Havelock Island

Havelock Island (new official name: Swaraj Dweep), the most popular island among tourists, is located about 70 km north of the capital city, Port Blair. Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island) has white sandy beaches, blue waters, and some of the best diving in the continent. Havelock (Swaraj) has well-justified fame for being a wonderland for travellers. Laze around on its secluded beaches, or explore its dense and serene mangroves; swim among exotic corals while you indulge in scuba diving or go out there and explore the wilderness on long jungle treks – Havelock has it all!

5 best things about Havlock Island:

1. Thanks to the pristine beaches and crystal clear waters, Havelock is the most visited island in the Andamans.
2. Has the best infrastructure for Scuba Diving to ensure everyone gets the best experience.
3. A relaxing atmosphere with a relaxed vibe is what the island has to offer. Cafes, resorts (both bamboo huts and luxury hotels), and dive centres line the beaches.
4. A wide range of activities like , , , , jungle trekking and are available here.
5. Around 1.5-2 hours away from (by boat).

How long to stay?
As a part of most travel itineraries, the place is known for the magnificent Radhanagar Beach, Elephanta Beach, Kalapathar beach, and water sports like scuba diving, snorkelling, Kayaking. Hence, we recommend a minimum of a two-night stay at Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island) and a comfortable three nights too if time permits.

When to visit Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island)?
The tourist season falls between November and mid-May and the peak season is between December - March. Monsoon season is between June and September. One should always expect light rains even during other seasons since it’s a tropical island. Feb and March are considered the best for water sports due to low tides and better visibility.

How to get there?
Havelock Island can be reached by sea and air, however easiest way to travel to Havelock would be by the sea. Private and Government ferries operate from neighbouring islands (Port Blair and Neil Island). However, we recommend private ferries, as the booking is hassle-free and doesn’t require waiting in queue, the same can be booked through us for an easy and worry-free experience. A few private ferry companies that sail to havelock Island been listed below:

1. M.V. Makruzz
2. ITT Majestic
3. Sealink
4. Green Ocean
5. Bhagya Express

Directorate of Shipping Services: Government-run boats are the lifeline of Andaman. They connect almost all islands in the Andaman Islands (including the Nicobar group of islands). Bookings can only be made from the counters mentioned below.

• Port Blair – Phoenix Bay Jetty & Common Service Centers located around the town.
• Havelock Island – Havelock Jetty.
• Neil Island – Neil Jetty.

Getting Around
Local transport in Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island) is fairly simple. Roads are well set and straight. It is almost impossible to get lost as everything is just by the road and the locals are all very helpful. It also helps that Havelock’s beaches and villages are categorized with the help of numbers. These are a few options we recommend:

Tourist taxis: Tourist taxis can be rented from Havelock jetty, there will be drivers waiting at the jetty, please be aware that they might be overpriced and you might have
to bargain. If you are part of a package tour, it will be included in the package.

Bike rentals: The easiest local transport in Havelock Island is by renting a scooter. You can hire them on a daily basis at approximately INR 500 or little more per day. Fuel Stations shut by 5 pm, please make sure you have enough fuel. Avoid during monsoons as roads can get slippery.

Auto rickshaws: Auto rickshaws are also available and cost around INR 50 to 200 for short rides & 700-1000 for a trip to Radhanagar Beach.

Public transport: Budget travellers can opt for shared jeeps and public buses for the commute within Swaraj Dweep(Havelock Island).

Top things to do in Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island)
Havelock is known for its pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, and a variety of water sports that it has to offer. All thanks to the variety of activities the island has to offer, Havelock Island is a fun magnet that attracts anybody paying a visit to the Andaman Islands. Here are a few more things to do in Havelock Island.

Kayaking: Kayak your way through the beautiful mangrove forests, one can also club kayaking with snorkelling or take a night kayaking tour. One doesn’t have to be a swimming expert, any beginner can enjoy this fun activity. We recommend Kayaking with a certified instructor, Tanaz for a fun-filled experience. This activity costs around INR 3000 onwards.

