The Easiest Way to Havelock Island, Attractions and Activities
Havelock Island
Havelock Island is a picturesque island located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, an archipelago in the Bay of Bengal, India. It is renowned for its immaculate beaches, beautiful oceans, and diverse marine life. It is one of the most well-liked tourist sites in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Situated 70 K.M from the capital Port Blair, Havelock Island has been in the spotlight of Andaman Tourism for more than a decade. The island boasts some of the most well-defined spots of attraction with a perfect mixture of tropical jungle and white sand beaches.
One of the most intriguing things about Havelock Island is its lack of urban density. The island has a very low population density, which makes sure you get as close to nature as possible without having to see yet another urban city, which you probably are taking a break from.
Narrow roads surrounded by either dense tropical jungles with unique trees or long strips of fields covered with the greenery of rice and paddies, combined with a sudden jump of clear open waters on the side of the road makes Havelock Island, one of the best places to explore with a rental bike.
These are some of the top attractions and things to do on Havelock Island. The island also has several resorts and hotels that offer comfortable accommodation and excellent facilities for tourists.
Geography
Havelock island, officially known as Swaraj Dweep and is one of the largest islands in Ritchie’s Archipelago. It is located between Peel Island and Neil Island within the Andaman Islands. Havelock island part of the Indian union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The island is 41 km northeast of the capital city, Port Blair.
Places to visit in Havelock Island
Radhanagar Beach
Radhanagar Beach is a beautiful beach located on Havelock Island. It is known for its crystal clear waters, powdery white sand, and breathtaking sunsets, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Andaman Islands. The beach stretches over a distance of about 2.5 kilometers and is surrounded by lush green forests. The water is calm and ideal for swimming and other water activities like snorkeling and scuba diving. The beach is also a great spot for leisurely walks, beach volleyball, and simply lounging around.
Radhanagar Beach has consistently been ranked as one of the top beaches in Asia and even the world. It has also been awarded the title of “Asia’s Best Beach” by Time Magazine in 2004. The beach is well-maintained by the local authorities and offers a variety of facilities including changing rooms, showers, and restaurants. Visitors can reach Radhanagar Beach by taking a ferry from Port Blair to Havelock Island, followed by a short drive to the beach.
Elephant Beach
Elephant Beach is another beautiful beach located on Havelock. It is known for its clear waters, coral reefs, and a variety of marine life, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. The beach is accessible by boat from Havelock Island and is located about 20 minutes away from the main jetty. Visitors can enjoy a scenic boat ride to the beach, which offers stunning views of the island and the surrounding sea.
The beach is named after the elephants that used to roam the area, but today the beach is mostly known for its underwater beauty. The coral reefs around the beach are home to a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and even reef sharks. Visitors can rent snorkeling gear or join a guided tour to explore the reefs and observe the marine life up close.
Apart from snorkeling and diving, Elephant Beach is also a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the scenic views. The beach is surrounded by lush green forests and offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere, making it a great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Kalapathar Beach
Kalapathar Beach is a beautiful, secluded beach named after the black rocks or “Kalapathar” that line the shore and give the beach a unique and striking appearance. The beach is located about 6 kilometers away from the main jetty on Havelock Island and can be reached by a short drive or bike ride. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views of the island and the surrounding sea along the way.
Kalapathar Beach is known for its pristine white sand, clear turquoise waters, and serene and peaceful atmosphere. The beach is surrounded by lush green forests and offers stunning views of the sea and the nearby islands.
The beach is a great spot for sunbathing, relaxing, and enjoying the scenic views. The calm and shallow waters are also ideal for swimming and other water activities like snorkeling and kayaking. Visitors can also take a leisurely walk along the beach or explore the nearby forests.
Also read- Geotourism around Fabulous Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Neil Island
Neil Island is a small island known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and lush green forests, making it a popular tourist destination. The island is about 36 kilometers from Port Blair and can be reached by a ferry ride from Port Blair or Havelock Island. The island is small and can be easily explored by foot, bike, or scooter.
One of the main attractions of Neil Island is its stunning beaches. Some of the popular beaches on the island include Bharatpur Beach, Laxmanpur Beach, and Sitapur Beach. These beaches are known for their crystal clear waters, white sand, and breathtaking sunsets. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities, or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun.
Apart from the beaches, Neil Island is also known for its lush green forests and plantations. Visitors can take a leisurely walk or bike ride through the forests and explore the local flora and fauna. The island is also home to a variety of bird species, making it a great spot for birdwatching. Other attractions on the island include the Natural Bridge, a unique rock formation created by the natural erosion of the rocks, and the Neil Island Jetty, which offers stunning views of the sea and the nearby islands.
Coral Reef Havelock
Havelock Island, is home to one of the most diverse and beautiful coral reefs in the world. The coral reef surrounding Havelock Island is an important ecosystem that supports a wide variety of marine life and plays a critical role in maintaining the health and biodiversity of the ocean.
