Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) travel guide

Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) is a small, flat, farming island in Ritchie’s Archipelago, part of South Andaman district in the union territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. It sits about 36 km (22 miles) northeast of the territorial capital, now officially Sri Vijaya Puram (formerly Port Blair), and is best known for its quiet beaches, a sea-carved rock arch and shallow reefs you can snorkel close to shore. The island was renamed Shaheed Dweep in 2018; most ferries, maps and locals still use “Neil.”

Neil Island, officially Shaheed Dweep, is a 13.7 sq km island in South Andaman, roughly 36 km northeast of Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair). It suits travellers who want slow days, sunsets at Laxmanpur, swimming at Bharatpur and a natural rock bridge at low tide, reached by ferry in about one to one-and-a-half hours.

About Shaheed Dweep and quick facts

Shaheed Dweep is a comparatively flat, agricultural island in Ritchie’s Archipelago in the Bay of Bengal, 36 km northeast of Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair). It was named after British Brigadier General James Neill of the East India Company, and was renamed Shaheed Dweep (“martyrs’ island”) in 2018 as a tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, according to Wikipedia’s sourced account and contemporary press reports.

The island covers about 13.7 sq km, measures roughly 3.7 km by 6.3 km, and has a 19.4 km coastline, per census-linked data on Wikipedia. Its highest point, Nipple Hill, reaches 101 m (331 ft). Much of the land is paddy field, and Neil is known for organic vegetables that supply the wider Andamans. The 2011 census recorded 3,040 residents across five villages: Sitapur, Bharatpur, Neil Kendra (the main jetty village), Lakshmanpur and Ram Nagar.

The beach names draw on characters from the Ramayana, which is why you will hear Bharatpur, Laxmanpur, Sitapur and Ramnagar. Note that Sitapur and Ram Nagar are villages that each have a beach; Neil Kendra is where the main ferry jetty sits.

Best time to visit

The comfortable season on Neil Island runs roughly from October to May, when seas are calmer and ferries run reliably. The southwest monsoon, about June to September, brings heavy rain, rough crossings and frequent ferry cancellations, so plan buffer days if you travel then. These season windows are standard planning guidance for the Andamans; reconfirm live weather and sailing status before you book.

The island’s own climate is mild and humid year-round. Wikipedia’s cited figures put the average summer temperature at about 30.2°C and the average winter temperature at about 23.0°C, so heat is rarely extreme; humidity and sea conditions matter more than temperature. December to February is the driest, most popular window; March to May is hotter but still good for the beach.

How to reach Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)

You reach Neil Island by sea from Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), and the only airport in the territory is the gateway. Fly first to Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) at Sri Vijaya Puram, the main commercial airport for the Andamans, with mainland links to cities such as Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Delhi; routes and frequencies change often, so check a live booking site.

From the capital, two ferry types serve Neil. Private air-conditioned cruise ferries (operators include Makruzz, Green Ocean, Nautika and ITT Majestic) and government ferries both make the crossing, which takes about one to one-and-a-half hours depending on the vessel and sea state (operator-listed durations; reconfirm). Private cruises generally sail from Haddo Jetty and government ferries from Phoenix Bay Jetty; arrive early, as boarding and security take time.

There is also a Pawan Hans helicopter link between Sri Vijaya Puram and Shaheed Dweep, taking about 15–20 minutes, with limited subsidised tourist seats (an indicative tourist fare of around ₹3,500 one-way appears in Wikipedia-cited data; seats are scarce and weather-dependent, so treat it as a backup and reconfirm with the civil aviation office). On the island, local transport is by rented scooter, bicycle, auto-rickshaw or hired cab.

Top beaches and things to do

Neil Island’s highlights are three beaches and one rock formation, all within a short ride of the jetty. The island is small enough to see the main sights in a full day, but most travellers stay a night or two to slow down. Water activities cluster at Bharatpur; sunsets belong to Laxmanpur.

