If you are planning a trip to the Andaman Islands, you can definitely not miss visiting Havelock Island, its largest island. Initially named after the British General Henry Havelock, the island is now called Swaraj Dweep. The beautiful coral reefs, gorgeous sunsets, and picturesque views make it a paradise on Earth.
With white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters, Havelock Island has become a popular tourist destination. As a matter of fact, it is home to several alluring beaches. With so many famous places to visit, it can be difficult to choose. Thus, in order to help you out, we have picked the 10 best places that you can visit during your time here.
What are we waiting for? Let’s jump right to the details!
- Elephant Beach
The magnificent coral reefs at the Elephant Beach of Havelock Island offer visitors a perfect holiday destination. You’d be amazed to see that these coral reefs are located at a depth of just a meter from the beach. Even though it is a public peach, it is not open all day. Hence, you must consider visiting during the first half of the day.
Ideal duration: 3 to 4 hours
Activities you can perform: Kayaking, fishing, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, bird watching, and trekking
Best time to visit: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Radhanagar Beach
Popularly known as the best beach on the continent, Radhanagar Beach is a 2-kilometer-long, crescent-shaped beach. Its high carrying capacity as well as the silver sand make it a famous tourist spot. The long stretch of the beach is what offers people a lot of space and privacy. If you are on a honeymoon, you can spend some quality time with your partner here. And if you are traveling with your family or friends, you can simply spend time reading a book while sipping a drink. The quiet and calm will help you relax.
Besides, there are several kinds of accommodations here, ranging from 5-star resorts to budget-friendly hotels. So irrespective of how much you are willing to spend on the hotel, you can stay close to the beach. Imagine waking up to the sound of waves and then taking a morning walk as the light breeze soothes you.
Ideal duration: 2 to 3 hours
Activities you can perform: Boating, parasailing, and scuba diving
Best time to visit: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Sitapur Beach
If you are visiting Havelock Island, you must visit Neil Island as well. It is located just 40 kilometers from Havelock and can be reached by ferry. The island has more of a laid-back vibe. Since the widest part is around 5 kilometers, walking across the island will take nearly 2 hours.
On Neil Island, you can spend time relaxing on Sitapur Beach. An expanse of glimmering sands, this beach is popularly called Sunrise Beach. If you visit the place, you will be signing yourself up for views of purple sunsets, orange sunrises, and tall palm trees. Besides, it is comparatively less crowded than other beaches so you will get to spend a lot of quality time here. Suit yourself to rejuvenate away from the hustle and bustle of the busy cities.
Ideal duration: 2 to 3 hours
Activities you can perform: Swimming, sunbathing, and nature walks
Best time to visit: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Vijay Nagar Beach
Vijay Nagar Beach is the ideal place for your Gram-worthy pictures. The picturesque place is popular among nature enthusiasts as well as adventure lovers. The crystal clear waters are a treat to the eyes and ideal for water sports. So whether you are a wildlife photographer, an adventure buff, a honeymooner, or a vacationer, do not forget to add the beach to your itinerary.
Ideal duration: The whole day
Activities you can perform: Bird-watching, deep sea diving, snorkeling, surfriding, kayaking, trekking, fishing, wildlife photography, swimming, and beach hiking
Best time to visit: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Bharatpur Beach
As we said earlier, Neil Island is a must-visit place for travelers visiting Havelock Island. And if we are being honest, sightseeing in Havelock Island is incomplete without a visit to Bharatpur Beach. The pristine beach is perfect for water sports adventure and exploration. Participate in activities like kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkeling during your visit. The serene ambiance will leave you awestruck.
The best part is that Bharatpur Beach is never crowded, even during the peak season. So you can spend time doing yoga, reading a book, or enjoying a snack. Compared to the neighboring islands, Neil Island is warmer. So, during your holiday here, do not forget to apply sunscreen.
Ideal duration: 1 to 2 hours
Activities you can perform: Scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and exploring the beach
Best time to visit: 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Kala Pathar Beach
As the name of the beach suggests, Kala Pathar Beach offers a marvelous contrast of black boulders against white sand beaches. The crystal blue waters simply add to the spectacular sight. Needless to say, such an ambiance makes the picture-perfect background. Additionally, it provides a mesmerizing view of the Bay of Bengal.
If you are visiting with your family, you can celebrate a picnic and play volleyball or build sandcastles with the young ones. Further, the clear waters are ideal for a swim during noon.
Ideal duration: 2 to 3 hours
Activities you can perform: Picnicking, swimming, and sunbathing
Best time to visit: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Govind Nagar Beach
Govind Nagar Beach is among the most tranquil places you will visit on Havelock Island. If you are looking for something other than simply relaxing at the beach, you can go for exciting water sports activities here.
What’s more, near the beach, you will find a breathtaking lighthouse. Not only is it the perfect spot for clicking several pictures but it is also the best place to gaze at the island’s beauty. You can go here at the time of sunset so you get to witness all the beautiful shades of the sky from a higher point.
Ideal duration: 4 to 5 hours
Activities you can perform: Snorkeling, scuba diving, and beach walking
Best time to visit: It is the visitor’s choice.
- Market 3
You are going on a vacation and do not bring back anything new home? Impossible.
Market 3 is a popular shopping destination on Havelock Island. This beach market comprises a number of stalls and shops for beach essentials, swimwear, jewelry, and fancy items. Here, Seven Heaven is famous for its designer apparel and clothing.
So you can not only shop items that you will be using during your holiday but you can also buy gifts for your loved ones back home. You can find a wide variety of jewelry made from wood and sea shells.
Some shops at Market 3 also sell fish, fruits, and vegetables.
Ideal duration: 2 to 3 hours
Activities you can perform: Shopping
Best time to visit: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (The market is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
- Barren Island
As the name of the island suggests, Barren Island is not inhabited by humans. In fact, it does not encourage human settlements at all. This is because it is home to the only active volcano in Southeast Asia. The island is situated between the Burmese and the Indian plates.
Even though Barren Island poses some risks, the diverse biotic life attracts tourists close for sightseeing by air. Needless to say, visitors are required to obtain a permit before doing so.
Ideal duration: The duration is dependent on the aerial schedule
Activities you can perform: Aerial sightseeing
Best time to visit: During the daytime
- Neil’s Cove
Neil’s Cove or Bhagya’s Cove is a lagoon made of lush green vegetation and enclosed coral reefs. It is situated in Govind Nagar, which is northwest of Radhanagar Beach. You can add this place to your itinerary on the same day as Radhanagar Beach since it’s barely a walk of 15 minutes.
The secluded and clear place may even offer you the opportunity of looking at the sea’s wild side. The sharp crocodiles present here make it a bit risky. Hence, it is recommended you do not visit at the time of dawn or dusk. Nonetheless, the place is an incredible and magnificent place for videography and photography. This is the reason why bloggers and influencers must visit the place for the rare captures of exotic and wild marine creatures.
Ideal duration: 3 to 4 hours
Activities you can perform: Relax at the beach, witness beautiful rock formations, and see marine creatures.
Best time to visit: In the morning when the tide is low.
Which Places Are You Going to Visit?
We know that reading this blog would have made you feel overwhelmed. There are so many beautiful places to visit on Havelock Island and we hope you make the most out of them. After all, visiting these places will give you a wonderful memory of a lifetime.
