About Havelock Island
Havelock Island, part of the stunning Ritchie’s Archipelago, is the heart and soul of the Andamans. Speckled with countless white sand beaches surrounded by the beauty of tropical forest, Havelock is a coastal paradise promising unprecedented luxury with a blissful dollop of adrenaline. Home to some of the most stunning beaches of Andaman, the underwater world is guaranteed to lure you in with a plethora of water adventures like snorkelling, scuba diving, sea walking, surfing, and glass boat rides! Many Andaman packages include Havelock for its unmatched charm and vibrant marine life.
On a lazy day, get in your favourite hammock by the white sandy beaches and under the canopy of tall palm trees to reinvigorate your senses. Explore popular beaches like Vijayanagar, Radhanagar, and Bharatpur, and entertain the shopaholic in you by giving the iconic Market No. 3 a visit! If you’re a seeker of offbeat destinations, a fascinating trip to Barren Island, Inglis Beach, Merk Bay, and Kalapathar Beach is a delightful detour from the more popular, bustling Havelock beaches.
Places to Visit in Havelock Island:
1. Neil Island
Neil Island is one of the most popular places to visit in Andaman, and sits about 40 km to the south of the Andaman Islands. The face of the island is peppered with dense tropical forests, coral reefs, and lovely white sand beaches. It is also one of the best places in Havelock for experiencing the realm of underwater adventures like scuba diving, snorkelling, and surfing. Beaches like Laxmanpur, Sitapur and Bharatpur are the most frequented of all.
2. Radhanagar Beach
Skirting the southern coast of Havelock Island, Radhanagar Beach is something right out of paradise! Crowned Asia’s Best Beach, and 7th best in the world by Time Magazine, Radhanagar beach enjoys immense popularity. It is the beach that your island dreams are made of - pristine white sand caressed by azure waters and towered by lofty trees! It is the perfect place to experience the combination of comforting luxury and rugged wilderness.
3. Elephant Beach
Elephant Beach is best known for snorkelling, owing to the beautiful coral reefs that grace the seascape, along with an abundance of exotic marine life which will have you keep coming back for more. The boat or ferry ride to Elephant Beach from Havelock Jetty takes about 40 minutes. As the beach is applauded for its stunning coral reef structures, sea walking is an unmatched, surreal experience. It is safe to say that your trip to Havelock is incomplete without visiting Elephant Beach.
4. Barren Island
True to its name, Barren Island is a stretch of land that is completely devoid of human population. It also fosters the only known active volcano of South Asia, making it a truly fascinating destination for adventure seekers. Since the vegetation is scanty there, it is home only to goats, bats, birds and rats. However, obtaining special permission from the forest department is necessary to visit the island. Besides, there is a whole world of water sports to lure you along the way!
5. Vijaynagar Beach
The exquisite beauty of Vijaynagar Beach is ideal for those looking to bask in the comforting caresses of nature. Also famous as Beach No. 5, it is a go-to destination for exploring the exciting underwater world. The lingering tranquillity and solace that the beach offers make it a truly unmatched spot, veered off other bustling attractions in Andaman. You can also have a look at our guide on the best things to enjoy in andaman on your trip.
6. Long Island
Decidedly the most offbeat places to visit in the archipelago, the seascape of Long Island remains relatively unspoiled. It is famous among adventurers and explorers of untraced paths, but not many travellers are privy to the beautiful secrets that it harbours. It is also the perfect place for you to unplug and reconnect with yourself, given the isolated location of the place. If you can visit only a handful of places in Andaman, let Long Island be one of them.
7. Bharatpur Beach
A popular amongst travellers, Bharatpur Beach in Neil Island is a wide blanket of undulating waves, bordered by pristine white sand. What makes the beach stand out is the diversity in coral reefs and exotic marine life that thrives there. One of the best ways to fully admire the beauty of the beach and its wonderful residents is on a glass boat ride, which gives you a closer view, along with the illusion that you’re actually floating on water!
8. Kala Pathar Beach
Sitting about 12 km away from Havelock jetty, the beauty of Kalapathar beach remains relatively unexplored. One of the cleanest beaches in Andaman, Kalapathar is ideal for those looking for a respite from the crowded, popular beaches of Havelock. Roofing adventure, natural beauty and solitude, the beach is not yet well equipped with advanced facilities that the other beaches have.
