Havelock Island is a hidden away gem in the Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. It is one of the few last places on Earth that mass tourism has not spoiled. It is a destination where you can find peace and tranquility among the breathtaking natural beauty of the Island.  The main attraction of Havelock is its pristine beaches and crystal clear water. It is so clean and mesmerizing that low mobile signals and lack of internet facilities are not considered a negative by the tourists here. Trust us – you will not want to be disturbed by mundane things like your mobile while you are in Havelock.

The water around Havelock is so clear that you can see the marine life, corals and the sea bed while swimming in 7 feet of water. This is the primary reason that scuba divers from around the world favor Havelock Island. Some make it their home for 6 months per year and offer scuba diving classes for absolute beginners. Even people who are afraid of the water and who don’t know how to swim can go scuba diving with these trained instructors in Havelock’s safe waters. The less adventurous type among us may opt for snorkeling or a ride in a glass-bottomed boat as a way to view the marine treasures.

Havelock’s Vijaynagar & Radhanagar Beach (No. 5 & No. 7) were chosen as Asia’s best Beach in 2004 by Time magazine. Other notable beaches include Elephant Beach on the northwest coast and Beach No. 3 and Beach No. 1 on the east coast.

Havelock Island is a perfect destination for honeymooners. The island has a lot of beach resorts that offer comfortable cottages at exceptional rates. The privacy that you can get here is unbeatable anywhere else in India. Havelock Island hosts a greater ratio of foreign tourists as most Indian tourists opt to stay in Port Blair and visit Havelock Island for a day outing. So remember to pack your bikini while  travelling to Havelock, you certainly won’t feel alone on the beaches there. While the local population is used to the dress code on the beach, care should be taken to cover up while visiting the village restaurants or shops.

Radhanagar beach (pictured on the right) is the best beach we at SnapTours have ever visited. It is a long 2 km beach with white, soft sand and crystal clear water. The best thing about this beach is the peace and silence you get. There is no commercial activity on beach, no shacks and no salesman to peddle their wares to you. The beach is bordered by a primeval rain forest and small rivulets flow down from the hills to join the sea. On the beach strict time norms are maintained by the Andaman Police Authorities for the safety of tourists. There are no life guards on duty here so please don’t wander too deep into the water.

 

Reaching there:
– Ferries are available twice a day from Port Blair to Havelock Island.
– A private catamaran service also operates on this route which offers a faster and more comfortable ride.
– There is a Government helicopter service as well but the schedule is a bit erratic. Check for availability once you reach there. SnapTours Tip: This is probably the cheapest helicopter ride you can hitch in the world as its heavily subsidized by the Indian government for locals and tourists.

We  recommend getting a heli-ride one way and taking the catamaran on the other (or vice versa). Both are experiences in themselves. The catamaran journey between Port Blair and Havelock Island is smooth and enjoyable. Take tickets for the Royal seats in the catamaran as these 8 seats are in a private lounge that looks out over the stern of the ship.

Recommended places to stay in Havelock Island:
Barefoot at Havelock: It is the most famous property on Havelock Island. Staying here is an experience unto itself.  Tastefully done timber and bamboo cottages and villas await the vacationer. It is located near Beach no. 7. In keeping with its eco green status , most of their cottages are non-air conditioned.

Silver Sands Resort– It is an amazing property located on Beach no 5. It is the last resort on that stretch and hence even more isolated than any other resorts. They offer stand-alone cottages. Each cottage has a ground level and a first floor level which are rented out separately. However, these cottages have internal stairs with a trapdoor to connect both floors. This is a good option when travelling with kids.

Nourish your taste buds:
Barefoot Bar & Brasserie– located right near the harbor entrance. It offers an eclectic mix of continental, fusion and traditional fare like burgers and pizzas. Try the herb crusted chicken breast here if it’s still on the menu.

The Red Snapper– a pricey little joint but one of the best place for dining, especially sea food as the name suggests.

Full Moon Café– It is an open air place on the beach of Dive India. The multi-cuisine menu attracts a good crowd for lunch as well as dinner.

Contact us if you need more information about visiting Havelock Island or cost estimates. Been there? Share your experience with us.