Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Havelock vs Port Blair: Quick Comparison Snapshot
- Background and Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- How to Reach
- Must-Visit Places and Top Things to Do
- Local Culture, Food, and Nightlife
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Trip Costs
- Getting Around
- Shopping and Souvenirs
- Suggested Itineraries
- Nearby Getaways
- Tips and Practical Info
- Traveler-Specific Advice
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Planning an Andaman Islands escape and torn between Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Port Blair? This side-by-side guide compares their vibe, sights, beaches, activities, and costs so you can shape the perfect itinerary—whether you’re a family, honeymooning couple, or friends chasing sun and sea.
Havelock vs Port Blair: Quick Comparison Snapshot
- Vibe: Havelock is a laid-back beach island with pristine shores and top-notch diving. Port Blair is the bustling capital—your history, museums, markets, and transport hub.
- Best for: Havelock—beaches, snorkeling, diving, sunsets. Port Blair—Cellular Jail, museums, day trips to nearby islands, logistics.
- Time needed: Havelock 2–4 nights; Port Blair 1–2 nights.
- Accessibility: Fly into Port Blair; Havelock requires a ferry from Port Blair.
- Budget: Port Blair generally cheaper; Havelock ranges from budget to ultra-luxury.
- Family-friendly: Both; Havelock’s calm beaches (e.g., Radhanagar) are especially kid-friendly.
- Nightlife: Low-key overall; Port Blair has more restaurants. Havelock has beach cafés/bars, mostly mellow.
Background and Importance
Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
Famed for powder-soft sands and clear turquoise waters, Havelock’s Radhanagar Beach has been ranked among Asia’s best. The island’s reefs make it India’s premier diving destination, with a relaxed, nature-first ethos.
Port Blair
The administrative and cultural heart of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Port Blair is home to the historic Cellular Jail (Kala Pani), museums, and the main airport and ferries—making it the gateway to the archipelago.
Best Time to Visit
- Peak pleasant season: November to April (dry, sunny, calmer seas). Ideal for beaches and diving.
- Shoulder: October and May—good weather but occasional showers; fewer crowds.
- Monsoon: Late May to September—rough seas, intermittent rain; some water activities and inter-island ferries can be disrupted.
- Diving visibility: Typically best from January to April, and sometimes October–November.
How to Reach
Port Blair
- By air: Fly into Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) from major Indian cities (e.g., Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad; seasonal/directs from Delhi at times).
- By sea: Occasional long-haul passenger ships from Chennai/Kolkata/Visakhapatnam (multi-day; infrequent; not ideal for short trips).
Havelock (from Port Blair)
- Ferry: 1.5–2.5 hours. Options include government ferries and private catamarans (e.g., Makruzz, Green Ocean, Sea Link). Book in advance in peak season.
- Check-in: Arrive 60–90 minutes early with ID; luggage screening applies.
Must-Visit Places and Top Things to Do
Havelock Highlights
- Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7): Iconic sunsets, wide sandy arc, gentle surf.
- Elephant Beach: Snorkeling, sea walking, glass-bottom boats; short trek or boat transfer.
- Kalapathar and Vijaynagar Beaches: Quiet shores, photo spots, sunrises.
- Scuba diving: Sites like Lighthouse, Aquarium, Mac Point; courses and fun dives for all levels.
- Kayaking and mangroves: Dawn or bioluminescence tours (seasonal and weather-dependent).
- Island cycling/scooty rides: Scenic coastal routes; café hopping.
Port Blair Highlights
- Cellular Jail: Freedom struggle history; museum; evening sound-and-light show.
- Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island): Ruins overrun by banyans; colonial history; short boat trip.
- North Bay Island: Snorkeling, sea walking, parasailing; lighthouse on the hill.
- Corbyn’s Cove Beach: Close-to-town beach for an easy sunset stroll.
- Chidiya Tapu: Sunset views, birding; nearby Munda Pahad trail.
- Museums: Samudrika Naval Marine Museum, Anthropological Museum, Fisheries Museum.
