Nearby Destinations: Havelock Island

Neil Island Shaheed Dweep

Located south of Havelock, Neil Island is smaller, more laid-back, and distinctly tranquil. It has its natural bridge rock formation (often called Howrah Bridge), and beautiful beaches like Laxmanpur and Sitapur.

Many travelers combine Havelock with Neil Island for a balanced island experience.

Transportation Options

Regular private ferries (Makruzz, Green Ocean, Sea Link) and government ferries operate daily between Havelock and Neil Island. The journey is relatively short, approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Organized tour operators on Havelock present day trips to Neil Island. These often include round-trip ferry transportation and a guided visit. Book day trips.
Independent travel by booking ferry tickets separately, then hiring a scooter or an auto-rickshaw upon arrival on Neil Island.
A full day trip to Neil Island. Depart Havelock in the morning, exploring beaches and the Natural Bridge. Return late afternoon. Approximately 8-10 hours, including travel time.

Natural Escapes

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a haven for nature enthusiasts. Havelock's surroundings extend opportunities to immerse yourself in scenic landscapes.

Nature Reserves

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands host national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Havelock, with its lush forests and protected marine areas, serves as a natural retreat.

Scenic Landscapes

Ferry rides between Havelock and Neil Island deliver scenic views of the archipelago.
Neil Island provides a more rural and tranquil beach experience.
The forested interiors of the islands highlight a different kind of natural beauty.

Bioluminescent Nights

Bioluminescence can sometimes be observed in the waters around Havelock at night, during new moon phases when the sky is darkest.

Viewing Tips

This natural light show, caused by glowing plankton, is not a guaranteed occurrence.
It can be a magical experience if you are fortunate enough to witness it.
Inquire locally about the best conditions and locations for observing this phenomenon.

Island Character

Rural Charm

Neil Island delivers a good opportunity to observe a more rural and agricultural island lifestyle.
Its flat terrain supports farming, where you can see local life unfold at a calmer pace.

Natural Features

While the islands do not have towering mountains, their forested interiors offer a different kind of natural beauty.
The ferry ride between Havelock and Neil Island delivers scenic views of the archipelago, revealing turquoise waters, green islands, and distant horizons.

Day Trip Logistics

Ferry Travel:45-60 min from Havelock
Suggested Trip Duration:Full day
Organized Tours:Includes ferry & guided visit
Independent Travel:Greater flexibility

Local Transport on Neil:Scooter or auto-rickshaw hire
Sites:Laxmanpur & Sitapur Beaches, Natural Bridge
Return Ferry:Late afternoon
Overall Time:Approximately 8-10 hours

Important Note

The ferry journey itself forms part of the natural experience, delivering beautiful views of the surrounding seas and islands.

Cultural Excursions

For travelers interested in history and broader cultural insights beyond Havelock's natural beauty, Port Blair serves as the main hub for such excursions.

Cellular Jail National Memorial

A poignant reminder of India's struggle for independence.

Ross Island

Served as the administrative headquarters of the British in the islands.

North Bay Island

A popular spot for its coral reefs, often combined with a visit to Ross Island.

Neil Island Rural Life

Neil Island delivers a good opportunity to observe a more rural and agricultural island lifestyle compared to tourist-focused Havelock.

Local Observations

Its flat terrain supports farming.
You can see local life unfold at a calmer pace.
It offers a glimpse into agricultural island life.

Pilgrimage Sites

No major pilgrimage sites pertain to Havelock or its immediate neighboring islands.

Note for Travelers

For significant religious sites, travel to mainland India.
Havelock's focus remains on natural beauty, not religious tourism.
Inquire locally if specific cultural events align with your visit.

Cultural Sensitivity

Ask permission for photos.Prioritize consent

Dress modestly in public areas.Show respect

Respect local customs and beliefs.Observe norms

Use your right hand for transactions.Cultural practice

Avoid public displays of affection.Local custom

Do not point feet at people/objects.Considered impure

Cultural Insight

Exploring Port Blair’s historical sites merits a separate trip, not typically a day trip from Havelock.
This is due to ferry timings and the amount of time merited to fully experience them.

Multi-Day Extensions

Consider extending your stay beyond Havelock Island for a more comprehensive Andaman experience.

Extended Island Stays

1

Neil Island Retreat

Spend 1-2 nights on Neil Island for a more relaxed pace. Enjoy its quiet beaches and natural beauty without rushing a day trip.

2

Port Blair Exploration

Allocate 1-2 days in Port Blair, usually at the beginning or end of your trip. Visit historical sites like Cellular Jail, Ross Island, and North Bay.

3

Departure Point

Port Blair typically serves as your arrival and departure point for flights to mainland India, making it a logical next stop.

Logical Next Stops

From Havelock, the logical next destination is generally back to Port Blair.
Connect to domestic flights to mainland India.
Explore Port Blair's attractions if not already done.

Inter-Island Travel

All connections between the islands (Havelock, Neil, Port Blair) occur via ferry.
From Port Blair, connect to flights to major Indian cities.
Booking ferries in advance is advised for smooth transfers.

Comprehensive Andaman Route

Arrival in Port Blair

Fly into Port Blair. Spend 2-3 days exploring Cellular Jail, Ross Island, and North Bay Island.

Island Hopping

Ferry to Havelock (3-5 days for beach relaxation, diving). Then ferry to Neil Island (1-2 days for quiet experiences).

Return & Depart

Ferry back to Port Blair. Depart for your onward flight from there.

Balanced Experience

This route delivers a balanced mix of history, adventure, and relaxation across the most popular islands.

Nearby Destinations