• Bharatpur Beach: A shallow, calm beach near the jetty and the island’s water-sports hub. It is good for swimming and snorkelling over coral close to shore, and operators offer glass-bottom boat rides, snorkelling and beginner-friendly boat scuba dives.
• Laxmanpur Beach: A long, west-facing beach known for sunsets; the shallow low-tide flats let you walk out over sand and reef. The Natural Bridge lies at its far end.
• Natural Bridge: A naturally formed limestone rock arch carved by the sea, locally nicknamed “Howrah Bridge.” It is reachable on foot over the rocks at low tide only, so check the day’s tide times before setting out; the walk is slippery, so wear sturdy footwear.
• Sitapur Beach: At the island’s eastern tip, this is the spot for sunrise, with a wider bay and fewer crowds early in the day.
• Reef walking and marine life: At low tide you can see coral, sea cucumbers and small fish in the shallows without diving. Do not stand on or touch coral.

A suggested two-day itinerary

Two days and one night is enough to see Neil Island without rushing. Scale it up by a day if you want to dive or simply read on the sand.

• Day 1: Take a morning ferry from Sri Vijaya Puram; check in and have lunch near Neil Kendra. Spend the afternoon snorkelling or taking a glass-bottom boat at Bharatpur, then ride to Laxmanpur for sunset and, if the tide is low, walk to the Natural Bridge.
• Day 2: Catch sunrise at Sitapur, return for breakfast, and keep the late morning for a second swim at Bharatpur or a short cycle around the paddy fields. Take an afternoon ferry back to the capital, or on to Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) if you are island-hopping.

Where to stay

Accommodation on Neil Island is limited and small-scale, so book ahead in the December-to-February peak. Options range from simple guesthouses and homestays in and around Neil Kendra to a handful of mid-range and resort-style properties near Laxmanpur and Bharatpur. The figures below are indicative planning estimates as of October 2026; reconfirm current rates directly with the property.

• Budget (indicative ₹1,000–₹2,500 per night): Guesthouses and homestays with fan or basic AC rooms, often family-run near the jetty village.
• Mid-range (indicative ₹3,000–₹6,000 per night): Cottages and small resorts with AC, restaurant and some beach access.
• Upper/resort (indicative ₹7,000+ per night): A few larger beach resorts with pools and sea-facing rooms.

Power and water can be intermittent on a small island, and many stays run on limited hours or generators, so pack a power bank and set expectations accordingly.

Food to try

Food on Neil Island is simple, seafood-led and vegetable-fresh, thanks to the island’s own farms. Most restaurants cluster near Neil Kendra and the main road, and kitchens often close early, so eat dinner on the earlier side.

• Grilled and curried fish (locally caught, often served Bengali or South Indian style) — ask what the day’s catch is.
• Prawn and crab preparations (tandoori or curry) where available.
• Fresh coconut water (nariyal pani) — widely sold at the beaches.
• Thalis and vegetarian meals (a plate of rice, dal, vegetables and roti) built around Neil’s organic produce.
• Tropical fruit such as banana and papaya grown on the island.

Budget breakdown

A trip to Neil Island is moderate for India once you factor in the flight to the Andamans and ferry fares. The table below is an indicative, per-person planning estimate for a two-night stay, excluding the mainland flight; figures are planning estimates as of October 2026 and should be reconfirmed before you travel.

Assumptions: two people sharing a room, self-guided travel, no scuba certification course, and no helicopter leg. Add the mainland airfare separately, and a contingency day for monsoon-season travel.

Permits and rules

Indian citizens need no permit to visit Neil Island, and most foreign nationals no longer need a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for it either. According to the Andaman & Nicobar tourism department, foreign nationals do not require a RAP for the 29 islands excluded from the RAP regime, and a further 11 islands are exempt for day visits, valid up to 31 December 2027. Neil is part of the opened tourism circuit.

The exception is important: citizens of Afghanistan, China (including Hong Kong and Macau) and Pakistan, and foreign nationals of those origins, still need a valid RAP granted after prior approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs, and are refused entry if they arrive without it. Citizens of Myanmar still need a RAP for Mayabunder and Diglipur. Separate approvals apply for reserved forests, wildlife sanctuaries and tribal reserves. Foreign nationals apply for RAP online at the e-FRRO portal (indianfrro.gov.in).

