When I think about paradise, I imagine emerald opaque waters with white sandy beaches, lush green forests, mesmerising beauty and Insta-worthy scenes. I found this paradise in our very own country in Havelock Island in the Andamans.
A part of the Ritchie’s Archipelago in the Andamans, the beautiful island is famous for all the above and much more. With marvellous coral reefs, wonderful marine life, and crystal clear waters- Havelock is a tropical paradise.
It is also famed for its laid-back resorts, diving sites, and mouth-watering food and is a haven for environment lovers.
While you are here, find below 12 activities you simply cannot miss.
1. Go Snorkelling at Kalapathar Beach or Elephant Beach
Offering calm blue crystal clear shallow waters these beaches are an amazing spot for snorkelers. The reefs are in pristine condition.
Average Cost: Rs.600 per person.
2. Indulge in Water Sports like Parasailing, Kayaking in Elephant Beach or North Bay Beach.
Getting to witness the vast rainforest and the blue sea from the birds-eye view or sailing through the pristine waters, water sports are a must-do if you are in the Havelock Islands.
Average Cost: Rs.3500 per person
3. Indulge the trekker in you on a Jungle trek.
With spectacular views and thick forest canopy- Havelock has some of the best trails to explore. Mount Harriet, Chidiya Tapu (Munda Pahad), Elephanta Beach, Saddle Peak and Alfred Caves are some of the most famous routes you can explore.
4. Experience a Gastronomical delight with the seafood options available.
Havelock serves you the best of the fresh sea food especially near the jetty and Govindnagar area. Some must try places are : Fat Martins Cafe, Bonova Cafe and Full Moon Cafe.
5. Watch the glorious sunrise at Kalapathar Beach and Sunset at Radhanagar Beach
You simply cannot miss the gorgeousness of these can you?
Here is a detailed guide for Radhanagar Beach (Havelock Island), Andaman
6. Go visit an Active Volcano At the Barren Island
Take a ferry to this active volcano in the Barren Island which was dormant for a long time, but in the year 1991 it experienced a major explosion. Tourists can also enjoy scuba diving here, as the region is home to a great variety of exotic aquatic life.
7. Experience Paradise in the best beaches of India.
Pristine crystal clear beaches will welcome you in Havelock. Some of them are Vijaynagar Beach, Long Island, Laxmanpur Beach, Guitar Island Beach, Bharatpur Beach.
8. Scuba Diving
The underwater coastal belts surrounding Havelock Island is home to one of the densest ecosystem of coral reefs and formations enclosed enclosed by long stretches of reefs, usually several hundred meters wide and separated by the shore with shallow waters and glorified by volcanic lava hills.
Average Cost: Rs.6000- 40,000 per person depending on certification and duration.
9. Take a sunset cruise to enjoy the best of the Indian Ocean
Start a mystic journey from the Havelock Jetty on exclusive sunset cruises with drinks and snacks, some music and mesmerizing sunset view amidst the sea while witnessing some amazing corals and marine life.
Average Cost: Rs.1800 onwards.
10. Indulge the bird watcher in you with a bird watching tour.
Home to more than 280 bird species, Havelock will surprise you with migratory and endemic birds. You can enjoy bird photography amidst mangroves reservoirs and forests.
Average Cost: Rs.1100 onwards.
11. Do not miss out on Game fishing
Fishing is one of the most leisure activities in Havelock due to the biodiversity in the islands. You will find various species of fishes sometimes exceeding more than 50 kgs in weight and up to 3.1 meters in length, which is a wonder in itself.
Average Cost: Rs. 13,000 per person for four hours.
12. Glass Bottom Boat Ride in Havelock Island is a must do.
Havelock Island have the best marine life, especially the coral reefs and what better than to explore them in a dolphin-shaped boat which is completely made of glass at the bottom? View colourful beings hiding in the kaleidoscopic coral reefs while in the safety of the boat with drinks and views to die for!
Average Cost: Rs. 600/- for 60 minutes.
Note- They are exclusively available during February and April.
Best Time to Visit Havelock:
While tourist visits Havelock Island throughout the year, the best time to visit is between October to March.
How to Reach Havelock:
The only way to reach Havelock Island for tourists is by sea. You can take a air conditioned catamaran ferry, which takes only 90 minutes from Port Blair.
Prices start at Rs. 900 /- person for catamaran ferry.
Note: Book your tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons. Tickets can also be booked online. Do check the ferry timings in advance.
Here are the things you shouldn't miss out when in Port Blair!
Hotels around Havelock:
Here is the only stay guide you would need for the Best Hotels, Resorts and Airbnb Stays in Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) in the Andamans.
Let us know when you are visiting this surreal island.
Follow me on Instagram and explore this world through my eyes!
Ready to travel for free? Earn Credits and redeem them on Tripoto’s weekend getaways, hotel stays and vacation packages!