Neil Island, one of the most captivating islands of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands group, draws tourists each year with its peaceful offerings. Unlike its popular neighbor, Havelock, with heavy tourist activities, Neil Island is more famous for its laid-back pace, pristine beaches, and rural charm. Spread across just about 13 square kilometers, this island, also known as the “Vegetable Bowl of Andamans”, may be small, but its offerings are more than unique.
Below awaits a well-crafted, all-encompassing Neil Island guide where you’ll discover details from top attractions, food, places to stay, and everything required for a hassle-free vacation! So, without waiting another second, let’s begin!
Your Ready-To-Save Neil Island Travel Guide
The Neil Island, often named as Shaheed Dweep, is best known for its calm and simplicity. This surreal island carries both colonial and patriotic significance. The British called it after Brigadier General James George Smith Neill, a controversial figure of the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny. However, to honor India’s freedom struggle, the Government of India replaced the colonial name with Shaheed Dweep, meaning “Martyr’s Island.”
Given the isolation and less-crowded aspect, tourists who wish to spend moments of peace in the lap of nature should add Neil Island to their itinerary! The beaches, natural rock formations, and other stunning highlights make this place a must-visit destination. So, let’s unpack in detail what Neil’s Islands hold for tourists:
Why Neil Island is Called the “Vegetable Bowl of Andamans”
Neil Island in the Andamans is also popularly renowned as the “Vegetable Bowl of Andamans.” This island earned this title due to its rich and fertile soil, which makes it an excellent place for growing vegetables and fruits. In fact, the entire Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ supply of fruits and vegetables is done through Neil Island.
When you step into Neil, you’ll immediately notice how different it feels from the bustling towns of Port Blair or the tourist-centric Havelock. Here, right after stepping in, you’ll be welcomed with dense green paddy fields, banana plantations, papaya orchards, and endless rows of vegetables growing under the tropical sun.
No matter Neil’s growing popularity, it remains a hotspot for agricultural activities. Local farmers here cultivate a wide variety of crops, including cucumbers, beans, tomatoes, brinjals (eggplants), and lady’s fingers (okra).
It’s a real retreat for the visitors to see such vibrant vegetation on such a small island. This makes Neil Island distinctly different from other parts of the Andaman Islands, which rely heavily on shipments from mainland India. What is even better is that tourists get to taste some of the freshest organic produce of the vegetables and fruits.
A simple vegetable thali or freshly cut papaya feels like a treat here because you know it’s grown naturally, without the rush and chemicals of commercial farming. Even the seafood served here is often paired with local vegetables, giving you a wholesome dining experience.
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Places To Visit & Things To Do In Neil Island
If Neil Island is on your bucket list, then here is the list of places that you shouldn’t miss!
1. Bharatpur Beach: This is one of the best places to visit in Neil Island for scenic views and surreal vibes. The best part is that the turquoise waters allow you to peek into the vibrant marine world, filled with colorful fish and corals.
Things to do at Bharatpur Beach: All the water sports like snorkeling, scuba diving, and glass-bottom boat rides.
2. Laxmanpur Beach: This is one of the most talked-about Neil Island beaches, which is located about 2 km from the jetty. For those who don’t know yet, the Laxmanpur beach is the go-to spot for mesmerizing sunsets. All you can see is a long white sandy beach lined with swaying trees.
Things to do at Laxmanpur Beach: Photography, evening walks, and relaxing by the beach
3. Laxmanpur Beach II & Natural Rock Bridge (Howrah Bridge): This spot in Neil Island is super famous for its one-of-a-kind rock formations created by natural erosion. Locally called Howrah Bridge, this spot is best visited at low tide when the formations are clearly visible.
Things to do at Laxmanpur Beach II & Natural Rock Bridge (Howrah Bridge): Spot marine creatures like starfish, crabs, and shells trapped in tidal pools, take leisurely walks, and go on nature photography excursions.
4. Sitapur Beach: Another fascinating beach location in Neil Island is the Sitapur Beach, which is famous for strong waves and dramatic rock formations. Also known as Sunrise Beach, tourists are likely to witness some of the best nature views here. Please note that the beach experiences rough currents; therefore, activities like swimming are prohibited.
Things to do at Sitapur Bech: Peaceful walks and photography
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5. Ramnagar Beach: Visited this paradisiacal gem if you wish for offbeat experiences. Ramnagar beach is a lesser-known beach, offering seclusion and tranquility compared to other beaches. This place is best for those who wish to spend some peaceful moments away from the crowds.
Things to do at Ramnagar Beach: Soak in the views and enjoy casual swimming.
Other things to do in Neil Island include:
- Cycling by the beach or renting a scooter to get around the island.
- Ride through fields, small villages, and coastal roads for a real feel of island life.
- Scuba diving and snorkeling to explore the vibrant coral reefs.
- Exploring local markets and buying souvenirs for your loved ones.
- Glass-bottom boat rides early morning to see coral reefs and fish.
Food & Local Cuisine
When in Neil Island, trying the food and local cuisine is a must! So, here’s a list of what you should definitely try in Neil Island in the Andaman for a satisfying culinary experience.
- Neil is called the Vegetable Bowl of Andamans. Expect freshly grown cucumbers, beans, brinjals, and okra in most thalis.
