One Day, Infinite Memories, Discovering tranquil of oasis - the Neil Island.
As a traveller, I have wandered through various places in India, but none has left quite an impression as Neil Island. Fom the moment I arrived at this island, I was carried away by its calm vibe and untouched beauty⎯ pristine and secluded Rampur Beach, vibrant marine life beneath azure water at Bharatpur Beach, Natural Bridge carved by persistent pounding of relentless waves at Laxmanpur Beach or just settling in the sand to admire the first ray of sunlight turning the sky into palette of hues at Sitapur Beach.
We boarded a ferry from Havelock Jetty (Swaraj Dweep, it was about a 1h-15m ferry ride and we reached Bharatpur Jetty (Neil Island). Neil Island felt like stepping into a tranquil oasis, after the hustle-bustle of Havelock Island.
How to Reach Neil Island?
The only way to reach Neil Island is via ferry. Neil Island is connected with neighboring Islands- Port Blair, Havelock Island, Rangat and Long Island via private and government ferries. Bharatpur Jetty serves as the main entry point of the Neil Island.
Government Ferries: The govt-operated ferries are cheaper but get sold out quickly, hence prior booking is recommended. It will cost you anywhere between ₹800 - 900/pp
Private Ferries: Private ferries are comfortable, faster, air-conditioned but expensive than govt. ferry. It will cost you between ₹1000 - ₹1200/pp
When is the Best time to visit Neil Island?
Mid-October to Mid-May : Optimal time, due to its pleasant weather and calm sea conditions.
June to October : Ideal time for experiencing monsoon tourism
Mid-January to Mid-May : Best months for scuba diving..
How to travel within Neil Island?
There are several options to explore the island depending on your interest and budget⎯
Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island) on Foot, one of the best ways to connect with any place is by foot, soak in the local vibes, and appreciate the atmosphere. The island is small and well marked
If you are tight on budget, then a local bus is the best alternative to Commute within the island. Local bus runs between Neil Kendra (market place) - Sitapur beach several times in a day.
Most budget friendly option is to rent a bicycle or scooter and explore the island at your own pace. Bicycles will cost around ₹150 and scooty ₹500 for 24hrs. 1 liter petrol is enough to explore the island.
Private cabs can be rented from Neil Kendra (market place) or ask your resort to book for you. Auto-rickshaws are available.
What are the notable places to visit in Neil Island?
Even though Shadeed Dweep (Neil Island) is small compared to Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island), with its pristine beach, crystal clear water, captivating sunrise and sunsets, mind boggling vista, calm and peaceful atmosphere is idle for relaxation and unwinds of the excitement of Havelock Island.
Bharatpur Beach : A Snorkelers Paradise
After checking in at accommodation, I found myself at the shores of Bharatpur Beach to explore the vibrant underwater life. I opted for Snorkeling, as I took the dip, the vibrant underwater life beneath the crystal clear water unveiled a colorful world.
Bharatpur Beach, located just next to the Neil jetty(Shaheed Dweep). This beach is a haven for scuba diving and snorkeling with its rich and vibrant marine life and stunning coral formation.
Entry Fee: Nil
Snorkeling Cost : ₹1000pp
Timings: Open till 7pm
Time Taken: 2 - 3 hrs
Natural Bridge Formation: Marvel the power of nature
After reaching the entry point of the beach, followed by the 100m walk through the rocky path, there it was ⎯ the arch-like natural bridge formations. It is a rock formation that extends out of the main wall, a unique arch-like structure created by the relentless waves crashing the cliff repeatedly. It is best experienced during low tide and guides are easily available.
Entry Fee: Nil
Timings: All Day, For best experience visit during low tide
Tour Guide: Available | Guide Fee: ₹1200 - ₹2000
Time Taken: 15-20 minutes
Tips: Be careful while walking
Sunset at Laxmanpur Beach #1: Unwind and Reflect
Laxmanpur Beach-1 is a perfect place to sit peacefully and admire the art of nature, watching the orange orb dip below the horizon while casting the vibrant colors across the sky. Enjoy the sound of waves and magical sunset while sipping some chai from the nearby eatery shacks/stalls.
