“Day four wasn’t just a journey from Neil Island to Port Blair — it was a gentle farewell to island calm and a warm return to stories, seas, and soulful moments.”
🌅 Morning at Neil Island – A Calm Start Before Goodbye
Day four of our Andaman journey began with soft morning light gently filtering through the windows of our stay at Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep). The island woke up slowly — gentle waves in the distance, faint bird calls, and a calmness that felt almost therapeutic. After the difficult night earlier in the trip, this peaceful morning felt like a quiet reward.
We had gone to bed early the previous night, so waking up at 6:00 AM felt easy and refreshing. Everyone looked better, lighter, and more relaxed.
☕ Our Morning Ritual
Like every tour, we prepared our own tea in the room using the electric kettle we always carry while traveling. Me and Suchismita prefer black tea without sugar, and not every hotel provides a kettle — so this small habit saves us every time.
Another important part of our routine is Titli’s Chatu Sharbat, which she drinks every morning with hot water after brushing. Because of these daily habits, tea, kettle, and chatu are always part of our travel luggage.
Soon, Baba joined us from the next room, and we enjoyed a quiet family tea together — simple moments that make travel truly special.
🚿 Freshening Up & Packing Ahead
After tea, we freshened up with a warm bath, preparing ourselves for the day ahead. Today’s plan was clear — after breakfast, we would head to Bharatpur Beach for our final island experience and enjoy a glass-bottom boat ride before bidding goodbye to Neil Island.
Since our ferry back to Port Blair was scheduled around 12 noon, we also packed our luggage in advance. After returning from the beach, there would be no need to change rooms again, as the rest of the tour would continue from Port Blair itself.
🍽️ Breakfast at Hotel Amulya Residency
Once ready, we locked the room and came down to the dining area. Breakfast here was table-served, not buffet-style, keeping the experience calm and homely.
🥘 What We Ate
✨ Baba and I chose Paratha with Curry, along with omelette and tea
✨ Suchismita played safe and had Poha (made from chira) — though her stomach felt much better today
✨ Titli, as always, happily settled for Bread Omelette
The best part — no fever, no stomach trouble, and no discomfort. Health-wise, everyone felt stable and confident to continue the day’s plan.
With breakfast done and spirits high, we were now ready to step out for Bharatpur Beach, the final coastal memory of Neil Island before heading back to Port Blair.
🌊 Bharatpur Beach & Glass Bottom Boat Ride
At 8:00 AM, our local manager from Neil Island called to inform us that the car was ready to take us to Bharatpur Beach. Since water activities here operate strictly on a first-come, first-served basis, we didn’t want to waste any time. After completing breakfast, we immediately left the hotel, excitement building with every passing minute.
🚗 Short Drive, Beautiful Views
Bharatpur Beach is located just 1.2 km from Hotel Amulya Residency, so within 5 minutes we reached the beach parking zone. On the way, we passed a small local temple — simple, quiet, and deeply rooted in island life — a reminder of how spirituality blends effortlessly with daily routines here.
🚤 Booking the First Boat of the Day
We booked a Glass Bottom Boat Ride for all four of us at ₹4,000, with our slot confirmed at 8:30 AM. The operator informed us that the ride would begin at 9:00 AM, and the best part — we were the first boat of the day. That meant clearer water, fewer disturbances, and a much better underwater view.
With some free time in hand, we slowly walked along the beach, capturing photos and soaking in the peaceful morning atmosphere. Shaded seating areas under trees were already available, making the beach comfortable even before the day warmed up.
🏝️ Bharatpur Beach – Where Neil Island Comes Alive
Bharatpur Beach is the most vibrant and activity-filled beach of Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep). The crystal-clear turquoise water, soft white sand, and calm waves make it visually stunning and incredibly inviting. From the beach itself, the Neil Island Jetty is clearly visible, reminding visitors how closely connected this place is to island travel and daily life.
Located just 300–500 meters from the jetty, Bharatpur is often the first beach tourists experience when arriving on Neil Island. Locals say this beach has always been the island’s welcoming face — calm, friendly, and full of life.
🐠 Underwater World Without Going Deep
One of the most special things about Bharatpur Beach is its shallow shoreline, which extends almost 500 meters into the sea. Even without swimming, you can spot colorful fish, coral beds, and marine formations through the transparent water. This natural visibility makes Bharatpur one of the safest beaches in Andaman, especially for families, children, and elderly travelers.
Locals often mention that long before tourism arrived, fishermen here respected the coral zones, treating the sea as a living being rather than a resource — a belief that still reflects in the relatively healthy marine ecosystem.