- Try the fresh and flavor-packed coconut water, which is found at nearly every corner.
- This place is also a paradise for seafood lovers. Only the twist is that it gets served with a whole lot of sides of freshly cooked veggies.
- Taste the freshest produce of mangoes, pineapples, papayas, bananas, and coconuts, which are available abundantly.
- Try the special Island thalis at the local eateries, which serve both vegetarian and seafood variants.
- Try the local cafes serving the finest seafood and snacks at the Bharatpur and Laxmanpur beaches.
- Finding fine dining can be a challenge. Still, you can order pizzas, noodles, burgers, and shakes, served at a few cafes to cater to international tourists.
You won’t find as many restaurants here as in Havelock or Port Blair, yet every meal on Neil Island stands out for its superior freshness and quality.
How to Reach Neil Island in Andaman- The Traveler’s Guide
If peace and natural beauty are what you seek, Neil Island is the perfect destination in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Here’s a comprehensive guide to plan your trip with ease.
Step 1: Getting to Port Blair
To reach Neil Island, tourists first need to reach Port Blair, which can be done in either of the following ways:
By Air
Flights are available from Mainland India:
- Direct flights are available from major cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, and Delhi.
- Airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and Vistara operate regular flights.
Please note that the average flight duration is approximately 2 to 5 hours, depending on the city. Additionally, flights from Chennai and Kolkata are generally more affordable due to their proximity to the location.
By Water
Those who wish to travel by water may need first to reach the port cities, such as Kolkata, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam. Passenger ships operated by the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) and the Andaman & Nicobar Administration connect mainland India to Port Blair. This journey will take around 60–70 hours (2.5–3 days) to reach Port Blair, depending on weather and route.
It’s essential to book in advance through the SCI office or authorized agents, and please note that the ID proof is mandatory.
Step 2: From Port Blair to Neil Island
After reaching Port Blair, you’ll head to Phoenix Bay Jetty or Haddo Wharf to catch a ferry to Neil Island. You can either opt for Government ferries, which will cost you around ₹400 – ₹600 per person, providing basic seats with long waiting hours while booking.
Otherwise, book a private ferry, which is more comfortable and faster, and costs around ₹900 – ₹1,500 per person, depending on the class (Economy, Premium, or Luxury). Makruzz, Green Ocean, Nautika, ITT Majestic, and Sea Link are some of the popular private ferry operators offering AC seating, comfortable chairs, and onboard snacks.
Please note that ferries usually operate in the morning and afternoon only. Evening or late-night ferries are not common.
Travel Tips for Neil Island
Planning to travel to Neil Island? Here’s what you should follow to ensure a hassle-free and enjoyable experience:
- Try to carry enough cash (safely), as the availability of ATM’s can be a challenge. Keep sufficient money (cash) for food, transport, and activities.
- Be ready for limited to no internet connectivity. For this, tourists can opt for a temporary BSNL network, which works best in this area compared to Airtel or Jio networks.
JW Tip: Let your trip to Neil Island be a digital detox, unless staying connected to the internet is extremely important.
- Pre-book your ferries to avoid last-minute disappointments as Government and private ferries get sold out quickly.
- Try to stay close to the Neil Island beaches like Bharatpur, Sitapur, or Laxmanpur beaches and book nearby accommodations to save time and enjoy serene views.
- Neil is called the Vegetable Bowl of Andamans for a good reason. Don’t miss trying fresh seafood, coconuts, and local thalis.
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen and swimwear to protect yourself and the corals from heavy chemical-based sunscreens.
- The island is small (13 sq. km). Rent a bike to explore all the major beaches at your own pace.
- Travel responsibly and behave respectfully, following all local rules to ensure a safe tourism experience. Also, try not to litter the place and carry it with you in a separate bag.
- Medical facilities are basic. Keep essentials like seasickness tablets, antiseptics, and painkillers.
- Allocate at least 2 days to explore Neil Island thoroughly and enjoy every bit of it.
- Visit during low tide to see Neil’s famous Howrah Bridge (a Natural Rock Formation).
Frequently Asked Questions
How many are enough for Neil Island tourism?
Allocating 2-3 days is enough for Neil Island tourism, where you can experience it fully. You can cover all major beaches, enjoy water sports, and still have time for sunrises and sunsets.
What all are included in the Neil Island itinerary?
A basic Neil Island Itinerary includes visits to the Bharatpur, Sitapur, and Laxmanpur Beaches for watersports, sunrise, and sunsets, respectively. Also, the iconic Natural Rock Bridge is a must-see.
Why Neil Island is a must-visit gem?
Neil Island is different from the tourist-flooded and commercialized Havelock Island. Here, tourists will be able to spend a peaceful moment in nature and learn how massive farming and agriculture are done.
How to ensure sustainable tourism in Neil Island?
You can ensure sustainable tourism in Neil Island by avoiding plastic, carrying refillable bottles, and using reef-safe sunscreen. Travel responsibly and leave no carbon footprint.
Are there any adventurous things to do in Neil Island?
Yes, adventure lovers can try scuba diving, snorkeling, cycling (less common), and glass-bottom boat rides at Bharatpur Beach.
Ready to take on the Neil Isand adventure like a pro? Why wait when you have an expert guide ready by your side? Book your personalized Andaman Tour Package today with JustWrvel nd let the adventure roll in!