Ritchie's Archipelago

Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island)

The laid-back 'vegetable bowl' of Andaman

Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island)Photo coming soon

Overview

Shaheed Dweep, known as Neil Island, is smaller and quieter than Havelock, popular with travelers who want a slower pace, easy cycling distances, and dramatic natural rock formations.

The island can comfortably be explored in a single day, but many visitors stay overnight to catch sunrise at Bharatpur Beach and sunset at Laxmanpur.

Gallery

Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island)Photo coming soon
Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island)Photo coming soon
Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island)Photo coming soon
Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island)Photo coming soon

Things to Do

  • Photograph the Natural Bridge rock formation near Laxmanpur Beach at low tide
  • Snorkel over the reef at Bharatpur Beach
  • Watch the sunset from Laxmanpur Beach
  • Cycle around the island's compact village roads and vegetable farms
  • Relax at the quieter Sitapur (Sunrise) Beach

Best Time to Visit

November to April, matching the wider Andaman dry season for calm ferry crossings and clear water.

How to Reach

Direct ferries connect Neil Island to Port Blair (about 1.5-2 hours) and to Havelock (about 45 minutes to 1 hour), making a combined Havelock-Neil itinerary easy to plan.

Where to Stay

Budget

Simple guesthouses near the jetty and main market road.

Mid-range

Cottage-style resorts close to Bharatpur and Laxmanpur beaches.

Beachfront

A handful of resorts with direct beach access near Sitapur.

Activities

SnorkelingGlass Bottom BoatSea WalkBicycle Tours

Nearby Attractions

FAQs

Is one day enough for Neil Island?+

A day trip can cover the main beaches, but an overnight stay lets you catch both sunrise at Bharatpur and sunset at Laxmanpur without rushing.

Can I combine Neil Island with Havelock in one trip?+

Yes, this is one of the most common itineraries since a direct ferry link between the two islands takes under an hour.

When is the Natural Bridge visible?+

The rock formation is best seen during low tide; check the local tide timings before planning your visit.