Neil Island

Travel Guide

Neil Island is best known for its unparalleled biodiversity and unexplored span of dense tropical forests and greenery complemented by white sand beaches and rich coral reefs.

Currently known as the Shaheed Dweep, this is a small island that spans over an area of 13.7 Sq. KM. only, most of which is covered with forest.

Due to the lack of vehicles, markets, fewer resorts, and less population, Neil Island is best suited for people who’d like to have a laid-back vacation in Andaman, far from the city noises and into the wonderful world of complete serenity.

Beach in Neil Island

The roads are thin and long and connect the island's jetty to all major attractions. The trip to the destination is quite mesmerizing as the roads are surrounded by long banana plantations, paddy fields, and other agricultural greenery.

Forest and Fields in Neil Island
Roadside Fields and Forest

Moreover, the island has non-existent internet connectivity and patchy cellular network which usually cuts off your outside communication and helps you detox yourself from the digital world and into the lap of nature, breathing fresh air.

This makes it a completely different and soothing place to be when compared to other nearby islands like Havelock and Port Blair.

AERIAL VIEW VIDEO OF NEIL ISLAND (By: PixelDo Media)

Needless to say, due to its size, flat area, and the peace of mind you get when traveling in Neil, its better explored by either a rented bike or bicycle.

Apart from this, the hotels in Neil further commend the vibe of the island. Most of the hotels and resorts here, are located near the beaches or in the jungles, which is hard to find anywhere else in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The island is not visited as much by tourists, being overshadowed by the neighbor- Havelock Island. Needless, to say, a lot of people miss out on this hidden gem of the Andaman Islands.

Neil Island Map


INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT NEIL ISLAND:

  • There are no Petrol Pumps in Neil Island.
  • It is located 37 Km from Port Blair.
  • The island only has a population of 3,040 (2011 census).
  • There is only one bus for public transportation here.
  • Neil Island is also known as the vegetable bowl of Andaman.
  • Internet connectivity is very low, almost non-existent in the island.
  • You can only get a network for BSNL if you are planning to make any calls.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi changed its name from Neil Island to Shaheed Dweep on 30 Dec 2018.
  • You can travel to Neil Island only from Port Blair and Havelock Island by ferry.
  • Most people either rent bikes or book cabs before visiting.

Neil Island Attractions:

Bharatpur Beach:
  • Famous For: Water Sports and Sightseeing.
  • Entry Fees: Free
  • Timings: Open till 6:30 PM

Bharatpur Beach is located really close to the Neil Island Jetty and is a decent place to visit on your trip. The beach is surrounded by a cyan-colored sea, which looks amazing in every way.

Bharatpur beach in Neil Island
Bharatpur Beach Shoreline

The shoreline is really wide and filled with both personal and commercial boats, as it is located right next to the Jetty. Although, the beach isn’t one you can play whole day on, its a great place to relax with some snacks and drinks.

Bharatpur Beach Sea at Neil Island
View of the sea from left side of the Bharatpur Beach

The most intriguing thing about this beach is that, it is the only beach in Neil Island where water sports is available.

You can enjoy activities like Jet Skiing, Glass Bottom Boat Rides, Snorkeling, and more, so you can have some fun and adventure with your family while visiting here.

There are a lot of shops nearby for easy access to everything you need. The distance between Bharatpur Beach and Laxmanpur Beach is 2.2 KM via road, which takes around 5 minutes to cover by a cab and around 20 minutes to walk.

The cab will take you to the nearby parking lot from where you will have to walk for around 200 Meters to reach the beach.

Laxmanpur Beach:
  • Famous For: Sightseeing.
  • Entry Fees: Free
  • Timings: Open till 7:30 PM

Laxmanpur Beach is hands down the best beach in the island for sightseeing and takes the 2nd position in Andaman for the best beach, after Radhanagar at Havelock.

Laxmanpur Beach in Neil Island
Laxmanpur Beach in Neil Island

The beach has a really wide shoreline filled with deep white sand that grabs your feet as you walk on it.

One side of the beach is surrounded by a dense forest canopy while the other opens into the mesmerizing sea. The forest side has a lot of small benches and huts where you can relax and feast your eyes.

The best thing about Laxmanpur Beach is that it is triangular in shape and once you stand near the point, you can gaze on the deep horizon as far as the eyes can see.

One of the best places in Neil Island to relax, have fun and take your next amazing photograph.