The coral reefs in Havelock Island are known for their vibrant colors and diverse species of coral, including hard corals, soft corals, and sea fans. The reef is also home to a wide variety of marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, manta rays, and even dolphins and whales.
Visitors to Havelock Island can explore the coral reef through a variety of activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving. Snorkeling is a great way to experience the beauty of the reef and observe the marine life from the surface of the water. Scuba diving allows visitors to explore the deeper parts of the reef and get up close and personal with the marine life.
Things to do in havelock island
Havelock Island is a popular tourist destination in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, known for its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and rich marine life. Some of the top things to do in Havelock Island- Beach Hopping: Havelock Island has several stunning beaches that are worth visiting, including Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, and Kalapathar Beach. You can spend a day beach hopping and enjoying the island’s natural beauty. Scuba Diving: Havelock Island is a popular destination for scuba diving, and there are several dive centers on the island that offer scuba diving courses and guided dives. The island’s crystal clear waters and rich marine life make it an ideal destination for scuba diving.
Snorkeling: If you don’t want to go scuba diving, snorkeling is another great way to explore the island’s marine life. Elephant Beach is a popular spot for snorkeling, where you can see a variety of fish and coral reefs. Sea Walking: Sea walking is a unique experience where you can walk on the ocean floor and explore the marine life up close. It is a great option for non-swimmers or those who do not want to scuba dive. Trekking: Havelock Island has several trekking trails that offer stunning views of the island’s natural beauty. The trek to Elephant Beach is particularly popular, offering a scenic route through dense forests and hills.
Kayaking: Kayaking is a great way to explore the island’s coastline and enjoy the serene surroundings. You can rent kayaks from several places on the island. Sea Walk: Sea walking is a unique underwater experience that allows participants to walk on the ocean floor and interact with marine life without the need for any diving equipment or previous diving experience. It is a great activity for those who want to explore the underwater world without the constraints of traditional scuba diving or snorkeling.
Havelock Island beach resort
There are several beach resorts in Havelock Island that offer comfortable accommodation and excellent facilities for tourists.
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa: Taj Exotica Resort & Spa is a luxury beach resort located on Radhanagar Beach. The resort offers comfortable accommodation in elegant villas and cottages, and excellent facilities such as a spa, swimming pool, and multiple dining options.
Barefoot at Havelock: Barefoot at Havelock is a rustic beach resort located on Radhanagar Beach. The resort offers comfortable accommodation in eco-friendly cottages and tents, and excellent facilities such as a restaurant, bar, and water sports center.
Symphony Palms Beach Resort: Symphony Palms Beach Resort is a beachfront resort located on Govind Nagar Beach. The resort offers comfortable accommodation in elegant cottages, and excellent facilities such as a spa, swimming pool, and restaurant.
Munjoh Ocean Resort: Munjoh Ocean Resort is a beachfront resort located on Beach No. 5. The resort offers comfortable accommodation in elegant villas and cottages, and excellent facilities such as a spa, swimming pool, and restaurant.
Havelock Island Beach Resort: Havelock Island Beach Resort is a beachfront resort located on Govind Nagar Beach. The resort offers comfortable accommodation in elegant cottages and rooms, and excellent facilities such as a restaurant and bar.
Club Mahindra Havelock
Club Mahindra does not have a resort in Havelock Island. However, they have a resort in the nearby island of Neil Island, which is about 36 kilometers from Havelock Island. Club Mahindra Neil Island is a luxury beach resort located on Sitapur Beach, which is known for its pristine beaches and turquoise blue waters.
The resort offers comfortable accommodation in spacious rooms and suites, and excellent facilities such as a swimming pool, spa, restaurant, and bar. The resort also offers a range of activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and nature walks. While Club Mahindra does not have a resort in Havelock Island, they offer packages that include a visit to Havelock Island as part of their Andaman holiday packages. These packages include accommodation, meals, and activities, and are designed to offer a comprehensive Andaman Island experience to tourists.
Best hotels in Havelock are-Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Barefoot at Havelock, Symphony Palms Beach Resort, The Wild Orchid Resort, Taj Hotel Havelock, Sea shell Havelock and Havelock Island Beach Resort. These are some of the top hotels and resorts in Havelock Island. The island also has several budget hotels and guesthouses that offer comfortable accommodation at affordable prices.
How to reach Havelock Island
The most common way to reach Havelock Island is by ferry from Port Blair. The government-operated ferries run daily from Port Blair to Havelock Island, and the journey takes around 2-3 hours. Private ferries are also available, and they are faster but more expensive. Another way to reach Havelock Island is by seaplane from Port Blair. The seaplane takes around 15-20 minutes to reach Havelock Island, and it offers a stunning aerial view of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Helicopter service is available from Port Blair to Havelock Island, and it takes around 20 minutes to reach the island. However, the service is available only on certain days of the week, and the tickets need to be booked well in advance. If you want to travel in style, you can hire a private yacht from Port Blair to Havelock Island. The journey takes around 2-3 hours, and it offers a luxurious experience.
