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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 neighbor- Havelock Island. Needless, to say, a lot of people miss out on this hidden gem of the Andaman Islands.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT NEIL ISLAND:
There are no Petrol Pumps in Neil Island.
It is located 37 Km from Port Blair.
The island only has a population of 3,040 (2011 census).
There is only one bus for public transportation here.
Neil Island is also known as the vegetable bowl of Andaman.
Internet connectivity is very low, almost non-existent in the island.
You can only get a network for BSNL if you are planning to make any calls.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi changed its name from Neil Island to Shaheed Dweep on 30 Dec 2018.
You can travel to Neil Island only from Port Blair and Havelock Island by ferry.
Most people either rent bikes or book cabs before visiting.