Overview
About Sitapur Beach
Sitapur sits at the far eastern end of Neil, about five kilometres from the jetty past paddy fields and betel gardens, and it is the least visited of the island's beaches simply because getting up for it is harder than staying up for Laxmanpur. That is the whole opportunity.
It faces open ocean to the east with nothing between it and the horizon, which makes it the island's sunrise beach. At half past five in the morning there is usually nobody on it at all. Low limestone cliffs run behind the sand, dotted with caves and undercuts, and the surf here is more active than anywhere else on Neil.
That surf is also the caution: the water is deeper and less protected than Bharatpur or Laxmanpur, there are no lifeguards, and the current along the eastern shore can be strong. Wade, do not swim out.
It is a lovely cycle. The ride out from the village passes through the farmed heart of the island — Neil grows a substantial share of the vegetables eaten in Port Blair — and takes about half an hour on a flat road.
Why people come here
- Neil's sunrise beach, facing open ocean
- Low limestone cliffs and sea caves behind the sand
- The island's quietest and least developed beach
- A flat, pretty cycle out through farmland
- Active surf and dramatic morning light
Things to do
What to do here
Sunrise
Be on the sand by 5:15 am. Open eastern horizon, empty beach, and the best light Neil produces.
Cliff and cave walk
Limestone undercuts and small caves along the back of the beach, accessible when the tide is out.
Cycle through the farmland
The ride from the village passes paddy, banana and betel plantations — the working half of Neil that visitors rarely see.
Beach walking
A long, wide, near-empty stretch. The best beach on Neil for having entirely to yourself.
Getting there
How to reach
By bicycle
About 30 minutes from the jetty on flat road. Start before five if you want the sunrise.
By scooter or auto
Ten to fifteen minutes. Autos will do a pre-dawn run if you arrange it the night before.
Best time to visit · November to April · dawn
Sunrise is the reason to make the trip. The beach is exposed and hot by mid-morning, and the eastern surf gets rough in the monsoon.
Good to know
Travel tips
- Arrange transport the night before if you want to be there for sunrise.
- Do not swim out. This coast is unprotected and there is no help nearby.
- Carry water; the shacks do not open until well after sunrise.
- Pair it with a Laxmanpur sunset the same day for both ends of the island's light.
Gallery
Sitapur Beach in pictures
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
Combine it with
Tour packages
