Calm amidst the Chaos: 4 Days in Havelock Island

When to visit:

Weather in Andaman is pleasant and clear for most part of the year though humid. The best time to visit the islands would be in the winter and spring months from September to April. Monsoon arrives early from around May end to mid-September and one might not be able to make the fullest of the tropical island during this time.

COVID-19 Guidelines and Island Transits:

It is compulsory for all travelers to carry a hard copy of negative RT-PCR test report from an ICMR recognized laboratory dated within 48 hours of your arrival to Port Blair. The report will be validated at Port Blair airport upon arrival, once it is stamped tourists can proceed with their travel.

Make sure to securely keep the stamped test report with you since it’ll be checked while you board the ferry and boarding will be denied without it.

For more info, please refer to: https://www.go2andaman.com/covid-19-reopening-andaman-tourism-updates/

Since the union territory has reopened to tourists only in September’20, there are only 2 Government operated ferries and 2 Private ferries operational between islands. Government operated ferries are usually used by locals and doesn’t require any pre booking.

I personally recommend you go for private ferries and make your bookings at least 48 hours prior. Below are 2 private ferries which are currently operational:

Green Ocean: https://tickets.greenoceanseaways.com/portal

Makruzz: https://www.makruzz.com/

The Haddo Jetty in Port Blair is only 6.5 kms away from Veer Savarkar International Airport so travelers can transfer from Port Blair to nearby islands on the same day as well. Be sure to arrive at the jetty at least 45 minutes prior to ferry departure.

Where to go:

Kala Pathar Beach

This a rocky beach and experiences high tides during the day so it’s better to go in the morning. If you follow the road along the beach, you’ll come across a beautiful small village. There are locals selling handmade jewellery, home décor products right outside the beach you can purchase a few things to support local people of the community. 😊

Vijaynagar Beach and Govind Nagar Beach

Both the beaches are right next to each other and are ideal for a beach side picnic and sunbathing. For travellers who are in quest of solace and tranquillity, Vijaynagar and Govind Nagar beaches are the perfect spot.

The azure sky, aquamarine water, and the landmark tree right in the middle of the sea make Vijaynagar beach’s landscape exceptionally beautiful.

Kayaking through Mangrove Forest

Many people are probably not aware of the role 400-year-old Mangrove forest played in the 2004 tsunami or the heavy fine one must pay for cutting down the mangroves. The 2 hours kayaking experience starts with a short training on how to kayak in open waters, followed by taking the kayak ride to the peaceful mangroves. It can get tiring by the end so it’s better to go before noon when the sun is not too bright and carry enough water for hydration.

Sunset at Radhanagar Beach

This is the most famous beach on the island and the most beautiful one. Take a walk barefoot on the silky white sand beach while aqua waves brush against your feet but don’t forget to relish the lush green forest which surrounds the beach. The beach has been rated as Asia’s fourth best beach by TIME magazine.

I loved Radhanagar beach and spent most of my time at this beach. The sunsets on the beach are not be missed and is ideal for a morning walk/run since you can have the beach all to yourself.

Forest Trek to Elephant Beach

Elephant beach is perfect for snorkeling and other water sports. You can either reach the beach through a 30-45 minutes forest trek or a speed boat from the Jetty.

I personally recommend the forest trek since you’ll spot 100-year-old Ash trees, Elephant footprints, Birds, Crabs, Fungi, Touch-me-not plants on your way to the beach and the trek is an easy one. However, it’s better to reach the beach before 12pm i.e., before high tides start, and water gets rough to make the most of the activities you plan to do.

Activities offered include Jet skiing, Banana rides, Sea walking, Snorkeling, Glass Bottom Boats. Refreshments like coconut water and fruits are also available at the beach.

Scuba Diving in Andamans:

Havelock is the ultimate spot for scuba diving, especially for first timers. The underwater marine life is magnificent and so well preserved. Some popular diving reefs are Nemo Reef, The Wall, Tribe Gate and many more. There are various diving centers offering diving certification or single day diving sessions.

I personally recommend 2 PADI authorised diving centres:

DiveIndia: https://diveindia.com/

GypsyDivers: https://gypsydivers.co.in/

Both the diving centers have on shore and offshore diving packages as well as Level 1 and 2 certification packages which also includes accommodation at a very reasonable price.

I did the dive in a reef called Tribe Gate which has a depth of 18m. However, most marine life is between 3m-7m. I went as deep as 9-10m and the maximum depth I could go was 12m (beginner’s level).

I saw way too many fishes and live corals/plants to remember during the 45 minutes dive, but some prominent ones were:

Boxfish, Cuttlefish, Stingrays, Sea Urchins, Shellfish, Giant Clams, Clownfish (hundreds of them), Dory and many more colorful small and medium shoaling/schooling fishes.

Overall, my scuba diving experience was amazing. However, I did notice the corals were dying in the reef I visited which is sad. Hoping to get my level 1 certification soon.

Where to stay and eat:

Most properties in Havelock are by the beach. Few of them are mentioned below:

Budget:

Sunrise Beach Resort

Sense Havelock Resort

Mid Range:

Sea Shell Resort and Spa

Munjoh Ocean Resort

Symphony Palms Beach Resort

Luxury:

Taj Exotica Resort and Spa

The Barefoot at Havelock

Havelock mostly has budget-mid range restaurants, but the food is to die for. Below mentioned are must visit eateries at the island:

Full Moon Café

Golden Spoon (awesome crab)

Bonova Café and Pub

Getting around:

The island is small, and it doesn’t take more than 30 minutes to go from one end of the island to the other. Travelers can rent a motorbike or car in the island to go around.

The trip to Havelock Island was my first since the pandemic and I couldn’t be happier that I chose to come here. The island is far from the chaos of everyday life and makes you want to stay there forever.

A large part of the island is still inhabited and forests, wildlife are all untouched and well preserved. While I encourage everyone to visit this exquisite island, I hope we can all travel responsibly and protect the environment and the island.

I hope when I go back in a few years, the island is as raw and virgin as it is now.