Sometimes, the most beautiful destinations are the ones you don’t plan for. Havelock, Andaman, is the perfect example. While exploring the map around India, we came across this remote archipelago in the middle of the Bay of Bengal: the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Little known and rarely mentioned in classic itineraries, they immediately caught our attention. The idea of discovering an island that few people talk about felt as exciting as it was disorienting.
So, before heading to northern India, we changed our plans and improvised this trip to these isolated lands. We were curious to see another side of India, far from the bustle of the big cities, and Havelock delivered on all its promises. White sandy beaches, turquoise waters, dense jungle, and a peaceful atmosphere: everything here contrasts with the energy of the mainland. A beautiful moment of serenity before moving on to a completely different setting.
How to get to Havelock Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?
The Andaman and Nicobar archipelago is made up of over 500 islands, but only a handful are accessible to travelers. Among them, Havelock Island is one of the most well-known and loved for its paradisiacal beaches, crystal-clear waters, and unspoiled nature. Located in the Andaman Islands, Havelock Island can only be reached via Port Blair, the capital of the islands. Here are the main ways to reach this little paradise:
- By plane: The fastest and most convenient way to reach the Andaman Islands is to take a domestic flight from major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, or Kolkata. All flights land at Port Blair Airport (Veer Savarkar International Airport).
- By boat: From Port Blair, you need to take a ferry to reach Havelock Island. Several companies operate this route, with journeys lasting around 2 to 3 hours depending on the type of boat (classic ferry or faster catamaran).
Whether by air or by sea, arriving at Havelock Island marks the start of an escape from the hustle and bustle of mainland India, into a still-pristine tropical setting.
What is the best season to visit the island?
The ideal time to discover Havelock Island is from November to April. During these months, the climate is pleasant, with moderate temperatures and low rainfall. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the paradisiacal beaches, explore the underwater world through diving or snorkeling, and take excursions in the island’s lush nature.
Outside of this period, the monsoon season (May to September) brings heavy rains and rougher seas, which can limit certain activities and make ferry crossings more difficult.
How to get around Havelock?
Several transportation options are available to explore Havelock Island:
- Bus: There is a local bus service, but its limited frequency and restricted routes make it less practical for moving around freely.
- Scooter: By far the most practical and economical option. Renting a scooter allows you to move freely around the island without being constrained by schedules. Roads are generally in good condition, and traffic is light, making the experience enjoyable.
- Bicycle: If you enjoy cycling, renting a bike can be a pleasant way to explore the island at a slower pace. However, some distances can be long under the tropical sun.
- Taxi: Available but more expensive and less flexible than a scooter rental. Taxis remain a comfortable option for those who don’t want to drive.
Where to stay on Havelock?
Havelock Island offers a variety of accommodations, ranging from high-end hotels to more economical guesthouses. However, there are no hostels on the island, which can limit options for solo travelers or those on a tight budget.
We stayed at Havelock Harmony Resort, one of the more affordable options available. Its main advantage is its strategic location, close to Radhanagar Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. However, the experience was mixed: the rooms were very basic, the bathroom lacked cleanliness, and the welcome was not particularly warm. If you’re looking for budget accommodation in a good location, it can work, but don’t expect exceptional service.
What to do on Havelock, Andaman?
Havelock Island is full of must-do activities to fully enjoy its paradisiacal landscapes and crystal-clear waters.
Dive into crystal-clear waters
The coral reefs of the Andaman Islands are among the most beautiful in the world, offering exceptional biodiversity. We went diving with the Blue Coral Center for around €70 for two dives, and the experience was unforgettable! The team was not only lovely and very professional, but we were also lucky to have the boat just for the two of us that day. A magical immersion into a fascinating underwater world.”
Explore the underwater world through snorkeling
If scuba diving isn’t your thing, snorkeling is an excellent alternative to discover the marine life of this little paradise. The crystal-clear waters are full of tropical fish, starfish, and sometimes even turtles. Many dive centers offer guided excursions, including trips to Neil Island, where the coral reefs are renowned for their pristine beauty.
Hike through Havelock Island’s lush jungle
Havelock, Andaman, is not just about beaches! For nature and trekking enthusiasts, hikes through the dense jungle allow you to discover fascinating flora and fauna. However, it is strongly discouraged to go alone, as the vegetation is thick and some trails are difficult to follow. It’s better to choose a guided tour, which ensures a safer and more rewarding experience.
Enjoy the island’s paradisiacal beaches
Havelock Island is famous for its stunning beaches, and Radhanagar Beach is undoubtedly the most famous. Its white sand and turquoise waters make it an idyllic setting, perfect for relaxing… but be careful if you plan to swim! The island is home to crocodiles, and incidents have already been reported on this beach. To avoid any risk, it’s best to refrain from swimming here, as frustrating as that may be.
👉 Where to swim safely? Head to Kala Pathar Beach on the other side of the island. The water is just as beautiful and safe, but choose high tide to avoid the rocks.
Admire the sunset away from the crowd
Although swimming is not recommended, Radhanagar Beach remains an incredible spot to watch the sunset. However, we noticed that locals tend to stay grouped in the same area, unconsciously following the crowd. Several times, we simply walked away from this “mass,” and sometimes just 200 meters further was enough to find ourselves alone in a peaceful, untouched setting. For an even more intimate experience, walk to the right of the beach until you reach a small hidden cove, much quieter. A magical moment far from the tourist bustle!
Where to taste local specialties on Havelock Island?
Havelock Island is an ideal destination to enjoy dishes made with freshly caught fish and seafood. Here are two places we recommend for an authentic and flavorful culinary experience:
- Café 4: An excellent café/restaurant on Havelock. The food is tasty, and the setting is very pleasant. A particular favorite is the baked yogurt, a soft and delicious dessert!
- 3 Brothers Sea Food Restaurant: A small, unpretentious eatery but delicious. The seafood is extremely fresh, cooked simply (and lightly spiced, which can be a real plus for some), and the staff is very attentive.
Our opinion on Havelock, Andaman – a natural gem of the archipelago
Havelock, Andaman, was a wonderful discovery! We loved that the island is still largely untouched by mass tourism. Most visitors were young Indian honeymooners, with very few foreign tourists. The island is wild, lined with crystal-clear beaches, and covered with lush vegetation. We also enjoyed the local cuisine, particularly the fresh fish and seafood, which were delicious.
Unlike mainland India, often described as noisy and overwhelming, Havelock offers a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. The local population is very calm, and we felt completely safe throughout our stay. It’s an ideal destination for a break after an intense journey across India. If you plan to visit the country, it can be wise to include Havelock toward the end of your itinerary to escape the hustle and bustle and finish your trip smoothly, away from the noise and energy of the big cities.
Manon – Trip completed in February 2024
