Havelock Island, Andaman and Nicobar Island

Havelock Island or Swaraj Dweep: A Only Travel Guide You Need

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Havelock Island, or Swaraj Dweep, as it is officially known today, is one of the most populated and the most popular islands in the Andaman and Nicobar. The island is akin to paradise, with its white sand beaches, coral reefs, and lush forests. The island, located to the north of Port Blair, is a haven for tourists seeking adventure or relaxation. This blog details everything you need to know while visiting this picturesque island.

Havelock Island or Swaraj Dweep Travel Guide

Havelock Island or Swaraj Dweep

Havelock Island was named after the British General Sir Henry Havelock, who served in India. In December 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi renamed Havelock Island to Swaraj Dweep as a tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, who hoisted the Indian flag at Port Blair on 30 December 1943 and proclaimed the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as liberated from British rule. The island covers an area of 92.2 sq. km, and every inch of it is filled with beauty and tranquility.

How to Reach?

Havelock Island Jetty

Being an island, Swaraj Dweep or Havelock Island can be reached only by ferry. Both private and Government ferry services exist between Havelock – Port Blair and Havelock – Neil Island. Government ferries also run between Havelock – the Long Island and Havelock – Rangat. For information on the ferry, including how to book, frequency, amenities available, etc., check the detailed transportation guide to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Network Connectivity 

Jio, Airtel, and BSNL work on the island. However, BSNL provides a more consistent network coverage than Jio or Airtel, especially in the more remote tourist attractions.

ATM Availability

Three ATMs of SBI, HDFC, and Axis banks are located close to each other on Havelock Island or Swaraj Dweep. You can utilize them. QR code payments are also widely accepted on the island.

Best Time to Visit Havelock Island

The best time to visit Havelock Island or Swaraj Dweep is during the dry season, which lasts from October to early May. The monsoon starts in June and extends to September with slight showers until December. The best time for water sports and diving is between March and May when the sea remains relatively calmer than the rest of the year.

Where to Eat?

There are many restaurants on the island, and most of the accommodations have a restaurant. South Indian and North Indian cuisines are commonly found, but Italian and French cuisines are rarely available in Havelock. Seafood enthusiasts must not miss trying the deliciously prepared fresh seafood on the island.

Where to Stay?

 

Hostels are not available at Havelock or Swaraj Dweep. Homestays, budget hotels, and luxury beachfront accommodations that cater to different budgets and tastes are abundant. You can choose based on your budget and comfort. We stayed at Bhuma. Here are a few other recommendations.

Power fluctuations are comparatively less in Havelock than in Neil Island. Most of the accommodations have a backup power generator.

Commuting Around

Paved roads stretch to the far end of the island. Two-wheelers can be rented at several shops on the island. Tuk Tuks are available to commute as well. Hire a four-wheeler if you’re a group. Havelock is a pretty big island, so it is difficult to cover more ground just by walking around.

Public electric buses are available, but they run on a schedule. They cover the far corners of the island and a few attractions, including Kala Pathar Beach, Radha Nagar Beach, and the Swaraj Dweep Jetty.

7 Places to Visit in Havelock Island or Swaraj Dweep

1. Elephant Beach

Water activities at Andaman Islands

The most popular beach for water activities in Havelock is the Elephant Beach. You can reach Elephant Beach in two ways – either by boat from the Elephant Beach ticket counter or by a short trek from here. The ferry costs INR 1000 per person for a round trip.

Elephant Beach trekking or hiking

The 2 km hike is very straightforward, and the route is marked in OSMAND and maps.me. During the rainy season, the trail is extremely slippery. The last 50 m of the hike might be filled with knee-level water in the mangroves. Start your hike after 12 noon so that the water dries up. You can also hire a guide at the entrance for an additional cost.

  • Timings: 7 AM – 3 PM on all days

You can book the water activities from the jetty or after reaching Elephant Beach. The prices are the same at both locations. We recommend snorkeling, which costs INR 1200 per person, inclusive of gear, video footage, and a guide. You can also do sea walks or rent glass-bottom boats and mini-submarines to enjoy the underwater corals.

2. Kalapathar Beach

Kalapathar Beach, Havelock

Kalapathar Beach is renowned for its sunrise views. Its silver sandy beaches and pristine turquoise-blue waters are very inviting for a swim. Also, look out for bioluminescence planktons (at any beach) at night around New Moon Day if you’re visiting from November to January. Some eateries and souvenir shops are close to the beach. However, the beach is not ideal for snorkeling.

Alternatively, you can go to Havelock Jetty in the morning to watch the swiftlets flying around.

3. Radhanagar Beach

Radhanagar Beach, Havelock Island

Voted the “Best Beach in Asia” by TIME magazine in 2004, Radhanagar Beach is one of our favorite beaches in Havelock or Swaraj Dweep. The jungle right behind it adds to its beauty. In 2020, it bagged the prestigious Blue Flag Beach certification. The Blue Flag Beach is an eco-tourism model that provides visitors with clean and hygienic bathing facilities, drinking water, and all the safety and health protocols. 

Swimming is restricted to certain areas of the beach. Lifeguards blow a whistle when you swim far from the restricted areas. You can find a huge crowd during the sunset. A lot of photographers can be seen taking pictures of newly married couples. Take a leisure walk along the 2 Km stretch of the crescent-shaped beach.

4. Neil’s Cove

Located at the far end of the Radhanagar Beach is Neil’s Cove. The shallow and clear water makes it an ideal sport for snorkeling. You can reach the lagoon by walking towards the end of Radhanagar Beach. It is a hidden spot that not many people visit.

5. Nemo Beach

Home of Nemo fish

Nemo Beach is the island’s diving hub, where many beginner-friendly or tandem snorkeling and scuba dives take place. Go early, at 6 AM, for the diving activities, as Nemo Beach gets crowded as the day progresses.

As the name suggests, Nemos are present close by. You can find several Nemo fishes, even if you go snorkeling alone. Since the water level rises quickly, it is recommended to go snorkeling here only if you know how to swim.

6. Govind Nagar Beach

Govind Nagar Beach, Havelock

Nestled between Nemo Beach and Kalapathar Beach, Govind Nagar Beach is a long stretch home to numerous beachfront cafes, restaurants, and accommodations. You can watch the sunrise, tan in the sun, read a book, or go for a swim. The decor on the shores and the shades of the trees make Govind Nagar Beach the best place to simply hang out and relax.

7. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

Snorkelling

Havelock, or Swaraj Dweep, is one of the prime destinations for snorkeling and scuba-diving in India. The abundance of marine life around Havelock provides an opportunity for plenty of diving sites. ‘Seduction Point,’ ‘Aquarium,’ ‘Lighthouse,’ ‘Pilot Reef,’ ‘Mac Point,’ ‘Minerva Ledge,’ and ‘Turtle Bay’ are some of the best areas for diving.

Spotting Fishes, Snorkelling

There are several registered SSI and PADI dive operators at Havelock. You can find them right on the streets. Opt for a tandem dive or enroll in a diving course. Snorkeling is also available at Elephant Beach.

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