimed by nature.
This initiative aims to blend heritage, education, and recreation, offering both residents and visitors a deeper connection to the islands’ proud history and natural beauty.
For Bookings Scan the QR or click link below: