Table of Contents
- Introduction: Private Cab Booking in Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
- History & Importance of Havelock and Getting Around
- Best Time to Visit & Cab Availability
- Top Things to Do & Cab-Friendly Routes
- Nearby Attractions & Island Connections
- How to Reach Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
- Private Cab Booking Options in Havelock
- Accommodation Options on Havelock
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Estimated Trip Costs & Sample Budgets
- Travel Tips for Families, Honeymooners, and Friends
- Safety, Sustainability & Etiquette
- FAQs: Private Cabs in Havelock
- Conclusion
Introduction: Private Cab Booking in Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
Havelock Island—officially Swaraj Dweep—is Andaman’s beloved beach escape, famed for Radhanagar’s sugar-white sands, luminous reefs at Elephant Beach, and coconut-lined lanes that beg to be explored at an unhurried island pace. While scooters and auto-rickshaws are common, a private cab is the most comfortable, time-efficient way to move between the jetty, resorts, and beaches—especially with luggage, kids, or on tight itineraries.
This guide covers everything you need to know about private cab booking in Havelock: the best time to visit, how to reach, where cabs can take you, typical fares, booking tips, and practical travel advice for a smooth, sustainable island experience.
History & Importance of Havelock and Getting Around
Settled by communities from mainland India after independence, Havelock grew from a quiet agrarian island into Andaman’s most visited beach destination. Its road network is simple: a spine running from the jetty through Govind Nagar and Vijaynagar to Kalapathar on the east, and another branch to Radhanagar on the west. Distances are short, but tropical heat, sudden showers, and luggage make private cabs a practical choice. With no app-based taxis operating in the Andamans, local cab operators and hotel-arranged cars form the backbone of point-to-point travel on the island.
Best Time to Visit & Cab Availability
- Peak season (November–April): Dry, sunny weather; clear seas for snorkeling. High demand—pre-book cabs for ferry transfers and sunset trips to Radhanagar.
- Shoulder (September–October, May): Warm with occasional rain. Cab availability is decent; fares moderate.
- Monsoon (June–August): Frequent showers and rough seas may disrupt ferries. Cabs run, but some activities pause; plan buffer time.
- Time of day: Early mornings and sunset hours are popular for beach runs; night rides are fewer and may attract a surcharge.
Top Things to Do & Cab-Friendly Routes
Use private cabs for comfortable, door-to-door access to Havelock’s highlights.
Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7)
- From Jetty: 25–35 minutes by cab. Good parking near entrance.
- Best for: Sunset, soft-sand swims, leisurely walks. Lifeguards usually present.
- Tip: Ask your driver to wait for return (common practice) or schedule a pickup time.
Kalapathar Beach
- From Govind Nagar/Vijaynagar: 15–25 minutes by cab along a scenic coastal road.
- Best for: Morning light, photographs, quieter shoreline.
- Tip: Rocky seabed—better for views than long swims.
Elephant Beach
- Access: Not reachable directly by road. Take a cab to Havelock Jetty for boat transfers, or to the forest trailhead for a guided trek (subject to access conditions).
- Best for: Snorkeling, glass-bottom boat rides, water sports in season.
- Tip: Confirm boat timings in advance; weather and tide dependent.
Govind Nagar & Vijaynagar Beaches (Beaches 2–5)
- Short cab hops between resorts, cafes, and dive shops.
- Best for: Sunrise strolls, easy lagoon swims, café-hopping.
Other Stops
- Local Market Area (near Beach No. 3): Souvenirs, ATMs, essentials.
- Dive Centers & Jetty: Convenient drop/pickup for early dives and ferry connections.
Nearby Attractions & Island Connections
- Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): 60–90 minutes by ferry from Havelock. Note: Vehicles generally aren’t transported on passenger ferries—hire separate cabs on each island.
- Port Blair: 1.5–2.5 hours by ferry. Plan cabs at both ends (hotel to jetty and jetty to hotel/airport).
- Other day trips: Typically arranged from Port Blair (e.g., Ross Island/Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island). Havelock-based cabs won’t operate there.
How to Reach Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
- Fly to Port Blair (IXZ): Daily flights from major Indian cities.
- Ferry to Havelock: Government and private ferries (e.g., Makruzz, Green Ocean, Sea Link, ITT Majestic). Duration: ~1.5–2.5 hours, sea conditions permitting.
- Cab connections:
- Port Blair airport to jetty by cab (30–45 minutes, traffic dependent).
- On arrival at Havelock jetty, pre-booked cabs or on-arrival hires handle resort transfers.
- Tickets: Book ferries in advance during peak months; carry printed or digital tickets and valid ID.
Private Cab Booking Options in Havelock
Ways to Book
- Hotel/Resort Concierge: Reliable for ferry pickups, early dives, and sunset trips; slightly premium pricing.
- Jetty Stand & Local Operators: On-arrival hires for short hops; negotiate before boarding.
- Phone/WhatsApp with Local Drivers: Common practice; share pickup time, ferry details, and luggage count.
- No app-based taxis: Ola/Uber and similar services do not operate in the Andamans.
Vehicle Types & Capacity
- Hatchback/Sedan: 2–3 adults with luggage; AC.
- MPV (e.g., Ertiga)/Van (e.g., Eeco): 4–6 adults with light luggage.
- Tempo Traveller/Minivan: Limited availability; pre-book for groups.
- Child seats: Usually not standard—request in advance or carry your own.
