Havelock Island

Situated in the Bay of Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar islands is a group of big and small picturesque islands and Havelock Island is one of the most tourist favourite Islands of Andaman and Nicobar Chain. It is situated 57 km North East of Capital City Port Blair.

The colorful features of this island, such as lush greenery, palm fringed white sandy beaches stretching along the Bay of Bengal, turquoise waters, mangroves, vast marine species, dense forests etc attracts many visitors. The Island is visited by more than one lakh tourists every year.

Comprises an area of 113.93 km2, Havelock is the largest of the islands which comprise Ritchie's Archipelago a chain of islands to the east of Great Andaman in the Andaman Islands. It is one among the few inhabited islands of Andaman & Nicobar. The population of this island is 5,354 as of the census of 2001.

Named after Mr. Henry Havelock, a British colonial time General in the region, the island's current population mostly by Bengali and Myanmar immigrants.

The must visit Havelock Island had become the hub of Andaman tourism, attracting national and international hotel chains to open their resorts at Havelock.

Some of the main attractions of Havelock Island Vijay Nagar Beach and Radha Nagar Beach are recipients of A rating from the World Tourism Organization (WTO). Also, the Radha Nagar beach is rated among top ten beaches of the world by TIMES magazine a few years back. Elephant Beach is famous for its coral reefs and rich aquatic life.

Water sports like Premium scuba diving and snorkeling are the highlights of Havelock Island. Another activites are are trekking, island camping, kayaking, sailing, jet ski and bump ride, etc.

Havelock is a major tourist destination owing to its rich marine life, white sand beaches and dense evergreen forests.

The best time to visit Havelock Island is between December and April as it is best suited for diving. Note: People with certain medical conditions like heart disease, asthma, diabetes etc. should avoid this activity. Divers need to spend a minimum amount of time on land before and after diving. This varies with the time and depth spent underwater.

Eventhough, shopping options in Havelock Island are limited, tourists can shop for traditional island crafts like shell jewellery, woodcraft like bowls, trays, walking sticks, coconut shell lamp shades, Nicobaree mats and bamboo cane craft etc.

Some of the main attractions of Havelock Island are;

Kala Patthar Beach

It is one of the few places that the administration of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands union territory of India has permitted and encouraged development of tourism, with a focus on promoting eco-tourism.

Radha Nagar Beach

Undoubtedly one of the best beaches of Andaman Islands, Radhanagar is a great place to spend some quality time with family and friends. It is situated 12 km from Havelock's ferry pier. Also known as Beach No. 7 it's white sand, turquoise blue waters etc which makes this beach as the "Best Beach in Asia" by Time in 2004. The markets near the Radha Nagar beach is too good. One can get local fruits, and dishes too. Scooters are available for rent for young enthusiast to explore the island.

It has an overall length of 2 km and width of 30-40 meters.

The beach is perfect for couples who want to enjoy private moments. There are a plethora of adventurous activities on Radha Nagar Beach like Scuba Diving, Snorkelling, Game Fishing, Sunbathing, Swimming and many more that attracts tourists. Radhanagar Beach also provides the best glimpses of sunset.

Vijaynagar Beach

Also known as beach no 5, it is popularly known for relaxing and refreshing environment. Situated on the eastern side of Havelock island it is believed to be an undeveloped paradise, where tourists can enjoy long and peaceful walk along the beach.

Other notable beaches include Elephant Beach on the northwest coast, Beach No. 3 and Beach No. 1 on the east coast.