Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Quick Comparison: Port Blair vs Havelock
- Background & Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- How to Reach
- Must-Visit Places & Top Things to Do
- Accommodation & Estimated Costs
- Local Culture, Food & Shopping
- Nearby Getaways & Extensions
- Tips & Practical Advice
- Suggested Itineraries
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Port Blair vs Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Which Andaman Destination Suits You?
Planning an Andaman getaway and wondering whether to stay in Port Blair or head straight to Havelock? Here’s a friendly, expert comparison to help you match each place with your travel style, time, and budget—so you can design a balanced island holiday that blends history, culture, and world-class beaches.
Quick Comparison: Port Blair vs Havelock
- Vibe: Port Blair = lively provincial capital with museums, heritage, and logistics. Havelock = slow, tropical island life with pristine beaches and diving.
- Best for: Port Blair = first-timers, culture/history lovers, short trips, families needing conveniences. Havelock = honeymooners, beach lovers, divers, photographers.
- Stay duration: Port Blair 1–2 nights; Havelock 2–4 nights.
- Costs: Port Blair usually cheaper for stays and food; Havelock pricier for resorts and activities.
- Top highlights: Port Blair = Cellular Jail, Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island), Jolly Buoy/Red Skin, Chidiya Tapu sunset. Havelock = Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach water sports, Kalapathar sunrise, scuba diving, bioluminescence kayaking.
Background & Importance
Port Blair is the gateway to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, home to the historic Cellular Jail—an evocative reminder of India’s freedom struggle. Its harbor links travelers to outer islands and marine parks.
Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) is Andaman’s poster child for beaches—especially Radhanagar Beach—regularly ranked among Asia’s best. It’s a premier hub for scuba diving, snorkeling, and relaxed island stays.
Best Time to Visit
- Oct–May: Best overall. Calmer seas, most ferries and water sports operate. Underwater visibility typically strongest Dec–Apr.
- Jun–Sep (Monsoon): Heavy rain and choppy seas; some ferries/activities may be canceled. Lush landscapes and lower hotel rates but plan buffer time.
- Festival/holiday periods: Higher demand and prices around Christmas–New Year and long weekends; book ferries and stays early.
How to Reach
Getting to Port Blair
- By Air: Fly into Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) from major Indian cities (e.g., Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad). Flight time ~2–2.5 hours from Chennai/Kolkata; ~4–5 hours from North India.
- By Sea: Occasional government passenger ships from Chennai/Kolkata/Visakhapatnam (multi-day journeys). Not common for tourists.
Getting from Port Blair to Havelock
- Ferry: Private catamarans (e.g., Makruzz, Nautika, Green Ocean, Sea Link) and government ferries.
- Duration: ~1.5–2.5 hours one way, depending on vessel and sea conditions.
- Booking: Private ferries can be booked online; government ferry tickets via counters. Carry ID; arrive 45–60 minutes early.
Notes: No ride-hailing apps; use pre-paid taxis, local cabs, autos. On Havelock, rent scooters (license required) or hire cabs. Limited night movement on some roads; drive cautiously in low light.
Must-Visit Places & Top Things to Do
Port Blair
- Cellular Jail & Light-and-Sound Show: Essential visit for history and storytelling; book the evening show in advance.
- Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island): Ruins, deer, scenic walks; combine with North Bay for a full day.
- North Bay Island: Snorkeling, sea walk, glass-bottom boats for coral viewing.
- Chidiya Tapu & Munda Pahad: Sunset point and an easy coastal trek.
- Corbyn’s Cove: Closest city beach; good for a quick stroll or jet ski ride.
- Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (seasonal): Part of Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park; excellent snorkeling in clear waters (permits applicable).
- Samudrika Marine Museum & Anthropological Museum: Understand local ecology and settler history.
- Mount Harriet National Park (Bambooflat): Panoramic views; half-day excursion.
