Neil Island is with a quite of aquatic life. Neil Island dwells with hunger green backdrops of paddy fields, banana plantations and tropical trees. It occupies an area of 18.9 square kilometers (7.3 sq mi). The island is located 40 kms (25 mi) east of Port Blair, the capital of
Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Virgin sandy beaches at Sitpur, Bharatpur and Lakshmanpur are some of the best beaches to explore. A quite heaven for Bag packer traveller. The breath-taking view of sea and the desiring greeneries in the island is really rejuvenating and pleasurable for enthusiastic travellers.
Neil is one of the closer island destinations to Port Blair. Neil and Havelock islands are part of Ritchie’s Archipelago. Connected by speedboat from Port Blair daily, it provides ideal holiday destination for Eco-friendly tourists in natural settings. The sea encircling the island is shallow and full of colorful corals. Neil Island is also known as the vegetable bowl of Andaman as it is here the local vegetables are cultivated and supplied to other islands. The settlers named the beaches after the mythical characters of the epic Ramayana like Bharatpur, Laxmanpur, Sitapur Ramnagar etc.
The beaches are popular for their hammocks under shady trees. Neil, with its very relaxed vibe and long, deserted beaches is a place to chill out after the “bustle” of Havelock. Its widest part is about 5 km in length. You can walk the whole island in about an hour or two unlike most of the islands in the Andaman Group, Neil has a flat terrain. The island is also comparatively small with an area of 19sq.kms. It has a population of 2868 people. (2001 Census).One can feel the serenity of village life here.
There is no broadband or Internet connectivity in the island. No ATMs or scheduled banks. As if now, Mobile services reaches Neil Island but only BSNL has its mobile tower. Power generation is by Diesel Generating sets. There is one Primary Health Center and also a sub-center functioning in this island with the service of three doctors. Public transport is by means of autos, motorbikes, cycles, omni vans. There is no bus service. Law and order is manned by Police outpost. Helipad is available.
CONNECTIVITY:
Directorate of Shipping Services operates regular boat services from Port Blair.
Phoenix Bay Harbor to Neil Island. It takes an hour and forty five minutes by speed boats to Neil Island.
ACTIVITY:-
Activity options in Neil include Snorkeling, Scuba diving, Game fishing, trekking. Cycling, Sun bathing, swimming, bird watching etc.
BEACHES IN NEIL ISLAND:-
As you enter from the boat in Neil Island Jetty and walk towards Neil Kendra, the beaches appear before you in the form of a long arc. On the left side of the jetty are Bharatpur Beach and the right side the Laxmanpur Beach. NEIL KENDRA BEACH, BHARATPUR BEACH, LAKSHMANPUR BEACH, SITAPUR BEACH, NATURAL ROCK FORMATION BEACH,
SIR HUGH ROSS ISLAND :- This tiny island located at the southern tip of Neil Island, is locally known as Chota Neil (Small Neil). This island is declared as wild life sanctuary. One has to obtain special permission from the forest officials (Dy Range Officer –Neil Island) to visit this island. Only day visits are permitted. This island is a turtle nesting ground.
ACCOMMODATION: – There are few private hotels also in Neil Island which provides accommodation at reasonable rates. Here we can see many foreign tourists spend long stays in this island alone. There is also facility of basic camping on this beach.
SAFETY TIPS FOR SEA- ENTHUSIASTS:-
Andaman & Nicobar Islands have many sandy beaches and coral reefs. But only some of these beaches are supervised for safe swimming, snorkeling and diving. Though Andaman water is generally safe for swimming and looks inviting, it also has some dangerous marine animals, which may come in conflict due to mistaken identity such as prey or to defend their territory. Though such incidences were never reported in Neil Island, visitors are advised to observe following precautions for a safe and enriching swimming experience.
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