India is not only about artistic monuments, divine culture and hustle cities, but has some hidden gems, mesmerizing places with fresh air, greenery and breathtaking landscapes. Less known by tourists hence they are ideal to get out of the crowd and just relax.
One of these secret gems is Havelock Island, situated in the Bay of Bengal, an island of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Havelock is a natural paradise, a picturesque combination of green trees, white sand beaches and azure sea. This island is not only beautiful but offers many adventurous experiences as well: here you find one of the best diving sites in the world, can go for snorkeling, kayaking or trekking. If you are searching for a peaceful escape in a silent and mesmerizing place or you are hungry for adventures, Havelock Island is your Paradise.
Why visit
Enjoy the peaceful beaches without commercial attractions and nightlife. Relax, relax and relax. Forget about your stressful life and recharge yourself. The island is also ideal for adventures like Scuba diving, Snorkeling, Kayaking and Trekking. Note that mobile and internet coverage is poor.
Permits and Visas
Along with the India Visa, Andaman & Nicobar Islands need a special Restricted Area Permit (RAP) which can be obtained at the Port Blair airport upon arrival. This permit is free of charge and valid for 30 days, can be extended to 45 days.
How to get there
The capital of Andaman & Nicobar Islands is Port Blair. Daily flights depart from Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai and takes couple of hours. From Port Blair the only way to Havelock Island is by boat. Choose the Catamaran Ferry over the government operated ferry. It is comfortable and fast, takes just a 90 minutes journey to reach there.
One can reach Port Blair by ship from Chennai, Kolkata and Vishakhapatnam, this journey takes 3-4 days.
When to go
Rainy season starts in June and lasts till September, this time is not ideal for diving.
Thought the traditional peak dive season has been from December to May, when the sun is shining, the seas are flat and visibility is at its best, but the fish life is mindboggling from September to November. Enormous schools of fish occupy your entire vision, turtle and manta sightings are common and the reefs buzz with excitement and action. Diving during this period is the best, so if you are interested in really primo diving, but without crowds and with the moderate risk of being limited in the choice of dive sites due to weather, consider coming in this time period.
From October to February, you can enjoy temperatures from 30-35 degree Celsius, the ideal months to enjoy the idyllic beaches and water sports.
What to bring
People in Andamans operate on cash, few of the bigger hotels accept credit cards. Many places takes dollars and euros (especially for large purchases), but you can use only rupees for your small purchases. Money-exchange facilities and an international ATM are available in Port Blair and there are 2 ATMs in Havelock.
Certified divers should bring their C-card and logbook.
Some recommendations: bug repellant, long trousers for dusk, high SPF sun lotion, hat, sunglasses, towel, swimwear, memory cards and spare batteries/chargers.
What to do
Beaches
Havelock Island is a paradise for beach lovers. With over seven idyllic tropical beaches one can spend a week visiting a new one every day. The most you will see of a building are the bamboo cottages hidden behind the sweeping coconut palms. The most popular beach is the Radhanagar Beach, once rated as Asia’s best beach by TIME magazine. Radhanagar is a 2km long, crescent-shaped beach of soft silver sand. A stroll to the beach through a dense forest leads you through to the sight of white sand and crystal clear turquoise-blue water. There is a treehouse restaurant serving light meals and cold drinks behind the beach. Some market stalls set back from the beach selling fresh drinking tender coconuts and small souvenirs for low price.
Nearby, the Elephant Beach is the perfect place for snorkeling and water sports. Activities offered include an underwater sea walk, scuba diving, Jet Skiing, glass-bottom boats and banana rides. Most easily accessed by a 20-minute high-speed boat from the east of the island, a boat ride that offers stunning views of the island. Refreshments such as coconut water and fruits are available, but if you are planning on staying here all day, bring some food.
Underwater and corals
The turquoise crystal waters are perfect for a peek into the underwater world. Visit a PADI diving school to organize a scuba diving trip to see the Andaman’s unique marine life and enchanting coral reef. The abundance of marine life provides a rich variety of diverse diving sites.
One can go snorkeling to experience the coral formations.
Sea walk allows you to go under water without the skills required for swimming or scuba diving and at the same time provides a magnificent view of underwater life.
Click here to read more about diving sites at Havelock.
Trekking
Trekking through the Andaman jungle is a must-do while visiting.
For those who like walking and exploring forest areas, jungle trekking is the best activity. Hire a moped to explore hidden waterfalls surrounded palm trees, watch and listen the exotic birds and experience the beautiful wildlife.
Kayaking
The best way to explore Mangrove creeks is Kayaking. Don’t forget to take your camera!
Other activities at Havelock
Surf riding, swimming, game fishing, elephant ride, bird-watching, sailing and many more.
Are you a passionate scuba diver, an adventure seeker, or just need an escape from your daily life? This is your Paradise too!
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