Best Places to Visit in Andaman Islands, Famous Tourist Places Andaman, Sightseeing & Tourist Attractions in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Neil Island lies at a distance of 40 kilometres from the capital city, Port Blair. On account of its location, Neil island is aloof from other islands via roads, and the only way to reach here is via sea route. The journey from Port Blair to Neil island takes about 2 hours. Travellers can choose between government/private ferries that run daily shifts.

Government Ferries - Government ferries are readily available to commute from Port Blair to Neil. Although they are more economical, locals get preference during bookings. The journey takes about 2 hours, and two boats make a round trip from the Phoenix Bay Jetty to Neil Island every day at 06:30 and 11:00 respectively.
Private Ferries/Cruises- Since government ferries are mostly opted by islanders, an easygoing commute to Neil Island is via cruise/private ferries. Cruises also traverse from Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) to reach Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep).
Helicopter - A government-run helicopter service called Pawan Hans is operational currently that flies roundtrip from Port Blair to Neil Island. To provide a faster and safer inter-island travel, it is now usually reserved for officials and medical emergencies.

What's noteworthy -

Do not leave ferry bookings for the last moment.
The timings are subject to change/cancellation due to weather conditions.
Tickets for government ferries are available at the counters while one can book tickets for cruises/private cruises online.
Some of the prominent cruise operators are Sea Link Cruise, Makruzz, Green Ocean Cruise and ITT Majestic.

Getting Around

Getting around Neil Island, to say the least is delightful. The island is about 7 km from one corner to another. The roads are well built and pretty easy to steer. When unsure of yourself, feel free to ask for directions to friendly locals. When in Neil Island, one can avail a few options for inbound transfers. Walking, however, is the best way to go about discovering the beauty of this quaint island.

Cabs: One of the most convenient and comfortable means to travel within Neil Island, chauffeured cars are readily available for hire. Best suited for families and group travellers, cabs give you the freedom to take your time and explore the sight at your own pace.
Two Wheelers: What can make the experience of a quaint island even better? Traversing its streets on a moped/cycle/bike sounds pretty close. While bicycles are budget and eco-friendly, the roads are scooter and bike-friendly. One can find vendors for the same near the jetty and throughout the island.
Auto-rickshaws: Readily available, tuk-tuks or auto-rickshaws are another means to travel within the island. One can hail them at the jetty and marketplace.
Buses: There is one government bus on the island. The route commences from the main bazaar and goes till Sitapur Beach. While one can choose to travel via bus, it primarily runs for the locals.

What's Noteworthy -

A valid license is a prerequisite to rent a vehicle.
Rickshaws are apt for short trips as the driver charges additional money for waiting time.

About Andaman

<p>Neil island is romance taken neat. The changing colours of the endless horizon and turquoise waters stretching beyond one’s gaze; Neil island offers detachment from the chaos of the real world and invites you into the romance of being nowhere. This must be why this island finds its way into most itineraries in Andamans. With its laid-back temper and coherent charm, Neil island is soothingly different from its neighbour, Havelock. How to Reach Neil Island from Port Blair? The island expands over an area of 13.7 square kilometres and lies blissfully in South Andamans nearly at a distance of 40 kilometres. Given the extent and nature of the sightseeing spots in Neil Island, Neil can be bicycled around with minimal effort. Prime Minister renamed Neil Island to Shaheed Dweep as a tribute to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose in 2018.</p> <p>Best known for its unparalleled biodiversity, magnificent coral reefs, the unexplored span of dense tropical forests. Banana plantations, paddy fields and a medley of vegetable yields encircle the roads on the journey to the island, also earning it the title of the vegetable bowl of Andaman. Agriculture is the primary line of business for the islanders, and the production of fruits and vegetables is in generous quantities. Due to its abundant yield, Neil island then supplies vegetables to the rest of Andamans.</p>

Uninhabited until the 1960s, followed by the arrival of native Indians and refugees from Bangladesh, Neil island is the rustic masterpiece of Andamans. With a population of 2675, Neil island is a world of complete serenity where the locals lead quite a simple life. One can tour the entire island in about an hour or two. With its carefree vibe, desolate beaches and little bustle, Neil island is where travellers arrive to have a laid-back vacation in Andaman. Most of the hotels and resorts here dwell near the beaches or in the jungles, further compliment the ambience of the island.

A ride through winding and twisting village roads as the sun comes up is one of the best to experience in the island, and the morning view of the beach gets even better! Not a single soul for miles, and no swarm of beach shacks! Cycling around the island has become both a means of getting around as well as a form of recreation. Tourist Attractions in Neil Island? Considering that Neil island is all about beaches, to make the most of it, tourists can indulge in water sports such as diving, snorkelling, jet-skiing, and glass-bottom boat rides at Bharatpur beach.

If you’re looking for a quiet holiday or a secluded but idyllic getaway, this is the place for you. With its gorgeous vistas, stunning sea and an array of water sports, places to visit in Neil Island are more than enough to whisk you away for a vacation. Certainly one of the most commercially unexploited and serene beaches in Andamans, Neil Island has luxurious coral reefs, this hidden gem is a perfect place for beach-bums as well. Havelock island often overshadows the allure of Neil island, and it gets limited to being a one-day trip destination on the itinerary. Pack your bathing suits and smear that suntan lotion, Neil island awaits your presence!