Scuba Diving: Havelock Island is very well known for its scuba diving experience with the best infrastructure. Andamans is one of the best spots for Scuba Diving. For an amazing experience, do book with us.

Elephanta Beach: This place is a shallow water haven for snorkelers. All thanks to an impressive number of Scuba divers who have educated the locals on the importance of reef conservation, the reefs here are increasing, unlike most islands where reefs are drastically decreasing. One can reach here either by a speedboat ride or by a short 1.8 km trek through the beautiful mangrove forest to reach Elephanta beach. This trek is guided by a professional guide and usually takes about 30-45 minutes to complete. Water sports are also conducted at this beach.

Game Fishing: Set off on an exclusive fishing adventure in the great Andaman Sea. Duration of this activity is around 2-4 hours. Cruise along the sea and learn how to fish, right from scratch.

Neil Island:
Neil Island is best known for its unparalleled biodiversity and unexplored span of dense tropical forests and greenery complemented by white sand beaches and rich coral reefs.

Currently known as the Shaheed Dweep, this is a small island that spans over an area of 13.7 Sq. KM. only, most of which is covered with forest.

Due to the lack of vehicles, markets, fewer resorts, and less population, Neil Island is best suited for people who’d like to have a laid-back vacation in Andaman, far from the city noises and into the wonderful world of complete serenity.

The roads are thin and long and connect the island's jetty to all major attractions. The trip to the destination is quite mesmerizing as the roads are surrounded by long banana plantations, paddy fields, and other agricultural greenery.

Moreover, the island has non-existent internet connectivity and patchy cellular network which usually cuts off your outside communication and helps you detox yourself from the digital world and into the lap of nature, breathing fresh air.

This makes it a completely different and soothing place to be when compared to other nearby islands like Havelock and Port Blair.

Needless to say, due to its size, flat area, and the peace of mind you get when traveling in Neil, its better explored by either a rented bike or bicycle.

Apart from this, the hotels in Neil further commend the vibe of the island. Most of the hotels and resorts here, are located near the beaches or in the jungles, which is hard to find anywhere else in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The island is not visited as much by tourists, being overshadowed by the neighbouring Havelock Island. Needless, to say, a lot of people miss out on this hidden gem of the Andaman Islands.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT NEIL ISLAND

1. There are no Petrol Pumps in Neil Island.
2. It is located 37 Km from Port Blair.
3. The island only has a population of 3,040 (2011 census).
4. There is only one bus for public transportation here.
5. Neil Island is also known as the vegetable bowl of Andaman.
6. Internet connectivity is very low, almost non-existent in the island.
7. You can only get a network for BSNL if you are planning to make any calls.
8. Prime Minister Narendra Modi changed its name from Neil Island to Shaheed Dweep on 30 Dec 2018.
9. You can travel to Neil Island only from Port Blair and Havelock Island by ferry.
10. Most people either rent bikes or book cabs before visiting.

Attractions in Neil Island:

1. Bharatpur Beach:

Famous For: Water Sports and Sightseeing.
Entry Fees: Free
Timings: Open till 6:30 PM

Bharatpur Beach is located really close to the Neil Island Jetty and is a decent place to visit on your trip. The beach is surrounded by a cyan-colored sea, which looks amazing in every way.

The shoreline is really wide and filled with both personal and commercial boats, as it is located right next to the Jetty. Although, the beach isn’t one you can play whole day on, it’s a great place to relax with some snacks and drinks.

The most intriguing thing about this beach is that, it is the only beach in Neil Island where water sports is available.

You can enjoy activities like Jet Skiing, Glass Bottom Boat Rides, Snorkeling, and more, so you can have some fun and adventure with your family while visiting here.