Natural Bridge: (Natural Rock Formation)
  • Famous For: Sightseeing.
  • Entry Fees: Free
  • Timings: Open till 5:30 PM

Located near Laxmanpur Beach 2, the Natural Bridge is one of the best place to awe in the mystery of nature and take some amazing clicks.

Also known as the Howrah Bridge locally, it was formed by years and years of water flow from the rocky hill nearby.

Natural Bridge in Neil Island
Natural Bridge in Neil Island

The natural bridge is not visible from the beach and you will have to take a left from the Laxmanpur beach shoreline to reach there. The bridge is only accessible during low tide as the pathway is covered by wild waves during high tide.

Natural Bridge entrance near the Laxmanpur Beach 2 - Neil Island
Entrance to the Natural Bridge

Guides are available for hire at the starting point who can take you to the location with ease. The usual charges range from INR 400-500. The guide can also help you with taking pictures with the family.

Overall, a great place to visit, when you are already exploring the Laxmanpur beach.

People who have some additional time to spend near the beach can also explore the Natural Bridge 2 by taking a left from the shoreline.


Sitapur‌ Beach:
  • Famous For: Sightseeing, Sunrise.
  • Entry Fees: Free
  • Timings: Open till 7:30 PM

Sitapur Beach is located at the other end of the island, almost 4.6 KM away from the Jetty and is one of the best places in Andaman to view the sunrise.

The beach is quite peaceful with a curved shoreline that expands all the way and is surrounded by tropical trees and hilly rocks on the sides that traps the water in the middle and opens up into a wide view of the horizon.

Sitapur beach in Neil Island
Sunrise at Sitapur Beach in Neil Island

Although the shore is pretty rocky and the sea is not swimmable due to dead corals underwater, the beach is still pretty famous for the fresh breeze of air and warm sunlight in the morning.

Hills near the Sitapur Beach in Neil Island
Left-most Part of the Sitapur Beach

Moreover, there are a lot of great hotels like: The Aura Resort, Emerald Gecko Resort, and the famous Summer Sands Beach Resort, located near the beach.

Overall, a great place to be in the morning.


Ramnagar Beach (Sunset Beach):
  • Famous For: Quietness, Sunset.
  • Entry Fees: Free
  • Timings: Open till 7:30 PM

Ramnagar Beach is the least visited tourist attraction in Neil Island which deserves a bit more attention than it gets. The beach is located in an off area near the Sitapur Beach and is mostly taken off as a private beach by the resorts but it still counts as one of the attractions on the island.

Ramnagar Beach in Neil Island
Ramnagar Beach

The beach is close to the Atreya Mangrove Point and has a lot of stay options nearby, like: Spot On Garden View and Capital O Deep Sea Resort.

Overall a decent place to visit, if you are staying in Neil for 2 or more days.

Things to do in Neil Island:

  • Scuba Diving in Neil:
    Neil Island has one of the most awe-inspiring coral density that houses a wide variety of fishes and other sea-dwellers. There are currently 2 diving spots in Neil Island with crystal clear waters that are perfect for scuba. You can also find vendors for this at the Bharatpur Beach, which is really close to all the dive spots on the island.

    All dives in Neil are boat dives, which means that you will be taken to the dive spot via a boat at the start of the adventure. The boat takes off from the Bharatpur Beach and the whole activity takes almost 20-45 minutes.

    Although no pre-booking is required, it might help you save more if you planning for some underwater adventure.
Scuba Diving in Neil Island
  • 3 Point Tour of Neil Island:
    3 point tour takes you to 3 different ends of the island housing the best attractions. The tour consists of a trip to the Bharatpur Beach, Sitapur Beach, and Laxmanpur Beach.

    This trip is considered to be the best type of tour in Neil as it takes you to the Sitapur Beach in the morning for the sunrise, then to the Bharatpur Beach where you can try out and enjoy the thrill of water sports with your friends & family and enjoy the day with some snacks.
    Then after lunch, you can got to the Laxmanpur Beach and explore the white sand shores, along with the natural rock formation. Stay there for the evening, while absorbing the amazing sunset and head back to the hotel.
  • Snorkeling:
    Along with the underwater magnificence, there are several beaches on Neil Island that have a clear water shoreline with calm waves which is perfect for Snorkeling. You can easily spot vendors and guides for this while entering the Bharatpur Beach.