- Wandoor & Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park: Jolly Buoy/Red Skin islands (seasonal clear-water snorkeling).
- Mount Harriet National Park: Panoramic views across the bay.
Local Culture, Food, and Nightlife
- Cuisine: Fresh seafood (fish thali, prawn curry), South Indian staples, Bengali influences; cafés serve continental fare.
- Havelock dining: Beachside grills, bakeries, smoothie shacks; romantic dinners at upscale resorts.
- Port Blair dining: Wider range—local eateries, thali joints, bakeries; Aberdeen Bazaar area is lively.
- Nightlife: Quiet overall. Port Blair has more restaurants open late; Havelock’s bars are relaxed and mostly close early.
- Etiquette: Dress modestly away from beaches; respect protected areas and signage.
Accommodation Options
Havelock
- Budget: Guesthouses, cabanas, hostels (approx. INR 1,500–3,000 per night).
- Mid-range: Boutique beach resorts, cottages (approx. INR 4,000–9,000 per night).
- Luxury: High-end beachfront villas and eco-resorts (approx. INR 12,000–35,000+ per night).
- Location tip: Vijaynagar/ Govind Nagar for cafés and access; Radhanagar area for tranquility and sunsets.
Port Blair
- Budget: City hotels and homestays (approx. INR 1,200–2,500 per night).
- Mid-range: Business-style and boutique hotels (approx. INR 3,000–7,000 per night).
- Premium: Harbour-view and resort-style properties (approx. INR 7,000–15,000+ per night).
- Location tip: Stay near Aberdeen Bazaar or the Jetty for convenience; Airport area suits short layovers.
Estimated Trip Costs
- Flights (round-trip to Port Blair): INR 8,000–25,000+ per person, season-dependent.
- Ferries (Port Blair–Havelock one-way): Govt: INR 400–1,000; Private: INR 1,500–3,500 per person class-dependent.
- Local transport: Autos/cabs in Port Blair (INR 150–800 within city); Havelock scooty rental INR 400–700 per day (fuel extra).
- Activities: Cellular Jail show ~INR 300–500; National Park permits ~INR 50–500; Snorkeling trips ~INR 1,000–2,500; Sea walk ~INR 3,000–4,500; Fun dives ~INR 3,500–6,500; Open Water course ~INR 20,000–32,000.
- Meals: INR 250–600 per person at local eateries; INR 1,000–2,500 at upscale restaurants.
Getting Around
- Port Blair: Autos, local buses, taxis; no app cabs. Many attractions are clustered; traffic is moderate.
- Havelock: Rent a scooty or bicycle; limited taxis; roads are scenic but unlit at night—carry a torch and ride cautiously.
- Connectivity: 4G has improved; Port Blair is more reliable. Havelock can be patchy—download maps offline.
- Money: ATMs plentiful in Port Blair; limited in Havelock. Carry cash; UPI works but depends on signal.
Shopping and Souvenirs
- Port Blair: Aberdeen Bazaar for handicrafts, woodwork, island spices, memorabilia.
- Havelock: Small markets for beachwear, café merchandise, local crafts.
- Avoid: Coral, shells, turtle products—buying/transporting many marine items is illegal and harms ecosystems.
- Better buys: Wooden carvings, coconut-shell crafts, local art, packaged spices.
Suggested Itineraries
3 Days Focused on Port Blair
- Day 1: Cellular Jail + sound-and-light show; Corbyn’s Cove sunset.
- Day 2: Ross Island + North Bay Island water sports; museums in the afternoon.
- Day 3: Wandoor and Marine National Park (Jolly Buoy/Red Skin, seasonal) or Chidiya Tapu sunset.
3 Days Focused on Havelock
- Day 1: Ferry in; Kalapathar and café hop; Radhanagar sunset.
- Day 2: Elephant Beach snorkeling/sea walk; evening beach time.
- Day 3: Scuba intro or fun dives; chill at Vijaynagar; ferry back.
5–6 Day Combo (Balanced)
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair; Cellular Jail.
