Cellular Jail 2025: Complete Guide to Andaman's Historic Prison Kala Pani - India's Freedom Struggle Memorial
Explore the iconic Cellular Jail National Memorial in Port Blair - the historic colonial prison where Indian freedom fighters were imprisoned during British rule.
Built in
1906
British colonial prison
Total Cells
696 Solitary Cells
7-wing radial design
Visit Timings
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on Mondays
Light & Sound Show
6:00 PM & 7:15 PM
Hindi & English shows
Complete Cellular Jail Guide - What You'll Discover
The Dark History of Cellular Jail - Kala Pani
The Cellular Jail, infamously known as "Kala Pani" (Black Water), stands as one of India's most significant historical monuments and a powerful symbol of the freedom struggle. Built by the British in 1906, this colonial prison was specifically designed to house Indian political prisoners and freedom fighters in the most inhumane conditions.
Why "Kala Pani" (Black Water)?
The term "Kala Pani" referred to the black waters of the sea that prisoners had to cross to reach Andaman. According to Hindu beliefs, crossing these waters meant losing one's caste and social status, making it a punishment worse than death for many Indians during the colonial era.
Timeline of Cellular Jail
1896 - Planning Begins
British colonial administration plans a special prison for political prisoners away from mainland India.
1906 - Construction Completed
The Cellular Jail is completed with its unique 7-wing radial design, housing 696 individual cells.
1906-1947 - Prison Operations
Thousands of freedom fighters are imprisoned here, including Veer Savarkar, Batukeshwar Dutt, and many others.
1947 - Independence
After Indian independence, the jail is closed and later converted into a national memorial.
1979 - National Memorial
Cellular Jail is declared a National Memorial and opened to the public as a museum.
Historical Significance
- ✅ Symbol of Resistance: Represents the sacrifice of Indian freedom fighters
- ✅ UNESCO Consideration: Being considered for World Heritage status
- ✅ Educational Value: Teaches younger generations about India's struggle for independence
- ✅ Architectural Heritage: Unique panopticon prison design in India
- ✅ Cultural Impact: Inspired countless books, films, and documentaries
Cellular Jail Architecture - The Panopticon Design
Unique Prison Design
The Cellular Jail was built using the revolutionary panopticon design - a circular prison layout where all prisoners could be observed by a single guard from a central watchtower. This design was considered the most advanced prison architecture of its time.
Original Structure (1906)
- 🏗️ 7 Wings: Radial design with 7 separate wings
- 🔒 696 Cells: Individual solitary confinement cells
- 📏 Cell Size: 4.5 x 2.7 meters (14.7 x 8.8 feet)
- 🏛️ Height: 3 stories tall
- 👁️ Central Tower: Watchtower in the center
Current Structure
- 🏛️ 3 Wings Remaining: Only 3 of 7 original wings survive
- 🏺 Museum Areas: Converted into exhibition spaces
- 🎭 Light & Sound Setup: Modern audio-visual equipment
- 🌳 Memorial Garden: Surrounding landscaped area
Cell Conditions & Features
Inside a Prison Cell
Visitor Experience: Today, visitors can enter several preserved cells to experience the claustrophobic conditions that freedom fighters endured. The cells are maintained in their original state to provide an authentic historical experience.
Heroes of Cellular Jail - Freedom Fighters Who Suffered Here
Veer Savarkar
1911-1921 (10 years)Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, one of the most famous prisoners, was sentenced to two life imprisonments (50 years). He endured torture and solitary confinement but continued writing and inspiring others.
- 📖 Contribution: Wrote poems on prison walls
- 🏛️ Cell: Wing 1, Cell 50 (preserved)
- ✊ Impact: Inspired many through his writings
Batukeshwar Dutt
1930-1937 (7 years)Associate of Bhagat Singh, imprisoned for bombing the Central Legislative Assembly. He endured hunger strikes and harsh treatment in Cellular Jail.
- 💣 Crime: Assembly bombing with Bhagat Singh
- 🍽️ Protest: Participated in hunger strikes
- 🦸 Legacy: Revolutionary freedom fighter
Yogendra Shukla
1915-1936 (21 years)A revolutionary from Bihar who spent over two decades in Cellular Jail. He was known for his resilience and refused to bow down to British authority.
- ⏱️ Duration: Longest imprisoned (21 years)
- 🧘 Character: Spiritual and determined
- 📚 Education: Self-taught in prison
Trailokyanath Chakraborty
1909-1921 (12 years)Bengali revolutionary who was part of the Maniktala bomb conspiracy. He later became a respected politician after independence.