    Most of the resorts in Neil also rent out Snorkeling equipment for an hourly charge. Moreover, some resorts have their own private beaches where they can allow you to snorkel. Make sure to ask permission from the hotel before doing so.
Underwater image of corals and fish in Neil Island
  • Jet Skiing:
    Jet Skiing is one of the most casual water sports activity that can be enjoyed by anyone from children to elders and its readily available at Bharatpur Beach in Neil.
    You can find a lot of vendors and centers for this, both near the shoreline and the market. Its always advised to book Jet Skiing on spot as the availability is always there and its much cheaper that way. The activity is available from 9 A.M to 4 P.M.
Jet Skiing at Bharatpur Beach, Neil Island
Jet Skiing at Bharatpur Beach
  • Glass Bottom Boat Ride:
    This activity is a blessing for people who don’t like to go into the water and get wet. As the name suggests the boat has a bottom made of see-through glass from which you can spot the fish and corals, as the captain takes you around the shallow and rich waters known to have the densest hordes of fishes.

    There are a lot of operators providing this activity at the Bharatpur Beach and near the jetty itself. For a 20 minute ride, the activity is priced at Rs. 300 to Rs. 600 depending on the boat.
  • Trekking:
    As we said earlier, Neil is a tropical paradise with dense tropical jungles that gives you a lot to explore if you love trekking. From the quiet jungles complemented by a wide variety of birds to long plantations of trees, you can explore till your heart’s content. Make sure to never leave for hiking without hiring a guide, as the forests are protected and it's easy to get lost.
  • Explore the island with a 2 wheeler:
    One of the best things about this island is the roads and their surroundings. Covered by the shade of tall trees that open up into wide agriculture plantations, combined with spreading greenery is a treat for every traveler.

    Moreover, the roads in Neil are mostly straight and the traffic is scarce, so you can easily ride your bike till the heart's content.

    There are a lot of vendors who offer bike rental near the Jetty, so make sure to note their number or rent a bike as soon as you reach, if you're planning to enjoy some on-road adventure.
Bike roadside in Neil Island
  • Relax at the Beach:
    With the quietness and serenity that Bharatpur and Ramnagar Beach offers, combined with the quaint horizon of the sea, it offers a great spot to lay on the sand or sit near the shoreline and enjoy the breeze of fresh air with the sound of sea waves.
  • Enjoy a few days of leisure at the resort:
    One thing that definitely makes Neil stand out from other islands are the hotels and resorts here. From private beaches to in-jungle stays, there is a perfect resort for anyone who loves staying in their room and enjoy a day off from all the adventure.

    Whether you love reading or looking to spend more time with your family and loved ones, there is always a stay made just for you.
  • Click some Photos:
    There are a lot of awe-inspiring sceneries on the island that will demand your camera to be ready. From scenic beaches and wonderful rock formations to crystal blue waters and greenery, there is something here for every photographer.

    The best places to capture photographs are Laxmanpur Beach and the Natural Bridge.

Getting Around in Neil Island:

Neil Islands only spans for around 7 KM‌, so all the attractions are easily accessible.

  • By Rental Scooter:
    The best way to explore Neil Island is by renting a Scooter. This is because the roads are straight without any confusing turns, and the locations are pretty straightforward.
    There are a lot of rental bike shops and vendors near the Jetty and throughout Neil, so you can easily get a bike, and explore the islands. If you are planning to explore the island via a scooter, make sure to get the contact information or rent a bike before going to your hotel, so you can start the tour as soon as you are ready and save more on additional transportation.

    Although not all resorts have this service, some resorts have their own bike rental corner where you can easily get one at INR‌ 500 for the whole day.‌ A valid license is required for the rental.

    Rental Fees:  INR 500-600 (Petrol has to be bought separately). Learn More Here.
Bike and scooter rental shop at Neil Island
  • By Auto Rickshaw (Tuk-Tuk):
    Auto Rickshaw's are readily available near the jetty and can be a great way to explore Neil, but keep in mind that there are fewer autos near the lesser-visited attractions like Sitapur and Ramnagar Beach.

    Although you can take the auto from your hotel to these locations, the driver will charge additional money for the halt, while you explore the island.

    Fare:  INR 100 (Varies Widely)
Auto Stand in Neil Island
Auto Stand near Neil Island Jetty
  • Public Buses:
    There is only one public bus available in Neil, which is run by the Govt. and is catered towards the locals. You can explore the islands by boarding one, but make sure to ask the timings of the bus and when it leaves from a specific point as the bus only makes 2 rounds of the island in a day.

