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Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)

["Officially known as Swaraj Dweep, Havelock Island is a picturesque paradise in India's Andaman archipelago, renowned for its pristine white-sand beaches like Radhanagar Beach, vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, and lush tropical forests offering serene escapes and thrilling water sports."]

James O'Connor
Written byJames O'Connor
Havelock Island 1
Havelock Island 2
Havelock Island 3

Best Time To Visit Havelock Island

Island Tourism Festival

5th January

The Island Tourism Festival is a grand multi-day event celebrating the unique culture and ecology of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, attracting artists and visitors from across the country. The festival showcases a vibrant mix of traditional music, dance performances, and art exhibitions reflecting the archipelago's diverse heritage. Visitors can also indulge in local culinary delights at numerous food stalls and watch exciting watersports competitions. It's a spectacular showcase of the islands' spirit and a major highlight for tourists visiting during this period.

    FESTIVAL AND EVENTS

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    Hotels in Havelock Island

    Discover curated hotels, trending escapes, and unique spots that fit your vibe and budget.
    Cozy Beach Hostel

    Cozy Beach Hostel

    4.2

    Budget-friendly accommodation with shared facilities and beach access for the perfect getaway.

    Starting from

    1,500per person
    Backpacker's Paradise, Arambol

    Backpacker's Paradise, Arambol

    4

    Clean dorms and private rooms near the beach with communal kitchen and lounge area.

    Starting from

    1,200per person
    Budget Beach Resort, Calangute

    Budget Beach Resort, Calangute

    3.8

    Affordable beachfront stay with basic amenities and easy access to popular beaches.

    Starting from

    2,000per person
    Economic Stay, Baga

    Economic Stay, Baga

    4.1

    Simple and clean accommodation near nightlife and beach activities.

    Starting from

    1,800per person
    Budget Beachside Cottage, Morjim

    Budget Beachside Cottage, Morjim

    4

    Charming cottage steps from the beach with basic amenities and peaceful surroundings.

    Starting from

    1,600per person
    Affordable Guesthouse, Vagator

    Affordable Guesthouse, Vagator

    3.9

    Clean rooms with air conditioning and Wi-Fi, close to famous beach clubs and restaurants.

    Starting from

    1,400per person
    Budget Stay, Candolim

    Budget Stay, Candolim

    4.2

    Simple accommodation with breakfast included, walking distance to beach and local markets.

    Starting from

    1,700per person
    Economical Beach Lodge, Palolem

    Economical Beach Lodge, Palolem

    4.1

    Cozy lodge with garden views, bicycle rentals, and easy access to pristine beaches.

    Starting from

    1,300per person
    Havelock Island Guide: Best Beaches & Scuba Diving Spots

    Overview of Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)

    Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) is a beautiful place in India. It is part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The island sits in the bright blue Andaman Sea.

    It is famous for its clean white sand beaches. The sand feels very soft under your feet. The sea water is clear, warm, and perfect for a swim.

    Lush green forests cover most of the island. You can see many tall trees and plants. It is a very peaceful and quiet spot for a great holiday.


    Entry Details and Timing for Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)

    There are no set entry times for Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep). You can visit the island all year round. Most shops and cafes open around 9 AM. They usually close by 9 PM at night.

    To see the main spots, you need a few days. A good trip takes about three to four days. This gives you time to see the beaches and relax.

    You need a permit to visit the Andaman Islands. Indian citizens do not need a special permit. Foreign tourists need a Restricted Area Permit. This is usually given on arrival at the Port Blair airport.


    What To Expect at Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)?

    When you visit Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), expect to feel very calm. The air is fresh and clean. The only sounds you will hear are of waves and nature. This is a key part of our Havelock Island guide.

    You will see amazing sights all around you. The sea has many pretty shades of blue and green. The green jungles are thick and full of life. It is a true feast for your eyes.

    There are many fun things to do on the island. You can swim in the warm sea for hours. You can lay on the soft sandy beach and rest. Or you can explore the small, friendly villages.

    The food on the island is simple and delicious. Most places serve fresh seafood caught from the sea. You can try tasty fish, big crab, and juicy prawns. There are also many fresh fruits like coconuts and bananas.

    The local people here are very kind and warm. They are always smiling and ready to help you. This makes your trip feel even more special and safe. You will make many happy memories here.

    Many tourists come here for adventure and fun. It is a top spot for many water activities. It has some of the best scuba diving India can provide. You can see colorful fish and coral reefs deep in the sea.


    History of Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)

    The history of Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) is quite simple. The island was first settled by people many years ago. It was once named after a British general from the past.

    In the year 2018, its name was officially changed. The Indian government renamed it to Swaraj Dweep. This special name means "Self-Rule Island" in Hindi.

    Today, the island is special for its pure, untouched nature. It is protected to keep its beauty safe. This makes it a wonderful place to visit and enjoy.


