Andaman Tourism Opens: The Andaman & Nicobar administration has announced that all tourist spots in the South Andaman district will be opened for tourism activities with immediate effect 8 Feb 2022.
The tourists are allowed to visit Baratang/North & Middle Andaman on production of double dose covid certificate/ All other passengers viz. unvaccinated and partially vaccinated passengers (those who have taken only 1S1 dose of COVID vaccine) shall have to produce RT-PCR negative test report
General Guidelines defined for traveling to Andaman Islands during COVID :
What are the guidelines for testing for tourists coming to Andaman after August 03 2021?
On arrival at Port Blair :
1. The tourists need to carry COVID-19 negative test report from mainland based 1CMR approved lab using Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RTPCR). However, the sample for RTPCR test should have been taken within 48 hours prior to starting the journey from the origin station. (For e.g. if the tourist takes a flight from Delhi at 0600 hrs. on 1st September, 2021, the sample for RTPCR test should have been taken not before 0600 hrs. on 30th August, 2021).
2. The tourists/visitors on arrival at Port Blair airport have to undergo mandatory Covid-19 screening with RTPCR test free of cost. Thereafter the tourists/visitors are allowed to move to their respective hotels. However, they will have to be under quarantine at Port Blair in their hotel rooms until the result of RTPCR tests are received. In case of RTPCR positive test results, the tourists/visitors shall remain in
institutional quarantine in hotels notified by the Hoteliers Association in consent with the A&N Administration, on rates as specified or to the designated hospital/ Covid-19 care centre on case-to-case basis.
3. Tourists may also have to undergo random Rapid Antigen Test conducted from time to time on payment basis as prescribed by A8N Administration.
What if the tourists test positive after arriving at the Andaman Islands?
If the tourists tests positive during their stay in the Islands, he/she will need to undergo institutional isolation as per existing health protocols. The
cost of such isolation for govt. facility will be paid by the tourists as fixed by the administration from time to time.
If the patient wants to stay at hotels, he/she can stay in the hotels if all the conditions below are met:
a) Patients are not symptomatic and not more than 60 years old.
b) Request/ undertaking is made by patient in writing.
c)lf allowed by doctors.
Hotels will make necessary arrangements to designate a part of their rooms for institutional isolation for this purpose.
Neil Island lies at a distance of 40 kilometres from the capital city, Port Blair. On account of its location, Neil island is aloof from other islands via roads, and the only way to reach here is via sea route. The journey from Port Blair to Neil island takes about 2 hours. Travellers can choose between government/private ferries that run daily shifts.
What's noteworthy -
Getting around Neil Island, to say the least is delightful. The island is about 7 km from one corner to another. The roads are well built and pretty easy to steer. When unsure of yourself, feel free to ask for directions to friendly locals. When in Neil Island, one can avail a few options for inbound transfers. Walking, however, is the best way to go about discovering the beauty of this quaint island.
What's Noteworthy -
Neil island is romance taken neat. The changing colours of the endless horizon and turquoise waters stretching beyond one’s gaze; Neil island offers detachment from the chaos of the real world and invites you into the romance of being nowhere. This must be why this island finds its way into most itineraries in Andamans. With its laid-back temper and coherent charm, Neil island is soothingly different from its neighbour, Havelock. How to Reach Neil Island from Port Blair? The island expands over an area of 13.7 square kilometres and lies blissfully in South Andamans nearly at a distance of 40 kilometres. Given the extent and nature of the sightseeing spots in Neil Island, Neil can be bicycled around with minimal effort. Prime Minister renamed Neil Island to Shaheed Dweep as a tribute to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose in 2018.
Best known for its unparalleled biodiversity, magnificent coral reefs, the unexplored span of dense tropical forests. Banana plantations, paddy fields and a medley of vegetable yields encircle the roads on the journey to the island, also earning it the title of the vegetable bowl of Andaman. Agriculture is the primary line of business for the islanders, and the production of fruits and vegetables is in generous quantities. Due to its abundant yield, Neil island then supplies vegetables to the rest of Andamans.
Uninhabited until the 1960s, followed by the arrival of native Indians and refugees from Bangladesh, Neil island is the rustic masterpiece of Andamans. With a population of 2675, Neil island is a world of complete serenity where the locals lead quite a simple life. One can tour the entire island in about an hour or two. With its carefree vibe, desolate beaches and little bustle, Neil island is where travellers arrive to have a laid-back vacation in Andaman. Most of the hotels and resorts here dwell near the beaches or in the jungles, further compliment the ambience of the island.
A ride through winding and twisting village roads as the sun comes up is one of the best to experience in the island, and the morning view of the beach gets even better! Not a single soul for miles, and no swarm of beach shacks! Cycling around the island has become both a means of getting around as well as a form of recreation. Tourist Attractions in Neil Island? Considering that Neil island is all about beaches, to make the most of it, tourists can indulge in water sports such as diving, snorkelling, jet-skiing, and glass-bottom boat rides at Bharatpur beach.
If you’re looking for a quiet holiday or a secluded but idyllic getaway, this is the place for you. With its gorgeous vistas, stunning sea and an array of water sports, places to visit in Neil Island are more than enough to whisk you away for a vacation. Certainly one of the most commercially unexploited and serene beaches in Andamans, Neil Island has luxurious coral reefs, this hidden gem is a perfect place for beach-bums as well. Havelock island often overshadows the allure of Neil island, and it gets limited to being a one-day trip destination on the itinerary. Pack your bathing suits and smear that suntan lotion, Neil island awaits your presence!
