A few years ago, a traveller friend from Canada, who has travelled across the globe, and loves coming back to India, told me that India doesn’t have a good beach. Though he wasn’t far from truth, he certainly hadn’t visited the Andamans, I think retrospectively. Because undoubtedly, some of the beaches in the Andaman & Nicobar islands are as good as any in the world. We saw it for ourselves this winter. We visited three islands in Andamans; and clearly found that Havelock island has the best beaches in India, and are among the best in the world. Here’s an account of what we saw, and why we fell in love with these beaches.
The Beach
As the blue sky turns golden, and then orange, watching the sun go down the horizon beyond the rumbling sea fills the heart with a contentment that nothing else can. The cool sea breeze brushing past the eyes and ears recharges the entire body. The soul gets what it has been searching for- bliss. The mind gets its due, a respite from the overload of information and emotions that the world throws at it. The sea reassures that all is well. This is what a beach does to me.
{Further reading suggestion: Beaches on the Odisha Coast}
The best beaches in India
I have had the opportunity of travelling to Goa tens of times, and have found the popular north Goa beaches overcrowded, polluted and dirty. Tourists throng these beaches for partying, and shopping. However, once when we explored south Goa beaches, we found them far better. (read more: North vs. South Goa beaches) But they are no match for the stunningly beautiful beaches of say, Thailand, Seychelles, Philippines or Maldives.
Best beach vibes in India:
Talking about the best beaches in India, I feel they are in the Havelock island in the Andamans. I have visited most beaches in India, except for the beaches in Lakshadweep. From the pictures that I have seen, I guess they are as beautiful as the beaches in the Andamans.
Apart from these beaches, south Goa has a few good beaches. Besides, beaches in Coastal Karnataka (click to read) like the ones in Udupi and Gokarna are really interesting. Some of the beaches in Kerala and Odisha are pretty as well. In this article, as the title suggests, I’m going to share our experience of the beaches of Havelock island in Andamans.
A few years ago, we visited an island-beach in Phuket (click to read)- the Khai Nok beach near the famous Phi Phi island. Though that beach was also very crowded for our liking, it was so amazingly beautiful! The soft white sand, clear turquoise water, and lush green vegetation, all made for a dreamy location, straight out of my imagination of an ideal beach. We had never seen such a beautiful beach before in our life.
We are glad that we had the same vibes as at Khai Nok, at a beach in India. i.e. in Havelock island in the Andamans. In fact, it was the same sea- the Andaman sea. Divided between countries, but geographically, Khai Nok in Thailand and Havelock island in Andamans (India) are in the same region.
Why are the best beaches located on islands only?
Where are the best beaches in the world? Seychelles, Bahamas, Maldives, Philippines, Caribbeans, Andamans: all islands.
The above observation leads me to ask this question: why are the best beaches in the world located on islands only? Is it because the waves are milder on islands? And islands are by nature less industrial, and thus, less polluted? What about the colour of water? Why are they so turquoise in islands? Why are the sand so soft there? Any answers? I wanted to find the answer on internet; but not much there. Please share your thoughts.
Beaches of the Havelock island in the Andamans
Havelock, now officially renamed as Swaraj Dweep, is a small island to the north east of Port Blair in the Andamans. There are about 572 such tiny to big islands in the Andaman and Nicobar chain of islands in the Indian ocean.
In Havelock island in the Andamans, there are about five beaches of repute: Radhanagar beach, Kala Pathar beach, Elephant beach, Vijay Nagar beach and Nemo/ Govind Nagar beach. Interestingly, all the five beaches are very different from each other. Apart from them, there are a few more very small secluded beaches along the coastline of Havelock island.
While Radhanagar is a long-wide beach known for its sunset, Kala Pathar beach is known for the sunrise experience. For the best water sports/ adventure experience, people head to Elephant beach. On the other hand, most of the travel agencies dealing with water adventures (especially scuba diving), take the tourists to Nemo beach in Govind Nagar. Vijay Nagar is a little secluded, peaceful beach to have soulful tranquility.
These beaches are not far from each other, and Havelock jetty is central to these beaches (see map below). Elephant beach (9 kms from jetty) and Radhanagar beach (11 kms) are to the south west of Havelock jetty. On the other hand, Nemo beach (1 kms from jetty) in Govind Nagar, Vijay Nagar beach (5.5 kms), and Kala Pathar beach (6.5 kms) are to the south east of the jetty.
