Kalapani Museum, <em>Port Blair</em>
Port Blair

Kalapani Museum, Port Blair

About Kalapani Museum

The Kalapani Museum, located in the heart of Port Blair, is a reminder of India's struggle for independence. Known as the Cellular Jail, this architectural marvel was built between 1896 and 1906. This site once functioned as a colonial prison, detaining numerous freedom fighters under severe conditions. Despite the harsh conditions, they maintained unity and resilience. The museum has a distinctive seven-winged design. This was used to facilitate isolation and optimal surveillance, symbolising the repressive circumstances endured by the prisoners.


This historical site now serves as a museum and showcases a wide range of historical events between 1857 and 1947 and beyond. It was declared a National Memorial in 1969 to honour the sacrifices made by these freedom fighters. It showcases artefacts, photographs, and accounts that offer a glimpse into the unimaginable hardships endured within its walls. The museum is famous for its light and sound show, which narrates the jail's history and the struggles of the freedom fighters in a captivating manner. Visitors from around the world are drawn to the Kalapani Museum to pay homage to the brave souls who fought for India's independence. It is an essential stop in Port Blair for anyone wishing to connect with the past and understand the price paid for freedom.

Day Wise Timings

Burj Khalifa opening hours through the week.

Open 7 days a week
Paid entry
Monday09:00 – 19:00
Tuesday09:00 – 19:00
Wednesday09:00 – 19:00
Thursday09:00 – 19:00
Friday09:00 – 19:00
Saturday09:00 – 19:00
Sunday09:00 – 19:00
Hours are seasonal — confirm your date at checkout. Special events may extend closing time.

Kalapani Museum Highlights

• Discover the stories of bravery and sacrifice in the country’s freedom struggle at Kalapani Museum.
• Feel the resilience of prisoners with a visit to the galleries displaying their artefacts.
• Witness the light and sound show, bringing the jail's poignant history to life.
• See rare photographs and documents that capture the essence of India's fight for independence.
• Stand in front of the eternal flame, honouring the memory of countless freedom fighters

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Point of Interest for Kalapani Museum

Explore the Galleries of the Museum

Dive into the heart of India's independence movement with a visit to the galleries in the museum. These galleries are filled with significant artefacts, photographs, and personal accounts from freedom fighters. Each exhibit is meticulously preserved and tells the painful tales of courage and sacrifice. Walking through these halls, you will feel a deep connection to the past, understanding the immense hardships endured for India's freedom. Here, you can also find letters written by revolutionaries and see the tools they used while they were imprisoned. You can also see their personal belongings, along with interactive displays in the museum, which enhances your overall experience.

Attend the Light and Sound Show

Attend the Light and Sound Show

Experience the Cellular Jail come to life with the mesmerising Light and Sound Show. Narrated by the voice of the Indian film icon Om Puri, this show takes you through the violent history of the jail, making the struggles of its inmates palpable. Set against the backdrop of the imposing structure, the play of light and sound under the night sky is both captivating and emotionally stirring. The narration weaves together tales of despair and hope, illustrating how the echoes of freedom fighters' resilience have reverberated through the walls of the jail. 

Witness the Eternal Flame - Swatantrya Jyot

Witness the Eternal Flame - Swatantrya Jyot

Pay your respects at the Eternal Flame, a tribute to all the freedom fighters and martyrs who laid down their lives. This solemn spot evokes a deep sense of patriotism and gratitude. Standing in silence near the flame, you will feel a deep connection to the soul of India and its brave heroes. It is a moment of reflection, reminding you of the price of freedom and the bravery of those who fought for it. The Eternal Flame stands as a symbol of hope and bravery. 

Take a Guided Tour of the Architecture

Take a Guided Tour of the Architecture

Sign up for a guided tour to delve into the architectural brilliance of the Cellular Jail, where the museum is located. It was designed to isolate and monitor the prisoners. It has a panopticon structure, where the prison cells open to a central tower. With its seven wings, the jail was a marvel of colonial engineering. The knowledgeable guides share insights into the design's purpose, the daily life of prisoners, and how this architecture played a crucial role in the freedom struggle. As you explore the corridors, you will encounter the solitary confinement cells, the central tower, and the execution yard. 

Visit the Netaji Gallery and Library

Visit the Netaji Gallery and Library

For history buffs and those intrigued by the strategic aspects of India's freedom movement, the Netaji Gallery and Library is the place to be. This section is dedicated to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and his contributions to the independence struggle. Here, you can discover documents, photographs, and artefacts that detail his leadership and the strategies employed by the Indian National Army. You can also find rare footage, personal effects, and correspondences that offer a glimpse into Netaji's vision for a free India. 

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