There are a lot of shops nearby for easy access to everything you need. The distance between Bharatpur Beach and Laxmanpur Beach is 2.2 KM via road, which takes around 5 minutes to cover by a cab and around 20 minutes to walk.

The cab will take you to the nearby parking lot from where you will have to walk for around 200 Meters to reach the beach.

2. Laxmanpur Beach:

Famous For: Sightseeing.
Entry Fees: Free
Timings: Open till 7:30 PM

Laxmanpur Beach is hands down the best beach in the island for sightseeing and takes the 2nd position in Andaman for the best beach, after Radhanagar at Havelock.

The beach has a really wide shoreline filled with deep white sand that grabs your feet as you walk on it.

One side of the beach is surrounded by a dense forest canopy while the other opens into the mesmerizing sea. The forest side has a lot of small benches and huts where you can relax and feast your eyes.

The best thing about Laxmanpur Beach is that it is triangular in shape and once you stand near the point, you can gaze on the deep horizon as far as the eyes can see.

One of the best places in Neil Island to relax, have fun and take your next amazing photograph.

Natural Bridge: (Natural Rock Formation)
Famous For: Sightseeing.
Entry Fees: Free
Timings: Open till 5:30 PM

Located near Laxmanpur Beach 2, the Natural Bridge is one of the best place to awe in the mystery of nature and take some amazing clicks.

Also known as the Howrah Bridge locally, it was formed by years and years of water flow from the rocky hill nearby.

The natural bridge is not visible from the beach and you will have to take a left from the Laxmanpur beach shoreline to reach there. The bridge is only accessible during low tide as the pathway is covered by wild waves during high tide.

Guides are available for hire at the starting point who can take you to the location with ease. The usual charges range from INR 400-500. The guide can also help you with taking pictures with the family.

Overall, a great place to visit, when you are already exploring the Laxmanpur beach.

People who have some additional time to spend near the beach can also explore the Natural Bridge 2 by taking a left from the shoreline.

Sitapur‌ Beach:

• Famous For: Sightseeing, Sunrise.
• Entry Fees: Free
• Timings: Open till 7:30 PM

Sitapur Beach is located at the other end of the island, almost 4.6 KM away from the Jetty and is one of the best places in Andaman to view the sunrise.

The beach is quite peaceful with a curved shoreline that expands all the way and is surrounded by tropical trees and hilly rocks on the sides that traps the water in the middle and opens up into a wide view of the horizon.

Although the shore is pretty rocky and the sea is not swimmable due to dead corals underwater, the beach is still pretty famous for the fresh breeze of air and warm
sunlight in the morning.

Moreover, there are a lot of great hotels like: The Aura Resort, Emerald Gecko Resort, and the famous Summer Sands Beach Resort, located near the beach.

Overall, a great place to be in the morning.

Ramnagar Beach (Sunset Beach):
Famous For: Quietness, Sunset.
Entry Fees: Free
Timings: Open till 7:30 PM

Ramnagar Beach is the least visited tourist attraction in Neil Island which deserves a bit more attention than it gets. The beach is located in an off area near the Sitapur Beach and is mostly taken off as a private beach by the resorts but it still counts as one of the attractions on the island.

The beach is close to the Atreya Mangrove Point and has a lot of stay options nearby, like: Spot On Garden View and Capital O Deep Sea Resort.

Overall a decent place to visit, if you are staying in Neil for 2 or more days.

Top things to do in Neil Island
Scuba Diving in Neil: Neil Island has one of the most awe-inspiring coral density that houses a wide variety of fishes and other sea-dwellers. There are currently 2 diving spots in Neil Island with crystal clear waters that are perfect for scuba. You can also find vendors for this at the Bharatpur Beach, which is really close to all the dive spots on the island.

All dives in Neil are boat dives, which means that you will be taken to the dive spot via a boat at the start of the adventure. The boat takes off from the Bharatpur Beach and the whole activity takes almost 20-45 minutes.