🌊 Signature Experiences of Bharatpur Beach
✨ Glass Bottom Boat Ride — perfect for non-swimmers to witness coral reefs without getting wet
✨ Snorkeling & Scuba Diving — for those who want closer interaction with marine life
✨ Jet Skiing — adding a dash of thrill over calm blue waters
👣 Comfort, Safety & Facilities
The soft sand, gentle slope, and calm water make walking along the shoreline extremely comfortable. Facilities like changing rooms, washrooms, food stalls, coconut water vendors, and shaded seating areas are neatly arranged, making the beach both tourist-friendly and family-friendly.
♻️ Responsible Tourism – A Local Request
Island locals strongly encourage visitors to avoid touching corals, stepping on reef areas, or littering. Coral ecosystems take decades to grow, and even a small disturbance can cause permanent damage.
🌞 Why Bharatpur Beach Feels Special
Bharatpur Beach perfectly balances serenity and adventure. It’s lively yet peaceful, exciting yet safe. This place truly represents the heart of Neil Island’s water activities — where nature allows humans to explore, but only with respect.
As we waited for our glass-bottom boat ride to begin, the calm morning sea promised an unforgettable underwater experience — and we knew the best part of Day 4 was just about to start.
🎥 Feel the beauty of Bharatpur Beach here:
Bharatpur Beach – Neil Island – Explore the Beauty | Andaman Tour: Day 4 Ep 1
🌊 Glass Bottom Boat Ride at Bharatpur Beach
Sometimes travel reminds you how much nature is in control. Just a day before our visit, the glass bottom boat ride was completely stopped due to unclear water conditions. We were lucky — the sea welcomed us with clarity, sunlight, and calm waves.
Our morning began at Bharatpur Beach, the most lively and colorful shoreline of Neil Island. Under the soft morning sun, the shallow crystal-clear water shimmered beautifully, and even from the shore, patches of coral could be seen beneath the surface. It already felt like the sea was inviting us closer.
🚶 Walk to the Boarding Point
At 8:45 AM, we were asked to proceed to the boarding point for our glass bottom boat ride. The spot was around 500 meters from the main beach and ticket counter, connected by a narrow pathway surrounded by trees. The walk itself felt refreshing, shaded, and peaceful — I captured the entire route on video because it felt like a hidden trail leading to an adventure.
👞 Barefoot Into the Sea
Once we reached the boarding point, we were asked to remove our shoes and fold up our pants. Since there is no concrete jetty or fixed ghat, the boat cannot come directly to the shore. We had to step 2–3 feet into the water to board the boat.
No one had informed us about this earlier — neither the hotel nor the tour manager — otherwise wearing half pants or bermudas would have been easier. Still, we managed with wet pants and smiles. Sometimes, small surprises make memories stronger.
🚤 Inside the Glass Bottom Boat
The boat itself was a motorized vessel fitted with high-power 13D glass panels at the bottom. Seating was arranged along both sides, accommodating up to 8 passengers — 4 on each side — ensuring everyone had a clear view below.
This experience depends entirely on nature’s mood
☀️ Clear sunlight is essential
🌊 Water must be calm and transparent
🌙 Low tide or disturbed seabed can reduce visibility
That’s why this ride is sometimes cancelled without notice — not because of operators, but because the sea decides when it wants to reveal its secrets.
🐠 A Window Into Andaman’s Underwater Garden
As the boat moved gently into deeper water, the underwater world slowly came alive beneath the glass. Schools of colorful fish, living and dead corals, and natural rock formations appeared like a moving painting. The moment we spotted our first group of vibrant fish, excitement filled the boat — smiles, pointing fingers, and quiet awe everywhere.
Without getting wet, we were watching Andaman’s coral ecosystem in its natural form. Some corals looked ancient and strong, others delicate and alive — a reminder of how fragile yet resilient the ocean is.
🎙️ Local Knowledge Onboard
The boat operators casually pointed out coral types like brain coral and finger coral, along with different fish species. Their simple explanations added depth to what we were seeing, turning the ride into a mini marine lesson.
⏱️ Duration & Best Time for Glass Bottom Boat Ride
🕘 Ride duration usually lasts 15–20 minutes, but if sea conditions allow, it can extend up to 30 minutes
🌞 Best time is early morning between 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM
🌊 Best season runs from October to May, when sea visibility is highest
👨👩👧 Who Is This Experience Perfect For?
✨ Children experiencing marine life for the first time
✨ Senior citizens who prefer safe, comfortable activities
✨ Non-swimmers who want to see corals without entering deep water
This ride truly feels like watching nature through a transparent book, where every page turns slowly, gently, and beautifully.
