Howrah Bridge

Howrah Bridge on Laxmanpur Beach, Andaman, is a popular spot. It’s a natural bridge made of huge coral rocks. The 2004 Tsunami washed away countless corals on the island. The Rabindra Sethu, later renamed Howrah Bridge, was named after Bengali immigrants who settled the island. The bridge is only accessible during low tides, so you will be taken to this coral island before sunset.

Guides charge a set fee to show you sea creatures like sea cucumbers, starfish, crabs, and others along the shore. The bridge overlooks the Indian Ocean and the dead coral stretch, where you can see colorful fish and sea animals living on partially submerged dead corals in ankle-deep water. Nobody regrets visiting Laxmanpur beach or Howrah Bridge in Andaman.

How to reach Howrah Bridge

– From Port Blair: Port Blair is 40 kilometers from Howrah Bridge or Neil Islands. Two government boats leave for Neil Island daily: one at 6:30 am and one at 11:00 am. The trip takes 2 hours. Air-conditioned catamarans like Mackruz take 90 minutes from Phoenix Bay to Neil Kendra Jetty.

– From Havelock Island: There are 3 ferries depart daily from Havelock to Neil Island- one at 6 AM, 11:30 AM and 2 PM.

Essential Info:

1. Places to visit near Howrah Bridge

The places that can be toured on Neil Island beside Howrah Bridge are:

Sitapur Beach
Radhanagar Beach
Bharatpur Beach

Other nearby places which can be traveled around the island are:

Cellular Jail
Ross Island
Chidiya Tapu
Port Blair
Jolly Buoy Island
North Bay Island

2. Things/ Activities to do in and near Howrah Bridge

Howrah Bridge offers many activities. Your guide will show you brain and finger corals. Surfing the island isn’t limited to the Bridge tour. From walking on dead corals to filming the school of fish and sea cucumbers around the bridge, Neil Island has vibrant marine life that can be explored in many ways:

Glass bottom boat ride
Snorkeling
Sea walk
Sea fishing
Scuba Diving
Yacht sailing
Coral Safari
Underwater Photography

3. Places to eat in and near Howrah Bridge

From Chinese, Italian, Indian to marvelous seafood; you are spoilt for options in Neil Islands, especially restaurants around Howrah Bridge. Some of the renowned restaurants are listed below with the cuisine served in their menu:

Dugong: Indian, Seafood, Asian
Garden View Restaurant: Indian, Seafood, Asian
Sea Sand Restaurant: Seafood, Asian
Blue Sea: Indian
Waters-Wet Bar: Chinese, Italian, Indian

4. Places to stay near Howrah Bridge

Neil island encompasses a mix of high-end beach resorts to premium properties overlooking the sea. With amenities such as swimming pool, loungers, bar and beach view, here is a comprehensive list of uber-cool places to stay near Howrah Bridge.

Coco n huts beach
Sea Shell Neil Islands
Silver Sand Beach Resort
Pearl Park Beach Resort
Tango Beach Resort
Sea Shell Samssara
Summer Sand Beach Resort
Holiday Inn Beach Resort
Elephant and Four Wise Men Resort
TSG Aura

5. Best Time to visit Howrah Bridge

The island of Andaman and Nicobar experiences gently warm and humid weather conditions throughout the year. The average temperatures in all the three seasons that are:

Summers (April to June) ranges between 24°C to 37°C
Monsoon (May to September) ranges between 22°C to 35°C
Winter (December to February) ranges between 20°C to 30°C

Visit during the winter peak season. The Howrah Bridge can only be accessed when the ocean water level is low, so monsoon is not recommended. Go in the afternoon and return before sunset. If you can handle the heat, summers are also good.

6. Travelers’ Tip before visiting Howrah Bridge

Hire a guide to experience a detailed tour with first-hand demonstrations of sea corals, starfish, crabs, cucumbers, and many other sea creatures found in the shallow water that often looks like a natural oceanic aquarium.

Do carry an underwater camera or a waterproof case for your camera or phone to capture marine life.

Keep water bottles with you, the striking sun in the afternoon happens to drain and dehydrate a human body.

Do not leave the group or go deeper into the ocean, the Tsunami wrenched island brim with dead corals and a few sea snakes can also be seen.

The shore is fringed with wild trees, make sure you do not touch anything or eat any wild fruits. It can be dangerous.

Be a responsible traveler and kindly do not litter the island and degrade the oceans.

7. Entry Fee and Photography allowance in Howrah Bridge

Neither the use of camera costs you anything nor the entry to the shore where the rock-bridge is located. You only pay to the guide that you hire for taking you around the beach.

8. Visiting Time & Duration for Howrah Bridge

Your guide and signboards strongly recommend visiting Howrah bridge during low tides. If time is not watched, one may get stuck in knee-deep water and return on the rocks, which is dangerous. Visits last 30 minutes. A stroll around the bridge to explore the natural aquarium in the bright sun and some photos against the magnificent natural rock-bridge.