A Haven called Havelock

Sunrise at Havelock

This one easily is one of my top dream destinations. It is what dreams are made of. Pristine beaches, soft white sands, clear blue sky, inviting turquoise sea and lush green rain forests. Unhurried time spent with family, exploring new terrains at our own pace, one of the best adventure experiences of my life (scuba diving ticked off my list) – Havelock has something for everyone , no matter who you are.

Havelock Island is the largest island in the Ritchie’s archipelago of Andaman Islands. We arrived on this island from Port Blair in style (Thanks Makruzz !). The entire trip takes 1.5 hours and the journey was very comfortable. Here’s my take on places to visit, stay and activities to do while in Havelock.

1) Radhanagar Beach

This beach was rated as “Asia’s best beach” and “7th best beach in the world” by TIME Magazine. One look at the beach and you will know why. Snow white sand between a serene turquoise ocean and green forest canopy. The pristine beach is 2 kilometers long and provides ample opportunity for that romantic walk by the sea. It has clear sandy bottom 100 m into the sea, making it very safe for adults / kids to wade in and play.

A view to behold. Photo Credit: keedap via Compfight cc

A view to behold.
Photo Credit: keedap via Compfight cc

 

Footprints of a beautiful memory. Photo Credit: keedap via Compfight cc

Footprints of a beautiful memory.
Photo Credit: keedap via Compfight cc

We couldn’t stay back for the sunset, but it is said that the sunset in this beautiful beach is nothing less. Well, there should be something for the next time !

Surreal sunset at the beach Photo Credit: keedap via Compfight cc

Surreal sunset at the beach
Photo Credit: keedap via Compfight cc

2) Elephant beach

We spent half a day on this beach. From Havelock dock, the ride to this beach is about 20 minutes. You see the Havelock Island Lighthouse on the way. Close to the Elephant beach is the place for sea walk. We decided to let this go as my husband had already decided to go scuba diving (and I was contemplating, ahem!)

The first thought that crosses the mind when you touch the shores is “postcard perfect”. Pure white sand, an uprooted tree (makes for a great photo op) and the backdrop of the turquoise waters.

My daughter insisted it was a huge swimming pool and I kinda agree. The sea starts at a depth of less than a meter and stays really shallow for about 15 feet. To add to its charm you can play with school of fishes in the clear water. They dart in and out around your feet and I had a really great time playing in this pool with my children, while we took turns snorkeling. The amazing coral reef starts from close to the shore and one get a great glimpse of the thriving ecosystem of these coral reefs. The reefs here are considered one of the best. You can enjoy other water sports like jet ski, banana rides, glass bottom boat rides etc

3) Seashell Havelock

We were put up in the Andaman Chalet and was one of the most amazing stays we had. The location of this hotel was part of the allure. Right at the beach with mangroves makes for a real pretty picture. From clean rooms, great food, a nice bar Fluidz to their in-house scuba diving center (www.scubalov.in), the amenities in the hotel was all that we needed.

View from the beach by Seashell Havelock

View from the beach by Seashell Havelock

4) Scuba diving (highly recommended)

Scuba diving was a real convenience for us, thanks to their in-house scuba diving center, Scuba Lov. We took turns exploring the depths of the sea while the kids enjoyed TV in the comforts of the room. A real advantage of scuba diving in Andaman was that you could walk into the ocean from the beach and be in the midst of a thriving coral ecosystem (no need to ride a boat and dive into the ocean to see the corals).

DIVEIndia was another popular place for scuba diving, quite close to the Seashell Havelock. A quick visit and we realized that the place was very popular with serious divers. There were deep discussions on the plans and notes being exchanged on the sitings of their nth dive. Privy to all this while enjoying the amazing food they served at their restaurant.

5) Rent-a-Bike

This was an impromptu fun activity on a free day. Bikes comes pretty inexpensive (Rs 500-700 for a day). We hopped on one and had a whale of a time. Imagine exploring stretches of greenery with no other vehicle in sight, stopping by to choose and pick ripe mangoes fallen from a road side tree (hey, there was no one around to ask for permission !), exploring beaches and stopping by to spend time on the most amazing stretches, visiting the local fruit market and buying some local fruits and yes, more mangoes !

6) Kalapathar Beach

We were directed towards this one by the locals. It is close to a village called Kala Pathar, hence the name. There are quite a few dead corals on the beach, so its not ideal for frolicking in the waters, though the waves are quite small here. Recommended, if you are looking for a beach that you could have to yourself, literally. Spend time with your loved ones,  read your favourite book or watch the sunrise / sunset and listen to the sound of the waves. You may want to carry a hammock or some sitting gear.

A relatively isolated beach Photo Credit: mOTHrEPUBLIC via Compfight cc

A relatively isolated beach
Photo Credit: mOTHrEPUBLIC via Compfight cc

 

Corals and white sands of Kalapathar Beach

Corals and white sands of Kalapathar Beach

7) Barefoot at Havelock (http://www.barefoot-andaman.com/)

Last but definitely not the least. This was on my to visit place. Its located very close to Radhanagar beach and we decided to go here for lunch, now that we had the rented bike. The staff was very friendly and I still remember the taste of the sumptuous meal we had there. Remember the mangoes we picked on the way. Made for a great after meal dessert ;). This is also a great place to stay but be prepared for bugs given the dense vegetation around this resort.

The magic this island weaves will stay with you for a very long time (I even suspect – for ever). Don’t believe me ? Try it for yourself – it’s a dare !

admin

A daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend, IT professional and now - a travel blogger. I just love traveling, exploring new places and this inspired me to share travel experiences and memories with others.

