If you wish to have an unforgettable tropical getaway experience, you should not miss out on a visit to Havelock Island. It is in Andaman, and it would not be an overstatement to say that it is a hidden gem. The island offers something special for every kind of tourist visiting the Andaman Islands. Before you plan your visit to this island, you should gain some insights. This blog post discusses everything you should know about it to plan your trip.
Havelock Island – An Introduction
Can you imagine walking on white, soft, sandy beaches? Would you love to watch crystal-clear blue waters sparkling under the sun during your walk? If your answer to these questions is affirmative, you can plan a visit to Havelock Island.
If you love beaches and adventure activities you will undoubtedly enjoy your trip to this island.
History of Havelock Island
This island was named after Sir Henry Havelock. He was a British General during the Colonial Era in this region. Initially, the island was inhabited by the indigenuous people of the Andaman Islands. However, later settlers from mainland India arrived on this island.
Over the years, Havelock Island has transformed from an isolated landmark into a major tourist attraction. Even though it has gained popularity and attracts tourists in large numbers, it has not lost its natural beauty. It continues to provide a serene escape for tourists from across India and abroad.
In December 2018, the prime minister of India renamed Havelock Island Swaraj Dweep. This renaming was done to honour Subhas Chandra Bose, who hosted the Indian Flag at Port Blair in 1943. Apart from hosting the flag, he proclaimed that Andaman and Nicobar Islands were liberated from British Rule.
How to Reach Havelock Island?
As Havelock is an island, you cannot reach it directly by bus or car. Read on to gain more insights on how to reach the island.
By Bus
If you prefer a bus trip, you can travel by bus to reach cities like Chennai or Kolkata. From these cities, you can travel by a flight to reach Port Blair. Finally, you should take a ferry to reach Havelock.
By Flight
If you prefer air travel, the nearest airport to Havelock is the Veer Savarkar International Airport, located in Port Blair. Many airlines operate daily flights to Port Blair from cities like Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, and Delhi. You will have to take a ferry from Port Blair to reach the island.
By Train
If you wish to travel by train from your hometown, you can reach cities like Kolkata or Chennai by train. From these cities, you will have to take a flight to reach Port Blair. Again, from Port Blair, a ferry ride is important to reach Havelock.
By Car
No, you cannot reach Havelock by car. Also, you cannot travel to Port Blair by car. The only option available is to take a ship from a mainland port like Vizag, Kolkata or Chennai. Otherwise, you can fly to Port Blair. Thereafter, you will have to take a ferry trip to reach Havelock.
By Ferry
Government ferries operated by the Directorate of Shipping Services connect Port Blair to Havelock every day. You can visit the website of Andaman State Unit to know the schedule of ferries. Also, private luxury boat operators operate a ferry to Havelock every day from Port Blair. Similarly, the Department of A & N of Civil Aviation Department of Government of India operates a regular seaplane service from Port Blair to Havelock.
Key Attractions & Things to Do
If you love water sports and adventure activities, you have a lot of things to do in Havelock Island.
Things to Do
Engage in Game Fishing
Are you an angler? If so, Havelock Island offers a lot of opportunities for Game Fishing. You can spend hours on these adventure activities.
Take a Sea Walk
Elephant Beach is one of the key attractions in Havelock Island. When you are at this beach, you can engage in a sea walk. This adventure activity will give you a unique experience. During this activity, you will descend to the ocean floor while wearing a helmet specially designed to let you comfortably breathe. Above all, you can walk on the sandy seabed to watch incredible marine life up close. With this activity, you can gather memories that will last for your lifetime.
Take A Kayaking Tour
Havelock Island is surrounded by Mangrove forests. Embarking on a kayaking adventure through these forests is an experience to get. You can paddle through calm waters and experience the unique ecosystem of the island. When kayaking, you have a chance to spot unique birds. When you kayak at night, you can watch the magical bioluminescence phenomenon.
Snorkelling Adventure
Again, Elephant Beach in Havelock is a favourite destination for snorkelling enthusiasts. This beach is popular for many water activities and coral reefs.
Scuba Diving
Havelock is popular for its unique scuba diving experiences. You can dive into the crystal clear waters and discover vibrant coral reefs. Also, when you engage in this activity, you can get a glimpse of underwater rock formations and exotic marine life. Many diving centres on the island offer guided dives and even courses for both newbies and experienced divers.
Visit the Elephant Training Camps
Havelock is known for log-carrying elephants. You can see elephants working in the forest. You can see them swimming and bathing in the sea. But remember that watching elephants is an activity that can take a lot of your hours. The reason is that most of us lose ourselves watching elephants.
Key Attractions
Now, you know that you have a lot of water activities to engage in on Havelock Island. Also, the island houses some key attractions that you should not miss out on during your visit:
Kalapather Beach
You will have to travel by a jetty to reach this beach, located around 12 km from Havelock Island. This beach is slowly gaining popularity among tourists. So, you cannot expect many facilities around this beach.
Elephant Beach
This is one of the stunning beaches on Havelock Island. You can reach this beach by small boats that cruise through the dark blue sea. Otherwise, you can also trek from the forest camp on the way to Radhanagar Beach. When you trek, it will take around 45 minutes to reach the beach. On this beach, glass-bottom boats are operated to help visitors watch the underwater coral. Indeed, many activities like Sea Walk and snorkelling are available on this beach.
Vijaynagar Beach
This beach is located on the east coast of the island. The beach, with its large mahua trees, is an ideal spot for long walks along the seashore. The key attraction of this beach is the tongues of colour in its water.
Best Time & Season To Visit
The best time to visit Havelock Island is between October and May. The sea will be calm during this season for water activities. Also, you can expect pleasant weather conditions. The monsoon season between June and September experiences heavy rainfall. Heavy rains can hinder your exploration. So, it is better to avoid the monsoon season.
Duration To See
You can plan a three to four-day itinerary to explore the island. If you love scuba diving and wish to learn it, you might want to extend your stay on this island for underwater exploration.
Best Restaurants & Cafes Around
- Something Different
- Red Snapper
- Welcome Restaurant
- Full Moon Café
- Bonova Café and Pub
- Nemo Café
Where to Stay? Best Resorts
- Eco Villa Palm Beach Resort
- Symphony Palms Beach Resort
- Blue Bird Resort
- SeaShell Havelock
- Taj Exotica Resort & Spa
- Barefoot at Havelock
- Sandy Wavess Beach Resort
Entry Fee & Ticket Prices
Most beaches on the island permit free entry to visitors. You will have to pay for water activities. Also, you will have to buy tickets to travel on the ferries.
FAQ
How Can I Travel Within Havelock Island?
To travel within the island, you can find local buses. Also, you can find taxis. You also have the option to hire a two-wheeler to explore the island fully.
Can I Find Resorts Close to a Beach?
Yes, you can find beachfront resorts in Havelock Island. You can spend time watching the beauty of the beaches from your accommodation itself.
Has Internet Connectivity in Havelock Island Improved?
Yes, internet connectivity on the island has improved. The reason is that an undersea cable from Chennai to Port Blair has been laid. Also, mobile networks like BSNL and Airtel are available on the island.
Conclusion
It should be stated that Havelock Island is a tropical paradise. It offers a combination of breathtaking landscapes, serenity and adventure. You might be a couple or a solo traveller. You might be a family looking for a relaxing vacation. All these types of travellers will enjoy spending two or three days in Havelock. Plan your trip, and you can get ready for the best experience.
Check out my other posts:
The Ultimate 7-Day Andaman & Nicobar Islands Itinerary To Discover Paradise
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