Neil island is romance taken neat. The changing colours of the endless horizon and turquoise waters stretching beyond one’s gaze; Neil island offers detachment from the chaos of the real world and invites you into the romance of being nowhere. This must be why this island finds its way into most itineraries in Andamans. With its laid-back temper and coherent charm, Neil island is soothingly different from its neighbour, Havelock. How to Reach Neil Island from Port Blair? The island expands over an area of 13.7 square kilometres and lies blissfully in South Andamans nearly at a distance of 40 kilometres. Given the extent and nature of the sightseeing spots in Neil Island, Neil can be bicycled around with minimal effort. Prime Minister renamed Neil Island to Shaheed Dweep as a tribute to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose in 2018.
Best known for its unparalleled biodiversity, magnificent coral reefs, the unexplored span of dense tropical forests. Banana plantations, paddy fields and a medley of vegetable yields encircle the roads on the journey to the island, also earning it the title of the vegetable bowl of Andaman. Agriculture is the primary line of business for the islanders, and the production of fruits and vegetables is in generous quantities. Due to its abundant yield, Neil island then supplies vegetables to the rest of Andamans.
Uninhabited until the 1960s, followed by the arrival of native Indians and refugees from Bangladesh, Neil island is the rustic masterpiece of Andamans. With a population of 2675, Neil island is a world of complete serenity where the locals lead quite a simple life. One can tour the entire island in about an hour or two. With its carefree vibe, desolate beaches and little bustle, Neil island is where travellers arrive to have a laid-back vacation in Andaman. Most of the hotels and resorts here dwell near the beaches or in the jungles, further compliment the ambience of the island.
A ride through winding and twisting village roads as the sun comes up is one of the best to experience in the island, and the morning view of the beach gets even better! Not a single soul for miles, and no swarm of beach shacks! Cycling around the island has become both a means of getting around as well as a form of recreation. Tourist Attractions in Neil Island? Considering that Neil island is all about beaches, to make the most of it, tourists can indulge in water sports such as diving, snorkelling, jet-skiing, and glass-bottom boat rides at Bharatpur beach.
If you’re looking for a quiet holiday or a secluded but idyllic getaway, this is the place for you. With its gorgeous vistas, stunning sea and an array of water sports, places to visit in Neil Island are more than enough to whisk you away for a vacation. Certainly one of the most commercially unexploited and serene beaches in Andamans, Neil Island has luxurious coral reefs, this hidden gem is a perfect place for beach-bums as well. Havelock island often overshadows the allure of Neil island, and it gets limited to being a one-day trip destination on the itinerary. Pack your bathing suits and smear that suntan lotion, Neil island awaits your presence!
Visitor Information
Famous For: Water Sports and Sightseeing.
Entry Fees: Free
Timings: Open till 6:30
Bharatpur Beach is known for its pristine clear blue water and rich colourful coral reef making it ideal for Water Sports Activities like Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Jet Ski Ride, Speed Boat Ride and Glass Bottom Boat Ride. Located just half a kilometer from the jetty, it is considered to be the best beach in Neil Island. The chief attraction of the place is the beautiful lush green vegetation and fishes. Bharatpur Beach is one of the best beaches you can visit with your family as the beach is a lagoon with gentle waves hitting the shore. This vast sandy stretch and gently curving bay allows for a perfect swim. The water is so shallow that even non-swimmers can take a refreshing dip. There are also plenty of stalls selling refreshments, coconuts, snacks and some tourist souvenirs. You can also find toilets and changing rooms on the beach. The beach has huge trees that provide a shade under the scorching sun on the beach. It’s great to get to the beach early in the morning to catch the sun rising to the sky and envelope the beach in a play of colours that reflect from the water and contrasting sand.
Visitor Information
Famous For: Sightseeing.
Entry Fees: Free
Timings: Open till 7:30
Laxmanpur Beach is known as the Sunset Point at Neil Island and is very wide and long. This beach is also known for its unique Natural Coral Bridge formation locally known as Natural Hawrah Bridge. The beach has white shell sand with shallow water making it perfect for an evening walk. Laxmanpur Beach is a picturesque waterfront, covering a long stretch of area of Laxmanpur Village of Neil Island. White shell sand covering this secluded beach is quite a contrast to the blue sea. Corals and sea shells are found in abundance at this seafront, which are often collected as souvenirs by visitors. The sea is shallow and calm, making it perfect for swimming. This serene beach offers a stunning panorama, especially when the sun sets in the horizon. The secluded beach of Lakshmanpur lies 2 km north of the Neil jetty. This rocky beach has lots of coral formation, ornamental fish, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, star fish etc. which are best suited for people of scientific temperament. Laxmanpur Beach is blessed with scenic beauty in the form of greenery, white sandy shore and clear blue sea and all these aspects make it a perfect photography haunt.
Visitor Information
Famous For: Sightseeing.
Entry Fees: Free
Timings: Open till 5:30
Neil’s famous attraction is a natural bridge formation locally known as the Howrah Bridge. To see this natural “wonder” one has to visit the rocky beach No. 2 at low tide when it is possible to walk on its dead corals and rocks to reach the attraction. For some the sea creatures seen here could also be interesting. You can find small fish, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, star fish and on some parts you can even see colourful corals are slowly growing again. The rocky surface can get slippery at some parts and many are sharp so one must take care while walking. In the late afternoons the place can get crowded with tourist as it is the last stop before heading to the sunset point. Check the tide timings before you plan a trip here! How to get there: The rock formation is about 2km north of the jetty and one has to take a road heading north west after the market. At the start of the small sandy path to go to the beach No. 2 there is a small hut selling snacks, refreshments and fresh mango juices to cool down a bit.
Visitor Information
Famous For: Sightseeing, Sunrise.
Entry Fees: Free
Timings: Open till 7:30
Sitapur Beach is known as the Sunrise Point at Neil Island. The Beach contains white silver soft sand with excellent scenic beauty, limestone formation, natural vegetation and palm trees offering plenty of shades, water is turquoise and transparent making this beach an ideal place for swimming. Sitapur Beach is a serene seafront, situated at the tip of the Neil Island in Andamans. Seemingly endless stretches of verdant foliage and white sand render breathtaking natural beauty. This picturesque beach along with the vast sea and clear blue sky forms a stunning landscape that mesmerises every visitor. Natural limestone formations are present all over this beach, which add to its scenic charm. Though prone to high tides, this beach is considered safe for swimming. It is ideal to visit the beach at the time of dawn, when the sun rises above the horizon. With its picture-perfect landscape, Sitapur Beach provides a wonderful opportunity to click stunning photographs.
