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.
The island has breath-taking coral reefs, thick tropical forests, and magnificent bio-diversity that is worthy of visiting. If you are planning a trip to the Andaman Islands then 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, you are sure to enjoy yourself on this amazing island. This island has the most enchanting beaches in the entire Andaman Islands; most of the tourists miss out on this island due to the overshadowing of the 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 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 the production of fruits and vegetables is in large numbers. To the abundant yield, Neil Island supplies vegetables to the whole of Andaman. The farmers practice organic farming to produce vegetables, organic farming is a method of farming that involves growing and nurturing crops without the use of any chemical-based fertilizers or pesticides. The soil here in Neil is naturally organic that retains the quality of the vegetables and keeps them chemical-free, fresh and healthy.
NATURAL BRIDGE (NEIL ISLANDS)
Lifestyle of People at Neil Island
Neil Islands were uninhabited until the 1960s and later people began to settle down in the islands to start living. The majority of the people living in Neil are mostly refugees from Bangladesh and the rest of them are from native Indians. The villagers are very friendly and welcoming and they mostly speak Hindi and very few converses in Tamil, Bengali and English.
The main occupation of the villagers is mainly agriculture and fishing. The plenty of fish in the sea and the rich organic soil make 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 very simple life. The facilities available in Neil are comparatively lesser than what is in Havelock or Port Blair.
Even though accommodations of all categories are available here do not expect the facilities like that of five-star properties because this place is developing and almost all of the products are transported from Port Blair.
The basic amenities such as transportation, restaurants, and accommodations are available. Internet Connectivity is poor compared to the other islands; internet connection will automatically shut down when you reach the island.
The famous places to visit on Neil Island are Laxmanpur Beach, Bharatpur Beach and the Natural Rock formation. Those interested in water sports activities can go Scuba Diving in Neil Island. Other water sports activities include Banana boat ride, Jet Ski Ride and Glass bottom boat ride that can be done at Bharatpur beach in Neil Island. All water-related activities can be done only at Bharatpur beach in Neil Island.
Basic first aid medical needs and facilities are available but the main health center is located in Port Blair only. So if you are a person who is under medication it advisable to carry all your medicines.
The Shaheed Dweep aka Neil Island can be reached via sea only. There are Government ferries and private ferries that are available, you can choose as per your preference.
By Government Ferry
Regular Government ferry services are available from Port Blair to Neil Island and vice-versa. The sailing schedules for these ferries are published in the Administrative News of Andamans daily. The government ferry tickets have to be booked in advance only and the tickets are subject to availability.
If you wish to take a government ferry you will have to book your tickets manually at the STARS counter by standing in a queue and you will have to book the tickets 3 days before your trip. You can request your tour agent to book your tickets in advance but you will be charged extra for it
By Private Ferry
Private luxury cruises are plying from Port Blair Phoenix Bay Harbor & Haddo wharf for Shaheed Dweep daily. There are also cruises from Swaraj Dweep to reach Shaheed Dweep. Tickets for these cruises can be booked with ease.
We at Experience Andamans undertake ticket bookings for ferries; usually, it is inclusive of the package. All the ferries and cruises that function to Shaheed Dweep are available from both Port Blair and Swaraj Dweep.
Cruise Operators – Sea Link Cruise, Makruzz, Green Ocean Cruise and ITT Majestic.
