This island, situated far away from mainland India in the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has often made headlines for its surreal beaches, natural beauty, and festivals.
In fact, one of the most popular beaches here, Radhanagar Beach has even been awarded as the best beach in Asia by TIME magazine in 2004 and is also one of the most visited beaches of India.
Havelock Island has some of Asia's best beaches that are just perfect for swimming, elephant rides, and top-notch unexplored coral reef. Boat Rides amidst the sparkling blue waters, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, the undiscovered underwater world, and the white sand of the island together make this island a must-visit paradise.
Best Time To Visit Havelock Island
Any time of the year is great to visit the island as the climate remains pleasant throughout. In case you wish to visit there during the tourist season and witness the hustle bustle then a visit between November to March is great. In case you wish to avoid the crowd then plan a visit between June and September.
History Of Havelock Island
Havelock island is a part of the Nicobar Islands administration and is located in the east of the Andaman Islands. It has been named after British General Henry Havelock, who resided here when India was a colony of Britishers.
Havelock Island comprises 5 popular villages: Govinda Nagar, Krishna Nagar, Radha Nagar, Shyam Nagar, and Bejoy Nagar that have their own beaches and beautiful shorelines. Reports state that the island accommodates the majority of the immigrant population from Myanmar and Bengal.
In 2018, the island was renamed Swaraj Dweep as a tribute to Subhash Chandra Bose. An interesting fact about the island is that Subhash Chandra Bose hoisted the national flag on the island in 1943 before India’s independence and named Andaman Island Shaheed Dweep and Nicobar Island as Swaraj Dweep.
Today Havelock Island or Swaraj Island is a famous tourist destination for Indian and foreign tourists alike.
Places To Visit In Havelock Island
Havelock Island is one of the best places to visit in Andaman. If you are traveling here, then make sure to check out these nearby tourist places in Havelock Island.
Considered Asia’s most beautiful beach, Radhanagar beach attracts tourists from across the globe. The beach has also been awarded as the best beach in India and the world’s 7th most beautiful beach by Time Magazine. Tourists visit the beach to feel the warmth of white sands, sizzling shores, crystal blue water, and lush green forests.
2. Elephant Beach
Best beach to feel the calmness, Elephant Beach offers a wonderful escape for honeymoon couples and for solo travelers. Imagine the unimaginable here, as the beach is known for its clear blue water, serene environment, and surreal views. Travelers can enjoy swimming, scuba diving, coral reef, snorkeling, and many other water sports and activities.
3. Kalapathar Beach
The unblemished attractiveness of Kalapathar Beach can hypnotize anyone as it stands among the most wonderful sites of Havelock Island. Encompassed with black rocks, dazzling silver sand, and aqua green water that forms a wonderful contrast, this one is a must-visit.
4. Emerald Gecko
Emerald Gecko is a wonderful place to stay. While this resort is a bit expensive, a beautiful place with a wonderful view and a generous heap of gourmet food makes it worth every penny. This cottage resort pampers its travelers with beautifully designed bamboo cottages that offer a pleasing environment to stay in. Various bamboo lodges that are available for accommodation offer a luxurious stay.
5. Vijaynagar Beach
One of the most famous beaches on Havelock Island, Vijaynagar Beach is visited for bird watching, trekking, beach exploration, fishing, and thrilling water sports such as swimming, sailing, surfing, and snorkeling. With the pristine turquoise water reflecting clear blue skies and a long stretch of white sand, this beach in Havelock Island is worth visiting. Located on Havelock Island, the beach is very well-connected with the mainland. Private taxis and auto rickshaws are easily available to reach here. Some of the most common activities carried out here are snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, and bird watching.
How To Reach Havelock Island
Havelock Island is one of the most visited places in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The island is known for its adventurous water activities, Radhanagar Beach, Cellular Jail, Ross Island, and many more exotic destinations. You too can arrive here via waterways or airways. Listed below are some of the best travel options.
- Nearest metropolitan city. Bengaluru
- Nearest sea port. Haddo Wharf Port
- Nearest airbas. Veer Savarkar International Airport
- Distance from Port Blair. 69 Kms
By Water
Because Swaraj Dweep is surrounded by water from all sides there is no road or rail route to reach there. From Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam, one may take government-run ships to reach the Haddo Wharf port in Port Blair. You can travel via the following ships to Andaman from mainland India.
- Distance from Haddo Wharf Port. 67 Kms
By Air
Frequent and daily flights to Veer Savarkar International Airport or Port Blair Airport (IXZ) is another way to reach Havelock Island. This international airport receives flights from all the metropolitan cities of India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, and also from the neighboring countries. From the airport, one has to take the regular government-run ferries to reach the island. You can fly with the following airlines via their direct flights to reach Andaman.
- Distance from Veer Savarkar International Airport. 66 Kms
Frequently Asked Questions About Havelock Island
Q1. Why is Havelock Island famous?
Ans - Havelock Island is famous for its pristine white sand beaches that are amongst the best beaches in Andaman. Radhanagar Beach in Havelock Island was rated as the best beach in Asia and 7th best beach in the world by Times magazine.
Q2. Which is the most beautiful island in Andaman?
Ans - Havelock Island is arguably the most beautiful island in Andaman and Nicobar archipelago as it has the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Q3. How many beaches does Havelock Island have?
Ans - Havelock Island has 7 beaches in its vicinity that are known as Radhanagar Beach, Vijaynagar Beach, Elephant Beach, Kalapathar Beach, Govindnagar Beach, Beach 1, and Beach 2.
Q4. What is the best time to visit Havelock Island?
Ans - The best time to visit Havelock Island is between November and March when the weather is perfect for a beach holiday.
Q5. What is the new name of Havelock Island?
Ans - The new name of Havelock Island is Swaraj Island