9. Market No. 3
Market No. 3, also dubbed the heart and soul of Havelock Island, caters to all shopping whims and needs of travellers and locals alike. Lined with several shops and vendors selling everything from clothes to daily essentials and groceries, one needs to brush up on their bargaining skills to shop here. The market operates from morning to 03:00 PM only.
10. Merk Bay Beach
Snuggled in the secluded beauty of North Passage Island in Andaman, Merk Bay Beach is essentially a vast, unseen world awaiting exploration. A beguiling combination of clear turquoise waters and lovely white sand enchants the senses and redefines beauty. The one hour ride from Long Island jetty to Merk Bay is a scenic one as the path winds through unknown creeks and nooks. The island is apt for activities like dolphin spotting, birdwatching, or even for a simple yet refreshing walk by the moonlit shores.
11. Laxmanpur Beach
Looking for picture-perfect memories and postcard-worthy photos? Laxmanpur Beach is what you’re looking for! The beach, endowed with untouched beauty, deviates slightly from the frequently travelled paths. Its vast and open white shell sands form a striking contrast to the blue waters of other beaches in Andaman. You can also find a delightful amount of seashells and corals here. Activities like snorkelling and diving are best enjoyed at Laxmanpur Beach, while the majesty of the setting sun leaves stellar shades in the evening skies for you to revel in.
12. Inglis Beach
Inglis Island is located about 60 km away from Port Blair and is acclaimed widely for its diverse coral reef structures and wildlife. The endless expanse of turquoise green waters of Inglis is bound to leave you speechless. Encircled by vast forests, the island remains relatively isolated, making it an ideal destination for honeymooners and explorers. The offbeat destination, characterised by lovely white sand beaches and vast stretches of greenery, is something every adventurer dreams of. Don't miss out on checking out our top-selling Andaman honeymoon packages.
Things to Do in Havelock
1. Visit beaches
Andaman is a beautiful tropical world, and home to thousands of sparkling beaches. And while there are many places to explore in Havelock, essentially, it is nothing without its beaches. If you’re a seeker of offbeat places, Kalapathar Beach is the perfect place to explore, besides Vijaynagar Beach, Radhanagar Beach, and Kalapathar Beach. The most phenomenal experience is watching the slowly setting sun fire up the evening sky!
2. Have a Glass-Bottom Boat Tour
A menacing combination of adrenaline and peace, the iconic glass-bottom boat ride is a must-have experience when in Havelock. Unveil the marvellous secrets of the underwater world without dipping your toes in! The ride is generally about an hour long and can be experienced best at Bharatpur Beach, given its secluded location, ensuring you have only the pristine tropical beauty for company.
3. See Elephants training
Close to the Havelock jetty lies an elephant training camp where they’re trained meticulously to carry heavy logs and for other tasks. You can also take a tour of the thick forests of Havelock Island via elephant rides—a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Another such place to experience this is the training camp presided over by the Forest Department at Kalapathar.
4. Witness Elephants swimming
Elephant swimming is a widely talked- about activity in Andaman. The most famous swimming elephant, a 66-year-old wonder and the last of his kind, was adopted by Havelock’s Barefoot Resort. It was there that he met his end. Sadly, there are no more swimming elephants left in the Andamans anymore.
5. Explore the sea—Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is a must when visiting Andaman! The most popular water sport, scuba diving lures in herds and herds of travellers, nature lovers, and adrenaline junkies to Andaman every year. This is for good reason, as the spectacular beauty of the islands and the stunning diving sites is virtually unmatched. There are well-trained professionals and guides to oversee your adventure, and the top-notch modern equipment provided is an assurance of safety. If you’re looking for underwater adventures, Andaman will delight you.
6. Snorkelling
With no dearth of breathtaking white sand beaches and glistening turquoise waters in Havelock, snorkelling is one of the finest adventures you can have! One of the major highlights about snorkelling in Havelock is that there is not stipulated timings the must be adhered to and can be done anytime as per your convenience. Despite being an adrenaline-pumping activity, you’d be surprised at the feeling of tranquillity it brings you.
7. Sighting in Havelock
Havelock Island is arguably the most alluring destination in Andaman, with countless little treasures locked in its verdant, tropical bounds. From an array of crystal-clear beaches to explore to an astounding list of adventures to lose yourself in, Havelock has got it all. The most commonly chosen sightseeing spots are Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, Barren Island, Neil Island, Bharatpur Beach, Vijaynagar Beach, and numerous others.
