Table of Contents
- Introduction to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
- History & Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Things to Do
- Nearby Attractions & Island Hopping
- Practical Travel Information
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Travel Tips
- Traveler-Type Specific Guidance
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
Havelock Island—officially Swaraj Dweep—is the crown jewel of the Andaman Islands, known for powder-soft sands, turquoise lagoons, and world-class dive sites. From the legendary sunsets of Radhanagar Beach to vibrant coral reefs at Elephant Beach, Havelock blends slow-island living with adventure. This guide covers the best time to go, things to do, how to reach, where to stay, and an average budget you can expect for a comfortable 3–4 day trip.
History & Importance
Named after British General Sir Henry Havelock, the island was officially renamed Swaraj Dweep in 2018 to honor India’s freedom heritage. Once a quiet settlement with indigenous roots and small communities, the island rose to fame after Radhanagar Beach was ranked among Asia’s best. Today, it’s a flagship of sustainable, low-rise tourism in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, prized for its mangroves, seagrass meadows, and coral reefs that support sea turtles and reef fish.
Best Time to Visit
- November–February (Peak & Pleasant): 24–29°C, calm seas, best for beaches, snorkeling, and family trips.
- March–May (Warm & Clear Water): 27–32°C, superb underwater visibility, great for scuba. Hot afternoons; plan early/late outings.
- June–September (Monsoon): Frequent rain, rough seas, possible ferry delays, limited water sports. Lush landscapes and low rates, but plan buffer days.
- October: Transition month with improving conditions; good time before peak crowds.
Top Things to Do
1) Beaches & Sunsets
- Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7): Iconic sunsets, wide bay, soft sand; swim in flagged zones.
- Elephant Beach: Snorkeling paradise with water sports; reach by boat or a forest trail.
- Kalapathar Beach: Photogenic black rocks and morning light; quieter vibe.
2) Snorkeling & Scuba Diving
- Discover Scuba Diving (DSD): No prior experience needed; guided dive near reefs. Typical cost: ₹3,500–6,500 per person.
- PADI/SSI Courses: Open Water/Advanced courses often ₹18,000–28,000+ depending on season and inclusions.
- Dive Sites: Lighthouse, Aquarium, Turtle Bay—expect reef fish, hard/soft corals, occasional turtles.
3) Kayaking & Bioluminescence
- Sunrise/sunset mangrove kayaking with a naturalist guide.
- On clear nights, look for bioluminescence during guided night kayaking tours.
4) Glass-Bottom Boat & Sea Walk
- For non-swimmers, glass-bottom rides and sea walks (when operational) offer easy reef views.
5) Nature Trails & Photography
- Forest walk to Elephant Beach trailhead (approx. 2 km one way) and birding around mangroves.
- Golden-hour photography at Radhanagar for silhouettes and wave textures.
Suggested 3–4 Day Plan
- Day 1: Arrive, check-in (Govind Nagar/Vijaynagar). Sunset at Radhanagar.
- Day 2: Morning dive or snorkel. Afternoon relax; evening cafés.
- Day 3: Elephant Beach (boat or trek) for snorkeling/water sports. Late afternoon Kalapathar.
- Day 4: Optional second dive, kayaking, or spa. Ferry out.
Nearby Attractions & Island Hopping
- Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): 1–1.5 hours by ferry. Highlights: Natural Bridge, Laxmanpur Beach sunset, Bharatpur Beach snorkeling.
- Port Blair (gateway): Cellular Jail (light & sound show), Corbyn’s Cove, Chidiya Tapu sunset, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross).
Practical Travel Information
How to Reach Havelock
- By Air: Fly to Port Blair (Veer Savarkar International Airport) from major Indian cities.
- Ferry to Havelock: 1.5–2.5 hours by private or government ferry. Pre-book private ferries during peak season; report 45–60 minutes before departure with valid ID.
- Local Transport on Havelock: Scooters (₹500–700/day + fuel), autos/taxis (jetty–Radhanagar approx. ₹800–1,500 one way depending on vehicle/season). Roads are mostly single-lane; drive cautiously at night.
Accommodation Options
- Budget: Hostels and basic cottages (₹800–1,800 per night). Areas: Govind Nagar, Beach No. 3/5.
- Mid-range (Average choice): Beach cottages and boutique resorts (₹3,000–6,500 per night). Good for couples/families.
- Luxury: Premium beachfront villas (₹10,000–35,000+ per night), often near Radhanagar or secluded coves.
- Location tips: Vijaynagar/Beach No. 5 for cafés and convenience; Radhanagar for sunsets and tranquility.
Average Budget & Estimated Costs (3N/4D)
Below is a realistic mid-range (average) budget per person, excluding flights unless stated. Prices vary by season.
