Neil Island, Andaman

There are several picturesque and popular islands near Port Blair that you can explore during your Andaman and Nicobar Trip Package. However, few can match the quaint and soothing charm of Neil Island. This island is preferred by visitors for its amazing biodiversity, white sandy beaches, unspoiled and pretty coral reefs and tropical woodlands. If you want to get away from bustle and crowd of popular places in the Andaman’s, this is the perfect weekend getaway!

Located approximately 36 km northeast of port Blair, this island exudes a certain type of laid back charm and you can feel that sometime after setting your foot in. Besides, it is a small island which makes it ideal for spending a couple of days, ideally. The widest part is about 5 kilometers. If you start walking, covering the island may take just 2 hours or so. It is somewhat warmer than neighboring Havelock and so lacks forest cover.

This island has enough places where you can relax or laze around in afternoon watching the sunset and staring at the vast blue sea. There are not many amenities and the beaches may not be lavish but that can actually be bliss in disguise, more so if you prefer serenity.

The Island is approximately 37 kilometres away from Port Blair. The Government ferry service is available from Phoenix Bay jetty of Port Blair to Neil Island every day for a fixed duration and it takes around 2 hours-based on the sea condition. You can book the tickets in advance from Port Blair as well as Havelock and this can be helpful if you visit the island in peak season. There are two private boat services you can avail to reach the island as well.

Basically there is no winter or summer in Andaman and Nicobar Islands as tropical weather pervades all around the year. Only the changes in humidity are visible. Still, it is best for you to avoid the rainy season, mostly July and August. The optimum period to visit Neil Island is October to February. This is the best time to enjoy crystal clear water, lush green vegetation and less humid, charming weather. Besides, the island does not get too cold even in winter months. The summer months can be warm and humid but it does not get too scorching for the cool sea breeze.

Mobile Connectivity

Owing to its remote location from Indian mainland, telecommunication is still weak in most parts of Andaman. Neil island is no exception and you can expect spotty and no network coverage at times. It is advisable that you keep SIMs of 2 networks at least to get some coverage. However, it is natural that sometimes you will not get any coverage at all and so uploading images in your Facebook or Instagram account should be out of your mind! Talking to your friends and family is the best thing you can expect over phone.

Medical Facilities

The Island is small and you get only basic accommodation and eating options. So, there just a basic healthcare setup which offers free service. It is however advisable that you carry first aid kits and basic medications when you travel here. This will help you cope with any unforeseen medical situation after reaching the island. Port Blair is where you get decent medical facilities, as it is. If you need any medication regularly it is advisable you buy those before visiting the island.

ATMs

The island has a couple of ATMs, as of now and both are situated at the bazaar area. However, it is always better that you get enough money to explore the island or stay here beforehand. You may land in trouble if the existing 2 ATMs run out of cash or develop snags. Small resort owners may accept foreign currency though mostly Indian currency is accepted. These can be handy in emergency situations. With time, more ATMs may come up in the island.

Places to Eat at Neil Island:

You will not get lavish restaurants or eateries at the island, as it is. There are a few shacks by the beaches and they have mostly open air settings. However, food quality is pretty good and you get fresh and homemade dishes. Sometimes, the preparation takes quite long and that can take up more than an hour-based on the dishes you order. The Neil Kendra market is ideal for getting cheap but quality food. The good thing is you can savor yummy seafood and the eateries can prepare different types of dishes.

Minimum Duration for Visiting Neil Island

Most visitors to the island stay for a couple of days and that could suffice for you too. However, you may also spend a day if your Andaman tour duration is not very long and you can still have a good tour. Those seeking serene bliss amidst natural bounty can stay longer. You may spend more than that if you want to soak in the blissful feeling after spending a few days in crowded places in Andaman.

Things to Keep in Mind:

There are a few things to mind when you pay visit to Neil Island so that you obtain the best experience. These are:

While most tourists exploring the island love its serenity and peaceful ambiance, you may seek some amount of boisterousness. Then you must visit the place during either Subhash Mela or Island Tourism Festival. The first is a weeklong festival to pay homage to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose held in January and the latter is a 10-day festival, held in winter season each year.

You need to remember that nightlife in the island is almost non-existent apart from a few lavish resorts that have come up. While cycling or booking is simple and cheap, those visiting with elderly or kids may opt for private, chauffeured AC vehicles. However, prior booking is necessary for those.

To ensure you can evade hassles in reaching the island in peak season, book your ferry tickets from Port Blair in advance. The govt ferries allow 4 days booking in advance.

The locals are quite friendly and you should not face any problem in communicating if you speak either Bengali or Hindi. You should carry sunscreen, protective clothing, and mosquito repellents when visiting the island. In the evening, mosquito bites are quite commonplace.

Here is the travel guide to Andaman which you must check out before you start planning your trip.