8. Kayaking in Havelock
Another stimulating activity to indulge in, kayaking was not as popular as scuba diving back in the day but is gaining rapid popularity. The realms of Havelock are deemed ideal to experience kayaking. Professionals guide your adventure, guaranteeing both safety and an exhilarating experience.
9. Seaplane ride from Havelock to Port Blair
Imagine witnessing the spellbinding grandeur of Andaman unfurling before you in a vast, green sprawl, cradling an endless stretch of the sea - a bird’s-eye view. That’s what the seaplane ride from Havelock to Port Blair promises, besides other things. The ride takes about 25 blissful minutes to cover the distance between Havelock to Port Blair, speckled with white sandy beaches.
10. Trek to Elephant beach
If you thought watersports were the only happening thing in Andaman, a refreshing jungle trek to Elephant Beach is just the myth-buster you need! Stunned, tall trees line the narrow trails to Elephant Beach, offering some of the island's best views. The trek begins at about 08:00 AM and lasts for 45 minutes, weaving through dense mangrove forests and marshlands.
11. Have a walk in the sea
A refreshing change from scuba diving, yet strikingly similar to it is the delightful adventure of sea walking. The best place to indulge in it is Elephant Beach in Havelock, where PADI certified instructors look after your journey and ensure you well-rounded safety and total fun. All you need is a well-trained instructor and a sea helmet, and you’re set! In fact, you can even take this up as a pre-scuba diving activity to test the waters, literally!
Things to keep in mind:
- Make sure to pack all your medical essentials in a single, easily accessible bag that you can carry everywhere. Carry medicines for fever, cough and cold, indigestion, headache, motion sickness, nausea, diarrhoea, painkillers, band-aid, gauze, cotton, and antiseptic cream. Although Havelock has a decent number of pharmacy shops, it is always advisable to carry your own supply of medicines with you in case of emergencies.
- Carry your govt. ID proofs everywhere you go. You will be required to produce them at airports, while staying in hotels, and possibly in other places.
- Locals are quite helpful, warm, and welcoming. Don’t hesitate too much to ask for advice and recommendations. The island is relatively safe, with minimum crime rates, even for solo female travellers. That said, you know when to avoid someone if you smell trouble. Do not get too friendly with someone you don’t know well. It doesn’t hurt to be cautious.
- If you wish to save money, consider using local transportation instead of hiring a private car. Not only will you make more friends, but also enhance your travel experience by a long shot.
- Carry a majority of your money in the form of cards, with only a bare minimum in cash to ensure protection. There are enough ATMs in Havelock.
- If you’re travelling during monsoons, keep an eye out for any weather reports that may be circulated.
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Havelock Island FAQ's
Where is Havelock Island located?
Havelock Island is located to the east of Great Andaman and belongs to the South Andaman administrative district, and its capital city is Port Blair.
Is it worth visiting the Havelock Island?
Yes, Havelock Island is a must-visit in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It offers Asia’s best beaches, famous for its swimming elephants and unbeatable reefs. The peace here is undeniable.
Enjoying your dinner at treehouse restaurant and watching the sunset at Radhanagar Beach shouldn't be missed. Exploring the local culture is worth an experience. Island Tourism Festival is the major fair celebrated here.
Other notable events include the Music Festival,Monsoon Festival, Food Festival, and Film Festival.
How to reach Havelock Island?
Havelock Island is accessible via both air and sea routes, though direct connectivity is limited.
Step 1: Reach Port Blair (Andaman’s Capital)
- By Air: Fly into Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair. Daily direct flights operate from major Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. There are no direct international flights to Port Blair.
Step 2: Travel from Port Blair to Havelock Island
- By Ferry (Mandatory): After arriving in Port Blair, Havelock Island can only be reached by sea. You can choose from:
- Government Ferries: Economical and scheduled by the Directorate of Shipping Services.
- Private Ferries/Catamarans: Faster and more comfortable, operated by companies like Makruzz, Green Ocean, and ITT Majestic.
Travel time: Around 90 minutes to 2.5 hours, depending on ferry type.
What is the best time to visit Havelock Island?
Every season, Havelock Island presents its magical side to tourists.