- Ferries (round trip Port Blair–Havelock): ₹3,000–5,500
- Stay (mid-range, twin-sharing): ₹4,500 per night x 3 = ₹13,500
- Food & Drinks: ₹1,000–1,800 per day x 4 = ₹4,000–7,200
- Local Transport: Scooter rental and cabs = ₹1,800–3,500
- Activities: 1 DSD dive or 2 snorkel sessions + kayaking = ₹5,000–10,000
- Misc./Permits/Tips: ₹1,000–2,000
Total (excluding flights): approx. ₹28,000–41,000 per person for 3N/4D.
Return flights to Port Blair (indicative): ₹10,000–20,000+ from major metros depending on season and booking window.
Combined average including flights: ₹38,000–60,000 per person.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food & Cafés
- Seafood: Grilled fish, tiger prawns, crab, and lobster; ask for the day’s catch.
- Island staples: Coconut-based curries, Bengali thalis, South Indian breakfasts.
- Dietary needs: Vegetarian and vegan options available at many cafés; confirm kitchen hygiene and filtered water.
Shopping
- Small market strips sell beachwear, handicrafts, and basic supplies.
- For quality handicrafts, many travelers shop at government emporiums in Port Blair before/after Havelock.
- Do not buy corals, shells, or products from protected species—it’s illegal and harms reefs.
Culture & Etiquette
- Friendly mix of local communities; Hindi, Bengali, and English are commonly understood.
- Modest beachwear is fine on beaches; dress conservatively in villages/markets.
- Respect eco-rules: littering and plastic use are discouraged; follow signage.
Travel Tips
- Permits & ID: Indian nationals generally don’t need permits for Havelock. Foreign nationals can visit with a valid Indian visa and passport; some islands remain restricted.
- Cash & Connectivity: ATMs are limited and may be out of cash. Carry sufficient cash; UPI/cards work sporadically. Mobile data can be patchy; download maps offline.
- Safety: Swim only in designated areas; heed lifeguards and flags. Beware of currents and sharp corals; use aqua shoes.
- Health: Use reef-safe sunscreen, stay hydrated, carry motion-sickness tablets for ferries. Basic medical facilities exist; consider travel insurance.
- Responsible Travel: No touching/standing on corals; no littering; avoid single-use plastics; keep distance from wildlife.
- Seasonal Note: In monsoon, build 1 buffer day for ferry disruptions.
Traveler-Type Specific Guidance
For Families
- Pick resorts with easy beach access and on-site dining.
- Plan morning water activities; rest midday to avoid heat.
- Carry kids’ life jackets, snacks, and mosquito repellent.
For Honeymooners
- Choose a beachfront cottage near Radhanagar or a quiet cove.
- Book a sunset photo session or private dinner; try a couple’s dive/snorkel.
- Schedule a spa treatment on a non-activity afternoon.
For Friends/Groups
- Rent scooters for flexibility; split costs on taxis and activities.
- Bundle dive/snorkel sessions for group discounts where available.
- Pick hostels/budget cottages near cafés for social evenings.
Packing Checklist (All Travelers)
- Govt ID/passport, printed ferry tickets, cash reserve.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, reusable water bottle.
- Aqua shoes, quick-dry towel, dry bag, waterproof phone pouch.
- Light rain jacket (monsoon), basic meds, and motion-sickness pills.
FAQs
Q: How many days are enough for Havelock?
A: Three to four days let you cover Radhanagar, Elephant Beach snorkeling/diving, Kalapathar, and a kayak session at an easy pace.
Q: Do I need to know swimming for scuba diving?
A: Not for Discover Scuba (intro dive) as you’re supervised. For certification courses, being comfortable in water and basic swim ability are required.
Q: Is Havelock safe for solo travelers?
A: Yes. It’s generally safe and laid-back. Follow standard precautions, avoid isolated areas at night, and use licensed operators for activities.
Q: What about monsoon travel?
A: It’s lush and quieter but expect rain, choppy seas, and possible ferry cancellations. Keep buffer time and flexible plans.
Q: Can I drink alcohol on the island?
A: Alcohol is available at select bars and licensed shops, mainly in/near resorts. Public drinking and littering on beaches are prohibited.
Conclusion
Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) delivers classic island bliss—blue lagoons, coral gardens, and sunset-kissed beaches—paired with simple comforts and adventure. Travel between November and April for the best conditions, base yourself near Vijaynagar or Radhanagar, and plan a balanced mix of snorkeling/diving, kayaking, and beach time. With an average 3–4 day budget of roughly ₹28,000–41,000 excluding flights, you can enjoy a fulfilling island escape that remains gentle on both schedule and senses.
