Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History & Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Things to Do at Vijaynagar Beach
- Nearby Attractions
- How to Reach
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Travel Tips (General + For Families, Honeymooners, Friends)
- FAQs about Vijaynagar Beach
- Conclusion
Introduction
Vijaynagar Beach—popularly known as Beach No. 5—on Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands is a peaceful escape of powdery white sand, leaning coconut palms, and calm, shallow waters. Unlike the often-busy Radhanagar Beach, Vijaynagar is unhurried and intimate, making it perfect for sunrise strolls, lazy swims, and hammock hours. If you’re seeking slow-island days with soft waves and birdsong, this is your beach.
History & Importance
Vijaynagar Beach takes its name from the nearby village of Vijaynagar on Havelock Island, once a quiet settlement that grew with fishing and small-scale agriculture. Havelock (officially Swaraj Dweep) saw increased settlement in the mid-20th century, and tourism has since become the lifeblood of the island.
The beach sits on the island’s east coast, protected by a fringing reef that creates a gentle lagoon. It’s known as a “sunrise beach” and is valued for its serene environment, easy swimming at mid-to-high tide, and proximity to cafés and small resorts that line the coast in a low-key strip.
Best Time to Visit
- October to May: Best conditions. Clearer seas, lots of sunshine, and light breezes.
- November to February: Peak season; cooler, vibrant vibe, higher prices—book early.
- June to September (Monsoon): Frequent rain, rougher seas, some activities may pause. Verdant and quiet if you don’t mind showers.
- Sunrise & Tides: Vijaynagar is ideal at sunrise. Swimming is safest and most comfortable at mid-to-high tide; at very low tide, exposed rocks and seagrass appear.
Top Things to Do at Vijaynagar Beach
- Sunrise Walks: Catch pastel skies and mirror-flat waters. Great for photography.
- Gentle Swimming: Enjoy the lagoon when tides are mid-to-high. Wear water shoes if exploring at low tide.
- Stand-Up Paddleboarding & Kayaking: Calm mornings are ideal; book with licensed local operators.
- Beach Cycling: Ride the scenic east-coast road flanked by palms and sea views.
- Hammock Time & Reading: Many stays set up hammocks right by the shore.
- Yoga & Wellness: Quiet sands and soft breezes make morning sessions blissful.
- Tide-Pool Pottering: Spot tiny crabs and shells at low tide. Avoid touching corals or marine life.
- Night Sky Gazing: On clear nights, light pollution is minimal.
- Day Trips: Save snorkeling and scuba for Elephant Beach or dive sites around Havelock; return to Vijaynagar for downtime.
Nearby Attractions
- Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7): Famous sunset beach with dramatic waves and a wide sandy arc (approx. 8–10 km).
- Kalapathar Beach: Photogenic black rocks, clear blue water, and quiet corners (approx. 4–5 km).
- Elephant Beach: Known for snorkeling and water sports; reach by speedboat from Havelock Jetty or by a jungle trail near Radhanagar.
- Govind Nagar Beach: Easy-access beach with dive centers and cafés (north of Vijaynagar).
- Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): A ferry hop away for day trips if you have extra time.
How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), Port Blair.
- Ferries to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep):
- From Port Blair: Government and private ferries (e.g., Makruzz, Green Ocean, Sea Link). Typical sailing time 1.5–2.5 hours.
- From Neil Island: 1–1.5 hours depending on service.
- Booking: Reserve in advance in peak season. Carry ID for check-in.
- From Havelock Jetty to Vijaynagar Beach: 10–15 minutes by auto-rickshaw or taxi; 10–20 minutes by rented scooter or bicycle along the east coast road.
- Local Transport: Autos, taxis, scooters (popular; carry a valid license), and cycles. Limited night transport—plan returns accordingly.
- Connectivity: 4G has improved but can be patchy. Airtel and BSNL typically work best; speeds vary by area.
Accommodation Options
Vijaynagar Beach hosts a relaxed string of beachfront and garden stays:
- Budget: Simple cottages, homestays, and beachfront huts.
- Mid-Range: Boutique resorts with sea-facing rooms, on-site cafés, and kayak/SUP tie-ups.
- Premium: Upscale beach resorts offering spacious villas, spas, and private beach access.
Indicative nightly rates (per room, double occupancy):
- Budget: INR 1,500–3,000
- Mid-Range: INR 4,000–8,000
- Premium: INR 10,000–20,000+
Rates vary by season; December–February and long weekends see higher prices. Confirm power backup, hot water, and Wi‑Fi if important to you.
