On this page 11 sections
Havelock, officially Swaraj Dweep since 2018, is the island most people mean when they dream of the Andamans. It has long white beaches framed by forest, a warm sea in many shades of blue and the best snorkelling and diving in the group. It is also a real island, with small villages, rice paddies and simple roads, rather than a resort enclave.
What Havelock is like
The island is about 113 square kilometres, with a handful of settlements, Govind Nagar and Vijaynagar being the main ones, and the beaches strung along its coasts. The pace is slow. Roads are narrow, taxis and scooters are the norm, and evenings are quiet. Resorts range from simple cottages to comfortable beach hotels, and many are set among trees, close to the sea. Food, power and internet are more limited than on the mainland.
What to see and do
- Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7), a wide crescent of white sand that is one of the best-known beaches in India, famous for sunsets.
- Elephant Beach, reached by boat or a forest trek, for snorkelling and water sports.
- Scuba diving, with introductory dives and certification courses.
- Kalapathar Beach, a quieter beach with black rocks and morning light.
- Vijaynagar Beach (Beach No. 5), calm and good for sunrise.
- Kayaking in mangrove creeks at selected spots.
- Village walks and cycling on quiet roads.
How many days
Two nights is the minimum, and three nights lets you see Radhanagar at sunset, do a snorkel or dive and rest. If you are travelling on to Neil, you can spend two nights in Havelock and one in Neil.
Where to stay
- Near Radhanagar: peaceful, with forest resorts and cottages, close to the beach.
- Govind Nagar and Beach No. 3: more central, with restaurants and shops.
- Vijaynagar and Beach No. 5: quieter and calmer.
Book early for December to January. Check the distance to the beach and the jetty, power backup, air-conditioning hours and meals. Eco-resorts have limited facilities by design.
Getting there
Ferries run from Port Blair to Havelock, taking about one and a half to two and a half hours, depending on the operator and conditions. Government ferries are slower and cheaper; private high-speed ferries are faster and more comfortable. Book in advance, especially in peak season. A taxi from the Havelock jetty to the resorts takes 15 to 40 minutes.
Getting around
Taxis, auto-rickshaws and rented scooters are the main ways to get around. Scooters are popular but the roads are narrow, so ride carefully, and always wear a helmet. Many resorts offer transfers. Taxi fares are fixed by local unions.
Food
Seafood is the highlight, with fresh fish, prawns and crab grilled or curried. Resorts serve a mix of Indian and continental food. A few beach shacks and cafes near Govind Nagar and Radhanagar offer simple meals. Vegetarians eat well but should tell the restaurant in advance.
When to go
November to April is best, with calm seas and clear water. October and May can be good with fewer people. June to September brings rough seas, many closures and unpredictable ferries, so we advise against it for most visitors.
A suggested day
Wake early for a quiet walk on the beach near your resort, then enjoy a relaxed breakfast. Take a mid-morning boat to Elephant Beach for snorkelling, return for lunch and rest in the heat of the afternoon. Around 4 pm, head to Radhanagar Beach for a swim and the sunset, and have dinner at your resort or a beach cafe. It is a day with plenty of water and plenty of pauses.
Responsible travel
Havelock's reefs and forests are fragile. Do not touch or stand on coral, avoid sunscreen that is harmful to reefs, avoid single-use plastics and conserve fresh water. Respect local communities and wildlife. Keep noise low at night.
Plan Havelock with us
Havelock features in our Classic Andaman tour, honeymoon plan and scuba and snorkel trip. Tell us your dates and we will suggest a resort.