    Fare starts from: INR‌ 20/-
  • Prebooked Cabs:
    Most people, especially the ones with family, choose to go with pre-booked cars for a comfortable tour and assistance near and on the destination. The cabs are available throughout the year, and can be easily booked online.

    All pre-booked cabs in Neil charge for the 3-point trip which includes Laxmanpur Beach, Bharatpur Beach, and Sitapur Beach. The best thing about this is that you can take your time and explore the attraction till your heart's content, as the trip is for the whole day and the cabs don’t charge extra for waiting around.

    Fare: INR‌ 1500/-
  • Bicycle:
    Bicycles have been getting popular in the islands for the past few years and now you can see a lot of people exploring Neil in a bicycle. Bicycles are cheap, eco-friendly, and gives you enough time to take everything in, as you explore the island.

    Some hotels and resorts have in-house bicycle rentals, so make sure you check with them before you book.

    Rental Fee: INR‌ 150/-


Distance of Popular Destinations from the center of the Island's city:

  • Neil Kendra to Neil Jetty: 600 Meters
  • Neil Kendra to Bharatpur Beach: 550 Meters
  • Neil Kendra to Ramnagar Beach: 1.2 KM
  • Neil Kendra to Laxmanpur Beach: 1.9 KM
  • Neil Kendra to Sitapur Beach: 4.6 KM

GENERAL INFORMATION:

  • Language: Similar to the other islands in Andaman, Hindi is the most spoken language here followed by Bengali and Tamil. Moreover, most locals understand English and can easily help you, if you reach out.
  • Currency and ATMs: The Indian Rupees (IN‌R) is the only currency accepted in Neil Island, like the rest of the Andaman Islands. The island only has only three ATMs run by Syndicate Bank, Axis Bank, and Cooperative Bank.

    You can easily reach them by visiting Neil Kendra. Small branches of the above-given banks are available for basic services, but they do not offer currency exchange and other services. Moreover, they are usually interrupted by the erratic internet connectivity.

    Only some of the hotels here accept card payment or exchange currency upon request, while most vendors only accept cash. Moreover, ATM‌s can run out of money pretty quickly during tourist season, so it’s always advised to keep enough cash while visiting Neil Island.
  • Internet and Communication:‌ The internet connectivity is almost non-existent in Neil and the only network signal you’ll get in here is with a single BSNL tower. No other cellular networks currently work here.

    Most hotels have a landline connection, which comes in handy if you have to take care of something important during your vacation here.
  • Hospital Facilities:  Neil Island only has two medical care facilities, one is the Local Hospital located near the Neil Kendra and the other is Primary Healthcare Center- Ayurveda Dispensary.

    As these are government-run medical care units, all services are free of charge but they only have limited capabilities, so for proper healthcare, you might have to go to Port Blair.
  • Gift Shops and Bazaars: Neil Island has a small bazaar area geared towards locals, with shops selling essential commodities and groceries.
    Thanks to the support of agriculture by the Andaman administration, Neil Island produces fresh fruits and vegs, which are grown on the island itself and support the livelihood of the locals. You can also find a few shops scattered throughout the island offering refreshments and drinks to tourists.

    Handicrafts and other souvenirs can be bought from small gift shops located near the Bharatpur and Laxmanpur Beach.

BEST TIME TO VISIT NEIL ISLAND (Weather):

  • Summer Season in Neil: Summer in Neil starts from March and goes all the way to May.
    At this time the weather is moderately hot and a lot humid, but mostly comfortable. The temperature usually ranges from 23°C - 27°C. Sometimes, if you are lucky, you can have light showers of rain at this time and can wide rainbows near the beaches.

    This is considered the second best time to visit the island as the heat is manageable and the tour goes great, especially if you are planning for some water sports adventures.
  • Monsoon Season in Neil: Monsoon usually starts in May and lasts till August end throughout Andaman, and Neil is no exception.
    The island usually gets light rain at the start of the season and ends with heavy rain. The atmosphere gets a bit humid at this time, while the temperature fluctuates within the normal range.

