Neil Island

Neil is a small island located a few miles away from Port Blair. Its also an hour away from Havelock. Neil is a very small island surrounded by the most beautiful corals.They say, one of the main reasons why this island was not very affected by the Tsunami tidal waves is because of the corals which stopped the waves from hitting the island. The water around this island is a mesmerising blue,also because of the corals which keep filtering the water. And the marine life!!You dont even have to dive to see that.A few metres off the beach and a snorkelling kit.In fact you can see the fishes and eels right from the jetty. You dont even have to go into the water.
We started for Neil on a rain drenched morning with fear that the ferry might be cancelled because of weather conditions. Visibility was nil and the ferry was almost called off.After waiting for an hour, we finally set sail. It was dark all around and we couldnt see anything around.I've been to Neil twice after that in more pleasant conditions and the view is awesome even as the ship moves out of the harbour. So anyway, we reached Neil and desperately prayed to the rain Gods to desist. They listened to us,the next day and we had clear skies for three days with sporadic showers in between.Took that in our stride and decided to explore.
We rented bikes,bought an umbrella and set forth.
There is a beach here with a natural rock formation which the locals call Howrah Bridge.Its a rocky beach,actually dead corals and you have to be very careful when you walk on these.But at low tide you can see the most amazing sights here. On different trips we saw sea cucumbers, corals and lobsters here. The sea water moves away leaving a vast stretch of the beach open and with little luck you can see starfish and clams. We once saw a blue starfish here.
There are a total of Six beaches here all named after characters from the Ramayana. Sitapur beach,Rampur beach,Lakshmanpur beach. Snorkelling and other water activities done around Bharatpur beach. But you can explore anywhere around the island provided you're a good swimmer. The last ferry to Port Blair leaves at around three and after that the islanders pipe down. A short siesta and the market opens up at four. Tea,samosa and pakoras and occassional panipuri.take a walk or just laze.After dusk, there's nothing to see or do.Literally nothing.
There are a number of resorts on the island and you can have your meals there or there is 'CHAAND' at the bazar. You'll have to prebook your meals because you dont get anything instantaneously here.Anywhere. eg, if you want to have lunch at a particular place, you have to let them know at breakfast.And they'll prepare it accordingly. Chaand has an amazing menu.