Neil (Shaheed Dweep)
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
Neil Island is one of the many beautiful islands in the Andaman Archipelago. Currently, it is known as Shaheed Dweep after PM Shri Narendra Modi renamed Neil Island to Shaheed Dweep on the 30th of December 2018. The island is located about 37 km by sea route from Port Blair and is one of the major attractions of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Neil Island
The island has breathtaking coral reefs, thick tropical forests, and magnificent biodiversity that is worthy of visiting. If you are planning a trip to the Andaman Islands, you must visit Neil Island and explore the stunning beauty that this island has to offer. The people of this island are very friendly and welcoming, and you are sure to enjoy yourself on this amazing island. This island has the most enchanting beaches in the entire Andaman Islands; most tourists miss out on this island due to the overshadowing of Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island). Shaheed Dweep is alluring, and nature here is at its utmost beauty.
The network at Shaheed Dweep is not very good, just like any other place in the Andaman Archipelago. With its laid-back vibe, this hidden gem is a perfect place for you if you are planning for a serene trip.
Neil Island - The Vegetable Bowl of Andamans
Neil Island is popularly known as the vegetable bowl of Andamans due to its variety of vegetable yields. Neil Island is a good tourist destination for people to explore its various places. The soil at Neil Island has been certified as organic by the Government of India. Agriculture is the primary occupation of the villagers, with the production of fruits and vegetables in large numbers. Neil Island supplies vegetables to the whole of Andaman. The farmers practice organic farming to produce vegetables, a method that involves growing crops without the use of chemical-based fertilizers or pesticides.
Lifestyle of People at Neil Island
Neil Islands were uninhabited until the 1960s, and later people began to settle down to start living. The majority of the people living in Neil are mostly refugees from Bangladesh, while the rest are native Indians. The villagers are friendly and welcoming, and they mostly speak Hindi, with a few conversing in Tamil, Bengali, and English.
The main occupation of the villagers is agriculture and fishing. The abundant fish in the sea and the rich organic soil help the agricultural produce flourish well in the islands.
What to Expect at Neil Island
Neil Island is a thinly populated village, and the people who live here lead a simple life. The facilities available in Neil are comparatively lesser than in Havelock or Port Blair. Accommodations of all categories are available, but do not expect the facilities like that of five-star properties. The basic amenities such as transportation, restaurants, and accommodations are available, but internet connectivity is poor.
Famous places to visit on Neil Island include Laxmanpur Beach, Bharatpur Beach, and the Natural Rock formation. Water sports activities such as Scuba Diving, Banana boat rides, Jet Ski rides, and Glass bottom boat rides can be done at Bharatpur Beach. Medical facilities are limited, with basic first aid available, but the main health center is located in Port Blair.
How to Reach Neil Island
Neil Island can only be reached by sea. Both government and private ferries are available. Government ferry tickets need to be booked manually at the STARS counter 3 days in advance, while private luxury cruises can be booked more easily.
Private Cruise Operators
- Sea Link Cruise
- Makruzz
- Green Ocean Cruise
- ITT Majestic
Recommended Hotel Options on Neil Island
Budget Hotels
- Seven Seas
- Deep Sea Resort
- Dancing Dugong
Mid-Range Hotels
- Pearl Park Beach Resort
- Tango Beach Resort
Deluxe Hotels
- Holiday Inn Neil
- Coral Garden
Luxury Hotels
- Sea Shell Samara
- Silver Sand
- Summer Sands
Restaurants on Neil Island
Neil Island has plenty of restaurants offering both pure vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisines. Don’t miss out on the variety of seafood at the restaurants, as the Andamans is a paradise for seafood lovers. Beach-side cafes, bars, and lounges are also available for a relaxed experience.
Travel within Neil Island
You can hire cabs or two-wheelers to travel around the island, while auto-rickshaws and bicycles are also available. Exploring Neil Island by bicycle is a great option to discover the beauty of this quaint place.
Havelock vs. Neil Island: Which is Better?
Havelock is the most visited island in the Andamans and is known for its famous Radhanagar and Elephant Beaches. It is more crowded and has almost all the facilities available in Port Blair. Neil Island, on the other hand, remains pristine, serene, and thinly populated, making it a great spot for travelers seeking peace and solitude. The beaches in Neil are often isolated, and the weak cellular network allows visitors to connect with nature without distractions.
Who Should Visit Neil Island?
Neil Island is ideal for honeymoon couples and travelers looking for peace away from the crowd. A minimum of a 1-night stay is recommended, with a maximum of 2 nights. People on a short trip may skip Neil Island and focus on Havelock instead. Those with difficulty walking long distances should avoid Neil, as the main attractions require long walks, including the Natural Rock Formation and the long jetty to board the ferry.
Best Itinerary for Neil Island
The ideal itinerary for Neil Island is a 5 Nights and 6 Days trip, with at least 4 nights to cover Havelock and Neil Island. A 1-night stay in Neil is recommended to fully explore the island, but there is no need to stay longer than 2 nights.