    Most people don't visit Neil at this time because heavy rain can cause delays in ferry timings and the sea is vigilant. If you are looking to visit at this time, you can plan at the start of this season to enjoy the trip better.
  • Winter Season in Neil: The winter season starts from early December and lasts till the end of February. Winter in Neil is not harsh and mostly the day is sunny with less humidity than usual. The temperature usually ranges from 22°C - 30°C, which is quite comfortable for a tour.

    This is the best time to visit Neil as the weather is perfect and you won't sweat as much when you are sightseeing and exploring the attractions. There are usually no delays in ferries and water sports timings and everything runs smoothly. Most people visit the Neil Island at this time.

How to reach Neil Island:

You can reach Neil Island by taking a ferry from Port Blair or Havelock Island.‌ There are both government ferries and private ferry/cruises that operate on a daily shift, connecting the islands.

Map Showing Ferry Route to Neil Island from Havelock and Port Blair

A ferry usually takes around 60 to 90 minutes to reach the island.

The island is also connected to other islands via a Helicopter, which allows for much faster travel.

Neil Island Jetty
Neil Island Jetty

Helicopter:

A Govt. run helicopter service called Pawan Hans is operational currently that flies from Port Blair to Neil Island and returns. It was introduced a few years back to provide better, faster, and safer travel to the inter islands for Govt. officials and medical emergencies.

The helicopter can easily travel between the islands in 15 minutes making it one of the fastest ways to and from Neil Island to other nearby islands like Havelock, Diglipur, Hut‌Bay, Ross & Smith and Wandoor.

Government Ferries:

Regular Govt. Ferries are available to commute from Port Blair to Neil. Although, Govt. Ferries are cheaper, locals are given the first preference for bookings and the booking has to be made 3 days before the departure. Moreover, the tickets have to be booked from the STARS office on the respective island by standing in a queue and are only provided until all seats are filled out.

Govt. Ferry at Neil Island Jetty
North Passage Ferry at Neil Island Jetty

You can request your tour operator to book the tickets for you, but it may incur some additional charges. Mostly it is best to commute to and from the island via private ferry so you can easily get the confirmed tickets, months before the departure date and can travel in peace.

It is always advised to not leave ferry bookings for the last moment, as the queue starts forming early in the morning and the tickets sell out pretty fast.

Private Ferry and Cruise:

Regular Private ferries are available from Port Blair and Havelock Island that takes you to Neil Island faster and deliver a better travel experience.

Private ferry boarding at Neil Island Jetty
Private Ferry - Makruzz at Neil Island Jetty

The tickets for these cruises can be easily booked online by following a simple procedure. Different ferry operators offer varied pricing and experience for your travel. The most common operators are:  Makruzz, Green Ocean Cruise, and ITT Majestic.

Transfers from Neil to Different Islands and How to save more:

Ferries operate from the following routes to Neil Island and choosing the right one can help you save more.

  • Havelock to Neil and Return.
  • Port Blair to Neil and Return.
  • Port Blair to Havelock and Neil and Return.

Most of the tourists visiting Andaman visit Havelock so it’s always advised going to the Neil Island via the Havelock Route i.e Port Blair-Havelock, Havelock-Neil, and Return.

This is because the tickets are usually cheaper when compared to a direct commute and you can easily save one wasted trip back to Port Blair. This will not only help you save more on one side tickets but give you more time to explore other islands in Andaman.

You can learn more about the routes, tickets, and pricing here.

Where to Stay in Neil Island:

Apart from the tourist attractions, the stay experience in the Neil Island is what brings a good chunk of tourists here. With luxury resorts boasting padauk interiors, to Eco huts and budget stays, the island has it all.

Cheap Stay with Eco Huts (INR‌ 500 to 1000)

For the budget traveler that loves to explore, the eco-huts are build to provide a comfortable stay without breaking the wallet. The rooms come with all basic amenities like attached bathroom and bed along with chairs. Even cheaper options are available for people who don’t mind sharing a bathroom with fellow travelers.

Eco Hut in Neil Island
Elephant & 4 Wise Men- Eco Hut in Neil Island

Although room service and breakfast are not provided usually in these huts, they can be a good place to stay in terms of the price they charge.

Top eco huts in Neil Island:

  • Break Water Beach Resort
  • Kala Pani Resort
  • Elephant & Four Wise Men


Budget Stays with Lodges and Hotels (INR‌ 1500-3500)

Budget stays are the best option if you are looking for a place to stay between INR‌ 1500-2000. These hotels and lodges provide better than decent service, amenities and stay experience.