- Day 2: Ross + North Bay; ferry to Havelock in late afternoon (if timings allow).
- Day 3–4: Havelock beaches, snorkeling, diving; one sunset at Radhanagar.
- Day 5: Ferry to Port Blair; Wandoor/Museums; Chidiya Tapu sunset.
- Day 6: Buffer day for weather/ferry; depart.
Nearby Getaways
- Swaraj Dweep to Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): Quieter beaches (Bharatpur, Laxmanpur), natural rock bridge; 1–2 nights.
- From Port Blair: Baratang Island (limestone caves, mangroves), Mount Harriet NP; day trips possible.
- Advanced: Long Island, Rangat, Diglipur (Ross & Smith Twin Islands) for offbeat explorers.
Tips and Practical Info
- Permits: No special permits needed for Port Blair and Havelock for most tourists; select tribal reserves and restricted islands remain off-limits.
- Weather buffer: Keep a buffer day for potential ferry/flight delays, especially in monsoon.
- Health & safety: Use reef-safe sunscreen; hydrate; heed lifeguard flags and local advisories on currents and jellyfish.
- Wildlife caution: Respect crocodile warning signs where posted; swim only in designated safe zones.
- Eco-responsibility: No littering; avoid touching corals; choose operators who follow reef-safe practices.
- Alcohol and rules: Available in licensed shops/hotels; public drinking is discouraged; follow local regulations.
- Connectivity & power: Carry power banks; occasional outages on islands.
Traveler-Specific Advice
Families
- Base 1–2 nights in Port Blair for easy logistics; add 2–3 nights in Havelock for gentle beaches.
- Choose stays near Radhanagar or Vijaynagar for calm waters and facilities.
- Carry meds, mosquito repellent, floatation aids for kids; strollers aren’t ideal on sandy paths.
Honeymooners
- Prioritize Havelock for privacy, beachfront villas, and sunsets; plan a candlelight dinner by the sea.
- Book ferries and top resorts well in advance for Dec–Feb.
- Schedule a couples’ dive or private snorkeling session on a calm-morning slot.
Friends/Backpackers
- Opt for hostels/guesthouses; rent a scooty for flexibility.
- Consider a 3–4 day dive course in Havelock for value and skills.
- Nightlife is mellow—plan beach bonfire evenings where permitted; catch the last ferry timings religiously.
Packing Essentials
- Light cottons, swimwear, hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, dry bag, water shoes.
- Snorkel mask (optional), insect repellent, small first-aid kit, copies of IDs, offline maps.
FAQs
Q: Havelock vs Port Blair—if I have only 3 days, which should I choose?
A: For beaches and water activities, pick Havelock (2 nights) and keep 1 night in Port Blair for the Cellular Jail and your flight buffer. If you prefer history and easy logistics, spend most time in Port Blair with a day trip to nearby islands.
Q: Is Havelock good for beginners who can’t swim?
A: Yes. Guided snorkeling, sea walks, and introductory scuba are available with safety gear. Choose calm-morning slots and reputable operators.
Q: Can I visit Havelock the same day I land in Port Blair?
A: Often yes, if your flight lands by late morning and ferry schedules align. In peak or monsoon seasons, keep a buffer night in Port Blair to avoid missed connections.
Q: Are credit cards and UPI widely accepted?
A: In Port Blair, yes at many places. In Havelock, larger resorts and cafés accept cards/UPI but connectivity can fluctuate—carry enough cash for a couple of days.
Q: Which is better for diving—Havelock or Port Blair?
A: Havelock generally offers superior reefs, visibility, and operator choice for both fun dives and certification courses. Port Blair is better for history and day excursions.
Conclusion
Choose Havelock for postcard-perfect beaches, snorkeling, and diving; choose Port Blair for history, museums, and convenient access to multiple islands. Most travelers enjoy a blend—1–2 nights in Port Blair for logistics and heritage, plus 2–4 nights in Havelock for the sea and sand—with a spare day to absorb weather or ferry changes.