As the boat returned to shore, our hearts felt lighter and fuller. We hadn’t just seen the ocean — we had peeked into its hidden life, safely and respectfully.
🎥 Watch the full experience here:
Enjoying Glass Boat Ride – Bharatpur Beach – Neil Island | Andaman Tour: Day 4 Ep 2
🌊 Farewell Neil Island & Cruise Back to Port Blair
After completing our glass bottom boat ride at Bharatpur Beach, it was finally time to say goodbye to the calm and soulful Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep). Our bags were already packed, breakfast was done earlier in the morning, and the room had served its purpose — a peaceful shelter during recovery and relaxation.
🧳 We returned to Hotel Amulya Residency, collected our luggage, completed the checkout process, and waited briefly for our car to arrive. While waiting, we used the quiet moments to click a few last photographs in front of the hotel — small frames to freeze memories before moving on.
🚗 Around 10:45 AM, we reached the Neil Island Jetty. Since our cruise departure was scheduled for 12 noon, there was ample time to complete the formalities without any rush. We stood outside the jetty, queued up for identity verification and boarding ticket checks, and by 11:15 AM, everything was completed smoothly.
🏝️ This jetty felt noticeably better managed — clean, disciplined, and thoughtfully designed. There were plenty of seating arrangements, luggage trolleys, and clear guidance from staff. It felt less chaotic compared to other jetties we had experienced earlier in the tour.
💙 Standing there one last time, the color of the water, the reflections of the sky, and the slow movement of waves quietly etched themselves into our memory. It was our silent goodbye to Neil Island — no words, just feelings.
🚢 Soon, our Green Ocean Seaways cruise was docked at the jetty. After dropping our luggage, we boarded the ferry that would take us back to Port Blair.
Green Ocean Seaways is known for its large, stable deep-sea vessel, making it a preferred choice for travelers who want a smoother ride. Unlike fast catamarans, this ferry offers a spacious open deck, allowing passengers to step outside, feel the sea breeze, and enjoy uninterrupted views of the vast ocean. That open-deck experience adds a cinematic charm — the journey itself becomes part of the destination.
⏳ The distance between Neil Island and Port Blair is around 37 km, and depending on sea conditions, the journey usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours. With pleasant weather and calm seas, we reached Port Blair in approximately 90 minutes.
🎟️ This time, our tickets were in Economy / Executive class, with seats on the ground floor. Though our seats were aisle-side and lacked window views, the sea was calling us anyway — so once the cruise started, we moved up to the open deck.
☕ The open deck had a cafeteria, a small food counter, and even a music system. In Andaman, almost 70% of people speak Bengali, and soon Bengali and Hindi songs started playing. What followed was unexpected and joyful — passengers dancing freely on the deck, laughter mixing with the sound of waves, and the entire space turning into a floating celebration.
🎶 Baba, Suchismita, Titli — all of us stood there together, smiling, relaxed, and finally free from discomfort. No seasickness, no fear — just wind, water, music, and happiness.
💭 As Neil Island slowly disappeared behind us, a strange mix of emotions settled in — gratitude for the memories we created, and a quiet nostalgia for the island’s slow rhythm and untouched beauty.
🏙️ Upon reaching Port Blair, the harbor welcomed us with a completely different scale. A massive ship named “Nalanda” stood prominently at the jetty, along with other large container ships — a sharp contrast to the peaceful islands we had just left behind. I captured these moments carefully, both in photographs and videos.
🕑 After collecting our luggage, we finally exited the jetty around 2:00 PM, marking the end of our Neil Island chapter and the beginning of our Port Blair stay.
🎥 Relive the entire journey here:
Neil Island to Port Blair – Cruise Experience | Green Ocean Seaways | Andaman Tour: Day 4 Ep 3
🌴 Port Blair Local Sightseeing & Museums
🚐 As soon as we stepped outside the Port Blair Jetty, a surprise was waiting for us — a 13-seater Chevrolet Tavera, standing there just for us. At first, we thought other passengers would also join, but no — the vehicle was exclusively arranged for our family. That instantly made the transfer feel comfortable and relaxed after the cruise journey.
🍽️ By now, hunger had started making its presence felt. Our tour manager decided to take us to their own restaurant – “Island Café”, located in the heart of Port Blair market near Gandhi Statue. The place felt familiar and welcoming, not like a touristy setup.
