NEIL ISLAND, A perfect island for Eco-tourism in Andaman
Islands, India:-
Neil Island is with a quite of aquatic life. Neil Island dwells with hunger
green backdrops of paddy fields, banana plantations and tropical trees. It
occupies an area of 18.9 square kilometers (7.3 sq mi). The island is located
40 kms (25 mi) east of Port Blair, the capital of
Virgin sandy beaches at Sitpur, Bharatpur and Lakshmanpur
are some of the best beaches to explore. A quite heaven for Bag packer
traveller. The breath-taking view of sea and the desiring greeneries in the
island is really rejuvenating and pleasurable for enthusiastic travellers.
Neil is one of the closer island destinations to Port
Blair. Neil and Havelock islands are part of Ritchie’s Archipelago. Connected
by speedboat from Port Blair daily, it provides ideal holiday destination for
Eco-friendly tourists in natural settings. The sea encircling the island is
shallow and full of colorful corals. Neil Island is also known as the vegetable
bowl of Andaman as it is here the local vegetables are cultivated and supplied
to other islands. The settlers named the beaches after the mythical characters
of the epic Ramayana like Bharatpur, Laxmanpur, Sitapur Ramnagar etc.
The beaches are popular for their hammocks under shady
trees. Neil, with its very relaxed vibe and long, deserted beaches is a place
to chill out after the "bustle" of Havelock. Its widest part is about
5 km in length. You can walk the whole island in about an hour or two unlike
most of the islands in the Andaman Group, Neil has a flat terrain. The island
is also comparatively small with an area of 19sq.kms. It has a population of
2868 people. (2001 Census).One can feel the serenity of village life here.
There is no broadband or Internet connectivity in the
island. No ATMs or scheduled banks. As if now, Mobile services reaches Neil
Island but only BSNL has its mobile tower. Power generation is by Diesel
Generating sets. There is one Primary Health Center and also a sub-center
functioning in this island with the service of three doctors. Public transport
is by means of autos, motorbikes, cycles, omni vans. There is no bus service.
Law and order is manned by Police outpost. Helipad is available.
CONNECTIVITY:
Directorate of Shipping Services operates regular boat
services from Port Blair.
Phoenix Bay Harbor to Neil Island. It takes an hour and
forty five minutes by speed boats to Neil Island.
ACTIVITY:-
Activity options in Neil include Snorkeling, Scuba diving,
Game fishing, trekking. Cycling, Sun bathing, swimming, bird watching etc.
BEACHES IN NEIL ISLAND:-
As you enter from the boat in Neil Island Jetty and walk
towards Neil Kendra, the beaches appear before you in the form of a long arc.
On the left side of the jetty are Bharatpur Beach and the right side the
Laxmanpur Beach. NEIL KENDRA BEACH, BHARATPUR BEACH, LAKSHMANPUR BEACH, SITAPUR
BEACH, NATURAL ROCK FORMATION BEACH,
SIR HUGH ROSS ISLAND :- This tiny island located at the
southern tip of Neil Island, is locally known as Chota Neil (Small Neil). This
island is declared as wild life sanctuary. One has to obtain special permission
from the forest officials (Dy Range Officer –Neil Island) to visit this island.
Only day visits are permitted. This island is a turtle nesting ground.
ACCOMMODATION: - There are few private hotels also in Neil
Island which provides accommodation at reasonable rates. Here we can see many
foreign tourists spend long stays in this island alone. There is also facility
of basic camping on this beach.
SAFETY TIPS FOR SEA- ENTHUSIASTS:-
Andaman & Nicobar Islands have many sandy beaches and
coral reefs. But only some of these beaches are supervised for safe swimming,
snorkeling and diving. Though Andaman water is generally safe for swimming and
looks inviting, it also has some dangerous marine animals, which may come in
conflict due to mistaken identity such as prey or to defend their territory.
Though such incidences were never reported in Neil Island, visitors are advised
to observe following precautions for a safe and enriching swimming experience.
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