Neil Island: Initially, we planned just a day visit to this place. But after arriving, we decided to stay for a night, and as we spent more time here, we extended our stay for another two days! You might be curious about what kept us engaged for almost three days. After all, isn’t it a small island? Are there enough activities to fill such a duration?
Beaches of Neil Island
Indeed, Neil Island in Andaman is quite small. It spans only 18.9 square kilometers, with a maximum length of 5 kilometers.
While it’s possible to take a day trip from Havelock Island to explore all the major beaches and return, once we reached Neil Island, we opted to stay longer and immerse ourselves in the island’s relaxed pace. We wanted to experience life on the island, soak in its leisurely rhythm, and simply enjoy our time there.
How to reach Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)?
Neil Island, part of Ritchie’s archipelago in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is easily accessible from Port Blair. The Bharatpur Jetty serves as the entry point. The only way to reach Neil is via government ships and cruises from Port Blair.
Things to do at Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
Neil Island offers surprises for travelers, tourists, and backpackers alike. Comprising 5 villages and a population of around 3000, the island still retains an old-world charm. There are only a couple of ATMs, and internet and mobile signals are sporadic and limited.
In stark contrast to the bustling Havelock, Neil is serene, calm, and seems frozen in time. Despite being only a few kilometers apart, Havelock and Neil are vastly different in character. Neil is a tranquil gem in the Andamans where even time appears to have slowed down. Here’s a list of activities to enjoy at Shaheed Dweep, also known as Neil Island.
1. Visit the Tranquil Beaches
Neil Island features some stunning, secluded beaches. Named after characters from the Ramayana, the beaches—Ramnagar, Bharatpur, Sitapur, and Laxmanpur—are the island’s main attractions. Even if you’re only here for a day, make sure to visit these beautiful beaches on Neil Island, now known as Shaheed Dweep.
Beaches of Neil Island
- Bharatpur Beach or Beach No. 4
- Natural Bridge or Bridge No. 2
- Laxmanpur Beach or Beach No. 1
- Sitapur Beach or Beach No. 5
Bharatpur Beach or Beach No. 4
The main attraction of the island is Bharatpur Beach, also known as Beach No. 4. This pristine beach, lined with shady trees, leads to a clear turquoise sea that seems to merge with the blue sky. It’s an ideal spot for swimming and lounging. You can also indulge in scuba diving and snorkeling here. For those hesitant to venture into the sea, a glass-bottom boat ride offers a glimpse of the vibrant marine life. The coral reef is teeming with life, and we were mesmerized by the colorful fish swimming among the reefs. We lost count of the different species we encountered!
Natural Bridge or Bridge No. 2
Another marvel of this small island is the natural rock bridge, located near Laxmanpur village, known locally as the Howrah Bridge. During low tide, the sea retreats, revealing the coral reefs in all their glory. The marine life is literally at your feet. We took our time walking over the slippery rocks, marveling at the marine wonders.
Colorful fish darted through the rocky pools, and starfish extended their tentacles lazily. The area is home to sea anemones, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, mollusks, and many other marine creatures, some of which I couldn’t even name. But the corals were the true highlight! There are not just one but two natural bridges here.
Laxmanpur Beach or Beach No. 1
The sunset at Laxmanpur Beach is captivating, and if you arrive early in the morning, you’ll have the entire place to yourself. Imagine walking along stretches of silvery sand with the blue waters blending into the sky as if they’re conspiring together! In the evening, the beach becomes a popular spot for sunset views.
Marine Life at Neil Island or Shaheed Dweep
To reach the second natural bridge, you have to carefully navigate through rocks and corals, and this is only possible during low tide. We suggest visiting twice if possible. You can climb the second bridge, but be cautious, as sea snakes and crabs are abundant. The snakes cleverly hide in the rocky crevices. We attempted to climb the bridge, and I almost touched a snake! It looked just like a green rock.
Near Laxmanpur Beach, we met an elderly shopkeeper and his wife. Originally from Bangladesh, they migrated after 1947 and settled on Neil Island after living in various refugee camps. The old man vaguely remembered his childhood, and he was happy to share his stories with us. We enjoyed our conversation so much that we returned the next day for more chai and chips with them.
Sitapur Beach or Beach No. 5
Sitapur Beach, though lesser-known, is the perfect spot to watch the sunrise. Few people visit, so we had the beach to ourselves in the morning. Lined with trees and featuring large rocks jutting out of the sea, this beach was damaged by the 2004 tsunami, and the marks are still visible today. We walked slowly along the soft sand, the water rippling at our feet. Nothing compares to the tranquility of watching the sun rise, slowly illuminating the sky and our lives with its light. Sitapur Beach is my personal favorite.
2. Go for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
The sea around Neil Island is clear and calm, making it an excellent spot for scuba diving and snorkeling. You’ll find scuba diving operators at Bharatpur Beach who will take you out to the sea for a dive. Scuba diving here is a must-do, with stunning coral reefs and fascinating marine life. Snorkeling is also a fun activity, especially for kids, near the beaches.
3. Water Sports at Shaheed Dweep
Neil Island is also a great place for water sports, including jet skiing, banana boat rides, sea walking, and glass-bottom boat rides. Once on the island, forget everything else and dive into the fun with these exciting water sports.
4. Explore on a Bicycle or Motorbike
While on Shaheed Dweep, rent a bicycle or scooter and explore the island at your own pace. Since the island is small, you can easily cover it in a day.
We rented a scooter and rode across the island, meeting various locals along the way. A young boy stopped us, asking, “Would you like some mangoes?” Curiosity got the better of me, and I agreed. He ran to his garden, picked some mangoes, and handed them to us. The mangoes weren’t expensive, but the experience of getting them this way was priceless. We were even invited to go fishing with the villagers! The people of Neil are so welcoming, always eager to meet and talk with visitors.
5. Talk to the Locals
Neil Island is a beautiful place, and the locals are always willing to share their stories. Everyone on the island knows each other, and they all have tales to tell. We spent hours chatting with them, and they were thrilled to share their life experiences.
One such person we met was Sadhana Di, a truly inspiring figure in the village. The best place to eat on Neil Island is the “Mega Restaurant,” run by Sadhana Di. The restaurant offers a Bengali platter along with various seafood delicacies like crab, prawn, and sea fish. Although there are other eateries, mainly within resorts, our favorite was Mega Restaurant. Sadhana Di was so kind, she would take us to her store and ask, “Which fish should I cook for you?” I would point at one, and it would magically appear on our plate!
You’ll encounter many such people on Neil Island. Greet them, talk to them, and you’ll find that these personal interactions make the trip even more memorable.
Absolute Highlights of Neil Island
- Neil Island 3-point Tour: Visit Bharatpur Beach, the Natural Bridge, and Laxmanpur Beach.
- Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
- Lazy Time at the Beach
- Explore the Island on a Two-Wheeler
Pro Tip: Avoid the Glass Boat Ride. The glass is often dirty, making it difficult to see any marine life. It’s not worth the money.
Places to Stay at Neil Island
Neil Island is a backpacker’s paradise with hotels and homestays offering a homely atmosphere. It also has a few luxury resorts. We stayed at the “Cocon Hut Resort,” which had a garden leading to the sea through mangrove creeks. Most resorts are located close to the beaches.
Regardless of the type of accommodation, the best part of Neil Island is its laid-back atmosphere. The island has all the beauty and charm of the Andaman Islands. In addition to being a backpacker’s destination, Neil Island is also a popular honeymoon spot, with
honeymooners visiting this beautiful island for a romantic getaway.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, adventurous activities, or simply want to enjoy the beaches, Neil Island is the perfect destination.