Although no pre-booking is required, it might help you save more if you planning for some underwater adventure.

Three Point Tour of Neil Island: 3 point tour takes you to 3 different ends of the island housing the best attractions. The tour consists of a trip to the Bharatpur Beach, Sitapur Beach, and Laxmanpur Beach.

This trip is considered to be the best type of tour in Neil as it takes you to the Sitapur Beach in the morning for the sunrise, then to the Bharatpur Beach where you can try out and enjoy the thrill of water sports with your friends & family and enjoy the day with some snacks.

Then after lunch, you can got to the Laxmanpur Beach and explore the white sand shores, along with the natural rock formation. Stay there for the evening, while absorbing the amazing sunset and head back to the hotel.

Snorkelling: Along with the underwater magnificence, there are several beaches on Neil Island that have a clear water shoreline with calm waves which is perfect for Snorkelling. You can easily spot vendors and guides for this while entering the Bharatpur Beach.

Most of the resorts in Neil also rent out Snorkelling equipment for an hourly charge. Moreover, some resorts have their own private beaches where they can allow you to snorkel. Make sure to ask permission from the hotel before doing so.

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Jet Skiing: Jet Skiing is one of the most casual water sports activity that can be enjoyed by anyone from children to elders and its readily available at Bharatpur Beach
in Neil.

You can find a lot of vendors and centers for this, both near the shoreline and the market. It’s always advised to book Jet Skiing on spot as the availability is always there and its much cheaper that way. The activity is available from 9 A.M to 4 P.M.
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Glass Bottom Boat Ride: This activity is a blessing for people who don’t like to go into the water and get wet. As the name suggests the boat has a bottom made of see-through glass from which you can spot the fish and corals, as the captain takes you around the shallow and rich waters known to have the densest hordes of fishes.

There are a lot of operators providing this activity at the Bharatpur Beach and near the jetty itself. For a 20 minute ride, the activity is priced at Rs. 300 to Rs. 600 depending on the boat.
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Trekking: As we said earlier, Neil is a tropical paradise with dense tropical jungles that gives you a lot to explore if you love trekking. From the quiet jungles complemented by a wide variety of birds to long plantations of trees, you can explore till your heart’s content. Make sure to never leave for hiking without hiring a guide, as the forests are protected and it's easy to get lost.
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Explore the island with a 2 wheeler: One of the best things about this island is the roads and their surroundings. Covered by the shade of tall trees that open up into wide agriculture plantations, combined with spreading greenery is a treat for every traveler. Moreover, the roads in Neil are mostly straight and the traffic is scarce, so you can easily ride your bike till the heart's content.

There are a lot of vendors who offer bike rental near the Jetty, so make sure to note their number or rent a bike as soon as you reach, if you're planning to enjoy some on-road adventure.

Relax at the Beach: With the quietness and serenity that Bharatpur and Ramnagar Beach offers, combined with the quaint horizon of the sea, it offers a great spot to lay on the sand or sit near the shoreline and enjoy the breeze of fresh air with the sound of sea waves.
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Enjoy a few days of leisure at the resort: One thing that definitely makes Neil stand out from other islands are the hotels and resorts here. From private beaches to in-jungle stays, there is a perfect resort for anyone who loves staying in their room and enjoy a day off from all the adventure.

Whether you love reading or looking to spend more time with your family and loved ones, there is always a stay made just for you.
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Click some Photos: There are a lot of awe-inspiring sceneries on the island that will demand your camera to be ready. From scenic beaches and wonderful rock formations to crystal blue waters and greenery, there is something here for every photographer. The best places to capture photographs are Laxmanpur Beach and the Natural Bridge.

Getting Around in Neil Island
Neil Islands only spans for around 7 KM‌, so all the attractions are easily accessible.

By Rental Scooter: The best way to explore Neil Island is by renting a Scooter. This is because the roads are straight without any confusing turns, and the locations are pretty straightforward.