Neil Island is located at a distance of 30 kilometers from the main islands of the Andamans, and is known for some of the most unique sights. You can reach the island via ferries. Check the details below:
The best time to visit Neil Island is from October to April when the weather is pleasurable. Most of the people preferring to come here plan their Andaman trip during this time. The summer and monsoon seasons are likely to be avoided.
Neil Island is home to thriving biodiversity, unexploited coral reefs, white sandy beaches, adventurous experiences, a notable population of birds and animal life, and so much more. Some of the prettiest beaches in the Andamans are located on this island. Its scenic beaches boast of white sands and uninterrupted views of the clear blue skies.
The beaches of Neil Island are amazingly gorgeous. They are sure to spellbind you. For an incredible beach experience in the Andamans, you have to visit the below-mentioned beaches:
You can book your stay nearby Lakshmanpur Beach or Sitapur Beach at a fancy resort.
Neil Island’s untouched beauty makes it a perfect nesting ground for marine turtles. Head to Sir Hugh Rose Island if you want to see these amazing creatures. They are found in abundance there. Located at the tip of Neil Island, this tiny island is often known as Small Neil in the local language. You will need permits to visit there as it is a protected region.
You can enjoy the following adventure water sports in Shaheed Dweep:
Neil Island is famous for glass-bottom boating. Bharatpur Beach here is known for its beautiful and colorful coral formation. That’s why the population of fishes is more here. This beach is a must-visit on this island owing to the coral population. The place is a popular spot for fishing and angling as well.
For snorkeling, pristine clear water is required, which is in abundance on Neil Island. Its water proves to be an ideal setting for adventurous water activities. When you are at Neil Island, you can see a wide diversity of colorful fishes with your naked eyes.
The corals are present in abundance here. There are certain beach resorts also that offer private sea walking sessions to their guests.
In India, Andaman Island is the best place that provides scuba diving experience and certification courses. Neil Island has advanced scuba diving facilities. The crystal clear water of its beaches makes underwater sighting even easier. The experience of scuba diving at Neil Island is a memorable one. The underwater marine life surrounds you so closely that you can literally touch it (but you are not supposed to!). The resorts on this island offer scuba training and gear lending as per your requirements.
Trekking to Howrah Bridge is something that invites all adrenaline junkies to Neil Island. It is among the most popular things to do here. Resembling a bridge, Howrah Bridge is an arch-like structure. Trekkers reach its tip that goes through a small artificial garden and a muddy path. Let us warn you in advance that the route to the bridge is closed during the monsoon season.
Neil Island offers the most romantic experience to the newlyweds (and others as well!) Its beaches are known for the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises. Here, you can witness a glorious pink and red sunset. Head to Lakashmanpur Beach to enjoy such a fantastic marvel of nature. Evenings here are the best moments to view nature at its best. And if you are an early riser, then you can visit Sitapur Beach to catch the most beautiful sunrise of your life. The sky is painted in various hues here.
If you are a foodie, then you should definitely visit Neil Island. Food lovers call it the vegetable bowl of the Andaman Islands. Whereas its neighbor, Havelock Island, is more famed for seafood, Neil Island provides excellent choices in fresh and vegetarian meals. You can also purchase a fresh supply of your veggies from the local market of Neil Kendra. Along with mouth-watering vegetarian and vegan dishes, you can also try a variety of cuisines ranging from Chinese, Israeli, Continental, Italian, and Nepali.
A destination wedding in Neil Island promises couples the natural marvel of the place and the virgin beaches with turquoise blue waters. Its beaches are clean and are dotted with secluded and peaceful resorts, thus allowing the couple and their guests to enjoy total peace of mind in such tranquility. Neil Island has not been commercialised yet as a trending exotic wedding destination, and that is why, not everyone knows about this hidden pearl being a hot spot for destination weddings. So, you can easily plan the wedding of your dreams on an affordable budget.
With an area of only 13.7 square kilometers and a flat landscape, you can travel across Neil Island on a bicycle with minimal effort. Roads in Neil Island are very easy to ride as there are no sharp curves or elevations. It is navigation friendly, and thus you can easily cycle or ride through the island. You can rent mopeds from the jetty. Moreover, many resorts have their own cycles and motorbikes available for rent.
Neil Island features affordable and basic huts along with lavish resorts that resonate with the warmth of tropical vibes, stunning views, and contemporary settings. Budget stays are available at Sitapur Beach and Bharatpur Beach ranging from Rs. 500 to Rs. 800. For mid-range rooms with AC, the price tariff ranges from Rs. 1500 to Rs. 3000. One has to pay Rs. 5000 and more for luxury hotels with swimming pools and fabulous views.
It is tough to specify a timeline for Neil Island owing to its secluded beauty. On their way back to Port Blair from Havelock Island, tourists will little time in their hands visit this island for one day. It has laid-back vibes and natural enthusiasts and backpackers come here for a longer duration and stay for weeks.
Neil Island is a popular backpacker destination. It has been developed as a tourist destination in recent years with all the investment by entrepreneurs on the island. If you are looking for an extravagant resort experience during your beach vacation, then Neil Island is a great place. A budget-friendly location having basic restaurants and other facilities, this island would be a great addition to your travel diaries. It depends on the kind of accommodation if you want to know how much does it cost in one day. Hotel tariffs begin from as low as Rs. 500 per day.
A little island, it is very much easy to navigate in Neil Island. The following are the ways by which you can get around Neil Island via local transport:
There are a number of eating places in Neil Island and you get to choose from many options. The food of the island is highly delicious and is loved by everyone. Whether you are a non-vegetarian or vegetarian, the choices are many.
To relish the local and authentic food, try out these restaurants across the island below:
