Havelock Island is the first place that comes to mind when thinking of the Andamans. It is one of the top spots to visit in the Andaman island. Unlike other islands, Havelock Island offers iconic beaches, fun activities, and beachside resorts selected to fit your trip and budget.
Are you excited to know more about this popular destination? Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi officially named Swaraj Dweep Island on December 30, 2018. However, many still know and love it as Havelock Island. Let’s delve a little deeper!
Havelock Island
Havelock Island is a paradise in a nutshell! Here, you can’t experience crowdedness or noise. The place is full of natural beauty. Most of the island covers dense jungle, and the shore is full of white sandy beaches with tall green leaves.
Diving in its clear turquoise waters is a must-do experience. You’ll love its stunning beaches, relaxed vibe, and amazing underwater world. Havelock is considered to be the tourist-friendly and most visited island in Andamans.
Where do you want to stay – luxury villas or bamboo cottages? There are all kinds of places to stay! You can find beautiful restaurants with international food, ATMs, internet cafes, and souvenir shops. Despite being popular, it still feels peaceful compared to other crowded paradise spots worldwide.
Ways to Reach Havelock Island
Havelock Island is about 57 km from Port Blair. To get there, you must first reach Port Blair and then take a ferry. The best way to reach Havelock Island is by sea, and it takes around 90 minutes to 2.5 hours. Many ferries run from Port Blair to Havelock Island and are available often.
Book your ferry tickets online! What are your preferences – government ferry or private ferry? Both are available! All ferries depart from Haddo Jetty. It is essential to pick the right ferry and book it to reach Havelock Island.
We suggest taking private ferries for a hassle-free experience with no lines. You can book them for a smooth and easy trip.
Here are a few private ferry companies that go to Havelock Island:
- Makruzz Ferry
- ITT Majestic Ferry
- Sealink Ferry
- Green Ocean Ferry
- Aashi Ferry
Ways to Get Around in Havelock Island
Getting around Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island) is easy and straightforward. The roads have proper signs, and it’s hard to get lost since everything is along the main roads. The locals are very helpful. The island’s beaches and villages also have numbers for easier navigation.
Let’s see what are the transport options to roam about on the island:
Bike Rentals: Renting a scooter is the easiest way around Havelock Island. You can rent one for about INR 500 per day. Just remember that fuel stations close by 5 pm, so make sure you have enough fuel. Also, you should avoid renting bikes during monsoons as the roads can be slippery.
Tourist Taxis: You can rent tourist taxis from the Havelock jetty, where drivers will be waiting. Be prepared to bargain, as prices can be high. A taxi service is usually included if you’re on a package tour.
Public Transport: Do you have a little budget to explore Havelock Island? If so, you can use shared jeeps and public buses to get around Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island).
Auto Rickshaws: Auto-rickshaws are available and cost about INR 50 to 200 for short rides and INR 700 to 1000 for a trip to Radhanagar Beach.
Exciting Things to Do in the Andaman Islands
Check out the following things that you can do on Havelock Island:
Trekking
Andaman is a paradise for backpackers! Its beautiful hills and adventurous spirit make it perfect for travelers seeking a backpacking adventure. Explore places like Elephant Beach, Limestone Cave, and Diglipur Island for a thrilling trek through the wild and discover unique plants and animals.
Fishing
You can experience fishing in the beautiful Andaman Islands among the lush mangrove trees. People from all over the world flock here to enjoy this exciting sport in the untouched, remote areas of the island.
Scuba Diving
Andaman is the ultimate spot for scuba diving, whether you’re exploring Havelock or Neil Island. While there are other places to dive, nothing compares to the fantastic underwater world of Andaman.
You can do other things while staying on Havelock Island, too—for example, night kayaking, sea walking, parasailing, and beachside candlelight dinner. Hence, the fun is unlimited on Havelock Island!