- 💣 Case: Maniktala bomb conspiracy
- 🗳️ Later Life: MLA after independence
- 📖 Writings: Documented prison experiences
Pulin Bihari Das
1909-1920 (11 years)Leader of Dhaka Anushilan Samiti, known for organizing revolutionary activities in Bengal. He maintained his revolutionary spirit even in prison.
- 👥 Leadership: Anushilan Samiti organizer
- 🏛️ Region: Bengal revolutionary movement
- 💪 Spirit: Never broke under pressure
Barin Ghosh
1909-1920 (11 years)Brother of Aurobindo Ghosh, involved in revolutionary activities in Bengal. He later became a spiritual seeker after his release.
- 👨👦 Relation: Aurobindo Ghosh's brother
- 🙏 Transformation: Spiritual awakening in prison
- 📚 Later Work: Spiritual writings
Martyrs' Memorial
The Cellular Jail complex includes a Martyrs' Memorial honoring the freedom fighters who died in the prison. Their sacrifice is remembered through:
- • Memorial Wall: Names of all known prisoners
- • Flame of Freedom: Eternal flame in their memory
- • Gallery of Heroes: Photographs and stories
- • Freedom Fighters Museum: Personal belongings and letters
Cellular Jail Museum - Exhibits & Collections
Main Exhibition Areas
Freedom Struggle Gallery
Comprehensive exhibition covering India's independence movement with special focus on the role of Andaman Islands.
- 📸 Historical photographs and documents
- 🗞️ Original newspaper clippings
- 📝 Letters written by prisoners
- 🏛️ British administrative records
Prisoners' Personal Belongings
Authentic artifacts belonging to freedom fighters who were imprisoned in Cellular Jail.
- 👕 Prison uniforms and clothing
- 📖 Handwritten books and poems
- 🍽️ Prison utensils and tools
- 💍 Personal jewelry and items
Prison Life Recreation
Life-size dioramas and models showing the harsh conditions of prison life.
- 🚪 Model prison cells with original furnishing
- 🔗 Punishment methods and equipment
- 👥 Wax figures of famous prisoners
- ⚙️ Original prison machinery and tools
Special Attractions
⭐ Savarkar's Cell
The preserved cell where Veer Savarkar was imprisoned for 10 years. Visitors can see the original walls where he carved poems.
Must See: Original wall carvings, his daily routine recreation, and personal items display.
🎵 Poetry Wall
Wall displaying poems and writings by prisoners, carved or written on prison walls during their imprisonment.
Highlight: Original verses in multiple languages including Hindi, Bengali, and Sanskrit.
📚 Library & Archives
Research library containing books, documents, and manuscripts related to the freedom struggle and Cellular Jail history.
Access: Available for researchers and students with prior permission.
Interactive Museum Experiences
Audio Guide
Available in Hindi, English, and Bengali languages for self-guided tours
Mobile App
Download the official app for virtual tours and detailed information
Guided Tours
Expert historians provide detailed guided tours (advance booking required)
Light & Sound Show - "Swatantrata Ki Amar Kahani"
The Story of Freedom Struggle
Experience the moving Light & Sound Show that brings to life the heroic tales of freedom fighters and the dark history of Cellular Jail. This spectacular presentation uses the jail's architecture as a backdrop to narrate India's struggle for independence.
Show Schedule
Duration: 45 minutes
Duration: 45 minutes
Show Highlights
- 1.Freedom Fighters' Stories: Detailed narration of Veer Savarkar, Batukeshwar Dutt, and other heroes
- 2.Prison Life: Depiction of harsh conditions and daily struggles of prisoners
- 3.British Atrocities: Documentation of colonial oppression and torture methods
- 4.Independence Victory: Celebration of India's freedom and tribute to martyrs
Visitor Information
Ticket Prices
- 💰 Indians: ₹25 per person
- 💰 Foreigners: ₹100 per person
- 👶 Children (under 12): Free
Booking Tips
- 🎫 Advance booking recommended during peak season
- ⏰ Arrive 15 minutes before show time
- 📱 Online booking available through official website
- 🎒 No large bags allowed during the show
Best Experience Tips
- 🌙 Evening shows have better atmosphere
- 📸 Photography allowed before and after show
- 🧥 Bring light jacket (outdoor venue)
- 👥 Family-friendly content suitable for all ages
Plan Your Visit to Cellular Jail - Complete Guide 2025
🕒 Opening Hours
Museum: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Light & Sound Show: 6:00 PM & 7:15 PM
Closed: Mondays (except national holidays)
Last Entry: 4:30 PM
💰 Entry Fees
Indians: ₹30 per person
Foreigners: ₹300 per person
Children (under 15): Free
Light & Sound Show: ₹25 (Indians), ₹100 (Foreigners)
📍 Location & Address
Address: Aberdeen Bazaar, Port Blair
From Airport: 3 km (10 min drive)
From City Center: 1 km (5 min walk)
Landmark: Near Aberdeen Clock Tower
How to Reach Cellular Jail
By Car/Taxi
Direct drive from any part of Port Blair. Parking available near the entrance.