• March to May: Summer is a great season to enjoy water sports like scuba diving, snorkelling, etc. Humidity may be high, but the heat isn't harsh. The weather remains between -28 degrees and 30 degrees Celsius.
• June to September: During rainfall, Havelock Island looks beautiful with lush green all around. Heavy rainfall can present a challenge. But the good side is fewer tourists and good package deals.
• October to February: One can experience mild winters with temperatures ranging between 15 degrees Celsius and 34 degrees Celsius. For honeymooners, this is an apt time to explore Havelock Island and enjoy water activities.
What is the ideal duration of holidays in Havelock?
You can explore Havelock Island while touring around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The ideal tour duration could be 6 nights/7 days or 7 nights/8 days. There are various packages offered, which include the Havelock trip too. To explore the in-and-out of Havelock, book the place for at least 6-7 days. This allows you to freely explore the place.
Can I know about the climate of Havelock Island?
The climatic condition is normal as in other places. The temperature during the summer doesn’t rise more than 35 degrees. During this season, one can wear printed and light cotton clothes.
If visiting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands during monsoon, which falls from May to August, you can enjoy sightseeing and greenery around the island. During the winter, which falls from December to February, the island invites cool weather and is the best time to visit.
What items I must pack before going to Havelock Island?
Some of the common things to pack before visiting Havelock Island:
- Sunscreen Insect Repellent
- Water Bottles
- Cotton cloths
- Medication
- Sun Protection
- Enough cash
- Travel documents and ID proofs
Clothes depend on the weather condition of the place. Some of the points to consider are
- Check the need for sun hats, scarves, bandanas, beach bags, sunglasses, belts, and costume Jewellery
- Know your excursions. Have an idea of What You Plan on doing
- A collapsible bag which doubles as a beach bag and a carry-on for souvenirs collected along the way
- Carry a camera to click pictures; if don't have a camera, carry an extra memory card to have phone clicks
- In some cases, you may need to carry essential documents for travel and ID proofs.
What are some famous tourist attractions in Havelock Island?
• Radhanagar Beach: One of the most beautiful beaches, it was rated as the best in Asia by Time in 2004. One can enjoy spectacular sunsets. There are a few food shacks where the road hits the beach, all of which rent snorkels and fins. Also, if you walk all the way on the right side of the beach, there is a lagoon also called Blue Lagoon.
• Elephant Beach: Though it was affected by the 2004 Tsunami, the coral here is probably the best on the island, making this an excellent spot for snorkeling. If trek and get to the beach and are tired to trek back an option would be to take a boat ride from there to Jetty , normally they charge Rs 100 per person.
• Kalapathar Beach: Kalapathar beach is situated in one corner of Havelock Island and yet another spectacular beach in Havelock Island. The beach got its name from the surrounding village called Kalapathar Village and the black rocks (Kalapathar Rocks) that adorn the coastline here.
What is the most enjoyable thing/activities to do in Havelock?
Strolling on the beach and tasting some amazing cuisine is a must in the Havelock Islands. Watching the sunset from Radhanagar Beach shouldn't be missed.
For water adventure activities, try snorkelling, scuba diving, and other such activities that can be enjoyed in . Activities offered include an underwater sea walk, scuba diving, Jet Skiing, glass-bottom boats, and banana rides. Among all the water sports, scuba diving stands out as the most popular activity. Scuba diving is the major activity enjoyed by tourists in Andaman Island. The turquoise crystal waters are perfect for a peek into the underwater world. Visit a PADI diving school to organise a scuba diving trip to see the Andamans’ rare marine life.
If you love trekking, then the trail to Elephant Beach is a must. This trail passes through dense forest and ends up near marsh mangrove land. You can hire a guide who may charge you between Rs 500-Rs 1000 (but do bargain).
What sort of accommodation is available in Havelock Island?
There are some good accommodation available in Havelock Island. From budget resorts to luxury ones, there are enough options. The tariff starts from Rs 500 to Rs 25,000.
Some of the options are
• Barefoot at Havelock: This eco-village is the only hotel on Beach No. 7, ‘the best beach in Asia,’ according to TIME magazine. It’s also home to Rajan, Barefoot’s 66-year-old retired Asian elephant. Tariff: Rs. 7500-Rs. 25000.