🤝 At the restaurant, we met another family traveling with Andaman Kartik, also from West Bengal (Jadavpur) — husband, wife, and their two daughters. One of their daughters was of the same age as Titli, while the elder one was pursuing MBBS in Dentistry. Conversations started naturally, and within minutes it felt like we were old acquaintances.
🍛 We all had lunch together, turning the meal into a joyful social break. Today’s lunch was simple yet satisfying — Rice, Dal, Phool Kopi (Cauliflower), and a special treat for us: Crab Curry. The crab curry was absolutely delicious — rich, spicy, and perfectly cooked — one of those meals that stays in memory long after the trip ends.
🏛️ After lunch, we began our Port Blair local sightseeing, starting with the Anthropological Museum. Interestingly, the family we had just met also joined us, as they too had returned from Neil Island on the same cruise.
🧬 Anthropological Museum – A Walk Through Tribal History
Located just a short distance from the city center, the Anthropological Museum of Port Blair is one of the most important cultural landmarks in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
📍 Location: Middle Point, Port Blair
⏰ Timings: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Closed on Mondays & Govt. Holidays)
🎟️ Entry Fee: Very nominal (generally ₹10–₹20 per person)
📜 Established: To preserve and showcase the heritage of indigenous tribes
Inside the museum, the rich cultural heritage of the islands comes alive. The exhibits provide deep insight into the lives of indigenous tribes such as the Great Andamanese, Jarawa, Onge, Sentinelese, and Nicobarese. Traditional huts, hunting tools, clothing, ornaments, photographs, and life-size models beautifully narrate how these tribes lived in harmony with nature for centuries.
🧠 Walking through the galleries felt humbling — a reminder that modern life is not the only way to exist. We spent almost one full hour here, slowly absorbing the stories, history, and silent wisdom preserved within those walls.
🐟 Just nearby, we visited another interesting place — the Fisheries Museum.
🐠 Fisheries Museum – Colors of the Andaman Sea
The Fisheries Museum adds a vibrant marine dimension to Port Blair sightseeing, especially for those curious about the underwater life of the islands.
📍 Location: Near Anthropological Museum, Port Blair
⏰ Timings: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
🎟️ Entry Fee: Nominal
📜 Purpose: To showcase marine biodiversity and fishing heritage
Inside, we witnessed a dazzling display of marine species found in the Andaman & Nicobar waters. Numerous glass tanks and aquariums displayed colorful coral fish, deep-sea species, shell collections, and preserved marine life. The variety of shapes, sizes, and colors truly reflects the richness of the Andaman Sea.
🌊 The museum also highlights traditional fishing methods, tools, and the importance of marine resources in island life. It was educational yet visually engaging — especially enjoyable for children.
🎥 You can watch our complete experience here:
The Anthropological & Fisheries Museum in Port Blair | Andaman Tour: Day 4 Ep 4
🌆 A Calm Evening at Port Blair & Hotel Rhishabh
As evening approached, Port Blair slowly began to unwind. The sky transformed into soft shades of blue and amber, while a gentle sea breeze carried a calming rhythm through the city. After a day filled with travel, history, and reflection, we returned to Hotel Rhishabh around 5:00 PM — the same hotel where we had stayed on our first night in Andaman. It felt familiar, comforting, and perfect for resting and recharging for the adventures ahead.
🏨 While everyone moved to the room to take some rest, I felt the urge to explore the surroundings on foot. Walking through a new place always helps me understand it better. After checking with the reception, they informed me about a local park just a few minutes’ walk away.
📷 With my best companions — my still camera and video camera — I stepped out.
🏨 Hotel Rhishabh – Marine Hill, Port Blair
Hotel Rhishabh is located in a prime yet peaceful area at Marine Hill, near Margin Free Canteen and opposite Hotel Sea Shell, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands (PIN: 744101). The location is ideal — calm, elevated, and close to the sea.
📍 Distance from Airport: Approx. 3 km from Veer Savarkar International Airport
🏨 Category: 3-star hotel
🛏️ Rooms: 16 Standard AC & 6 Deluxe AC rooms
🍽️ Facilities: In-house restaurant and bar
🌿 Surroundings: Quiet locality with government residences and premium hotels nearby
As I walked uphill from the hotel, I noticed the ITC Hotel and several government officers’ residential quarters, which made the area feel well-maintained and secure.
🌳 Soon, I reached a small local children’s park, located slightly above sea level. From there, the sea stretched below, calm and expansive. A few ships were visible at a distance, gently floating on the water. But what touched me most was the sound of birds — natural, uninterrupted, and soothing. Standing there, listening to the evening chorus, felt incredibly peaceful.
