Best Beaches in Havelock Island
Havelock Island or Swaraj Dweep, is one of the most visited islands in Andaman and Nicobar Islands for its pristine white beaches and clear waters. Located about 39 km north east of Port Blair, Havelock Island has the well-earned reputation of being a travellers’ paradise. Havelock Island is a dream destination for all – be a luxury traveller or a budget backpacker like us.
Some of the most pristine beaches of Asia, some of the best diving spots of South Asia and lush green tropical forests are found here. So do you need any more persuasion to take a trip to the beautiful Havelock Island? So here is a comprehensive Havelock Island Travel Guide that will give you an idea about the place, how to reach, where to stay and things to do in Havelock Island.
Take only memories, leave only footprints. – CHIEF SEATTLE
How to reach Havelock Island?
- The first thing you have to do to reach Havelock is to reach Port Blair. You can either reach by air or ship. But considering the time it takes, flights are the best option to reach Port Blair, only if you’re not in a hurry.
- From Port Blair, you have to take a ferry to reach Havelock Island. Private ferries are usually preferred more than the government ones because it will take you to your destination faster. You can book your ferry tickets from https://gonautika.com/home. Go Nautika, Sealink and a few others operate private ferries mainly. Go Nautika is the most reputed and the fastest one. You can book tickets online from the Go Nautika website, the link is mentioned above.
- Ferries are available between Neil and Havelock Islands as well. You can get your ferry tickets from https://gonautika.com/home
Top Beaches in Havelock
Radhanagar Beach
Radhanagar Beach is the most famous sea shores in Havelock. It is rated as the ‘Best Beach in Asia’ and ‘7th Best Beach in the World’ by Times Magazine. Blue waters, shimmery sand, perfect depth, and waves make it the archetype beach experience.
Specked with palm and mahua trees, the ocean side offers toruists a serene climate to unwind and loosen up in the midst of nature. The landscape is surreal enough to awaken the inner writer in yourself. The ocean side is very popular among tourists, yet the stretch is so huge, you won’t see it’s packed.
Encircled widely with hedges, long trees, and plant life everywhere, this is the ideal heaven for somebody who craves for isolation naturally. Radhanagar has almost no rocks, so it’s totally safe for swimming!
Elephant Beach
This beach is named after elephants because elephants were brought here for cutting trees, carrying logs, and were also trained to swim to transport logs from one place to another during colonial times. These elephants thus gave the beach its name.
This beach is now popular for its water sports. Activities such as snorkelling, jet ski, sea walking and parasailing are available here.
Outside food is not allowed in this beach, however, one can find lots of fruit and coconut shacks in this island. Plastics are banned in elephant beach, so keep that in mind when you visit here. An interesting fact about this beach is that 2 elephants still roam in this area and if you’re lucky enough then you might get to witness the sight. Don’t worry, they are harmless and doesn’t attack visitors.
Neil’s Cove
A part of the Radhanagar beach stretch, Neil’s Cove is known for a small lagoon where people can swim, and it is just 20 minutes away from Radhanagar. It is an ideal place for all the solo travellers and adventure seekers and makes for one of the most peaceful beaches in Havelock.
You’ll also find some fine snorkelling spots in the calm sea. Don’t forget to take a guide who knows the way to this place, or carry a map with you.
Be careful while snorkelling in the cove, as salt-water crocodiles have been spotted here many times so we don’t recommend you swimming here.
Kalapathar Beach
Named after the black pebbles and stones that decorate the coastline, Kalapathar Beach is the ideal spot for couples since it’s less-visited as most tourists prefer Radhanagar over Kalapathar.
kalapathar is also known as Sunrise Beach. The ocean side looks straight out a movie set during late evenings and early mornings.
Couples can enjoy in solace and can indulge into PDA without awkward stares from bystanders. Kalapathar ocean side is in fact one of the most romantic sea shores in Havelock. The beach is also an ideal spot for photography.
If you are in the adventurous spirit, you can try finding the secret beach just ahead of Kalapathar that is secluded.
Vijaynagar Beach
Vijaynagar Beach or Beach #5 on Havelock Island is heaven on earth. Its long shore is lined by number of beach resorts and restaurants. However, simply stepping on the beach gives you with that edge-of-the-world feeling.
You won’t ever find any corner of this beach crowded, only bunch of hikers sunbathing or taking a dip in the blue waters here.
The sea side is lined by coconut trees under which you can drink, read or just sleep. Furthermore, unlike many other sea shores in the Andaman Islands, this beach isn’t rough even during low tide, which makes it ideal spot for loosening up.
Vijaynagar sea side is a stunning spot to see the sunrise in Havelock. It is suggested to some time at the Vijaynagar sea side, as it is a significant piece of the Havelock experience.
Top Beaches in Havelock
Havelock Island has wide variety of accommodation fitting all type of budgets. From luxury resorts to pocket friendly one for backpackers, you will find everything according to your convenience.
Radhanagar and Vijaynagar beaches has the most suitable places for families and couples to stay. Backpackers with tight budget will also find budget friendly stays near beach No. 3 & 4. They can get rooms within a range from Rs 800 to Rs 1500 here. Some budget friendly stays are also available near Beach No.1. Here is the list of some hotels where you can stay and enjoy your vacation – Silver Sand Beach Resort, Havelock Island Beach Resort, Barefoot at Havelock.
Some tips for a great and safe Havelock Trip
- It is better to hire a Bike or Scooty in Andaman. You can roam around at your will & explore Havelock.
- Definitely, try Scuba Diving at Havelock. It has one of the best coral reefs. During your stay at Andamans, your hotel or agent may suggest you to go for scuba diving at North Bay Island. But believe us, it is much better here.
- You can also go for fishing. There is an organization that offers all kinds of fishing boats and equipment.
- Avoid diving or swimming amongst a school of fish. This may attract predatory fishes such as sharks. Please avoid swimming if you have any open wound. Much predatory fish is attracted to blood odour.
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