Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Quick Budget Snapshot (3 Days)
- 3-Day Budget Breakdown & Itinerary
- History & Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Things to Do on Neil Island
- Nearby Attractions
- How to Reach Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
- Accommodation Options & Areas
- Food, Shopping & Culture
- Detailed Cost Estimates
- Travel Tips
- Tips by Traveler Type
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Neil Island, officially Shaheed Dweep, is a serene, palm-fringed gem in India’s Andaman & Nicobar Islands. With glassy lagoons, coral-rich reefs, powdery beaches, and slow island life, it’s perfect for a short, budget-friendly escape. This guide gives you a practical, line-by-line budget breakdown for 3 days, a ready-to-follow itinerary, and essential tips to stretch your money without missing the highlights.
Quick Budget Snapshot (3 Days)
Approximate per-person costs, excluding flights to Port Blair:
- Shoestring: ₹8,500–₹13,500
- Mid-range: ₹18,000–₹30,000
- Comfort: ₹36,000–₹54,000+
Includes: ferries, local transport, stay, meals, and popular activities. Actuals vary with season, room-sharing, and activity choices.
3-Day Budget Breakdown & Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, Bharatpur Beach, Laxmanpur Sunset
- Morning: Ferry from Port Blair to Neil (1–2 hours). Check-in near Bharatpur/Laxmanpur.
- Afternoon: Bharatpur Beach for swimming, snorkeling, or a glass-bottom boat.
- Evening: Laxmanpur Beach for a spectacular sunset.
Estimated Day 1 Spend (per person):
- Shoestring: ₹2,700–₹4,200 (Govt ferry, shared auto/bicycle, budget stay, local meals, glass-bottom boat optional)
- Mid-range: ₹5,000–₹9,000 (Private ferry, scooter rental, mid-range stay, cafe meals, glass-bottom boat)
- Comfort: ₹10,000–₹16,000+ (Fast ferry, resort stay, private transfers, premium dining, water activity add-ons)
Day 2: Sunrise at Sitapur, Scuba/Guided Reef Walk, Natural Bridge
- Early Morning: Sitapur Beach for a quiet sunrise.
- Late Morning: Discover Scuba (or snorkeling trip) with a certified center.
- Afternoon (low tide): Natural Bridge (Howrah Bridge) reef walk with a local guide.
- Evening: Slow cafe time or a second easy beach session at Ramnagar.
Estimated Day 2 Spend (per person):
- Shoestring: ₹2,800–₹4,500 (snorkeling/guide, scooter/auto, budget meals, budget stay)
- Mid-range: ₹6,500–₹11,000 (Discover Scuba or premium snorkel, scooter, mid-range meals, mid-range stay)
- Comfort: ₹12,000–₹18,000+ (private scuba, resort dining, private transport, resort stay)
Day 3: Leisure Beach-Hopping, Souvenirs, Departure
- Morning: Easy swim at Bharatpur or Ramnagar; coconut water and photo spots.
- Midday: Lunch and last-minute souvenirs (avoid coral/shells to protect reefs).
- Afternoon: Ferry to Port Blair or onward to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep).
Estimated Day 3 Spend (per person):
- Shoestring: ₹2,500–₹4,800
- Mid-range: ₹6,000–₹10,000
- Comfort: ₹14,000–₹20,000+
History & Importance
Neil Island, renamed Shaheed Dweep in 2018, honors India’s freedom struggle and the Andamans’ wartime history. Traditionally agrarian—once dubbed the “vegetable bowl” of the Andamans—it’s known for papayas, bananas, and small-scale farming. Its shallow lagoons and fringing reefs make it one of the archipelago’s most accessible coral habitats. The iconic Natural Bridge is a limestone formation sculpted by wind and wave erosion, best viewed at low tide.
Best Time to Visit
- October–May: Best overall. Clearer seas for snorkeling/diving. Peak: December–February.