Hotel Amullya in Neil Island
Hotel Amullya in Neil Island

A relaxing stay with a nice bed, clean bathroom and room service, these hotels are better options to stay with your family than eco huts without much price difference.

Top Budget Hotels in Neil:

  • Emerald Gecko
  • Neha Palace
  • Moonshine Garden
  • Hotel Amulya

Mid-Range Hotels in Neil: (INR 4000-10000)

For people who are looking to get a great stay experience here, mid-range hotels are a treat. The hotels come with nice and tidy rooms, with great interiors and excellent room service, that makes your stay worth remembering.

Tango Beach Resort in Neil Island
Tango Beach Resort in Neil Island

Here are the top mid-range hotels in Neil:

  • Deep Sea Resort
  • Pearl Park Beach Resort
  • Seven Seas
  • Coco-n-Hut Resort
  • Blue stone Lodge
  • Tango Resort.
  • Hotel Kingfisher


Luxury Hotels in Neil Island (INR‌ 6000-25000)

Neil Island has some of the most unique luxury hotels in Andaman. From private beach resorts with attached pools to stay-cations in the middle of the jungle, there's always a room for you.

Luxury Summer Sands Resort in Neil Island
Summer Sands Beach Resort in Neil Island

Although, there are a close to 10 luxury hotels throughout Neil, here are top 5 ones:

  • Seashell Resort
  • Summer Sands Beach Resort
  • Holiday Inn Beach Resort
  • Pearl Park Beach Resort
  • TSG Aura

Where to Eat in Neil Island:

Neil Island is the vegetable bowl of the Andaman Islands, considered one of the largest agriculture-based islands in Andaman.

From roadsides to attractions, wherever you see an open area, there will be fields of vegetables, fruits, and other agriculture.

Moreover, the main occupation of most of the people in the islands is fishing, so you can expect a wide variety of fresh fishes that are made into mouth-watering cuisines by the restaurants. The best part is- it’s always fresh.

Although the restaurants in Neil are pretty basic and geared more towards the locals, serving simple dishes, you can always try out the street food near the bazaar area, for a treat to remember.

Residents in Neil are from different parts of India, so expect to see different variations of the same dishes through the eat. The most common ones would be: Samosas, Vada, Pakodas and of course, Jalebi.

Sea shell restaurant in Neil Island
Sea Shell Restaurant in Neil Island

People who are looking to try our exquisite dishes, can book the hotels mentioned in the “Luxury” section above and try their in-house restaurants, which has a wide variety of both Indian and continental cuisines, made from the fresh produce of Neil Island. The most notable one would be Seashell Restaurant in Laxmanpur.

Moonshine Café in Neil Island is one of the best places to eat for its raw vibe and delicious sea-food. The restaurant also has a bar for beers and other light drinks. Some of the most notable dishes in this restaurant are Malai Kofta, Prawn Curry and the famous and must try : Coconut Crab Curry.

Some other notable restaurants:

  • A-N-D Beach Restaurant near Bharatpur Beach. Great beach-side restaurant with outdoor seating.
  • Ripon Sea Food. Hut style restaurant with fresh sea food.
  • Hungry Stone Restaurant near Laxmanpur Beach. Decent food with a great menu.
  • Shakahaar Pure Veg Restaurant in Ram Nagar. The only Pure-Veg restaurant in Neil Island.
Only Pure Veg Restaurant in Neil- Shakahaar
Shakahaar Restaurant- The only pure veg restaurant in Neil

BREAKFAST, LUNCH, and DINNER:

For a great start to the morning with an awesome breakfast, you can try out the room service provided by the hotel you are staying in, as most eateries in Neil open at around 8 A.M.

Local restaurants mostly serve South-Indian breakfast in the morning, which is something you can try out during your tour.

If you have arrived to Neil via a ferry just now and looking to have some breakfast, you can easily get some at the Jetty Canteen or Yatri Dhaba before moving for your tour.

Most of the restaurants are open for lunch from 11 AM. Most restaurants close before 9:30 P.M, so make sure to have your dinner before that.


CANDLELIT DINNER IN NEIL ISLAND:

For people who are looking to spend a romantic beach-side evening with their loved ones and enjoy great food, candlelit dinner is a must-have on the island.

