Neil Island: A Guide for the Curious Traveler

Neil Island⎯  Discovering Tranquil of Oasis

From the moment I arrived at this island, I was carried away by its calm vibe and untouched beauty⎯ pristine and secluded Rampur beach, vibrant marine life beneath azure water at Bharatpur Beach, Natural Bridge carved by persistent pounding of relentless waves at Laxmanpur Beach or just settling in the sand to admire the ray of sunlight turning the sky into palette of hues at Laxmanpur Beach.

Neil Island, also known as "Vegetable Bowl of Andaman" as the vegetable cultivation is the main occupation here, which is later send to mainland Andaman .

Having recently visited Neil Island, here's an ideal way to spend a 24 hours on this island, from thrilling water adventures to experiencing the serene beauty of dusk and dawn.

Welcome to Neil Island

Board ferry to Neil (Shaheed Dweep). It is 1h-15m journey from Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)

Stroll through Bharatpur Beach
Renowned for its crystal clear water and vibrant marine life. Bharatpur Beach is located just next to the Neil jetty(Shaheed Dweep). This beach is a haven for scuba diving and snorkeling with its rich and vibrant marine life and stunning coral formation.

What to do at Bharatpur Beach?
▪️Scuba diving, Snorkeling
▪️Glass Boat Ride, Jet Skiing
▪️Glass Boat Rides and Speed Boat Rides
▪️Swimming
▪️Peaceful Strolls on the beach

Entry Fee: Nil
Activities: Snorkeling- ₹1000pp | Scuba Diving - ₹3500pp and above
Timings: Open till 7pm
Time Taken:  2 - 3 hrs

Natural Bridge Formation at Laxmanpur Beach#2
Visit the dramatic rock formation created over centuries by the  relentless force of  crashing waves. There are two natural bridges along the shoreline, accessible by the walk across the dead coral bed. The path is a little slippery and partially submerged in water. There is also natural aquarium formed by the rocks, which is beautiful and you can see some living corals as well. It is best experienced during low tide and guides are easily available.

What to do at Laxmanpur Beach  2?
▪️Natural Bridge Formation
▪️Trekking
▪️Photography
▪️Collection of Seashells

Entry Fee: Nil
Timings: All Day, For best experience visit during low tide
Tour Guide: Available | Guide Fee: ₹1200 - ₹2000
Time Taken: 15-20 minutes
Tips: Be careful while walking

End your day with a mesmerizing Sunset at Laxmanpur Beach#1
Laxmanpur Beach-1 is a perfect place to sit peacefully and admire the art of nature, watching the orange orb dip below the horizon while casting the vibrant colors across the sky. Enjoy the sound of waves and magical sunset while sipping some chai from the nearby eatery shacks/stalls.

What to do at Laxmanpur Beach-1?
▪️Witness the stunning sunset
▪️Relax and Unwind
▪️Photography

Entry Fee: Nil
Best Time: Late Afternoon

On the second day, catch the  magical sunrise at Sitapur Beach followed by spending  some tranquil moments at Rampur Beach.

Wake up early and make your way to Sitapur Beach also known as "Sunrise Beach". Settle into the sand and witness the first ray of sunlight painting the sky in golden hues and illuminating beach into a masterpiece.

What to do at Sitapur Beach?
▪️Magical sunrise
▪️Relax and Rejuvenate
▪️Photography

Entry Fee: Nil
Famous For: Beautiful Sunrise, Photography, Peaceful Strolls on the beach
Timings: Open till 7:30pm

After returning to the accommodation and breakfast, spend some peaceful time exploring Rampur Beach.

Rampur Beach
Rampur Beach is one of the secluded beaches in Neil Island. With very few footfall makes it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere.  Ramnagar beach is known for turtle nesting, you might get to witness it, during winter season i.e. between December and March.
Ramnagar beach is in close  proximity to Atreya Mangrove Point, visit this beautiful mangrove forest during low tide when all the tree roots are clearly visible, it just gives a different planet feel.

What to do at Rampur Beach?
▪️Peaceful Strolls on the sand
▪️Stunning Sunset
▪️Visit Atreya Mangrove Point
▪️Photography
▪️Watch the Turtles nesting

Entry Fee: Nil
Timings: 7:30 pm
Time Taken: Your preference

What are the Stay options available in Neil Island?

There are various options available ranging from government-run facilities like Hawabill Nest or private resorts - TSG Aura, Sea Shell, Silver Sand Beach Resort, Tango Beach Resort, Royal Neil Resort. Budget friendly guest house and home stays are also available. The price varies from ₹500 to ₹15000, luxury beach resorts start from ₹6000 and above.

General Information
• Mobile Network Is a big issue in Neil Island, consider this place more of a digital detox, only BSNL sim work here, network is ok. Cafe's and Resorts offer Wi-Fi facilities but it barely works

• Road Navigation - Due to lack of network connectivity, online maps do not work here. The island is small and well marked so navigation will not be an issue. Most scooter rental shops provide maps, you can also download offline Google maps or ask the locals for help.

• Bank ATMs - very few ATMs are available, mostly near market areas or petrol pump. I will personally advise you to keep cash in hand.

• There is only one petrol pump near Neil Kendra marketplace, which is closed during lunch hour 12pm to 2pm.

• Neil Kendra is a small marketplace in the island offering everything - fresh produce, chemist, rental shops etc

How to Reach Neil Island?
The only way to reach Neil Island is via ferry. Neil Island is connected with neighboring Islands- Port Blair, Havelock Island, Rangat and Long Island via private and government ferries. Bharatpur Jetty serves as the main entry point of the Neil Island.

• Government Ferries: The govt-operated ferries are cheaper but get sold out quickly, hence prior booking is recommended.  It will cost you anywhere between ₹800 - 900/pp

• Private Ferries: Private ferries are comfortable, faster, air-conditioned but expensive than govt. ferry. It will cost you between ₹1000 - ₹1600/pp

When is the Best time to visit Neil Island?
Mid-October to Mid-May : Optimal time, due to its pleasant weather and calm sea conditions.
June to October : Ideal time for experiencing monsoon tourism
Mid-January to Mid-May : Best months for scuba diving.

How to explore Neil Island?
There are several options to explore the island depending on your interest and budget⎯
• Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island) on Foot, one of the best ways to connect with any place is by foot, soak in the local vibes, and appreciate the atmosphere. The island is small and well marked so navigation will not be the issue.

• If you are tight on budget, then a local bus is the best alternative to Commute within the island. Local bus runs between Neil Kendra (market place) - Sitapur beach several times in a day.

• Most budget friendly option is to rent a bicycle or scooter and explore the island at your own pace. Bicycles will cost around ₹150 and scooty ₹500 for 24hrs. 1 liter petrol is enough to explore the island.

• Private cabs can be rented from Neil Kendra (market place) or ask your resort to book for you. Auto-rickshaws are available.

Tips for Travelers:
Book ferry tickets in advance to avoid the inconvenience.
Book accommodations early to secure affordable deals.
Opt for local eateries, enjoy the tropical platters.
Vegetarian options are limited.
There is no night life, everything gets wrapped up by 8pm.

I would conclude by saying, Neil Island is not just a place on the map; it is a haven for those seeking escape. For me, it's a feeling, an experience that will linger in my memory whispering the tales of tranquility.

Remember to respect the island's natural environment and local communities during your exploration.