- March–May: Warmer but good underwater visibility; fewer crowds than peak winter.
- June–September: Monsoon; choppy seas, intermittent rain, some ferry disruptions and limited water activities.
Top Things to Do on Neil Island
- Bharatpur Beach: Calm lagoon, glass-bottom boat, snorkeling, beginner-friendly swimming.
- Laxmanpur Beach: Wide sands, dramatic sunsets, tidal pools at low tide.
- Sitapur Beach: Best for sunrise and solitude; strong currents—avoid deep swims.
- Natural Bridge: Reef walk with a local guide to spot clams, sea cucumbers, and live corals.
- Scuba Diving: Intro dives and fun dives at sites with vibrant hard/soft corals; typically less crowded than Havelock.
- Cycling/Scootering: Quiet roads and short distances make self-exploration easy.
Nearby Attractions
- Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Radhanagar Beach, advanced dive sites, and more nightlife.
- Port Blair: Cellular Jail, sound-and-light show, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep (Ross Island), North Bay for snorkeling.
- Baratang (day trip from Port Blair): Limestone caves and mangroves (plan separately).
How to Reach Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
- Fly to Port Blair (IXZ): Daily flights from major Indian cities.
- Ferry to Neil:
- Government ferries: Budget-friendly; book at counters; limited seats; ~₹600–₹800 one-way.
- Private catamarans (e.g., Makruzz, Green Ocean, Sea Link): Faster, pricier; ~₹1,000–₹1,600 one-way.
- Between islands: Direct ferries connect Port Blair ⇄ Neil ⇄ Havelock. Check schedules 1–2 days ahead; weather can affect timings.
Accommodation Options & Areas
- Bharatpur area: Near jetty and lagoon; easy access to water activities.
- Laxmanpur area: Quieter stays; best for sunsets; short rides to cafes.
- Sitapur side: Serene, sunrise-facing; slightly farther from jetty.
Average nightly rates (double, per room):
- Budget guesthouses: ₹1,200–₹2,500
- Mid-range resorts: ₹3,500–₹7,000
- Premium beachfront: ₹8,000–₹15,000+
Note: Prices surge in Dec–Feb; pre-book private ferries and stays in peak season.
Food, Shopping & Culture
- Food: Fresh seafood (grilled fish, prawn curry), island-style thalis, South Indian breakfasts, simple cafes along the main road.
- Prices: Veg thali ₹200–₹300; cafe mains ₹250–₹500; seafood platters ₹600–₹1,200; tender coconut ₹40–₹80.
- Shopping: Small stalls sell spices, handicrafts, printed tees. Avoid buying corals/shells—collection is illegal and harms reefs.
- Culture: A mix of Bengali and South Indian influences, close-knit fishing and farming communities, laid-back island rhythm.
- Payments: Carry cash; ATMs are limited and may run out. UPI works at some places but data can be patchy.