Other rules worth noting: the Andamans discourage single-use plastic, so carry a reusable bottle and bag. Do not touch or stand on coral, do not remove shells or sand, and respect the quiet, residential character of the villages.

Practical tips

Treat Neil Island as a small, remote place and plan for limited services. A little preparation in the capital saves trouble later.

• Cash and connectivity: Carry enough cash from Sri Vijaya Puram. ATMs on Neil are few and can run dry, and mobile signal and internet are patchy; data works best on BSNL and Airtel, and even then intermittently. UPI may not work when networks are down.
• Tides: The Natural Bridge and reef walks depend on low tide. Ask your stay or a local operator for the day’s tide times before you set out.
• Health: There is a primary health centre on the island for basic needs; serious cases are referred to the hospital in the capital. Carry any personal medicines, sunscreen and rehydration salts.
• Getting around: Rent a scooter or bicycle for freedom, or use autos for short hops. Distances are short and roads are quiet.
• Solo and women travellers: Neil is generally calm and low-key; usual precautions apply, and beaches empty out after dark, so plan evening transport.
• Packing: Light cottons, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, water shoes for the rocks, a power bank and a basic first-aid kit. Add a light rain layer in the shoulder and monsoon months.

Nearby places

Neil Island pairs naturally with the rest of Ritchie’s Archipelago and the capital. Most itineraries combine it with Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) and a day or two in Sri Vijaya Puram.

Frequently asked questions

Is Neil Island the same as Shaheed Dweep?

Yes. Neil Island was officially renamed Shaheed Dweep in 2018, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the change on 30 December 2018 to honour Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Most ferries, maps, operators and residents still call it Neil Island, so you will see both names used interchangeably across the Andamans.

Do I need a permit to visit Neil Island?

Indian citizens need no permit for Neil Island. Most foreign nationals also need no Restricted Area Permit, per the A&N tourism department. The exception is citizens of Afghanistan, China (including Hong Kong and Macau) and Pakistan, who still need a RAP with prior Ministry of Home Affairs approval. Reconfirm before travel.

How do I get to Neil Island from Port Blair?

Fly to Veer Savarkar International Airport at Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), then take a ferry to Neil Island. Private cruise ferries and government ferries both run the route in about one to one-and-a-half hours. A Pawan Hans helicopter link also operates, taking about 15–20 minutes, with limited tourist seats.

What is the best time to visit Neil Island?

The best time is roughly October to May, when seas are calm and ferries run reliably. December to February is the driest, most popular window. Avoid the southwest monsoon (about June to September), when rough seas cause frequent ferry cancellations. The island stays warm and humid year-round, with average temperatures around 23–30°C.

What is the Natural Bridge on Neil Island?

The Natural Bridge is a limestone rock arch carved by the sea at the far end of Laxmanpur Beach, locally nicknamed “Howrah Bridge.” You can walk out to it over the rocks only at low tide, so check the day’s tide times first. The rocks are slippery, so wear sturdy footwear and watch your step.

How many days do you need for Neil Island?

Two days and one night is enough to see Neil Island’s main beaches and the Natural Bridge without rushing. Add a third day if you want to scuba dive, relax longer, or cycle around the paddy fields. Many travellers combine Neil with Swaraj Dweep (Havelock), about an hour away by ferry.

Last updated and sources

Go to Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) for slow, quiet beach days, a sunset at Laxmanpur and a low-tide walk to the Natural Bridge. The calm, reliable season is roughly October to May; skip the monsoon unless you can spare buffer days for ferry cancellations.

Last updated: 30 October 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.

Sources: Andaman & Nicobar Tourism — Restricted Area Permit notice (PDF); Wikipedia, “Neil Island” (for geography, census and access data, with its cited references); Deccan Herald, “PM Modi renames 3 islands” (2018 renaming); The Week, “29 islands removed from RAP regime”; Deccan Herald, “Port Blair renamed Sri Vijaya Puram” (2024); Wikipedia, “Veer Savarkar International Airport”. Accessed September 2026.