7 Places to Visit in Havelock Island: Your Ultimate Guide to Tropical Vacation
Planning a beach vacation in India? What could be more exciting than island hopping in Andaman & Nicobar? While it is a group of more than 800 islands, only a few are habitable and accessible. Among them Havelock Island, also known as Swaraj Dweep, is a tropical paradise and worth a visit. It is the largest island in Ritchie’s archipelago. It is best known for its dive sites, coral reefs, and Crescent-shaped Radhanagar beaches. The island receives maximum footfalls from domestic and international tourists annually, as there are plenty of things to do in Havelock Island.
When Should You Visit Havelock Island
The island enjoys tropical climate and the temperature here typically rises from the low 70℉ into the mid 80℉ throughout the year. To enjoy the best outdoor fun, the best time to get an Andaman tour package is between October and May. During these months, the weather is ideal for sightseeing, scuba diving, and beach lounging. However, these are the peak months, so expect a massive crowd of tourists. Avoid visiting the island between July and September, as in these months the island experiences heavy rainfall, high tidal waves, and hurricanes.
How To Reach Havelock Island
There are two ways to reach the islands of Andaman & Nicobar. You can either take a flight to Port Blair from major Indian cities or you can take a cruise trip from Chennai, Vizag, and Kolkata. However, a cruise trip can take up to 3 to 4 days, but can offer an experience of a lifetime.
By Air
Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair is the only airport that connects the island with the rest of India. Once you reach the airport, head to Port Blair Jetty to catch a ferry to Havelock Island.
By Government Ferry
Government ferries are the most affordable options to reach Havelock Island. But it can take up to two to three hours. To catch a government ferry, go to Phoenix Bay Jetty. You can buy the ticket online from the Directorate of Shipping Service. The price ranges between 800-900 INR and it is recommended to buy the tickets in advance. Check-in counter closes 15 minutes before departure, so make sure to reach the location early.
By Private Ferry
A private ferry ride takes just 90 minutes and is the most convenient way to enjoy the view while sailing. The private ferries are equipped with air conditioning, comfortable seats, entertainment, and food and beverage services. Several operators, including Nautika, Green Ocean, and Makruzz offer regular ferry service from Port Blair to Havelock Island and other islands. The private ferry ride may cost you between INR 800 to INR 1,200 depending on the season. During peak season, it can reach up to INR1,500.
Makruzz offers the day’s first ferry begins its journey at 6 am and reaches Havelock at around 8 am. The last ferry starts at 2 pm and reaches at 4 pm.
By Helicopter
If you are seasick, it is best to take a helicopter ride. The helicopter service is operated by Pawan Hans and takes just 20 minutes by air. The view of Ritchi’s archipelago from the sky is spectacular. However, the service is now reserved only for the VVIPs and for emergency service.
Places to Visit in Havelock Island
Radhanagar Beach
At Radhanagar Beach, when the waves crash or when you walk along the shore at night, you might notice a beautiful blue-green glow in the water. This natural phenomenon is known as bioluminescence. Havelock Island is known for its bioluminescent beaches, a spectacle one cannot miss. To get enchanted by this phenomena, visit Radhanagar beach after the sundown. When the sun sets over the Andaman sea, the water transforms into a magical land. After the sundown, tiny phytoplankton emit mystical blue lights in the water, creating blueish starry effects. While tourists mainly come here for the night views, you can spend the day admiring its sun-toasted golden beaches, fringed by swaying palm trees, and turquoise waters captivate onlookers. Additionally, the water sports in Radhanagar is something one cannot miss. You can enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, boating, parasailing, and swimming. The waters near Radhanagar beach are crystal clear, which make it easier for you to see the rich marine life.
Elephant Beach
If you are in Havelock for some water adventure, then Elephant beach has got you covered. It is one of the key attractions in the city and is one of the best places to visit in Havelock island. Thrill-seekers come in large numbers to enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, and riding banana boats. Once you dive into its turquoise waters, you will get to see the stunning coral reefs. Our exclusive Andaman tour package offers you a promising adventure. The beach is well-equipped with locker rooms, changing facilities, shacks, and snack shops. So, you can spend an entire day at the beach and leave after the sunset.
Vijaynagar Beach
Vijayanagar Beach, also known as Beach No. 5 is located in the north east of Havelock island. Despite being far from crowded areas, this secluded beach receives a good amount of crowd. It is an ideal beach for those who are looking for a remote and quiet place to relax. Tourists as well as locals come here to walk along the Andaman sea or to float on its shallow water. The entire beach is flanked by many palm and Mahua trees, exuding a serene atmosphere. Additionally, sunbathing and swimming is highly popular among visitors. Visiting this pristine beach is one of the best things to do in Havelock Island.
Mangrove Forest
Havelock Island is not just about the beaches and fun water sports. Here, you can immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Andaman. It is home to mangrove forest that beckons birdwatchers and photographers. As your boat meanders through the water, you get to see the native flora. However, the main attraction here are the migratory birds that visit the island every year. Instead of a boat safari, take a kayaking journey to explore the lush mangrove creek. If you have access to Felix Feria Travel’s Andaman tour package, you can easily book a kayak tour.
Japanese Hill
Take a break from all the beach and island hopping and go for a jungle safari in a Japanese hill. This verdant paradise is located near Radhanagar beach and is an absolute must during your visit to Havelock island. This tropical forest is filled with a diverse array of native flora and fauna. Several plants, butterflies, reptiles, and birds call it their home. As you walk through the forest, you will be amazed by the rich biodiversity that thrives here. It takes an hour to explore the area, so make sure to visit and opt for a jungle safari.
Kala Pathar Beach
No trip to Havelock is completed without admiring the adorning beauty of Kala Pathar Beach near Kalapathar Village. The beach got its name from the abundant black stones that are scattered around the beach. Apart from these, the beach is lined by thick greenery and the less crowd here make it an ideal destination for those looking for a secluded beach vacation. Despite the small crowd, it is an ideal spot for sunbathing, snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, and bathing. As you dive under the water, you get to see colorful coral reefs and the rich presence of marine life.
Govind Nagar Beach
Govind Nagar Beach is one of the best places in Havelock Island, where you can enjoy plenty of water sports in Andaman & Nicobar. The main highlight here is scuba diving. It is also known for the Nemo reef, which is located just beside the beach. Divers plunge into the water to see the colorful Nemo reef and various marine creatures. It includes Damsel fish, suitcase-sized humphead parrot fish, surgeonfish, butterfly fish, rabbitfish, etc. Even though Andaman & Nicobar has more than 2000 kilometers of coral reefs, only Nemo reef is easily accessible.
In A Nutshell
Havelock Island is all about the rumbling waves of the Bay of Bengal, swaying palm trees, tropical forests, and enchanting beaches. This breathtaking destination perfectly blends natural beauty, adventure, and tranquility. Tourists mainly come here for the beaches and water sports, but get surprised to see the diverse range of attractions it offers. These are the must things to do in Havelock Island. If you are looking for a beach tropical vacation, it is an ideal destination.