    Why Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) is Known For
    • Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) is famous for its stunning and clean beaches.
    • It is a top spot in India for fun water sports and adventures.
    • The colorful coral reefs under the sea are full of amazing marine life.
    • It is also known for its quiet and peaceful green jungles.

    More About Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) Scenery

    The scenery on Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) is truly wonderful. The sunrise is a must-see event. The sun slowly rises and paints the sky in bright colors. The sky turns yellow, orange, and red over the blue sea.

    The sunset is also a very special time of day. The sun dips down into the ocean. It makes the water glow with orange and pink light. It is a perfect way to end your day on the island.

    The forests here are deep green and very dense. You can walk on small paths and listen to birds sing. The air in the forest is cool and fresh. The tall trees provide a lot of shade from the sun.

    At night, the sky is full of bright stars. Since there are no big city lights, you can see them very clearly. It feels like you are looking at a blanket of diamonds.


    Architecture and Style of Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)

    The buildings on Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) are simple and natural. Most resorts and huts are made of wood and bamboo. They are designed to blend in with the green nature around them.

    You will not find any big, tall buildings here. The style is very rustic and close to the earth. This helps keep the island's charm and peaceful feeling.

    Many places have thatched roofs made from dried leaves. This keeps the rooms cool inside. The design makes you feel connected to the beautiful island. It is very different from a busy city.


    Best Time to Visit Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)

    The best time to visit Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) is from October to May. During these months, the weather is sunny and very pleasant. The sea is calm, making it perfect for swimming and water sports.

    The winter months from December to February are very cool and nice. This is the peak season, so the island can be a bit crowded. It is a good idea to book your stay in advance.

    Try to avoid the monsoon season if you can. It rains a lot from June to September. The sea can be rough, and some activities may be closed.


    How to Reach Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)

    First, you need to reach Port Blair. Port Blair has the main airport, called Veer Savarkar International Airport. Many flights come here from major cities in India like Chennai and Kolkata.

    From Port Blair, you must take a ferry to Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep). The ferry ride across the sea is fun and scenic. The journey usually takes about 90 minutes to two hours.

    You can choose a government ferry or a private cruise. Private cruises are faster and have air conditioning. Planning your Swaraj Dweep travel by booking ferry tickets early is a smart choice.


    Travel Tips for Visiting Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
    • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on sand.
    • Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
    • Follow all the local rules and guidelines.
    • Stay safe when you are swimming in the sea.
    • Respect the natural beauty of Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep).
    • Bring light cotton clothes for the warm weather.
    • Do not bring any plastic bags as they are banned.
    • Booking Havelock tour packages can make your trip easy.
    • Always carry some cash as ATMs can be rare.
    • Use sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun.

    Top Attractions In or Near Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
    1. Radhanagar Beach: This famous spot is known as one of the best beaches in Andaman for its beauty.
    2. Elephant Beach: This beach in Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) is perfect for snorkeling and seeing coral reefs.
    3. Kalapathar Beach: This spot is known for its long stretch of white sand and big black rocks.
    4. Vijaynagar Beach: This is a long and very quiet beach, perfect for peaceful morning walks by the sea.
    5. Neil's Cove: This is a calm, beautiful lagoon with clear water, a short walk from Radhanagar Beach.
    6. Govind Nagar Beach: This beach is near the main jetty and is great for watching local life and fishing boats.

    Your Questions, Answered

    The best way to reach Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) is by taking a government-operated or private ferry from Port Blair. The journey typically takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the type of ferry and sea conditions.
    Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7), famous for its stunning sunsets and white sand, is a must-visit. Other popular beaches include Elephant Beach, known for water sports and snorkeling, and Kalapathar Beach, which offers a serene and picturesque coastline.
    Havelock is a hub for adventure sports. You can enjoy scuba diving, sea walking, snorkeling, kayaking, jet-skiing, and parasailing. The clear waters and rich marine life make it one of the best diving spots in India.
    Internet connectivity on Havelock Island has improved but can still be intermittent and slow compared to the mainland. While most hotels and resorts offer Wi-Fi, it's best to be prepared for a digital detox. BSNL and Airtel offer the most reliable mobile networks.
    A stay of 2 to 3 days is generally sufficient to explore the main attractions of Havelock Island, including its famous beaches and a few water sports. If you plan to do a diving course or want a more relaxed vacation, consider staying for 4 to 5 days.
    The most commonly spoken languages are Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, and Telugu. English is widely understood, especially in tourist areas, hotels, and dive centers, so communication is generally not an issue for travelers.
    Yes, there are a few ATMs on the island, primarily in the main market area. However, they can sometimes be out of cash or non-functional. It is advisable to carry sufficient cash with you from Port Blair for local expenses.
    Havelock offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from luxury beach resorts and private villas to mid-range hotels and budget-friendly bamboo huts. Most options are concentrated around Beach No. 3 and Beach No. 5.

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