There are a lot of rental bike shops and vendors near the Jetty and throughout Neil, so you can easily get a bike, and explore the islands. If you are planning to explore the island via a scooter, make sure to get the contact information or rent a bike before going to your hotel, so you can start the tour as soon as you are ready and save more on additional transportation.

Although not all resorts have this service, some resorts have their own bike rental corner where you can easily get one at INR‌ 500 or little more for the whole day.‌ A valid license is required for the rental.
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By Auto Rickshaw (Tuk-Tuk): Auto Rickshaw's are readily available near the jetty and can be a great way to explore Neil, but keep in mind that there are fewer autos near the lesser-visited attractions like Sitapur and Ramnagar Beach.

‍Although you can take the auto from your hotel to these locations, the driver will charge additional money for the halt, while you explore the island.

Public Buses: There is only one public bus available in Neil, which is run by the Govt. and is catered towards the locals. You can explore the islands by boarding one, but make sure to ask the timings of the bus and when it leaves from a specific point as the bus only makes 2 rounds of the island in a day. Fare starts from: INR‌ 20/-

‍Pre-booked Cabs: Most people, especially the ones with family, choose to go with pre-booked cars for a comfortable tour and assistance near and on the destination. The cabs are available throughout the year, and can be easily booked online.

All pre-booked cabs in Neil charge for the 3-point trip which includes Laxmanpur Beach, Bharatpur Beach, and Sitapur Beach. The best thing about this is that you can take your time and explore the attraction till your heart's content, as the trip is for the whole day and the cabs don’t charge extra for waiting around.

Bicycle: Bicycles have been getting popular in the islands for the past few years and now you can see a lot of people exploring Neil in a bicycle. Bicycles are cheap, eco-friendly, and gives you enough time to take everything in, as you explore the island.

Some hotels and resorts have in-house bicycle rentals, so make sure you check with them before you book.
Rental Fee: INR‌ 150/-

Distance of Popular Destinations from the centre of the Island's city:
1) Neil Kendra to Neil Jetty: 600 Meters
2) Neil Kendra to Bharatpur Beach: 550 Meters
3) Neil Kendra to Ramnagar Beach: 1.2 KM
4) Neil Kendra to Laxmanpur Beach: 1.9 KM
5) Neil Kendra to Sitapur Beach: 4.6 KM

BEST TIME TO VISIT NEIL ISLAND (Weather):

Summer Season in Neil: Summer in Neil starts from March and goes all the way to May.
At this time the weather is moderately hot and a lot humid, but mostly comfortable. The temperature usually ranges from 23°C - 27°C. Sometimes, if you are lucky, you can have light showers of rain at this time and can wide rainbows near the beaches. ‍This is considered the second best time to visit the island as the heat is manageable and the tour goes great, especially if you are planning for some water sports adventures.

Monsoon Season in Neil: Monsoon usually starts in May and lasts till August end throughout Andaman, and Neil is no exception.

The island usually gets light rain at the start of the season and ends with heavy rain. The atmosphere gets a bit humid at this time, while the temperature fluctuates within the normal range.

Most people don't visit Neil at this time because heavy rain can cause delays in ferry timings and the sea is vigilant. If you are looking to visit at this time, you can plan at the start of this season to enjoy the trip better.

Winter Season in Neil: The winter season starts from early December and lasts till the end of February. Winter in Neil is not harsh and mostly the day is sunny with less
humidity than usual. The temperature usually ranges from 22°C - 30°C, which is quite comfortable for a tour.

This is the best time to visit Neil as the weather is perfect and you won't sweat as much when you are sightseeing and exploring the attractions. There are usually no delays in ferries and water sports timings and everything runs smoothly. Most people visit the Neil Island at this time.‍‍‍‍

How to reach Neil Island?
You can reach Neil Island by taking a ferry from Port Blair or Havelock Island.‌ There are both government ferries and private ferry/cruises that operate on a daily shift,
connecting the islands.

