Viper Island

Viper Island is a small island in the South Andaman group, located within the harbour area of Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is best known for visible remains of a British-era penal settlement on its shoreline.

Ruined masonry, collapsed structures and an area traditionally identified as a gallows comprise the main on-island attractions; these lie within a compact area close to the landing. Views across the harbour toward Port Blair and neighboring islands are a secondary draw, and visits are typically part of short island or harbour tours.

The island was used by the British colonial administration as part of their penal system during the 19th century and later; the surviving masonry and burial sites date to that colonial period. The structures fell out of official use as larger penal institutions were established elsewhere in the Andamans.

The island sits within Port Blair harbour on South Andaman Island and is reached by a short boat trip from Port Blair’s waterfront. It is visible from the harbour and lies close to other small historic islands used during the colonial period.

• Access: Accessible on short boat trips from Port Blair harbour; landing is by small passenger boat rather than large ferries.
• Visitor note: No large visitor facilities on the island, so bring water and sun protection; visits are usually combined with harbour or island tours from Port Blair.

What to See #

• Penitentiary ruins: Remains of the British-era penal settlement including masonry foundations and the execution site can be seen across a compact shoreline area; many features are visible from the island's main landing point.
• Cemetery and gallows: A small cemetery and the site traditionally referred to as the gallows lie close to the ruins and are interpreted as part of the colonial penal complex.