Top Activities in Port Blair
- Heritage walks and museums
- Island hopping (Ross/NSCB, North Bay)
- Snorkeling/sea walk
- Sunset watching at Chidiya Tapu
Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
- Radhanagar Beach (No. 7): Iconic white-sand crescent; best at sunset.
- Elephant Beach: Reach by boat or forest trail; hub for snorkeling and water sports.
- Kalapathar Beach: Serene sunrise spot with black rock formations.
- Scuba Diving: Discover dive (no certification) or fun dives; sites like Aquarium, Lighthouse, The Wall (conditions permitting).
- Kayaking in mangroves: Dawn or night bioluminescence trips with certified naturalists (weather-dependent).
- Game fishing & stand-up paddling: Seasonal operators available.
Top Activities in Havelock
- Beach-hopping and sunsets
- Scuba diving/snorkeling
- Bioluminescence kayaking (select nights)
- Scooter rides along coastal roads
Accommodation & Estimated Costs
Where to Stay
- Port Blair: Wide range near Aberdeen Bazaar, Phoenix Bay, Corbyn’s Cove. Good for short, budget-friendly stays and transit nights.
- Havelock: Resorts along Govind Nagar and Vijay Nagar coasts; luxury options near Radhanagar. Book early in peak season.
Estimated Trip Costs (per person, indicative)
- Hotels (per night):
- Port Blair: Budget ₹1,500–3,000; Mid-range ₹3,000–7,000; Upscale ₹7,000–12,000+
- Havelock: Budget ₹2,000–4,000; Mid-range ₹4,000–9,000; Luxury ₹10,000–30,000+ (premium beachfront resorts can exceed ₹25,000)
- Meals:
- Local eateries: ₹250–600 per person
- Resort restaurants: ₹800–1,500 per person
- Ferries:
- Port Blair ↔ Havelock: Govt ₹300–700; Private ₹1,500–3,500 (class/season dependent)
- Activities:
- Scuba Discover Dive: ₹3,500–6,500 (Havelock)
- Snorkeling/Glass-bottom: ₹800–2,500
- Sea Walk (North Bay/Elephant Beach): ₹3,500–4,500
- Kayaking: ₹2,500–3,500
- Local Transport:
- Havelock scooter rental: ₹500–800/day (+ fuel)
- Taxi transfers (island): ₹400–1,200 per hop; full-day car hire ₹2,500–4,000
Budget tip: Split nights between Port Blair (save on stays) and Havelock (splurge on beachfront and activities).
Local Culture, Food & Shopping
Port Blair
- Culture: A melting pot of Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Punjabi, and indigenous influences. Museums offer context on settlement and ecology.
- Food: Fresh seafood, Bengali-style curries, South Indian staples. Try fish thalis, crab, and lobster in season.
- Shopping: Aberdeen Bazaar for souvenirs, spices, and art. Avoid buying coral/shells—protected by law.
Havelock
- Culture: Laid-back island rhythm; evenings around beach cafés and shack-style eateries.
- Food: Beach grills, wood-fired pizzas, continental fare alongside seafood. Prices higher than Port Blair.
- Shopping: Small boutiques selling beachwear and handicrafts; limited choice—buy essentials in Port Blair.
Nearby Getaways & Extensions
- From Port Blair:
- Baratang Island: Limestone Caves, Mud Volcano (long day trip)
- Wandoor & Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park: Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (seasonal)
- NSCB (Ross) & North Bay: Easy half/full-day combo
- Mount Harriet NP: Viewpoints and short trails
- From Havelock:
- Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): Natural Bridge, Bharatpur Beach, Laxmanpur sunset (day trip or 1–2 nights)
Tips & Practical Advice
- Permits & rules: No special permits for Indian tourists to Port Blair/Havelock. Foreign nationals can visit notified islands; tribal/reserved areas remain off-limits. Follow park rules and signage.
