Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) itinerary

Plan 01

1 day in Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)

1. 01

   Day 1: Arch Rock and reef walk

   Arrive on the morning ferry or helicopter and head straight to Arch Rock (the Natural Bridge) at Laxmanpur Beach for low-tide reef walking. Spend the morning wading through shallow water to spot coral, sea cucumbers and small fish, then grab lunch at a beach shack. In the afternoon, visit Bharatpur Beach for a swim in the warm, shallow water, and stay for sunset at Laxmanpur. End the evening with dinner in Neil Kendra or at your hotel.

Plan 02

2 days in Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)

1. 01

   Day 1: Arch Rock and the beaches

   Arrive in the morning and head to Arch Rock at Laxmanpur Beach for low-tide reef walking and wading. Lunch at one of the beach shacks. Spend the afternoon at Bharatpur Beach for swimming, then watch the sunset at Laxmanpur. Dinner in Neil Kendra.

2. 02

   Day 2: Sitapur, Kalipur and a day-trip option

   Spend the morning at Sitapur Beach or Kalipur Beach for swimming and snorkelling. Have lunch with a view. In the afternoon, either rest at your hotel or take a scooter ride through the five villages to see local agriculture and stop at Ram Nagar for a quieter beach. Alternatively, take a ferry to Radhanagar Beach on Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island), one of Asia's top beaches, or visit Ross Island for colonial history. Return for a sunset walk and dinner.

Guides for the stops on this route

Plan 03

3 days in Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)

1. 01

   Day 1: Arch Rock, reef walking and Laxmanpur

   Arrive and head straight to Laxmanpur Beach for low-tide Arch Rock exploration and reef walking. Lunch at a beachside stall. Afternoon rest or beach time at Bharatpur, then sunset at Laxmanpur and dinner at Neil Kendra.

2. 02

   Day 2: All the beaches and villages

   Morning at Sitapur or Kalipur Beach for snorkelling and swimming. Have lunch with a view over the Andaman Sea. Rent a scooter and explore the five villages: Bharatpur, Laxmanpur, Neil Kendra, Ram Nagar and Sitapur. Visit the small markets, chat with vendors, and watch the agricultural landscape. Stop at Ram Nagar for a quiet beach and walk. Return for sunset and dinner.

3. 03

   Day 3: Day trip or boat experience

   Choose one: take a half-day ferry to Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) to swim at Radhanagar Beach, the most famous in the Andamans; visit Ross Island for the ruined colonial church, war memorial and wildlife; or stay on Neil Island and take a boat tour to spot dolphins and mangrove ecosystems. Return for your onward ferry or helicopter.

Guides for the stops on this route

Pacing

Make the plan work for everyone

• The island is exceptionally flat and small—the longest scooter ride is under 30 minutes. This makes it ideal for older travellers who may find longer travel tiring.
• Rent a scooter, auto-rickshaw or hire a driver for the day rather than walking between villages. Distances are short and the village roads are navigable.
• Visit Arch Rock and do reef walking at low tide. It is wading (knee-deep at most), not diving, and there are no currents or dangerous tide pools.
• Bharatpur Beach has the calmest and shallowest water, ideal if you want to swim without strong currents or deep water. Other beaches are safe but may have gentle waves.
• The island has no major medical facilities; the nearest hospital is in Port Blair. If you have serious health concerns, consult a doctor before visiting or stay in Port Blair instead.
• The midday sun is intense. Wear a hat, sunscreen and light clothing. Beach time in the early morning or late afternoon is more comfortable than midday.