38 Responses

  1. Ami says:

    Dare or no… Am game for Havelock. Well captured

  2. There are some interesting points in time in this article but I do’t understand
    if I see all of them centre to heart. There is some validity but I ‘ll take hold opinion until I look into it further.

    Good article , thanks and we need more! Added to FeedBurner as well.

  3. Clement says:

    Really nice post, I definitely love this website, keep on it.

  4. Beulah says:

    Thank you for giving the advice. It’ll help me lot.

  5. madden 17 says:

    Your tips is extremely appealing

  6. Divia says:

    Hey there, I am planning to do Andaman solo – do you recommend it?
    I am so keen to go there but wondering if it’s a trip that needs to be done in groups…

    Any advice would be appreciated 🙂

    Divia

    • admin says:

      Hi Divia, I found Port Blair, Havelock and Neil Island really safe. Not a single incident come to my that would mar this view. Since I travel with kids, safety is a constant requirement for me. The day starts really early and I would recommend getting back around sunset, as the roads get quite deserted and dark. I visited Deep Dive and saw many single travelers, both men and women from different countries, training for Scuba certification. I also did some research and found the below link that might help you
      http://www.portblaironline.in/city-guide/solo-woman-travelling-in-andaman

      Do visit Andaman, I promise you will fall in love. Do share your experience !

  7. Alok Singhal says:

    I’ve heard of the place but didn’t know the beach is highly rated! White sand looks quite inviting…I saw that in Gold Coast, Australia 2 years back.

    Love your experience, especially the bike ride without any crowd around sounds so much fun.

    • admin says:

      Thanks Alok. I was not aware of this gem until I visited. The bike ride, picking ripe mangoes from underneath a roadside tree, getting it cut and delivered in a restaurant while we wait for food is one of my happy memories too :). Must say Andaman’s beaches spoilt me for the others !

  8. SGD says:

    Swati as you said Andaman is also my favourite destination… even after multiple visits I still crave to go there at every single opportunity. I am in love with the group of Island. A beautiful post to give me another chance to recollect my own 🙂

    • admin says:

      I know what you mean Sarmistha. I am itching to go there again and live the unhurried life. I totally loved Havelock. What are your favorite islands there ?

  9. Rank My Hub says:

    Nice place, Hope you had a great time, that is seen from the comments. A peaceful place to relax and unwind the daily jargon.

  10. Fumiko says:

    What a beautiful beach it is!! And the sunset is really breathtaking!

  11. Kala Ravi says:

    What a fantastic place! Havelock is on my bucket-list. You’ve captured some really amazing shots. The place is so pristine and the natural beauty so picture perfect! You’ve covered the sights and sounds of Havelock brilliantly!

    • admin says:

      Thanks so much Kala. You must visit Andaman. I fell in love with Havelock and left a piece of my heart there. Its pristine white beaches, turquoise water and blue sky were breath-taking. Pretty much spoilt me for any other beach now !

  12. neha says:

    Beautiful pictures. Havelock is indeed a heaven. It is so serene and not at all crowded. I have been planning to visit here for a while now, Your post is all the more inspiring me to visit here 🙂

    • admin says:

      You must Neha. I tell you, you will be spoilt for any other beach :). The laid back life, the beautiful scenery all around is really good for the soul

  13. Cathy says:

    ooohhsoooo stunning beaches! I’m a certified beach lover and I wish to see all the beaches in the world! Havelock looks so serene and has less crowd that can make us put our feets’ up. The sunset you captured is just simply beautiful. Wanna go here!

    • admin says:

      Cathy, you will totally love it. Rent a bike and beach hop or just ride into the sunset. It is so serene and photogenic anywhere you go 🙂

  14. celine says:

    It’s hard to appreciate beaches as we are spoiled with choices here in the Philippines. Having said that Andaman looks like stiff competition. Long stretches of white sand beaches is always alluring. 🙂 Would love to go there and rent a bike to just get lost.

    • admin says:

      Celine, I hear you :). I am so spoilt for beaches myself after Andaman. I haven’t visited Philippines yet but if you say stiff competition, putting it on my list 🙂

  15. Havelock beach really looks like a slice of paradise. The beach looks so gorgeous and the rays of the sun seem to create magic on its waters. Andamans is indeed a rare gem of India.

    • admin says:

      Totally agree Sandy N Vyjay. It is my most favourite destination for beaches in India. I close my eyes and can visualize the emerald islands, aqua green waters lapping against the white sands

  16. sumit walia says:

    such a well written and composed article with the right set of pictures , certainly it is a place worth visiting and not one but many a time

  17. Marge says:

    Kalapathar beach appeals to me the most. A beach to myself, that is just perfect. Sometimes no wonder how much beautiful a beach is, it’s hard to appreciate it when there’s so many people around. I like Kalapathar, even with crushed corals, I like it’s rugged appeal.

  18. Jane says:

    Growing up in the Philippines, I love beaches. Your article makes me miss the sun, the sand, and the sea. I am currently living in France. Although not far from the beach, I still can’t go cause it will be too freaking cold and wouldn’t make sense in the middle of winter. Haha! Kalapathar Beach looks amazing, by the way.

  19. click here says:

    great post and excellent article

  1. August 4, 2016

    Free Piano

    Hello 🙂 I am Tommy, its my first occasion to commenting anyplace, when i read this paragraph i thought i could also create comment due to this brilliant post… Free Japan Guide

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.