Laxmanpur Beach and the Natural Bridge, Neil Island: Sunset Guide
Laxmanpur Beach and the Natural Bridge on Neil Island: how to reach them, the best tide and time for sunset, what happened to the arch and tips.
Laxmanpur is the sunset beach on Neil Island, and it is one of the best places in the Andamans to end a day. A long curve of pale sand faces west, and the sun drops straight into the sea.
Nearby is the Natural Bridge, a rock formation that was once a famous photo spot. This guide covers both, with an honest note about what has changed.
Laxmanpur Beach.
At a glance | |
|---|---|
Where | Laxmanpur Beach, west coast of Neil Island |
Distance from the jetty | About 3 to 4 km |
Best time | The hour before sunset |
Tide | Low tide is best for the Natural Bridge area |
Entry | Free |
Time needed | 1.5 to 2 hours |
Laxmanpur Beach
The beach has two parts. Laxmanpur I is the wide, open stretch where you can walk and watch the sunset. Laxmanpur II is a quieter stretch with a sandier shore and a few small stalls.
There are almost no facilities, so bring water. The beach is pleasant for walking, and the sea is generally shallow and calm. The sunset crowd is modest even in the high season.
The Natural Bridge
The Natural Bridge, sometimes called the Howrah Bridge of Neil, was a rock arch shaped by the sea on the beach's southern side. It was one of the best-known sights on the island.
The arch has since collapsed, though the rock formation, the tidal pools and the shoreline remain. Visit at low tide to walk across the rocks and to look at the pools. Check the tide times before you go, since the area is submerged at high tide.
The rocky shore at the Natural Bridge.
How to plan the visit
Check the tide. Low tide in the late afternoon is ideal.
Arrive by about 4:30 pm in the cooler months, and allow time to walk.
Take an auto or a bike. The beach is a 10 to 15 minute ride from the jetty.
Stay until sunset. The sky is the main event.
Return before dark. The roads are unlit.
Safety
Do not stand on wet rocks or climb on the formation. The sea can surge at high tide, and the rocks are slippery. Keep children close, and avoid swimming in the rocky area.
How it fits Neil
Laxmanpur pairs well with Bharatpur Beach, which is better for swimming and the reef in the morning. See our Bharatpur guide and the Neil Island guide. For the wider trip, see the 4-night itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time for Laxmanpur Beach?
The hour before sunset.
Is the Natural Bridge still there?
The arch has collapsed. The formation and the tidal pools remain.
Is there an entry fee?
No.
Can I swim?
In the shallow areas, with care. Avoid the rocks.
How far is it from the jetty?
About 3 to 4 km.
Plan your Andaman days with us
We time the beach for the tide and the sunset, and arrange the transport on the island. Explore the Andaman destination page or talk to a trip designer.
Photo credits
Natural Bridge shore: Joe tarafdar, CC BY-SA 4.0. Laxmanpur Beach: see the photo credits on our Neil Island guides. Both via Wikimedia Commons.
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