Our winter sojourn at Havelock island in the Andamans
During our winter sojourn in the Andamans, out of the seven days, we spent about three days in Havelock island. In fact, these were the last three days of 2023; quite an amazing way to say goodbye to the year. After spending two days in Port Blair, we headed to the Havelock island. Though we loved most of the beaches in the Andamans, the beaches of Havelock island were the best of the lot.
Radhanagar, the Sunset Beach
From the Havelock jetty, we headed straight to our hotel very near the Radhanagar beach, i.e. the beach no.7 (local name), some 11 kms away from the jetty. We knew from the beginning that Radhanagar is one of the best beaches in India.
Do you know, it actually won the title of the best beach in Asia for 2007 (awarded by Time Magazine). In fact, Tripadvisor’s 2023 list of top 10 beaches in the world includes Radhanagar beach of Havelock island. Here’s the complete list:
World’s top 10 beaches (Tripadvisor):
1. Baia do Sancho (Fernando de Noronha, Brazil). 2. Eagle Beach (Aruba, Caribbean). 3. Cable Beach (Broome, Australia). 4. Reynisfjara Beach (Vik, Iceland). 5. Grace Bay Beach (Turks and Caicos, Caribbean). 6. Praia da Falésia (Algarve, Portugal). 7. Radhanagar Beach (Havelock Island, India). 8. Spiaggia dei Conigli (Sicily, Italy). 9. Varadero Beach (Cuba, Caribbean). 10. Ka’anapali Beach (Maui, Hawaii).
Besides, we were happy to learn that it’s a Blue Flag beach because of the environmental standards and sustainable tourism management practices. This means that it’s safe to swim here in all aspects.
What’s a Blue Flag Beach?
Blue Flag is a certification instituted by Foundation for Environmental Education to recognize beaches, marinas and sustainable boat tourism operators for their sustainability efforts. The award follows strict criteria based on environmental education, environmental management, responsible tourism, safety and services, etc. It’s an important initiative towards promoting sustainable tourism.
{Further reading suggestion: Sustainable tourism- Role of government ||| 12 ways of responsible tourism}
So naturally, we were getting excited to hit the beach as soon as possible. However, deliberately, we waited till it was an hour before the sunset moment.
From the hotel, we slowly walked up to the beach splashed in golden light of the hour before sunset. What a sight it was! The white sand beach had a golden tinge from the yellow rays emanating from the setting sun. Hundreds of visitors taking a leisurely bath in the shallow waters of the beach playing with mild waves. And hundreds more sat on the beach enjoying the slowly setting sun behind the hills extending into the sea.
We took a leisurely stroll, and took tons of pictures. I love lush green vegetation near the beach, and Radhanagar beach has a forest running beside it! Isn’t it amazing!
What we loved about the beach:
Next day, after spending time on water adventures at Nemo beach, we came back to Radhanagar beach again at sunset. This time, we took a stroll in the forest running along the beach. The trail goes through huge straight Sea Mohwa trees (Andaman Bulletwood trees; scientific name: Manikara Littoralis). Walking in the forest trail among the tall trees leading to the beach was so fascinating!
We got some street-snack to munch on while sitting on the beach enjoying the fading lights of sunset. Another great thing of the beach is that it has a well thought out, well-planned, and well-designed sitting area with different kinds of curated seats beneath the large Sea Mohwa trees. After it was dark, surprisingly for me, most of the tourists had vanished! Surprising because the whole of Andamans boast of zero crime. Visitors could easily hang around in the thin light on the beach! (A few love birds did roam around though).
We kept sitting there at the beach well after it was dark, and loved the tranquility listening to the sound of the waves. It’s definitely one beach that one can enjoy any time of the day or night.
There is a small market just 100 meters off the beach, which has a few small restaurants/ eateries, tens of street food vendors, and only a few souvenir shops. Apart from these, there is nothing for the visitors to engage in; there’s little night life. It’s kind of both good and bad, depending on what one is looking for. On one hand, lack of night life adds a sense of sanity; but on the other hand, for party levers, the beach sounds boring.
Kala Pathar, the Sunrise Beach
While Radhanagar beach is very lovable beach, our favorite is the Kala Pathar beach. Given my fondness for vegetation close to the sea, this beach was an absolute delight. It’s called ‘Kala Pathar’ beach, perhaps because of the patches of black (kala in Hindi) rocks (pathar in Hindi) spread across one part of the beach.
The small tropical evergreen trees are just about 25 meters from the sea! One can sit beneath the trees and still feel close to the water, and still feel like sitting on the beach itself. This is especially likeable in the afternoon when the sun is beating hard, and one doesn’t feel like walking on the beach for long.
