S1 E14 | Cycling to Sitapur Beach, Exploring Neil Island & Local Eats
We started our day on Neil Island with the plan to catch a sunrise at Sitapur Beach, but after oversleeping, we set out a little later than expected—around nine in the morning. With our cycles ready, we decided to make the most of the day by exploring the island’s rustic charm and hidden spots.
Cycling in the hot sun here is no joke. The ride toward Sitapur Beach felt endless at times, with very little shade to rest under. I managed to hold the camera and umbrella while riding, which made the journey even more tiring. Compared to Havelock, Neil Island is noticeably hotter. The reason, as locals explained, is that large portions of Neil have been cleared for farming—leaving less forest cover to keep the island cool. This makes the farmland areas hotter and more humid, even though Neil is much smaller than Havelock. On the bright side, Neil grows many vegetables that get exported to nearby islands, though food prices here remain high since many farmers have shifted to tourism.
When we finally reached Sitapur Beach, all the effort felt worth it. Nestled on the southeastern tip of the island, this crescent-shaped cove is surrounded by thick trees and opens up to the sparkling blue ocean. Sitapur is famous as a sunrise point, but even later in the morning, it felt serene, with hardly anyone around. The waves were strong with high tide, so swimming wasn’t safe, but sitting on the sand and watching the ocean was peaceful. The only downside was a bit of litter scattered around, but the natural beauty outshone everything else.
Around the beach, we spotted a couple of stay options, like the TSG Resort for a more premium experience and Emerald Gecko with its small café, Fat Martin. Unfortunately, the café was closed during our visit, though the staff kindly offered us cold water. It seems the café only opens in the evenings.
By lunchtime, we headed back to town and ended up again at Sea Green Restaurant. A comforting plate of lemon rice, bhindi fry, and eggs gave us the energy we needed after cycling in the heat. Later in the day, clouds finally gathered, hinting at an approaching storm, which cooled things down and gave Neil Island a moody, atmospheric vibe.
Neil may be smaller and hotter than Havelock, but its laid-back pace, fewer crowds, and rustic beauty make it a wonderful island to explore—especially by cycle. Sitapur Beach, with its quiet charm and ocean views, was definitely worth the ride.