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Neil Island, officially Shaheed Dweep, is the quiet sibling of Havelock. Only about 19 square kilometres, it is flat, green and unhurried, with villages of paddy fields and banana trees, and a coastline of small bays and coral beaches. People come to slow down, snorkel in easy conditions and watch the sun rise on one side of the island and set on the other.
What Neil is like
The island has one main road, a small market area and a handful of beaches. Bicycles and scooters are the usual ways to get around, and distances are short. Resorts and guest houses are simple, mostly cottages near the beaches. Evenings are quiet, with dinner at a beach shack or a small restaurant. There is less to do than at Havelock, which is exactly the point.
What to see and do
- Bharatpur Beach, the best swimming and snorkelling beach, with calm, shallow water and a reef near the shore.
- Laxmanpur Beach, a sunset spot, with a stretch of sand and a rock formation.
- Sitapur Beach, the place for sunrise, on the eastern side.
- Natural Bridge (Howrah Bridge), a rock arch formed by the sea, visible at low tide.
- Kalapathar and Sitapur coastline, quiet and pretty for walking.
- Cycling through villages, to see rice paddies and local life.
- Glass-bottom boat rides, for coral viewing without getting wet.
How many days
One night is the minimum, and two nights suits those who want a slower pace. A common plan is two nights on Havelock and one on Neil. Because of ferry schedules, you often spend an afternoon arriving and a morning leaving, so a single night is quick.
Where to stay
Accommodation is concentrated near Bharatpur Beach and the jetty, with small resorts, cottages and guest houses. Facilities are simpler than in Havelock; check air-conditioning, hot water, power backup and distance to the beach. Book early in peak season, since the number of rooms is limited.
Getting there
Ferries link Neil with Port Blair (about 1.5 to 2 hours) and Havelock (about an hour). Book tickets in advance, and check timings the day before. Weather can cancel sailings. From the Neil jetty, you reach most places in 10 to 20 minutes.
Getting around
Bicycles, scooters and auto-rickshaws are available. The island is small enough to cycle in an afternoon. Taxi and auto fares are fixed locally. Roads are narrow, so ride carefully.
Food
Neil has fewer restaurants than Havelock, mostly simple beach shacks serving fish, rice and curries, plus a few resort kitchens. Vegetables and fruits come from local farms. Tell your resort about dietary needs in advance.
When to go
November to April is the best period. Calm seas make snorkelling excellent. In the monsoon, ferries are unreliable, and activities are limited.
A suggested day
Begin with sunrise at Sitapur Beach, where the sun rises straight out of the sea. After breakfast, cycle through the island's villages and paddy fields. At low tide, visit the Natural Bridge. Spend the late morning snorkelling or taking a glass-bottom boat at Bharatpur, then enjoy a long lunch and a rest. In the late afternoon, ride to Laxmanpur Beach for the sunset. The island is so small that you can do all of this at a leisurely pace.
Staying quiet and green
Neil's strength is its calm. Resorts are small, and noise carries at night. Many visitors enjoy just sitting at a beach shack with a coconut and a book. Choose accommodation that treats waste and water carefully, since fresh water is scarce on the island, and avoid plastic where you can.
Responsible travel
Neil's reef is fragile and recovering. Do not walk on coral, take shells or leave litter. Conserve water, and support local farms and shops. Keep quiet at night, since the island is small and sound carries.
Plan Neil with us
Neil is part of our Classic Andaman tour and the honeymoon plan. Tell us your dates and we will suggest a stay.