☕ After spending some quiet time, I walked back to the hotel and enjoyed a hot cup of tea. For evening snacks, the hotel served us mix chowmein, simple yet satisfying after a long day.
💳 Later, I had one more task to complete — withdrawing cash from an ATM. As promised, I needed to pay 50% of the tour package amount to Andaman Kartik after returning from Neil Island.
📝 Just to note:
Before arriving in Andaman, I had paid only 10% of the total amount from Kolkata. As per the payment schedule, 50% was due today, and the remaining 40% would be paid on the last day or after returning to Kolkata.
🏧 The nearest ATM was located in the main market area, about 3 km from the hotel. Though the hotel offered a car or auto, I chose to walk instead — because walking through a new city is often the best way to discover its true character.
🎥 You can explore the hotel and surroundings through this video:
Hotel Rhishabh – Marine Hill – Port Blair Exploration | Andaman Tour: Day 4 Ep 5
🌙 Night Walks, Local Life & A Surprise Dinner
On the way to the ATM, I slowed down to observe local Port Blair life. I captured visuals of small roadside shops and a local fish market, where fresh sea fish and prawns were being sold — very similar to the fish markets back in Kolkata. That familiar sight instantly made me smile.
🏧 The SBI Bank and ATM were located right in the market area. After withdrawing the required amount, I started walking back to the hotel. On the way, I once again crossed Island Cafe, where we had lunch earlier in the day.
At one point, the return journey felt longer than expected. The road was uphill, and for a moment I thought I might have taken a wrong turn. But there was no worry — after asking a local person, he calmly confirmed that I was on the right path. That small interaction itself reflected the helpful nature of the locals.
🎉 Around 8:00 PM, while returning to the hotel, I noticed a few local people celebrating a roadside festival. Music, lights, and cheerful faces added a lively touch to the evening, giving a glimpse into everyday island culture beyond tourist spots.
🍽️ Dinner Time at Hotel Rhishabh
Hotel Rhishabh has its dining area on the rooftop, offering a pleasant ambiance. However, there is no live kitchen on the premises — food is prepared at their own restaurant and delivered by car before serving.
By evening, I noticed that the hotel was almost fully occupied. The family we met earlier was staying here as well, and many new tourists had arrived — from different parts of India and even a few foreign travelers. Compared to our first night, the hotel felt much livelier now.
⏳ Dinner was scheduled around 9:30 PM. In the meantime, I cleared my camera memory cards, backed up files, and put all devices on charge. Of course, I also enjoyed a cup of tea made with our own electric kettle — something we always carry during tours.
🍛 At the dinner table, we interacted with a few other guests, including some Bengali families, which instantly created a warm, homely atmosphere.
🎉 The biggest surprise of the day came with dinner —
✨ Polao and Mutton Curry!
And honestly, it tasted amazing. To finish the meal, they served ice cream, and even offered paan, which felt like a thoughtful traditional touch.
🤝 Meeting Andaman Kartik
After dinner, the owner of Andaman Kartik met us at the hotel. I completed the 50% payment of the tour package as promised. He is originally from Chandannagar, West Bengal, and has been living in Andaman for the last 14 years. Talking to him gave us insight into how life slowly transforms when someone settles in the islands long-term.
🌴 With plans confirmed and minds at ease, it was time to refuel ourselves with rest. Tomorrow promised exciting experiences —
Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex, Ross Island (British Capital), North Bay Island, and more water activities awaited us.
After such a fulfilling day, we finally went to sleep.
🧭 Day 4 – Travel Tips
🌊 Book glass-bottom boat rides early morning for best water clarity
👖 Wear half pants or quick-dry clothes for water activities
💳 Always keep some cash — ATMs are limited and far
🚶♂️ Walking helps explore local culture but expect uphill roads
📸 Carry extra memory cards or backup daily
☕ Electric kettle is very useful for tea lovers
🍽️ Dinner timing in hotels can be late — plan snacks accordingly
✨ End of Day Four – Summary
Day four was a perfect blend of island beauty, marine adventure, local culture, and slow city life. From the crystal-clear waters of Bharatpur Beach to the thoughtful silence of museums, from a lively cruise ride to peaceful evening walks — every moment added depth to our Andaman journey. Port Blair welcomed us back with warmth, comfort, and a delicious surprise, preparing us beautifully for the adventures of the next day.
🏨 Overnight Stay: Hotel Rhishabh, Port Blair ➡️ Continue Reading:
Day 5 – Echoes of the Past & Ocean Thrills: Ross Island to North Bay Adventures
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