It’s another good beach for swimming for its shallow water levels. I can never forget the silky white sand and turquoise water on the beach. Plus, it was so clean that one can see through the water very clearly.
Besides, coming back to the vegetation by the beach, they add that photogenic angle to the beach! One can take lovely pictures both from the waterfront, and from the vegetation side as well. I absolutely loved some of the pictures of the sea we took from the other side of the vegetative growth.
Nemo Beach, the Diver's Beach
If you want to see the amazing life under water, Havelock island in the Andamans is a great place. All the travel agencies offering adventure sports, take the tourists to the Nemo beach in Govind Nagar. The Nemo beach looks very interesting because of the mangrove forests on the beach. {More on mangrove forests: Sundarbans National Park}
There’s a small window in the mangrove vegetation on the beach where all the adventure seekers (basically scuba diving and snorkeling) congregate. In Govind Nagar, there’s another small beach, a bit secluded though.
Tips for Scuba Diving:
Scuba diving is fairly safe for most normally healthy people aged above 12 years; there’s no upper limit. Before going for scuba diving, they ask you to fill up a medical declaration form. One has to assess themselves whether they should or shouldn’t dive; and if they decide to dive, what kind.
{Further reference: How to scuba dive safely}
There are two kinds of scuba diving on offer in Havelock island in Andamans. While one is done very near to the beach (shore diving; for Rs. 2000), for the other, they take you by boat to a little deeper into the sea (boat diving; Rs. 3500). The two vary in the quantum of sea life one gets to see; of course, boat-diving offers one more aqua-life to witness.
The travel agents impart a little orientation to the adventure seekers about the do’s and don’ts of scuba diving or snorkeling. Subsequent to the agreement of the adventure seekers, the guides accompany them to the sea where they help the tourists see amazing undersea aqua-life.
My scuba diving experience:
When I went to the scuba diving agency, they asked me to choose between the shore diving and boat diving. There was no medical consultant, or instructor. I have sinusitis issues. So, I chose the shore scuba diving. I must say, it was quite an amazing experience! Though I was a bit wary of spilling out the mouth piece that helps one breathe under water, the excitement beat the fear.
As the guide took me down about 40 feet under the sea, it was wonderful swimming with the colourful fishes all around me. The coral reefs looked like another world! Though the water was quite clear, I have heard that it’s not the best. Along with the guide, there was a photographer who took some under water pictures and videos; it was complimentary.
{If you are interested in adventures, do read: Adventure Camping in Zanskar, Ladakh}
Elephant, the Activity Beach
We had no idea of how the Elephant beach might look like when we got two seats for ourselves in a boat to the Elephant beach. There are two modes of reaching the Elephant beach. If you want to do a little snorkeling at the beach, the travel agents offer that for free with the boat tickets that cost Rs. 1000 each.
However, if you don’t want to do snorkeling, and you don’t mind hiking a few kilometers in the forest, you can reach the Elephant beach by foot. While the boats start from the Havelock jetty, the hiking starts at some point on the way from Havelock jetty to Radhanagar beach. The boat took a little more than one hour to reach the beach.
Things to do at Elephant Beach:
I was baffled to see the number of water sports and adventure activities on offer at the beach! In fact, the small beach is all about activities! And it looked overcrowded! There were all sorts of fun rides in vessels shaped as bananas, sofas, toys, speed bikes, and the likes.
It’s kind of managed and designed by the local tourism industry in a way that visitors have to do something commercial! Even if you have no interest in these activities, you would feel compelled to engage in some activity, because there’s nothing else to do there! The beach is small and at the edge of a forest. So, what to do! You cannot keep watching people engage in the activities for a long time.
Smartly enough, the boats are not hop-on-and-hop-off. One has to take the same boat on their way back to the jetty. And the boats don’t get back before at least 3 hours! So, think twice before taking a boat to this island. If you don’t want to engage in activities, you can skip this beach.
Since I had already experienced scuba diving the previous day, my motivation of doing snorkeling wasn’t too high; still I did a bit. But Parina really loved the snorkeling experience at the beach; in fact, she did it twice, back to back! I think it was one of the highlights of her Andamans trip.
Vijaynagar, the Tranquil Beach
Not far from the Kala Pathar beach, there’s this peaceful, off-beat Vijay Nagar beach. It’s best for people who want solitude to spend time with the nature, and with themselves. This beach is less frequented by tourists because this is mainly used by the guests of quite a few resorts along the beach. So, this beach is generally not listed by the tour operators and local rickshaw drivers to take their guests to.