Typical Routes & Time Estimates
- Jetty → Govind Nagar/Vijaynagar: 5–15 minutes.
- Jetty/Govind Nagar → Radhanagar: 25–35 minutes.
- Vijaynagar → Kalapathar: 15–25 minutes.
Approximate Fares & Costs (Subject to Season and Availability)
- Jetty → Govind Nagar/Vijaynagar hotel: INR 300–600 per cab.
- Hotel → Radhanagar (one-way): INR 600–1,200; return with waiting: INR 1,200–2,000.
- Hotel → Kalapathar (return with waiting): INR 700–1,400.
- Half-day hire (4 hours, multiple stops): INR 1,500–2,500.
- Full-day hire (8 hours, multiple stops): INR 2,000–3,500.
- Night surcharge: May apply after ~8–9 pm.
Note: Rates vary by vehicle type, season, fuel prices, and waiting time. Always confirm inclusions (AC, waiting, parking, taxes) before starting.
Booking Tips & Local Regulations
- Pre-book for ferry transfers and sunset trips in Nov–Jan and long weekends.
- Share ferry name/ETA; ferries can be delayed—drivers typically wait if informed.
- Cash is preferred; network can be patchy for digital payments. Keep small change handy.
- Agree on round-trip and waiting charges before you ride.
- Elephant Beach access requires a boat or guided trek—cabs only drop at jetty or trailhead.
- Driving self-rental cars is uncommon; scooters are widely rented but ride cautiously and carry helmets.
Accommodation Options on Havelock
- Luxury Beachfront Resorts (Radhanagar, Vijaynagar): Private cab transfers, on-site restaurants, spa; higher rates.
- Mid-range Boutique Stays (Govind Nagar, Vijaynagar): Comfortable cottages, beach access, in-house cab assistance.
- Budget Guesthouses & Homestays (Beaches 2–5, Market Area): Simple rooms, walkable to eateries; hire cabs on-call.
Approximate nightly range (two adults, taxes extra): Budget INR 1,500–4,000; Mid-range INR 4,000–9,000; Luxury INR 10,000–30,000+ depending on season.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Food: Fresh seafood grills, fish thalis, coconut curries, island-grown fruits; vegetarian options at beach cafés.
- Cafés: Concentrated around Govind Nagar and Vijaynagar; cabs make it easy to café-hop after sunset.
- Shopping: Market near Beach No. 3 for souvenirs and basics. Avoid buying coral or shells—protected by law.
- Culture: A blend of Bengali, Ranchi, Tamil settler traditions; be respectful of local customs and quiet hours.
Estimated Trip Costs & Sample Budgets
- Private cab transfers (2 days with multiple trips): INR 3,500–6,000.
- Meals (two people, per day): INR 1,200–3,000 depending on venue.
- Activities: Snorkeling/boat to Elephant Beach INR 1,200–3,500 per person (varies by operator and inclusions).
- Ferry Port Blair ↔ Havelock: INR 1,000–3,000 per person one-way, class-dependent.
- Accommodation (per night): As per category noted above.
Travel Tips for Families, Honeymooners, and Friends
Families
- Request larger MPVs for strollers and luggage; confirm car seats if needed.
- Plan earlier beach runs to avoid midday heat; keep snacks and water handy.
- Share hotel location pin with driver for smooth pickups.
Honeymooners
- Book sunset returns from Radhanagar with waiting time for flexibility.
- Choose resorts with easy cab access for late dinners.
- Carry light cash for small stops and beach cafés.
Friends/Groups
- Hire full-day cabs to split costs and cover more spots comfortably.
- Confirm music/USB/Bluetooth if you want road-trip vibes—some vehicles are basic.
- Check last-ferry timings if connecting to Port Blair the same day.
Safety, Sustainability & Etiquette
- Seatbelts: Wear them; roads can be narrow and occasionally slippery after rain.
- Environment: Carry back all trash; single-use plastics are discouraged and may attract fines.
- Wildlife/Forests: Stick to marked paths; drones require permissions.
- Night Travel: Limited street lighting—book trusted drivers; avoid isolated areas late at night.
- Permits/Rules: Entry rules for Andaman can change—verify current regulations before travel.
FAQs: Private Cabs in Havelock
Q: Can I use Ola or Uber in Havelock?
A: No. App-based ride-hailing services do not operate in the Andamans. Use local cabs via hotels, jetty stands, or direct driver contacts.
Q: Should I pre-book a cab for my ferry arrival?
A: Yes, especially in peak season (Nov–Apr). Share your ferry name and ETA so the driver can adjust for delays.
Q: How much does a full-day cab cost on Havelock?
A: Typically INR 2,000–3,500 for 8 hours with multiple stops, depending on vehicle type and season. Confirm waiting charges and inclusions.
Q: Can a cab take me directly to Elephant Beach?
A: No. Cabs drop you at the jetty for boat transfers or at the trek starting point if the trail is open. The beach itself isn’t motorable.
Q: Is self-drive car rental available on Havelock?
A: Self-drive cars are uncommon. Scooters are widely available for rent, but ride carefully and carry helmets and licenses.
Conclusion
A private cab in Havelock streamlines island travel—making ferry pickups, beach-hopping, and sunset timings stress-free. With no app taxis, local cabs and hotel-arranged vehicles are the most reliable way to navigate the island’s short but crucial routes. Pre-book in peak months, confirm fares and waiting times, keep cash for payments, and plan around weather and ferry schedules for a relaxed, well-connected Havelock escape.