• Silversand: Beautiful cottages with ocean and jungle views make this accommodation worth investing in. The resort can organise your day trips, moped hire, and boat tickets. Tariff: Rs. 7500-Rs. 14999.
• The Wild Orchid: Andamanese-style cottages all set in a tropical garden a stone’s throw from the beach. Tariff: Rs. 4000-Rs. 8000.
• Sunrise Beach Resort: One can enjoy bamboo huts with a fan and mosquito net; double beds and communal bathrooms are as cheap as 500 rupees and situated just 20 meters from the beautiful ocean. It is located on the most picturesque strip of Beach 5. Tariff: Rs. 500-Rs. 3500.
• Dolphin Beach Resort: This government-run resort is popular with Indian families, their VIP suites offering excellent value. You can book an AC room for around Rs 2000, cheaper.
• Eco Villa Palm Beach Resort: One can have choices of rooms available to enjoy the time near the beach. The price ranges from Rs 2000/- to Rs 6000/-.
• Sea Shell Resort: One can book wooden cottages with a/c and TV. One can enjoy a wonderful setting at the resort and stay beneath the palm trees. Singles are Rs 5,000, and doubles are Rs 6,000, including breakfast.
Tented Accommodation: Camping is subject to weather conditions; there are camps (Domes/Swiss A/C Tents Non A/C Tents Rs.2500/-, Rs.1500/-, Rs.1000/-)
What kind of shopping can be done in Havelock?
What kind of water activities are there in Havelock Island?
One can enjoy the best time at Havelock Island by immersing oneself in various activities.
• Sea Walk:It can be done at North Bay Island, Port Blair and Elephant Beach, Havelock Island. To enjoy the sea-walk, pre-booking will help in saving time.
• Scuba Diving: It is the main activity on Havelock island other than chilling out, lying on the beaches or hammocks, and eating seafood. Andaman Bubbles, Barefoot Scuba, DiveIndia, and Doongi Dives and are the top 4 SSI and PADI certified dive centres.
• Snorkelling: This water activity is done at Radhanagar Beach and Elephant Beach. You can even do snorkelling at Lighthouse. They charge 2000/- for a couple for speedboat transfer + snorkelling.
• Game Fishing: It is yet another popular activity famous on Havelock Island. Fishing boats are available for hire to visit uninhabited islands such as Peel Island, Wilson Island, South button, Inglis Island, and other reputed islands.
Can one do Scuba Diving or Snorkeling in Havelock Island?
• Scuba Diving for Swimmers- Rs 3500/-: No swimming skills required and one can enjoy 35 minutes of dive.
• Scuba Diving for beginners with Boat Ride: - Rs 4500/-: Underwater for 60 minutes with personal video. No special swimming skill required.
• Scuba Diver Certification Course- Rs 12000: This course will train you to dive up to 12m under professional supervision. The certificate is accepted world-wide and is valid for a life-time.
Minimum age required is 10 and requires good physical health. During the course of scuba diving, one can even get personalized video done deep inside the sea.
When it comes to snorkeling, Elephant Beach is an ideal place. Elephant Beach is approximately 20 minutes by boat from the Havelock Island dock. This destination offers beautiful white sand beach along with an amazing coral reef which starts at a depth less than a metre. One can even seek service for local fishermen offering day trips and half day trips to different locations. South Button Island is particularly good as the reef is shallow, colorful, and beautiful.
What sort of food is available in Havelock? Are there vegetarians restaurants in Havelock?
Yes, there are enough vegetarian restaurants. Even cafes here offer vegetarian food. Anju Coco, Fat Martin Cafe, Full Moon Cafe, Golden Spoon and others. There are resorts having their own restaurants serving the best veg food items. In fact, every restaurant here serves veg food.
What sort of nightlife is there in Havelock?
What sort of law is there on drug usage in Havelock?
Are there any ATMs available in Havelock?
Is internet access easily available in Havelock Island?
• Wild Orchid Resort has a a satellite broadband internet cafe. Though the speeds are not lighting fast, it is definitely better than dialup.
• Pristine Beach Resort has a couple of computers, which every once in a while are connected to the internet.
• Anu's Internet Cafe has two computers set up in a shop just off the main road near Dolphin Resort in village no.3.
Is money exchange facility available in Havelock Island?
What should be done in case of any medical emergency in Havelock?
Are there any aboriginal tribes in Havelock? Can I meet them?
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