Neil Island, officially known as Shaheed Dweep, is a serene and picturesque island in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago. Known for its tranquil beaches, lush greenery, and stunning coral reefs, it is a paradise for nature lovers and peace seekers. Unlike the more touristy Havelock Island, Neil offers a quieter escape with its pristine shores such as Laxmanpur Beach, Bharatpur Beach, and Sitapur Beach. The island is also famous for its natural rock formations, crystal-clear waters, and excellent snorkeling spots. With its slow-paced charm, Neil Island is perfect for those looking to unwind in a tropical paradise.
How to Reach Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) By Water:
The most common and scenic way to reach Neil Island is by ferry from Port Blair. Government-run ferries and private catamarans operate daily between Phoenix Bay Jetty in Port Blair and Neil Island, with a travel time of 1 to 2 hours depending on the vessel. For those traveling from mainland India, long-distance passenger ships operated by the Government of India run from Chennai, Kolkata, and Vishakhapatnam to Port Blair, taking around 3 to 4 days. From Port Blair, travelers can then board a ferry to Neil Island.
| Location | Google Maps |
|---|---|
| District | South Andaman |
| State/UT | Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
| By Air | Neil Island does not have its own airport, and the nearest one is Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) in Port Blair. This airport is well-connected to major Indian cities such as Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Delhi with regular flights operated by airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet. From Port Blair, travelers must take a ferry to reach Neil Island, as there are no direct air routes to the island itself. |
| By Train | Since Andaman and Nicobar Islands are separated from mainland India by the Bay of Bengal, there are no direct train services to Neil Island. The nearest railway stations are in Chennai, Kolkata, and Vishakhapatnam. Travelers arriving by train can then take a connecting flight from these cities to Port Blair before proceeding to Neil Island by ferry. |
| By Road | There is no road connectivity between mainland India and the Andaman Islands, including Neil Island. However, once on the island, local transport options like auto-rickshaws, bicycles, and rented two-wheelers are available for exploring its beautiful beaches and attractions. |
| By Type | Town |
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