Estimated Costs
- Ferries: Port Blair–Havelock one-way: INR 1,000–3,000+ per person (class and operator dependent).
- Local Transport: Scooter rental INR 500–800/day; auto from jetty to Vijaynagar INR 200–400 (approx.).
- Food: INR 300–600 per meal at cafés; seafood mains INR 400–900+. Beach shacks for fresh coconuts and snacks.
- Activities: Kayak/SUP INR 2,000–3,000 per session; snorkeling at Elephant Beach INR 1,000–1,500; introductory scuba INR 3,500–6,500; fun dives INR 4,000–5,500 per dive.
- Daily Budgets (guide):
- Shoestring: INR 2,500–4,000
- Mid-Range: INR 6,000–10,000
- Comfort: INR 12,000–20,000+
All prices are indicative and can fluctuate by season and operator.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Food: Try Andaman fish curry, grilled seafood, coconut-based dishes, and fresh bakes at coastal cafés. Plenty of vegetarian options and fruit smoothies available.
- Cafés & Sundowners: Beachfront spots around Vijaynagar and Govind Nagar serve light bites with sea views. Alcohol is available at licensed venues only.
- Shopping: Pick up bamboo and jute handicrafts, spices, and local artworks from Havelock Market. Avoid buying shells, corals, or marine-life souvenirs.
- Culture: The island has a warm, mixed community (notably Bengali heritage). Respect local customs; dress modestly in villages and dispose of waste responsibly.
- Responsible Travel: Use reef-safe sunscreen, carry a reusable bottle, and never step on corals or disturb marine fauna.
Travel Tips (General + For Families, Honeymooners, Friends)
General Tips
- Tides & Safety: Swim at mid-to-high tide. Low tide exposes rocks; lifeguards may be limited.
- Sun & Skin: Strong UV year-round—wear a hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen; consider a rash guard.
- Footwear: Water shoes help on rocky patches at low tide.
- Cash & ATMs: A few ATMs are in Havelock Market; carry sufficient cash as outages occur.
- Connectivity: Expect variable internet speeds; download maps and tickets in advance.
- Health: Carry basic meds and motion-sickness pills for ferry rides; hydration is key.
- Environment: No littering, no coral collecting, no drones without permission, and keep noise low near turtle nesting zones if any signage indicates.
For Families
- Choose accommodations with beach access and, if needed, a pool and on-site dining.
- Plan swims around tide times; pack floaties for kids and insect repellent for evenings.
- Carry snacks and quick-dry towels; shade tents help during midday sun.
For Honeymooners/Couples
- Catch the sunrise at Vijaynagar and the sunset at Radhanagar for memorable photos.
- Book a sea-view room and ask about private beach dinners or spa sessions.
- Try tandem kayaking or a beginner dive together for a shared first.
For Friends/Backpackers
- Rent scooters to beach-hop on your own schedule; split fuel and activity costs.
- Look for budget cottages or dorm-style stays; socialize at cafés in Govind Nagar.
- Plan a snorkel or dive day at Elephant Beach; return to Vijaynagar for chill evenings.
FAQs about Vijaynagar Beach
Q: Is Vijaynagar Beach safe for swimming?
A: Yes, it’s generally calm and safe at mid-to-high tide. At very low tide, rocks and seagrass appear—wear water shoes and avoid rough patches. Lifeguard presence can be limited, so use caution.
Q: Is it a sunrise or sunset beach?
A: Sunrise. For sunsets, head to Radhanagar Beach on the west coast.
Q: How many days should I spend on Havelock if I want time at Vijaynagar?
A: 2–3 nights lets you enjoy sunrise swims at Vijaynagar, a day trip to Elephant Beach, and a sunset at Radhanagar without rushing.
Q: Are water sports available at Vijaynagar?
A: You can arrange kayaking or SUP with local operators. For snorkeling and scuba, conditions are better around Elephant Beach and nearby dive sites.
Q: Will my phone work on the beach?
A: Airtel and BSNL typically have the best coverage, but speeds vary and may drop near the shore. Download maps offline and carry cash in case of network outages at payment terminals.
Conclusion
Vijaynagar Beach on Havelock Island is the Andamans at their gentlest—quiet mornings, swimmable lagoons, and palms nodding beside white sand. Use it as your serene base: greet the sunrise here, explore nearby beaches by day, and return for hammock hours by the sea. With thoughtful planning around tides, transport, and stays, it’s a restorative coastal escape you’ll remember for its hush and soft horizons.