Ferry: A ferry usually takes around 60 to 90 minutes to reach the island.

Helicopter: The island is also connected to other islands via a Helicopter, which allows for much faster travel.

A Govt. run helicopter service called Pawan Hans is operational currently that flies from Port Blair to Neil Island and returns. It was introduced a few years back to provide better, faster, and safer travel to the inter islands for Govt. officials and medical emergencies.

The helicopter can easily travel between the islands in 15 minutes making it one of the fastest ways to and from Neil Island to other nearby islands like Havelock, Diglipur, Hut‌Bay, Ross & Smith and Wandoor.

Government Ferries: Regular Govt. Ferries are available to commute from Port Blair to Neil. Although, Govt. Ferries are cheaper, locals are given the first preference for bookings and the booking has to be made 3 days before the departure. Moreover, the tickets have to be booked from the STARS office on the respective island by standing in a queue and are only provided until all seats are filled out.

You can request your tour operator to book the tickets for you, but it may incur some additional charges. Mostly it is best to commute to and from the island via private ferry so you can easily get the confirmed tickets, months before the departure date and can travel in peace.

It is always advised to not leave ferry bookings for the last moment, as the queue starts forming early in the morning and the tickets sell out pretty fast.

Private Ferry and Cruise: Regular Private ferries are available from Port Blair and Havelock Island that takes you to Neil Island faster and deliver a better travel
experience.

The tickets for these cruises can be easily booked online by following a simple procedure. Different ferry operators offer varied pricing and experience for your travel.
The most common operators are:

1. Makruzz
2. Green Ocean Cruise, and
3. ITT Majestic.

Transfers from Neil to Different Islands and How to save more?
Ferries operate from the following routes to Neil Island and choosing the right one can help you save more.

Havelock to Neil and Return.
Port Blair to Neil and Return.
Port Blair to Havelock and Neil and Return.

Most of the tourists visiting Andaman visit Havelock so it’s always advised going to the Neil Island via the Havelock Route i.e. Port Blair-Havelock, Havelock-Neil, and Return.

This is because the tickets are usually cheaper when compared to a direct commute and you can easily save one wasted trip back to Port Blair. This will not only help you save more on one side tickets but give you more time to explore other islands in Andaman.

You can learn more about the routes, tickets, and pricing by contacting our experts…

HAVELOCK ISLAND vs NEIL ISLAND
Havelock is the most popular tourist destination in the Islands and houses the much- awarded, Radhanagar Beach, making it one of the most visited places in Andaman.

Havelock is usually crowded and filled with tourists throughout the year, especially during the peak season, so it's hard to even get a room there. While Neil Island is more on the quiet and serene side with a low population density, lesser tourists and less developed areas when compared to Havelock.

Most of the forests in Neil are protected and hotels and resorts are limited but usually enough for the tourist who are visiting there. Although these two have the same type of geography, Neil offers a much-secluded vacation, apart from the city life and into the deep forest canopies.

Along, with the fact that the network is really patchy in Neil, it's safe to say that it’s the best place for people who are looking for a secluded vacation to connect with nature and enjoy their peace.

TRAVEL TIPS:

1. Book your ferry at least a month before arrival to Neil.
2. Ferries can get delayed anytime, so make sure to arrive at Port Blair the day before departure.
3. Make sure to get a map of Neil from the rental shop, before going out.
4. Ask for the location of the shops selling petrol, when renting a scooter. Most shops don't have a board on them.
5. The sea of Neil is filled with rocks and corals, make sure to avoid going into the water where you don't see others swimming.
6. Mosquitoes and bugs are prevalent in the island, make sure to keep the windows closed at night.
7. Govt. Ferry Ticket counter is right at the Neil Jetty.‍
8. Smoking in Neil Island in public is prohibited and incurs a fine of up to INR 500.