- Connectivity & money: 4G is improving but patchy; BSNL, Airtel, Jio work intermittently. Carry cash—ATMs are fewer on Havelock; cards accepted mostly by larger resorts.
- Environment: No littering, no coral stepping/collection, avoid single-use plastics. Sunscreen should be reef-safe.
- Safety: Observe red flags and lifeguard instructions; currents can be strong. Activities are weather-dependent; keep buffers for ferry changes.
- Health: Hydrate, use sun protection, and carry basic meds for motion sickness if prone.
Advice by Traveler Type
Families
- Base at Port Blair for an extra night if traveling with young kids—shorter commute to attractions and hospitals.
- Choose early ferry slots to Havelock to avoid mid-day sun; pre-book cab seats/child lifejackets where possible.
- Stick to calm-water beaches (Radhanagar near lifeguards) and glass-bottom boats for safe coral viewing.
Honeymooners/Couples
- Prioritize Havelock beachfront stays (2–4 nights). Time sunsets at Radhanagar and a dawn at Kalapathar.
- Book a private bioluminescence kayaking slot (weather permitting) and a couples’ dive or snorkel session.
- Plan a heritage evening at Cellular Jail before or after Havelock for a balanced itinerary.
Friends/Backpackers
- Mix hostels/guesthouses in Port Blair with scooter-friendly stays on Havelock.
- Target budget ferries, share cabs, and choose group dives/kayaks for better rates.
- Night skies are stellar—carry a headlamp and try astrophotography on clear nights.
Packing Essentials
- Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, polarized sunglasses
- Quick-dry clothes, water shoes, light rain jacket (Oct–Dec/monsoon)
- Dry bag for boat trips; waterproof phone pouch
- Snorkel mask if you prefer your own gear; basic first-aid and motion-sickness tabs
Suggested Itineraries
3 Days
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair – Cellular Jail, Corbyn’s Cove, Light-and-Sound Show
- Day 2: Early ferry to Havelock – Radhanagar Beach sunset
- Day 3: Elephant Beach water sports – ferry back or overnight and fly next day
5 Days
- Days 1–2: Port Blair – Ross/NSCB + North Bay; Chidiya Tapu
- Days 3–4: Havelock – Scuba dive; Kalapathar sunrise; Radhanagar sunset
- Day 5: Optional Neil Island day trip or Jolly Buoy (seasonal) – return to Port Blair
7 Days
- 2N Port Blair (heritage + marine park)
- 3N Havelock (dives, beaches, kayaking)
- 1–2N Neil Island (natural bridge, relaxed beaches) – back to Port Blair for flight
FAQs
Q: Is Havelock better than Port Blair for first-time visitors?
A: For beaches and water sports, yes—Havelock excels. For history, museums, and easier logistics (especially on short trips), Port Blair is ideal. Most first-timers combine both: 1–2 nights in Port Blair and 2–3 in Havelock.
Q: How many days do I need for Port Blair and Havelock?
A: Minimum 3–4 days to sample both. A balanced trip is 5 days: 2 nights Port Blair + 2–3 nights Havelock.
Q: Can I do a day trip to Havelock from Port Blair?
A: Technically yes with early morning and late return ferries, but it’s rushed. Staying at least one night on Havelock makes the experience far better.
Q: Are ferries reliable year-round?
A: Usually reliable Oct–May. During monsoon (Jun–Sep), sailings can be delayed or canceled due to sea conditions; keep buffer days.
Q: Is scuba diving safe for non-swimmers?
A: Discover Scuba programs are designed for beginners, including non-swimmers, with close instructor supervision in calm waters. Always choose licensed dive centers and follow briefings.
Conclusion
Choose Port Blair for heritage, convenience, and budget-friendly stays; choose Havelock for postcard beaches, diving, and slow-island bliss. The best Andaman itineraries blend both—arrive via Port Blair, unwind on Havelock, and return with a trip that balances culture with coastline.
