Andaman is a traveller's paradise with its exotic sea beaches, sandy sea shores and its surreal beauty. There are plenty of sightseeing spots in Andaman and one of the best among them being the Neil Island. Adventure seekers and nature admirers can engage themselves into a number of activities.
Let us embark on a short virtual tour to explore the best things to do and see in Neil Island.
1. Diving and Snorkelling
If you would like to unravel the secrets of underwater marine animals and plants, diving and snorkelling will be a thrilling option to engage in. Watching the colourful fish and the coral reef are truly an incredible experience. You can spend an entire day watching the marine organisms.
Best spots: Beaches 1, 3 and 4
Diving Centers: Dive India and India Scuba explorers
Charges: INR 500 onwards
2. Jungle Trekking
To quench your adventurous spree and explore the phenomenal wildlife, jungle trekking is the best in Neil Island. The eastern part of the island has a dense forest, adorned by its enigmatic flora and fauna. You can observe numerous animal and bird species in their natural habitat.
Best spots: Near Sitapur, Bharatpur beach and Laxmanpur
Duration of the trek: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours for the short ones and about 6 to 8 hours for the long trek
3. Glass bottom boat ride
A thrilling activity of moving around the waters in a boat with bottom made of transparent glass. You can watch the corals and the fish as the captain of the boat sails it through. Its best for people who do not love to plunge into the waters yet enjoy the marine life.
Best spots: At the Bharatpur beach
Duration of the ride: Approximately 20 minutes
Charges: Ranging from INR 300 to INR 600 depending on the category of the boat
4. Exploring the island in a two-wheeler
Lush greenery, dense plantations, quaint surroundings, and soothing breeze of the trees will entertain you in Neil Island. And the best way to explore this intoxicating beauty is to hire a two-wheeler and ride through the island. The roads are good with no crowd and traffic. You can enjoy a comfortable amid the beautiful nature.
Where to rent the bikes: Many operators rent bikes near the jetty. Do note the number of the operators for contacting them
Charges: Basic two-wheelers are charged about INR 500 to INR 700 per day. The expensive bikes are charged at INR 1000 to INR 1500 per day
5. Jet Skiing
Do you love water sports and activities? Then you must not miss jet skiing. Both children and the adults can enjoy the activity, filled with fun and frolic. It's a complete thrill to splash across the waters at high speed near the shoreline.
Best spots for booking: At the market or near the shoreline
Timing: 9 AM to 4 PM
Duration: 10 mins
Charges: INR 599 per head
6. Bharatpur Beach
Best of the beaches in Neil island with white sands and shimmering waters entertaining the beach lovers. The water is shallow, allowing you to easily walk and dip into it. The key attractions being the coral reef and the marine life in the deep waters.
Popular spot: Beach No. 4
Things to do: Snorkeling, jet skiing, swimming, riding glass bottom boats, buying souvenirs, drinking coconut water and munching on the snacks
Best time: 9 AM to 6:30 PM
Entry charges: Free
7. Lakshmanpur Beach
Crystal blue turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, coral reefs, exquisite marine life and lush green forests greet the travellers at Lakshmanpur beach. You must not miss the sunset at the beach as the golden rays cast a sparkling effect in the waters. The serenity of the beach is just mesmerising.
Popular spot: Beach No. 1
Things to do: Swimming, snorkelling, and relaxing at the beach
Best time: 9 AM to 7:30 PM
Entry charges: Free
8. Ramnagar Beach
If you want to feel the refreshing air in a quaint hamlet, then visit the Ramnagar beach. The crystal clear blue waters, the golden sands, the line of trees and the extensive S-shaped coral reefs paint a fascinating picture of the place. You can sit and relax at the beach and spend a wonderful time with a book in hand or look at the horizon in front.
Popular spot: Beach No. 3
Things to do: Swimming, snorkelling, watching the sunset and relaxing at the beach
Best time: 9 AM to 7:30 PM
Entry charges: Free
9. Sitapur Beach
Also known as the Sunrise beach, the calm and comforting shades of the line of palm trees are alluring for the travellers. The clear blue waters welcome the visitors for a dip into the waters. The place is a haven for spending quiet and solitude time amid the scintillating beauty of nature.
Popular spot: Beach No. 5
Things to do: Swimming, watching the sunrise, relishing the coconut water, enjoy the food from the local cuisine and relaxing at the beach
Best time: 9 AM to 7:30 PM
Entry charges: Free
10. Natural Bridge
Natural rock formation, natural bridge and Howrah bridge - popular by different names and is the key attraction of Neil island. You can observe plenty of marine organisms and the coral reefs near the rocky beach. The place is accessible only during low tide, a point to remember while visiting the spot.
Popular spot: Beach No. 2
Things to do: stroll around and relax at the beach
Best time: 9 AM to 5:30 PM
Entry charges: Free
How to reach Neil Island?
Private ferries and government ferries are available from Havelock Island and Port Blair to Neil island. The travelling time is approximately 60 to 90 minutes. A government run helicopter service called Pawan Hans also operates between the islands, travelling time being almost 15 minutes.
Which is the best time to visit Neil Island?
Summers, starting from March till May, are a bit humid but pleasant and comfortable. Winters are less humid and not harsh. In fact it is the best time to visit the island starting from December till February.
Where to book a tour package?
Different travel websites provide budget as well as luxurious tour packages for Neil Island like booking.com, makemytrip.com, agoda.com, yatra.com.
If you have not yet visited this wondrous island, then pack your bags and plan for an exclusive trip. You are sure to enjoy a memorable vacation with family and friends.
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