By Local Bus
Government buses from Phoenix Bay Jetty and other parts of the city.
On Foot
Walking distance from Aberdeen Bazaar and most hotels in Port Blair.
Important Guidelines
- 📱Photography: Allowed in most areas, flash photography prohibited inside cells
- 🎒Bags: Small bags allowed, large bags to be deposited at entrance
- 👕Dress Code: Modest clothing required, no revealing outfits
- 🔇Noise: Maintain silence inside museum areas and cells
- 🚭Smoking: Strictly prohibited throughout the premises
Best Time to Visit
Ideal Timing
- 🌅 Morning: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM (less crowded)
- 🌆 Evening: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM (good light)
- 📅 Weekdays: Less crowded than weekends
Duration Required
- ⏱️ Museum Visit: 2-3 hours
- 🎭 Light & Sound Show: 45 minutes
- 📸 Photography: Additional 30 minutes
- 🏛️ Total Recommended: 4-5 hours
Visitor Facilities
Cafeteria
Snacks & beverages
Gift Shop
Souvenirs & books
Parking
Free parking available
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible
Frequently Asked Questions About Cellular Jail
Why is Cellular Jail called "Kala Pani"?
"Kala Pani" literally means "black water" in Hindi. This term was used because prisoners had to cross the dark waters of the sea to reach Andaman Islands. In Hindu tradition, crossing these waters meant losing one's caste and social status, making it a punishment considered worse than death during colonial times.
How long does it take to visit Cellular Jail completely?
A complete visit to Cellular Jail requires 4-5 hours:
- • Museum and exhibits: 2-3 hours
- • Light & Sound Show: 45 minutes
- • Photography and exploration: 1-2 hours
- • Break time: 30 minutes
Can I visit Veer Savarkar's actual cell?
Yes! Veer Savarkar's cell (Wing 1, Cell 50) has been preserved and is open to visitors. You can see the original walls where he carved poems, his daily routine setup, and personal items. This is one of the most popular attractions in the museum and provides an authentic glimpse into his 10 years of imprisonment.
Is the Light & Sound Show worth watching?
Absolutely yes! The Light & Sound Show is considered a must-watch experience:
- • Brings the jail's history to life with powerful narration
- • Uses the actual jail structure as backdrop
- • Available in both Hindi (6:00 PM) and English (7:15 PM)
- • Highly emotional and educational experience
- • Suitable for all ages and highly rated by visitors
What is the best time of year to visit Cellular Jail?
October to March is the best time to visit Cellular Jail:
- • Weather: Pleasant temperature (23-30°C)
- • Comfort: Less humidity and heat
- • Light & Sound Show: Perfect evening weather
- • Photography: Clear skies and good lighting
- • Avoid: Monsoon season (June-September) due to heavy rains
Are there guided tours available at Cellular Jail?
Yes, several guided tour options are available:
- • Audio Guides: Available in Hindi, English, and Bengali (₹100)
- • Expert Guides: Professional historians available (₹500-800)
- • Group Tours: Organized tours from travel agencies
- • Mobile App: Download the official app for self-guided tours
- • Advance Booking: Recommended for guided tours during peak season
Experience the Historic Cellular Jail with Expert Guides
Book your Cellular Jail visit as part of our comprehensive Port Blair tours. Learn the complete history with expert guides and enjoy hassle-free transportation.
Cellular Jail Tour
Half-day guided tour
per person
- ✓ Expert guide included
- ✓ Light & Sound Show tickets
- ✓ Transportation from hotel
- ✓ Museum entry fees
Port Blair Heritage
Full-day city tour
per person
- ✓ Cellular Jail + Ross Island
- ✓ All museums & attractions
- ✓ Lunch included
- ✓ Ferry tickets
Andaman Explorer
Multi-day package
per person (6D/7N)
- ✓ Port Blair + Havelock + Neil
- ✓ All historical sites
- ✓ Beach experiences
- ✓ Accommodation included
Visitors Guided
Years Experience
Google Rating
Authentic History