Sometimes, the most beautiful destinations are those we don’t plan for. Havelock Island is the perfect example. While exploring a map of India, we stumbled upon this archipelago in the middle of the Bay of Bengal: the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Little-known and rarely featured in typical itineraries, they immediately caught our curiosity. The idea of discovering an island few people talk about felt as exciting as it was refreshing.

So, before heading to northern India, we adjusted our plans and improvised a trip to these remote lands. We were eager to see a different side of India, far from the hustle and bustle of the major cities, and Havelock truly lived up to its promise. White sandy beaches, turquoise waters, dense jungle, and a peaceful vibe—everything here contrasts with the energy of the mainland. A perfect escape before diving into an entirely different landscape.

How to Get to Havelock Island?

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands consist of over 500 islands, but only a few are accessible to travelers. Among them, Havelock Island is one of the most popular, known for its idyllic beaches, crystal-clear waters, and pristine nature. Located in the Andaman archipelago, Havelock Island is only accessible via Port Blair, the capital of the islands. Here are the main options for reaching this little paradise:

• By Air: The quickest 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’s Veer Savarkar International Airport.

• By Ferry: From Port Blair, you’ll need to take a ferry to reach Havelock Island. Several companies operate this route, with journeys taking around 2 to 3 hours depending on the type of boat (regular ferry or faster catamaran).

Whether by air or sea, arriving at Havelock Island marks the start of an escape from the hustle and bustle of mainland India, to a tropical setting still untouched by mass tourism.

Best Time to Visit Havelock Island

The best time to visit Havelock Island is from November to April. During these months, the weather is pleasant, with moderate temperatures and low rainfall. This is the perfect time to enjoy the idyllic beaches, explore the underwater world through diving or snorkeling, and take excursions into the lush nature of the island.

Outside this period, the monsoon season (from May to September) brings heavy rains and rough seas, which can limit some activities and make ferry crossings more difficult.

Getting Around Havelock Island

To explore Havelock Island, several transportation options are available:

• Scooter: By far the most convenient and economical option. Renting a scooter allows you to travel freely around the island without worrying about schedules. The roads are generally in good condition, and traffic is light, making the experience enjoyable.

• Taxi: Although available, taxis are a more expensive and less flexible alternative to scooter rental. They remain a comfortable option for those who prefer not to drive.

• Bicycle: If you enjoy cycling, renting a bike can be a great way to explore the island at a slower pace. However, some distances may feel long under the tropical heat.

• Bus: There is a local bus service, but its limited frequency and restricted route make it less practical for free movement around the island.

Where to Stay on Havelock Island?

Havelock Island offers a variety of accommodations, from luxury hotels to more affordable guesthouses. However, there are no hostels on the island, which might limit options for solo travelers or those on a tight budget.

During our stay, we chose Havelock Harmony Resort, one of the more affordable options available. Its main advantage is its strategic location near Radhanagar Beach, one of the island’s most beautiful beaches. However, the experience was mixed: the rooms were very basic, the bathroom lacked cleanliness, and the hospitality was not particularly warm. If you're looking for an affordable and well-located accommodation, it can do the trick, but don’t expect exceptional service.

What to Do on Havelock Island?

Havelock Island offers a wealth of must-do activities to fully enjoy its idyllic landscapes and crystal-clear waters.

• Scuba Diving: The coral reefs of the Andaman Islands are some of the most beautiful in the world, offering exceptional biodiversity. We dove with Blue Coral Center for around €70 for two dives, and the experience was unforgettable! The team was not only friendly and highly professional, but we were also fortunate enough to have the boat all to ourselves that day. It was a magical immersion in a fascinating underwater world.

• Snorkeling: If scuba diving isn't your thing, snorkeling is a fantastic alternative to explore the marine life of this little paradise. The crystal-clear waters are teeming with tropical fish, starfish, and occasionally even turtles. Many dive centers offer guided excursions, particularly to Neil Island, where the coral reefs are renowned for their pristine beauty.

• Jungle Trekking: Havelock isn't just about its beaches! For nature lovers and trekkers, there are hikes through the dense jungle that reveal fascinating wildlife and flora. However, it's strongly recommended not to venture alone, as the vegetation can be thick and some trails are hard to follow. Opting for a guided tour is a safer and more enriching way to experience this lush environment.

• Beach Relaxation: Havelock Island is famous for its idyllic beaches, and Radhanagar Beach is undoubtedly the most famous. Its white sand and turquoise waters create the perfect setting to unwind... but beware of swimming! The island is home to crocodiles, and there have been incidents reported on this beach. To stay safe, it's best to avoid swimming here, even though it might be disappointing.

👉 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 it's better to go during high tide to avoid the rocks.

• Sunset away from the crowd: While swimming is not recommended, Radhanagar Beach is still an incredible spot to watch the sunset. However, we noticed that locals tend to gather in the same area, following an almost subconscious crowd movement. It seems they aren't very adventurous! On several occasions, we simply walked away from the "mass" of people, and it only took a short 200-meter stroll to find a quiet, peaceful spot. For a more intimate experience, walk to the right of the beach to reach a small hidden cove, much more serene. A magical moment far from the tourist hustle!

Where to eat?

Havelock Island is the perfect destination to indulge in dishes made with freshly caught fish and seafood. Here are two spots we highly recommend for an authentic and delicious culinary experience:

• Café 4: A great café/restaurant in Havelock. The food is tasty, and the atmosphere is really pleasant. A special mention goes to their baked yogurt, a creamy and delightful dessert!

• 3 Brothers Sea Food Restaurant: A modest yet fantastic little eatery. The seafood is ultra-fresh, prepared simply (and not too spicy, which can be a bonus for some), and the staff is exceptionally attentive.

Our opinion on Havelock

Havelock Island was a wonderful discovery! We loved that the island remains largely untouched by mass tourism. Most visitors were young Indian honeymooners, with very few foreign tourists. The island is wild, surrounded by crystal-clear beaches, and covered in lush vegetation. We also enjoyed the local cuisine, especially the fresh fish and seafood, which were absolutely delicious.

In contrast to mainland India, often described as noisy and overwhelming, Havelock offers a peaceful and laid-back atmosphere. The local population is very calm, and we felt completely safe throughout our stay. It's the perfect destination for a break after an intense journey through India. If you're planning to visit the country, it might be wise to include Havelock at the end of your itinerary to escape the hustle and bustle and finish your trip in a serene setting, far from the noise and chaos of the big cities.