Havelock Island Beaches
What makes Havelock Island a fantastic vacation destination? The stunning coral reefs, scuba diving spots, and pearly white beaches are the answer! You can sit and relax under blue skies beside the water to experience the beaches soulfully. So, be sure to include a visit to Havelock’s beautiful beaches in your holiday plans.
Elephant Beach
Elephant Beach is a top spot on Havelock Island – a true spot for adventure seekers. You can try tons of cool water activities here, like scuba diving, snorkeling, jet-skiing, and kayaking. You’ll hop on a boat and trek through a jungle to get there, which adds to your excitement. Do you want to try a boat ride? The boat ride from Ferry Ghat takes about 20 minutes and costs around 1200 rupees.
Govind Nagar Beach
Govind Nagar Beach is perfect for exciting water sports like scuba diving and snorkeling. What you can do here is dive beneath the waves and discover stunning coral reefs and colorful fish. This beautiful beach is also great for morning walks; make sure the tide is low. Even if you’re not into running, don’t miss the breathtaking sunrise scenery here in the mornings.
Radhanagar Beach
Radhanagar Beach is like paradise on Havelock Island. It’s known as one of the best beaches there. You’ve got lush trees around the soft white sand, with waves rolling in. It’s the perfect spot for swimming or simply chilling out with a good book under the shady trees while gazing at the endless sea.
Lifeguards are there to keep everyone safe, and you’ll find huts, wooden chairs, and benches to lounge on. While you won’t find any extreme sports here, watching the sunset turn the sky into a beautiful painting is an experience you won’t forget.
Kalapathar Beach
Kalapathar Beach is perfect for a chill day with your favorite people. You can enjoy a picnic with your friends and family. Munch on tasty street food and sip coconut water from cute little shacks by the beach. It’s a great place to unwind, meditate, catch the sunset, and just be in the moment.
Vijayanagar Beach
Are you looking to unwind away from crowded spots? Vijayanagar Beach, also known as Lone Mangrove Beach, is a true hotspot for you! Here, you can dip your toes in the water, stroll, or relax on the swings. Don’t forget to hunt for pretty seashells or browse shops for coral and other marine souvenirs.
Indulge in luxury at Symphony Palms Beach Resort and Spa in Havelock. Enjoy a private beach and exciting activities like scuba diving and kayaking. After a day of adventure, pamper yourself at Ocean Spa, then treat your taste buds to delicious dishes from various cuisines made with fresh, handpicked ingredients for a delightful end to your day.
Food on Havelock Island
Havelock Island is full of tasty foods to offer to the guests of India as well as guests from around the world. Whether you have dietary restrictions or are craving delicious continental dishes, you’ll find plenty of options. If you are a seafood lover, you will find many choices, especially the must-try grilled fish at local market eateries.
Some hotels sell bread that you can toast in their kitchens for budget-friendly meals. You can also enjoy simple vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis—affordable meals with rice, vegetables, dal (lentil soup), and meat for INR 150 – INR 200 per plate.
Top Recommended Restaurants at Havelock Island
Many restaurants offer tasty foods with a huge variety! You can enjoy beachside cafes that are perfect for a snack or drink and have stunning views. Furthermore, for evening fun, check out the bars and lounges for a drink and entertainment. The following is the list of Havelock Island resorts below:
- Something Different Cafe
- Bonava Cafe
- Anju Coco
- Red Snapper
- Kathmandu
- Fat Martin Cafe
- Full Moon Cafe
All these spots offer a great dining experience on Havelock Island.
Conclusion
Havelock Island is a dreamy destination for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike. Its stunning beaches, colorful marine life, and lush greenery make it a paradise waiting to be discovered.
Whether you’re lounging on the breathtaking Radhanagar Beach or diving into the mesmerizing coral reefs, there’s adventure at every turn. Explore local culture, enjoy delicious food, and experience warm hospitality.
Whether you’re after relaxation or excitement, Havelock Island promises unforgettable experiences. So, pack your bags, soak in the island vibes, and get ready for an amazing adventure!