Entry Fee: Nil
Best Time: Late Afternoon
Sitapur Beach: Witness the Magical Sunrise at Sitapur Beach
Wake up early and make your way to Sitapur Beach also known as "Sunrise Beach". Settle into the sand and witness the magical sunrise paint the sky in golden hues.
Entry Fee: Nil
Famous For: Beautiful Sunrise, Photography, Peaceful Strolls on the beach
Timings: Open till 7:30pm
Rampur Beach: Quiet and Serene
Rampur Beach is one of the secluded beaches in Neil Island. With very few visitors at the beach makes it an excellent sunset point, a perfect place to unwind the day in the serene and relaxed atmosphere. Ramnagar beach is known for turtle nesting, you might get to witness it, during winter season i.e. between December and March.
Ramnagar beach is in close proximity to Atreya Mangrove Point, visit this beautiful mangrove forest during low tide when all the tree roots are clearly visible, it just gives a different planet feel.
Entry Fee: Nil
Timings: 7:30 pm
What are the Stay options available in Neil Island?
There are various options available ranging from government-run facilities like Hawabill Nest or private resorts - TSG Aura, Sea Shell, Silver Sand Beach Resort, Tango Beach Resort, Royal Neil Resort. Budget friendly guest house and home stays are also available. The price varies from ₹500 to ₹15000, luxury beach resorts start from ₹6000 and above.
What are must-try dishes to savor in Neil Island?
Any adventure is incomplete without sampling the local cuisine. While in Neil Island try not to miss their authentic and local delicacies ⎯ tropical fresh fruits, coconut based fish/prawns/squid Curries, smoky grilled seafoods, piping hot idlis and masala dosa,veach bite has a flavorful tales of island's bounty. Neil Island has limited dine-out options compared to Havelock Island, there are some small stalls along jetty and beaches, most of the restaurants are associated with resorts.
Restaurants ⎯ Dugong, The Island Spices Restaurant, Vibes and Dives, Sea shell Neil, Ripon sea Food, Rahul Restaurant (100% vegetarian)
What are the things to do in Neil Island?
Apart from its laid back vibes, beaches and watersports are the prime attractions of this island. The Island is approximately 7 km from one end to end. So renting a cycle or a scooty would be a thrilling experience. Water activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, sea walking are done here, it's very rewarding due to its rich marine life.
What is an ideal itinerary for a day trip to Neil Island?
Traveling Neil Island from Havelock Island is much better option as ferry start from Port Blair first halt at Havelock Island and later to Neil Island
General Information
Mobile Network Is a big issue in Neil Island, consider this place more of a digital detox, only BSNL sim work here, network is ok. Cafe's and Resorts offer Wi-Fi facilities but it barely works
Road Navigation - Due to lack of network connectivity, online maps do not work here. The island is small and well marked so navigation will not be an issue. Most scooter rental shops provide maps, you can also download offline Google maps or ask the locals for help.
Bank ATMs - very few ATMs are available, mostly near market areas or petrol pump. I will personally advise you to keep cash in hand.
There is only one petrol pump near Neil Kendra marketplace, which is closed during lunch hour 12pm to 2pm.
Neil Kendra is a small marketplace in the island offering everything - fresh produce, chemist, rental shops etc
Neil Island Travel Guide FAQ
How many days are needed to explore Neil Island?
1-2 days are enough to explore the island. You can have additional days to explore the hidden gems or simply relax and soak-in the laid back vibes of the island.
Is there nightlife in Neil Island?
There is no night life in Neil Island. It is a low-key place, the sunsets around 6pm and shops are closed by 8pm.
Are ATMs easily available in Neil Island?
ATMs are available near petrol pumps in the marketplace. But it is advisable to carry cash. In case the ATM machines are dried out.
Is vegetarian food available in Neil Island?
Vegetarian food is available in Neil I.
I would conclude by saying, Neil Island is not just a place on the map; it is a haven for those seeking escape. For me, it's a feeling, an experience that will linger in my memory whispering the tales of tranquility.
I hope, above information on How to Explore Neil Island in 24 Hours was helpful. If you have any queries, please feel free to ask in the comment section. You can also connect with me on my social media Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, X.com to see inspiring photos and get instant updates regarding new places and blog posts.