Romantic dinner at Seashell Resort- Andaman
Wine and Dine at Seashell Resort

Sitting there near the ocean on the private beach with no distractions and great Indian and continental cuisines, complimented by the slow breeze of fresh air, makes this experience one of the best in the islands.

The best thing about having a candlelit dinner here, instead of other popular destinations in Andaman is that, due to the lesser number of tourists visiting Neil, you can enjoy the whole dinner without any disturbance or gazes.

Some of the best hotels that arrange this are:

  • Summer Sand Beach Resort
  • Holiday Inn
  • Tango Beach Resort
  • TSG Aura

NIGHT LIFE IN NEIL ISLAND:

Neil‌ Island doesn’t have “NightLife” by definition, as the shops close at 9:00 P.M and Bars close at 11, but there are some restaurants and bars open throughout the night at the luxury hotels.

With separate rooms for parties, meal orders and music, you can enjoy your time if you choose the right resort.

During the peak tourist season, some hotels throw small parties for their guests, either beachside or by the pool, but there is no fixed timing for that. With live music and cuisines, you might have to get a ticket to enter the event and enjoy the rest of the night.

HAVELOCK ISLAND vs NEIL ISLAND:

Havelock is the most popular tourist destination in the Islands and houses the much-awarded, Radhanagar Beach, making it one of the most visited places in Andaman.

Havelock is usually crowded and filled with tourists throughout the year, especially during the peak season, so it's hard to even get a room there. While Neil Island is more on the quiet and serene side with a low population density, lesser tourists and less developed areas when compared to Havelock.

Most of the forests in Neil are protected and hotels and resorts are limited but usually enough for the tourist who are visiting there. Although these two have the same type of geography, Neil offers a much-secluded vacation, apart from the city life and into the deep forest canopies.

Along, with the fact that the network is really patchy in Neil, it's safe to say that its the best place for people who are looking for a secluded vacation to connect with nature and enjoy their peace.

TRAVEL TIPS:

  • Book your ferry at least a month before arrival to Neil.
  • Ferries can get delayed anytime, so make sure to arrive at Port Blair the day before departure.
  • Make sure to get a map of Neil from the rental shop, before going out.
  • Ask for the location of the shops selling petrol, when renting a scooter. Most shops don't have a board on them.
  • The sea of Neil is filled with rocks and corals, make sure to avoid going into the water where you don't see others swimming.
  • Mosquitoes and bugs are prevalent in the island, make sure to keep the windows closed at night.
  • Govt. Ferry Ticket counter is right at the Neil Jetty.
  • Smoking in Neil Island in public is prohibited and incurs a fine of upto INR 500.

FAQ's:

Q. How many days are enough to explore the Neil Island?

A. Neil Island is small and can be explored in a day without rushing anything, so we recommend staying for a 1 day in the island and go on exploring other islands.

Some people only visit for the day trip and return back to Port Blair or Havelock before the evening.

If you are looking to relax and enjoy the nature of Neil, you can stay for more.

Q. How much will it cost per day in Neil Island?

A. Neil Island boasts both budget and luxury properties and has restaurant of every type, so you can be sure that you will be able to visit here on a budget.

If managed properly, with budget hotels and local restaurants it will cost around Rs.1000/Day on the island.

If you are looking for a better stay experience and looking to enjoy different cuisines, it can cost around INR 5000 to INR 30,000, depending on the hotel you choose.

Q. What is the best time to visit the island?

A. The best time to visit the island is between November to March. This is the time where the weather in Andaman is at its best.

Q. What's the best itinerary that includes Neil Island?

A. The best itinerary for Neil Island would start at atleast 3 days and ideally include a tour of Port Blair, Havelock and Neil Island.

Here are the day-wise details:

  • Day- 1: Airport Pickup + Cellular Jail Visit + Carbyn’s Cove Beach + Jail Light & Sound Show.
  • Day- 2: Cruise from Port Blair to Havelock Island + Radhanagar Beach + Kalapathar Beach.
  • Day- 3: Cruise from Havelock Island to Neil Island + Bharatpur Beach + Laxmanpur Beach + Natural Bridge + Cruise from Neil Island to Port Blair.
  • Day- 4: Airport drop.

You can easily add more destinations to this trip by increasing the number of days. Its usually advised to visit Andaman on a 5 Day tour atleast.

Tours to Andaman Islands at the Lowest Price
As one of the largest local tour operators in Andaman, Eternal Andamans offers tours at the lowest rates in the islands.
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