Neil Island, or Shaheed Dweep, is a small, beautiful island near Havelock Island. The small island is surrounded by coral reefs and biodiversity, white sandy beaches, tropical forests, and natural bridges, making Neil one of the most picturesque islands in the Andamans. Much like the village itself, the villagers lead a very relaxing way of life.
This complete guide showcases the best places to visit in Neil and provides vital information such as how to reach, where to eat and stay, and so much more. Keep reading to learn all about Neil Island or Shaheed Dweep.
Neil Island or Shaheed Dweep Travel Guide
Table of Contents
Neil Island or Shaheed Dweep
Neil Island was named after the British General James Neill, who fought for the British East India Company in the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. In December 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi renamed Neil Island to Shaheed Dweep as a tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, who hoisted the Indian flag at Port Blair on 30 December 1943 and proclaimed Andaman and Nicobar Islands as liberated from British rule.
How to Reach?
Being an island, Shaheed Dweep or Neil Island can be reached only by ferry. Both private and government ferries operate between Neil – Port Blair and Neil – Havelock. Usually, most people travel to Neil from Havelock and exit to Port Blair. For information on how to book your ferry, see the transportation guide in the Andaman.
Network Connectivity
Only Airtel and BSNL work on the island. Jio doesn’t work here. In some places like Sitapur Beach, Airtel also doesn’t have reception. So, if you use Jio, ensure you have downloaded the maps beforehand.
ATM Availability
Only a couple of ATMs are on the island, so it is better to withdraw enough cash before reaching the island. QR payments are widely accepted at Neil.
Best Time to Visit Neil Island
The best time to visit Neil or Shaheed Dweep is during the dry season, from October to early May. The monsoon or rainy season starts in June and ends in September. The best time for water sports and diving is March and May when the sea is calmer and comparatively calmer than the rest of the year.
There are many restaurants on the island. Most accommodations have an attached restaurant. South Indian and North Indian cuisines are common here, as is delicious Italian fare available at Avisa.
Where to Stay?
Hostels are not available at Neil. Homestays, budget hotels, and luxury beachfront accommodations are more commonly found. You can choose based on your budget and comfort. Many properties are not listed on the online booking platforms. We stayed at Blue Lagoon Resort, Neil Island. Here are a few other recommendations.
- Hotel Highness Sea Rock ($)
- Blue Bird Residency ($)
- Sea Shell Neil ($$$)
- Sea Shell Samssara ($$$)
- Symphony Summer Sands Beach Resort and Spa ($$$)
The power fluctuations are bad in Neil. Although most accommodations have a backup power system, checking with the hotel before booking is better.
Commuting Around
Unlike most of the islands in Andamans, Neil Island is flat, making it ideal for cycling. The island is also comparatively small. New paved roads have been laid on the island. Bicycles and two-wheelers can be rented near the main circle or the jetty. Hire four-wheelers if you’re visiting as a group. Tuk-tuks are available near the jetty at all times. If you’re staying longer, maybe for a diving course, you can explore the places on your own by walking.
Public buses are available but are very limited and run on a schedule. They do not cover the far corners of the island or the places of attraction.
7 Must Visit Places at Neil Island or Shaheed Dweep
1. Sitapur Beach
Opposite the TSG Aura resort, the beach is connected by the bridge. You can swim on the beach or sit by the sand and relax. Our favorite beach viewpoint on Neil Island is Sitapur Beach Sunrise Point. From here, you can see the view of the curved Sitapur Beach. The water waves formed when hitting the shore are so scenic.
2. Lakshmanpur Beach 1
The only beach from which both Havelock Island and Port Blair are visible is Lakshmanpur Beach 1. This beach is popular for its sunset views, with hundreds of visitors thronging it for its breathtaking sunset views. Many photographers offer their services. Swimming is restricted only to certain areas in Lakshmanpur Beach 1.
3. Natural Bridges
Two beautiful natural bridges, locally known as the Howrah Bridge, are located on Lakshmanpur Beach 2. These one-of-a-kind natural bridges exist only at Neil Islands in India. Unlike the sandy Lakshmanpur Beach 1, Lakshmanpur Beach 2 is a rocky beach with many corals and marine life along the shore.
Early morning during low tide is the best time to see the natural bridges. Go early, at around 6 AM, to avoid the crowds. People start coming after 7 AM. Guides are available at the parking lot. They charge 500 INR for each of the bridges from the parking lot. However, you can also visit the bridges on your own.
4. Nemo Point
Nemo Point shares the same entry as the Lakshmanpur Beach 2. The shallow water body to the right of the Lakshmanpur Beach 2 is the Nemo Point. The area is filled with brain corals and different species of marine organisms, including starfish, tigerfish, zebrafish, and beautiful fishes of all colors. You can hire a Nemo Point guide to familiarize yourself with the fishes. They charge 500 INR, but it is negotiable.
5. Bharatpur Beach
Bharatpur Beach is the only beach in Neil that hosts water sports activities. The prices for the water activities are fixed. The low tides and shallow waters make it perfect for the kids and families to hang around and go for a swim. Neil Kendra, or the Neil Jetty, is near the Bharatpur Beach. Bharatpur Beach offers tourists snack shops, restaurants, restrooms, lockers, dress-changing rooms, and other facilities.
6. Ram Nagar Beach
Also known as Sunset Beach, Ram Nagar Beach is an underrated beach at Neil. Ram Nagar Beach is the one for you if you want to escape the huge crowd from Lakshmanpur Beach 1 during the sunset. With very few or none around, you can enjoy the sunset along the shore. Take a leisurely stroll along the dunes. The shallow waters are also best for watching colorful fishes and sea cucumbers.
7. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
The sea encircling Neil Island is shallow and full of colorful coral and marine creatures. You can see many sea animals right on the shore along the West Coast. Snorkeling and scuba diving at Neil are the best. Dugong, commonly known as the sea cow, is a herbivorous sea mammal that serves as the state animal. Neil is the best place to spot Dugong. There are many diving schools at Neil. You can opt for tandem diving or enroll in a diving course. We recommend DiveIndia diving school.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is one day enough for Neil Island?
If you’re exploring the island on wheels, you can cover all the beaches and primary attractions in one day. But to soak in the atmosphere and discover the rich marine life, we recommend you stay at least two days at Neil.
Which is better – Neil Island or Havelock Island?
Neil is smaller and less developed than Havelock. And that is what makes Neil unique. We personally enjoy serenity and leisure in our travels, so we enjoyed Neil more than Havelock.
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