This is yet another beach with the vegetation close to the sea. The vegetation here includes mainly the palms, coconuts and mangroves. Though we wanted to visit the beach, we didn’t have enough time though!
Travel Tips: Havelock Island in the Andamans
Best time to visit:
Being a tropical island, Havelock has hot, humid and rainy weather for six months of the year from April to September. During monsoon times, the sea remains rough, and not suitable to venture into. So, best time to enjoy sunshine and nice weather in Havelock island in the Andamans is between October and March.
How to reach:
Nearest airport is the capital city of Andaman & Nicobar islands- Port Blair. From Port Blair, there are 3-4 ferry services to Havelock. In busy season, one needs to book the seats in advance, otherwise, one may not get a ticket. Ticket prices vary between Rs. 1000 to Rs. 1500.
Where to stay:
There are hundreds of good resorts, luxury hotels, budget hotels and guesthouses through out Havelock island in Andamans. In my view, it’s good to stay in an accommodation as near to a beach as possible. Taking a stroll on the beach in the morning/ evening is among the best experiences to have in Havelock island. Here are a few good budget hotel/ resorts for your reference:
JK Resort || Blue Lagoon Resort || Dreamland Resort || Pano Eco Resort || Hotel Heaven Garden ||
How to move around:
It’s a small island; so, one can easily move around in bikes, or auto-rickshaws, or taxis, if you prefer comfort over wind. Petrol/ diesel is relatively cheaper in Andamans than in mainland India. Thus, auto-rickshaws and taxis are not too expensive.
What/ where to eat:
There is no big market place in Havelock island; the markets near the beaches are tiny. So, food is mostly limited to the resorts/ hotels where one stays. However, among the ones available outside, some good options are: Something Different- A Beachside Cafe || Full Moon Cafe || Bonova cafe || Anju Coco Resto || Golden Spoon.
As majority of population in Havelock island in Andamans are Bengalis, most of the local restaurants serve Bengali cuisine, though other cuisines are available too. Interestingly, one will find fruit stalls everywhere; I loved the tropical fruit salads.
Concluding Thoughts
We are not party people. So, we don’t really understand why people visit beaches to engage in parties! Beaches are natural beauties, and should be appreciated for that. One can party anywhere in a city; do it there! Too much party vibes on the beach dilute the atmosphere. That’s what’s happening in Goa, and many other popular beaches across India.
Thankfully, Havelock island in the Andamans, and for that matter, most beaches in the Andamans are away from these parties. They provide the visitors an opportunity to connect with the nature, and enjoy unadulterated natural beauty.
The main two beaches in Havelock island- Radhanagar and Kala Pathar look just about perfect for nature seekers. They are neither too crowded, nor too deserted for comfort. One can have their own slice of the beach, and no one would disturb. Undoubtedly, Havelock island in the Andamans has the best beaches in India. If you visit them once, you will tend to go back for sure.
Jayant Swain
Nice article. I remember visiting these beaches years ago. Thoroughly enjoyed; best beaches in India.
stampedmoments
Thank you. Indeed, Andamans have the best beaches.
Keep reading 🙂
Hunny
Having just read this article declaring Havelock Island in the Andamans as home to the best beaches in India, I couldn’t agree more! The breathtaking beauty of Havelock’s shores is unparalleled, with its pristine sands and crystal-clear waters. It’s no surprise that it’s often hailed as a paradise for beach lovers. This article does a great job of highlighting the island’s allure and is sure to inspire many to add it to their travel bucket list. Can’t wait to experience the splendor of Havelock’s beaches firsthand!
stampedmoments
Thank you so much for reading, and sharing your detailed feedback.
Absolutely, this island has the best beaches in India. Totally worth taking the long flight.
Keep reading, keep encouraging. Cheers!
Geeta
I would like to start with a thank you note to stamped moments.. Ur travelling tips helped to enjoy the most beautiful beaches with taking care of our pockets …
Beauty of Andaman is beyond words…
This trip with my family is a life time memory to cherish.. we travelled back in time by watching the light show of cellular jail, then Ross iland… Unforgettable beaches, tracks, birds, rides, snorkeling,butterflies, corals, fishes, lovely people, ..I can write a long page in admiration of nature’s resilience. But i should stop now..
Thank you Suvendu ji and Parina for ur tips for this trip…it’s alws a treat to see the amazing pics of ur trips across India…keep inspiring us to travel..
stampedmoments
So happy for you, Geeta!
Glad that you enjoyed a lot with family in the Andamans.
Undoubtedly, Andamans have the best beaches.
But it’s also largely peaceful, un-crowdy and safe.
Thanks for you kind words.