NEIL ISLAND
Tiny, triangular-shaped Neil is the most southerly inhabited island of
Ritchie's archipelago, a couple of hours' ferry ride northeast of Port
Blair. The source of much of the capital's Fish, fruit and vegetables, its
fertile centre, ringed by a curtain of stately tropical trees, comprises
vivid patches of green paddy dotted with small farmsteads and banana
plantations. The beaches are mediocre by the Andaman's standards, but worth
a day or two en route to or from Havelock.
Boats leave Port Blair four times each week for Neil i.e. Monday, Tuesday,
Thursday, and Friday; depart 6:30 am, continuing on to Havelock and Rangat.
From the jetty, a two -minute walk brings one to the ANIIDC to Yatri Niwas (aka
Hornbill's Nest'), a dozen or so clean, carpeted rooms with sit-outs, ranged
around a central courtyard and restaurant. His is the only accommodation on
the island, so book ahead before one leaves for Port Blair.
PRIME ATTRACTION
Neil boasts three beaches, all of them within easy cycling
distance of the small bazaar just up the lane from the hotel. One can rent
cycles from one or other of the stallholders.
Neill Kendra Neill Kendra, a gently curving bay of white sand,
straddles the jetty, scattered with picturesque wooden fishing boats.
Lakshmangar A more secluded option, Lakshmangar, lies 2-km north:
head right at the hotel and follow the road for around twenty minutes until
it dwindles into a surfaced track, then turn right, Wrapped around the
headland, the beach is a broad spur of white shell sand with shallow water
offering good Snorkelling
Sitapur Beach Exposed to the open sea and thus prone to higher tides,
Sitapur beach, 6-km south at the tip of the island, is less appealing, but
the ride across Neill's central paddy land is pleasant.
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