10 Things You Don’t Know About Neil Island

Andaman’s pristine beauty and untouched sandy beaches have created some of the most scenic spots for the travel lovers. Every year, a large number of visitors come to explore and uncover the jewels of this archipelago. Among this scenic spots, one place that travellers, nature lovers and beach bums never miss is the Neil Island. Located at a distance of 30 km from the main islands of Andaman, Neil Island provides some of the most unique sights to the visitors who come here. This small island is a gem in the crown of Andaman Tourism.

Most of the places to visit in Neil Island offer surreal natural surprises. The unexploited coral reefs, thriving biodiversity, white sandy beaches, a notable population of birds and animal life along with adventurous experiences are some reasons that people choose Neil over other islands for Andaman holidays.

Let’s introduce you to this gorgeous piece of beauty and make you a little more familiar with this gem before you start planning your trip to Neil Island Andaman.

1. Best beaches of Andaman

Among the notable places to visit in Neil Island, the gorgeous, scenic beaches with white sands and uninterrupted views of the clear blue skies are considered the favourite. The sight changes completely during the monsoons as the sky becomes way too dramatic.

The most popular beaches of Neil Island are –

• Lakshmanpur Beach
• Sir Hugh Rose Island
• Bharatpur Beach
• Sitapur Beach

All the popular beach resorts are located around Lakshmanpur and Sitapur beach.

Read this: Places To Visit In Andaman: The Land Of Beauty

2. Meet the turtles

The untouched beauty of Neil Island Andaman makes the perfect nesting ground for the Marine turtles. These turtles are found in abundance at Sir Hugh Rose Island. This small island is located at the tip of Neil Island and is often known as Small Neil in the local language. This island is a protected region and you’ll need permits for visiting.

3. Best place to enjoy a ride on glass floor boats

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Glass floor boats are very common at Neil Island. The Bharatpur Beach here is known for the colourful coral formation. This provides an ideal spot for the school of fishes to dwell here. The corals make Bharatpur Beach one of the best places to visit in Neil Island. The abundance of fishes also makes it a popular spot for fishing and angling.

4. Enjoy Snorkelling and Sea Walking

The pristine clear water proves to be an ideal setting for activities like snorkelling and sea walking. The abundance of corals provides home to colourful fishes and it is possible to see them with your naked eyes when you are at Neil Island. A couple of beach resorts also provide private sea walking and snorkelling sessions.

Also Read :6 Best Places For Snorkeling In Andaman

5. Scuba Diving Sessions for marine life enthusiasts

Andaman is one of the very few places in South India that provides scuba diving experience and certification courses. Among a number of places where Scuba Diving facility is present, Neil Island has the most advanced one. The reason for this is the crystal clear water which makes the underwater sighting even easier.

Scuba Diving at Neil Island is a moment to remember. You are so close to underwater life that you can literally touch them. Most of the resorts in Neil Island have the facility of scuba training and gear lending.

6. The vegetable bowl of Andaman Island

Food lovers call Neil Island as the vegetable bowl of the Andaman Island. Unlike its neighbour, Havelock Island, which is more famous for the sea food, Neil Island provides more options in fresh, vegetarian meals.

The local market of Neil Kendra is also a perfect place to purchase the fresh supply of your veggies.

Apart from vegetarian and vegan, you can also find cuisines ranging from Chinese, Israeli, Continental, Italian and Nepali.

7. Trekking at Howrah Bridge

Among the popular things to do in Neil Island, trekking to Howrah Bridge is something that invites many adrenaline junkies.

Howrah Bridge is an arch-like structure that resembles a bridge. Many trekkers come to visit its tip that goes through a small artificial garden and a muddy path. The route to Howrah Bridge is closed during the monsoon season.

8. Enjoy the pretty sunsets and sunrise

A honeymoon experience at Neil Island is at its romantic best. Two of its beaches provide the best experience of sunset and sunrise.

Lakashmanpur Beach provides glorious views of pink and red sunset. Evenings here are the best moment to embrace the companionship of your better half.

Early risers can also visit Sitapur Beach to catch the sunrise. Just like sunset, the moment of sunrise paints the sky in many colors.

How to Reach

Port Blair, the capital of Andaman & Nicobar Island group is well connected via flights and ferries. Regular flight service is available from Chennai, Kolkata and Vizag. Ferry service run once or twice a week but it takes almost 3 days to reach the destination.

Ferry Service to Neil Island – The government ferry service from Port Blair provides the facility of reaching Neil Island. Two ferries leave every day at 6:30 AM and 11:00 AM respectively.

Ferry Service from Rangat – Daily ferry service is also available from Rangat.

Private Boat – Mackruzz and Ocean Green are two private boat service providers who have scheduled and private departures for Neil Island Andaman.

9. Where to Stay

Neil Island has hotels and resorts depending on your budget and the kind of amenities you are looking for. Neil Island hotels are spread across Lakshmanpur Beach, Sitapur Beach and Bharatpur Jetty.

The cheap and budget Neil Island hotels are present around the Beach No. 3 while the luxury Neil Island Resorts are located either at Lakashmanpur Beach or around the Jetty.

Some of the most popular Neil Island hotels are –

• Break Water
• Elephant and Four Wise Men
• Kalapani
• Coconut Huts Resort

You can choose from the following Luxury Neil Island Resorts –

• Tango Beach Resort
• Hotel Kingfisher
• Dhungi Charles Pani Resort
• Silver Sand
• TSG Aura

10. Travelling around Neil Island

Just like Havelock and a majority of beach towns of India, it is easy to explore Neil Island by hiring a moped or a scooty. Cars and jeeps are available for the bigger groups. Resorts and hotels also provide chauffeur driven car and guide services.

Tuk Tuk service is also present at the Island and they charge between INR 100 to 300 depending on their services.

Hotels also provide cycle on rent. This is an amazing way to explore this small island.
(All prices mentioned are subject to change)

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Neil Island is between October and April when the weather is pleasant. Most of the newlyweds prefer coming here during this time as a part of their Andaman Honeymoon packages. The summer season is likely to be avoided.

Check out: Monsoons In The Andamans: How To Be Hippy And Happy!

Thomas Cook has come up with exciting packages to explore the best of Andaman Tourism. These Andaman Tour packages are designed with the most luxurious amenities and an all-inclusive sightseeing plan for the best of Andaman Holidays. For more details, visit our website’s Andaman section.