Shaheed Dweep

🌴 Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) – An Overview

• Location: ~36 km northeast of Port Blair, between Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and South Andaman.

• Size: ~13.7 sq. km (Much smaller and quieter than Havelock)

• Official Name: Renamed Shaheed Dweep in 2018 to honor Subhas Chandra Bose and India’s freedom fighters.

• Famous For: Tranquility, flat terrain, scenic beaches, coral reefs, and farming.

Neil Island is less commercialized, making it ideal for those seeking peace, nature, and slow travel.

🕰️ History of Neil Island

Pre-Colonial Period

• Like other islands in the Andaman archipelago, Neil was originally forested and uninhabited, with sporadic visits from the indigenous tribes and possibly Southeast Asian mariners.

• There’s no record of permanent tribal settlements on Neil Island.

Colonial and Post-Independence Era

• Named after James George Smith Neill, a British general involved in suppressing the Indian Rebellion of 1857.

• Post-Independence, India settled refugees (especially Bengali farmers) on Neil, who turned it into an agricultural hub.

• The island was officially renamed Shaheed Dweep in 2018 as part of a renaming initiative to honor Indian freedom fighters.

🌍 Culture of Neil Island

Population

• Around 3,000–4,000 people, mostly Bengali settlers who migrated after the Partition.

• Farming and tourism are the two main livelihoods.

Language

• Bengali is the predominant language.

• Hindi, Tamil, and English are also spoken.

Lifestyle

• Life here is simple, quiet, and slow-paced.

• Islanders are warm, welcoming, and culturally rooted in farming traditions.

• Sustainability is part of the lifestyle due to the island’s small size and limited resources.

Festivals

• Indian festivals like Durga Puja, Diwali, Holi, and Eid are celebrated.

• Occasional island fairs and local events are held during tourist season.

🏖️ Top Tourist Destinations in Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)

Neil Island is known for four main beaches, each named after mythological characters from the Ramayana, along with a natural rock formation and coral spots.

1. Laxmanpur Beach I & II

• Laxmanpur Beach I:

  • Ideal for sunset views and beachcombing.

  • Long stretches of white sand and shallow waters.

  • Not suitable for swimming due to rocky seabed.

• Laxmanpur Beach II (Natural Bridge):

  • Home to the Natural Coral Bridge (also called Howrah Bridge).

  • Accessible during low tide.

  • Rock formations and tidal pools with small marine creatures — great for photography and tide pooling.

2. Bharatpur Beach

• Closest to the jetty and the most developed beach on the island.

• Clear blue waters, coral reefs, and sandy shores.

• Ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and glass-bottom boat rides.

• Several food stalls and water sports vendors operate here.

3. Sitapur Beach

• Known as the “Sunrise Beach”.

• Offers one of the best places to watch the sunrise in the Andaman Islands.

• Scenic, secluded, and surrounded by high limestone cliffs.

• Not suitable for swimming due to strong currents but perfect for relaxing walks.

4. Natural Coral Bridge

• A naturally formed rock arch on Laxmanpur II.

• Accessible only at low tide.

• Surrounded by coral reefs and intertidal marine life.

• Best visited with a local guide to avoid getting caught by high tides.

🤿 Adventure and Activities in Neil Island

1. Snorkeling

• Available at Bharatpur Beach, where coral reefs are close to shore.

• Equipment can be rented from beach stalls or through resorts.

2. Glass-Bottom Boat Rides

• A great way for non-swimmers to see coral reefs and marine life.

3. Scuba Diving

• Several certified diving centers (like Dive India and Scuba Lov) offer beginner and fun dives.

• Coral diversity here includes brain corals, clownfish, and sea cucumbers.

• Visibility is good, and currents are manageable.

4. Cycling and Bike Rentals

• Neil Island is small and flat, making it ideal for cycling around.

• Two-wheelers and bicycles are available for rent.

• Great for eco-friendly exploration of the island.

🦐 Food and Cuisine in Neil Island

Local Delicacies

• Being a coastal village, seafood is fresh and popular.

• Fish curry, grilled lobster, crab masala, and coconut prawn curry are common.

Vegetarian and Bengali Cuisine

• Bengali settlers bring dishes like shorshe ilish (mustard hilsa), aloo posto, and chingri malai curry.

• South Indian dosas, idlis, and rice meals are also available.

Popular Restaurants and Cafés

• Shakahaar Pure Veg Restaurant – Best for vegetarian meals.

• Blue Sea Restaurant – Multi-cuisine with seafood and Indian options.

• The Hungry Stone – Well-reviewed for grilled fish and thalis.

• Sea Shell Neil Café – Attached to SeaShell Resort; offers good ambiance and cocktails.

🛍️ Shopping on Neil Island

• Shopping options are limited to small local stalls near the jetty.

• Items include:

  • Shell jewelry and souvenirs

  • Coconut crafts

  • Dried fish and local spices

• Best to shop in Port Blair or Havelock for more variety.

🛏️ Where to Stay in Neil Island

Luxury and Premium

• SeaShell Samssara – Luxurious, eco-friendly beachfront resort.

• Tango Beach Resort – Comfortable rooms and a great location.

• Aquays Hotels & Resorts – Premium amenities and sea views.

Budget and Mid-Range

• Pearl Park Beach Resort

• Coconut Grove Beach Resort

• Hotel Amullya

🚢 How to Reach Neil Island

From Port Blair:

• By Ferry (1.5 – 2 hours):

  • Government and private ferries operate from Phoenix Bay Jetty.

  • Private operators like Makruzz, ITT Majestic, and Green Ocean offer faster services.

From Havelock (Swaraj Dweep):

• Ferry ride of 45–60 minutes connects Neil with Havelock.

• Ideal for island-hopping itineraries.

📅 Best Time to Visit Neil Island

• October to May is ideal for beach activities and pleasant weather.

• Monsoon (June–September) brings rough seas and high humidity; water activities are limited.

🌱 Sustainability and Responsible Tourism

• Neil Island prides itself on organic farming, solar energy, and plastic reduction.

• Visitors are encouraged to:

  • Avoid plastic waste.

  • Respect marine life during snorkeling/diving.

  • Support local businesses and eco-resorts.

🌟 Quick Travel Tips

• ATMs are limited — carry enough cash.

• Internet and mobile networks can be spotty.

• Book ferries and stays in advance during peak season (December to March).

• Always check tide timings before visiting beaches like Natural Bridge.

🔚 Conclusion

Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) is a tropical paradise for peace-seekers, nature lovers, and eco-tourists. Its uncrowded beaches, coral reefs, warm-hearted locals, and scenic landscapes offer a different rhythm — slower, quieter, and deeply refreshing. Unlike Havelock’s buzz, Neil is about calm sunrises, slow bike rides, fresh seafood, and soul-soothing sunsets.