Officially called Shaheed Dweep
Neil Island
Pristine Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island)
Located at a distance of 37 km from Port Blair, Neil Island is one of the serene islands of the Ritchie’s Archipelago of South Andaman district. The Island lies between Havelock Island and Netaji Subhas Chnadra Boss Island (Ross Island) .
Neil Island is quite famous as the Vegetable bowl of Andamans. With unexplored coral reefs, brilliant bio-diversity, white sandy beaches and tropical forest, it is one of the hot tourist spots in the Andamans. Bharatpur, Laxmanpur, Sitapur, & Ramnagar beaches are its the popular beaches.
Reaching Neil Island
Now known as Shaheed Dweep, Neil Island is located at a distance of 30 kilometers from the main islands of the Andaman Islands. You can easily reach there via a ferry. The details are as follows:
From Port Blair: There are regular government ferries plying from the capital city to Neil Island. Two ferries leave daily morning.
From Rangat: Daily ferry is available from Rangat as well.
Private Boats: Makruzz and Ocean Green are two private boat service providers that have scheduled departures for Neil Island.
Getting around in Neil Island
With an area of only 13.7 square kilometers and a flat landscape, you can roam around Neil Island on a bicycle. The roads here are smooth and very easy to ride on as there are no sharp curves or elevations. It is navigation friendly and you can easily take a stroll on the island. You can also rent mopeds from the jetty. Moreover, many resorts have their own cycles and motorbikes available for rent.
Why Neil Island?
- Shaheed Dweep is home to thriving biodiversity, unexploited coral reefs, white sandy beaches, adventurous experiences.
- The island is popular for its gorgeous beaches that feature white sands and uninterrupted views of the clear blue skies.
- Neil Island has some of the best beaches in Andamans, namely Sitapur Beach, Bharatpur Beach, Lakshmanpur Beach, Sir Hugh Rose Island.
- Neil Island provides excellent choices in fresh and vegetarian meals.
- Neil Island is famous especially famous among newlyweds. Its beaches are known for the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises. Witness a glorious pink and red sunset at the stunning Lakashmanpur Beach.
- Trekking to Howrah Bridge tempts all adrenaline junkies towards it. Resembling a bridge, Howrah Bridge is an arch-like structure. Trekkers reach its tip that goes through a small artificial garden and a muddy path.
Sightseeing place at Shaheed Dweep
Sitapur Beach
Limestone formation by white sand, long stretch and crystal clear waters, this beach renders utmost beauty. The view of the sun rising from the sea is undoubtedly one of the highlights at this beach. The high tides here makes it unsafe for swimming.
Laxmanpur Beach
White sandy Laxmanpur Beach is the best beach in Neil Island and also one of the popular places to visit in Andamans. The sea is shallow and calm, making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is known for its impressive sunset view.
Bharatpur Beach
Bharatpur Beach is a calm white sandy beach known for its coral reef which is undoubtedly the best attraction in the island apart from the beautiful lush green vegetation. The beach is popular for activities like coral watching and swimming. Water Sports activities like jet-ski rides and scuba diving are only available at the beach. One can hire glass-bottom boats for viewing the corals under water.
There are also plenty of stalls selling refreshments, coconuts, snacks and some tourist souvenirs.
Ramnagar Beach
Ramnagar Beach has a laid back vibe unlike other beaches in Neil island but has lined up hotel, resorts and restaurants from where you can enjoy the amazing sea throughout the day. It is most popular amongst the islanders.
Natural Rock Formation/ Howarah Bridge
Locally known as Howrah Bridge, this natural rock formation is a result of dead corals and seawater dissolving the ridges of rocks in Laxmanpur Beach 2. During low tide, you may find turtles, urchins, fishes and corals at the pond near the natural rock formation.
Neil Kendra
Neil Kendra is the main market on Neil Island. Apart from enjoying the best view, arc-shaped view of the beach from the market, you can also meet locals and learn about its culture more authentic way.
Sir Hugh Rose Island
A wildlife sanctuary with turtle nesting ground, Sir Hugh Rose Island is a tiny island at the southern tip of Neil Island and is locally called as ‘Chhota Neil’. A permit from the forest department is required to visit this scenic island