Detailed Cost Estimates
Transport
- Ferries (one-way per person): Govt ₹600–₹800; Private ₹1,000–₹1,600 (Port Blair ⇄ Neil or Neil ⇄ Havelock)
- Local: Scooter rental ₹500–₹700/day + fuel ₹100–₹150; Bicycle ₹200–₹300/day; Auto-rickshaw short rides ₹150–₹300; Day hire ₹1,200–₹1,800
Activities
- Discover Scuba (intro dive): ₹4,500–₹6,500 (season, operator, photos/video extra)
- Snorkeling trip with guide: ₹800–₹1,500
- Glass-bottom boat (Bharatpur): ₹500–₹800 (10–20 minutes)
- Natural Bridge guide: ₹100–₹300 per person (tide-dependent)
Meals (per person per day)
- Shoestring: ₹500–₹800
- Mid-range: ₹1,000–₹1,800
- Comfort: ₹2,500+
Sample 3-Day Totals (per person, excluding flights)
- Shoestring:
- Ferries (PB ⇄ Neil): ₹1,200–₹1,600
- Local transport: ₹600–₹1,200
- Stay (2 nights shared): ₹1,200–₹2,500
- Food: ₹1,500–₹2,400
- Activities: ₹1,000–₹2,000
- Total: ~₹8,500–₹13,500
- Mid-range:
- Ferries: ₹2,000–₹3,200
- Local transport: ₹1,200–₹1,800
- Stay (2 nights): ₹7,000–₹12,000
- Food: ₹3,000–₹5,400
- Activities (incl. scuba): ₹5,500–₹7,500
- Total: ~₹18,000–₹30,000
- Comfort:
- Ferries: ₹3,200–₹4,800
- Local transport: ₹3,000–₹5,000 (private cabs/transfers)
- Stay (2 nights): ₹16,000–₹30,000+
- Food: ₹7,500–₹10,000+
- Activities (private scuba + add-ons): ₹8,000–₹12,000+
- Total: ~₹36,000–₹54,000+
Note: Prices are indicative and vary by season, availability, and negotiation on the island.
Travel Tips
- Cash & Connectivity: Carry enough cash; ATMs are few. Mobile data can be spotty; download maps offline.
- Tides & Safety: Check tide charts for Natural Bridge and tidal pools. Swim only in calm, marked areas.
- Reef Etiquette: Do not touch or stand on corals; avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone—use reef-safe alternatives.
- Permits: Indian nationals typically don’t need permits for Neil. Foreign travelers should carry passports and check the latest entry advisories before travel.
- Seasonal Planning: In monsoon, keep an extra buffer day for ferry disruptions.
- Footwear: Lightweight reef shoes help on rocky sections and during low-tide walks.
- Waste: Carry a bottle and cloth bag; dispose of trash responsibly to protect beaches and reefs.
Tips by Traveler Type
Families
- Pick stays near Bharatpur/Laxmanpur for easy beach access.
- Choose glass-bottom boat and calm-water swims; avoid deep-water activities for younger kids.
- Carry snacks, hats, and rash guards; midday sun can be intense.
Honeymooners
- Stay near Laxmanpur for quieter sunsets and fewer crowds.
- Book an early morning or late-afternoon dive slot for better light and fewer boats.
- Plan a scooter day and a slow beach-picnic at Sitapur after sunrise.
Friends/Backpackers
- Share scooter rentals to cut costs; consider govt ferries where schedules fit.
- Time Natural Bridge at low tide and combine with Laxmanpur sunset for a budget-friendly highlights day.
- Look for basic guesthouses; negotiate for multi-night discounts.
FAQs
Q: Is 3 days enough for Neil Island?
A: Yes. Three days comfortably cover Bharatpur, Laxmanpur, Sitapur, Natural Bridge, and one signature activity like scuba or a guided snorkel.
Q: Which ferry should I take—government or private?
A: Government ferries are cheaper but have limited seats and fixed counters. Private catamarans are faster, costlier, and easier to pre-book. Choose based on budget and schedule.
Q: Is Neil cheaper than Havelock?
A: Generally yes for stays and meals. Diving can be similarly priced, but Neil often feels less commercial and less crowded.
Q: Can I do Neil as a day trip from Port Blair?
A: Possible with early/late ferries, but rushed. Staying at least one night lets you enjoy sunsets, sunrises, and tidal pools.
Q: Do cards and UPI work on the island?
A: Some cafes and resorts accept cards/UPI, but connectivity can fail. Carry sufficient cash as backup.
Conclusion
Neil Island rewards slow travel with calm lagoons, coral gardens, and unhurried village life. With smart ferry choices, scooter sharing, and local eats, a 3-day trip can stay within a modest budget while still fitting in sunrise-to-sunset beach time and a signature underwater experience. Plan around tides, carry cash, and tread lightly on the reefs to make the most of this tranquil Andaman escape.
