S1 E15 | Cycling to Neil Island’s Natural Bridge & Exploring Local Life
Good morning from Neil Island! After a night of heavy rain, we woke up to cool, cloudy weather—perfect for another day of exploring by cycle. With the skies overcast and the breeze fresh, it felt like the ideal setup to cover the places we missed yesterday.
Our adventure didn’t start smoothly though. Barely a few hundred meters from our hotel, the skies opened up again. We dashed into a small supermarket for shelter and ended up browsing snacks and sipping on coffee while we waited nearly 20 minutes for the rain to ease. Even this little break showed us how vibrant local shops are here—full of everyday essentials and quick bites.
Once the rain slowed, we cycled through Neil’s charming village roads, lined with farmlands and coconut trees, until we reached the market. Farmers from around the island bring fresh produce here daily, making it the hub of local life. From there, we continued toward the famous Natural Bridge, also known as Howrah Bridge. The route was about 1.5 km—mostly downhill, lush, and scenic—though we knew the uphill return would be a workout!
At the entrance, souvenir stalls and snack shops set the tone, but the real beauty revealed itself as we walked along the coast. Towering waves crashed against the rocks, and soon the iconic arch-shaped rock formation came into view. The Natural Bridge is best visited at low tide (after 3 p.m.), when the reef is exposed and the walk is safe. We made it during high tide first, which was a little tricky and intimidating with strong waves, but returning later gave us the full experience.
By 3 p.m., the tide had receded, revealing tide pools full of marine life—tiny fishes, mollusks, and corals. Flocks of birds swooped in, feeding on what the sea had left behind. On regular days, local guides are available for about ₹500 to walk visitors through the pools, explaining coral formations and pointing out unique species. Sadly, during our visit the guides were away for training, but even on our own, it was fascinating to see Neil’s underwater world up close.
After hours of walking, climbing, and admiring the bridge from different angles, we returned to town just as strong winds swept through—shops rattled, plastic sheets flew, and the island briefly felt like it was bracing for a cyclone. Hungry and tired, we ended the day with a plate of onion dosa, served with sambar and chutney. Simple, comforting, and absolutely delicious.
Cycling through quiet lanes, waiting out sudden showers, and standing before Neil Island’s Natural Bridge made this day one to remember. Despite the unpredictable weather, the island’s raw beauty shone through.