Havelock

Havelock Island, officially known as Swaraj Dweep, is one of the most famous destinations of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Havelock is famous for its clean, clear waters, lush green forests, and soft white beaches that are comparable to other top beaches in the world. It’s a dream destination for beach lovers, honeymooners, and even adventure lovers. Havelock is named after British General Sir Henry Havelock, but after independence, it was renamed Swaraj Dweep to honour India’s freedom movement.

Let’s talk about all the irresistible reasons that make Havelock Island a major part of all Andaman tour packages, offering the best of adventure and gorgeous scenery. Tourists from all over the world come here to experience the unmatched beauty of beaches like Radhanagar and Elephant Beach, famous for snorkelling, scuba diving, and glass-bottom boat rides. The island is less commercialised than other destinations, which makes it perfect for a calm and relaxing holiday. If you’re chasing waves, capturing memories, or soaking in golden sunsets, Havelock makes every visitor happy.

Best Time to Visit Havelock

The best time to visit Havelock is from October to May, when the weather is pleasant, and the sea is calm, making it ideal for water sports and sightseeing. These months offer clear skies, moderate temperatures, and low humidity, perfect for outdoor activities like snorkelling and scuba diving.

Monsoons (June to September) bring heavy rainfall and high tides, which may restrict ferry services and adventure sports. Visiting during winter and early summer ensures you can fully enjoy the beaches, sunsets, and vibrant marine life without weather interruptions, making your trip truly memorable.

How to Reach Havelock

Havelock Tourism has grown significantly over the years. Havelock is an island and is well-connected to Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Most travellers arrive at Port Blair first and then take a ferry or cruise to Havelock.

1. By Air: There’s no direct airport on Havelock Island. You need to fly to Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair from major Indian cities like Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, or Bangalore.
2. By Sea: To reach Havelock Island by sea, passenger ships run by the Shipping Corporation of India, and operate between mainland India and Port Blair from Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam. These are the only cities with direct sea connectivity. These ships take about 3–4 days, depending on the route and weather. Once at Port Blair, you can catch a ferry to Havelock Island, which takes around 90 minutes.

Places to Visit in Havelock

Here are some of the top places to visit in Havelock:

1. Radhanagar Beach: One of Asia’s best beaches, perfect for sunset views, swimming, and long walks on soft white sand.
2. Elephant Beach: Famous for snorkelling and coral reef exploration. You can also try glass-bottom boat rides here.
3. Kalapathar Beach: A serene and less crowded beach with striking black rocks, ideal for photography and picnics.
4. Vijaynagar Beach: Known for its calm waters, making it great for swimming and relaxing under coconut trees.
5. Scuba Diving Sites: Explore rich marine biodiversity with guided scuba diving at sites like Aquarium and Turtle Beach.