One of the most popular destinations on Havelock Island is Elephant Beach. It is famous for its bright coral reefs that are easily spotted in the shallow waters. Its clean shores and rich underwater marine life drive the tourists here in large numbers. This beach is covered with greenery and tall trees from all sides. There are no hard rocks on the beach and the corals are easily visible from a depth of just 1 meter. You can spend an ideal relaxing time here and also get an adrenaline rush by indulging in various water sports. It is truly a pristine paradise escape!
Location
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Elephant Beach is located on Havelock Island, around 8.5 km from the Jetty. It is one of the secluded beaches on this Island, which is why it is one of the cleanest beaches in India.
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How To Reach Elephant Beach
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It is very easy to reach this beach from Port Blair. You need to take a boat or a ferry from Port Blair to Havelock Island.
By Sea: From Havelock Dock, the boat will take around 20 minutes to reach this beach. These boats run at frequent intervals from the Dock.
By Road: Travelers who want to walk to the beach can use the roadways. The path is surrounded by lush green trees that provide shade to the walking tourists.
Best Time To Visit Elephant Beach
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The ideal time to explore this beach is from December to February, as the temperature is between 19 to 26 degrees Celcius. Tourists can relax at the peaceful spots and also enjoy water sports during this time. The visiting hours on this beach are from 7 am to 4 pm.
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Things To Do At Elephant Beach
Elephant Beach is where tourists love to dive in crystal-clear waters and explore the underwater biodiversity. Here are some of the best things to do at this beach:
1. Sea Walking
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This beach is one of the popular beaches on Havelock Island that offers the best underwater sea walk experience. This is one of the best activities for people who don’t want to get deep but also want to witness the underwater world with their own eyes. The tourists are taken 10 meters deep in the sea and at specific points where they can witness the exotic aquatic life and beautiful coral reefs.
Cost/Person: ₹3000 approximately
2. Glass-Bottom Boat Ride
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This beach is considered one of the best beaches in Havelock Island for boat rides, a perfect activity for people who do not want to get inside the water but don’t want to miss the underwater treasure. The thick glass bottom of these boats helps them see the beauty of fishes, corals, sea turtles, and other creatures dwelling underwater. The boat takes you around shallow waters near the shoreline, especially areas having abundant biodiversity.
Cost/Person: ₹750
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3. Banana Boating & Speed Boating
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The banana and speed boats take the tourists around the beach through the shoreline and other small islets nearby. It is a thrilling experience when cold splashes of waves come on your face while riding on the boat. The ride lets you visit the lagoons circling this beach and gives you a whole tour of the surroundings of the sea. It is a must-do activity on the beach for adventure lovers.
Cost/Person: ₹1000
4. Snorkelling
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Snorkelling is an exciting activity that tourists love to indulge in while visiting this beach because it is one of the most beautiful beaches on Havelock Island. The reef is amazing, thanks to the shallow waters that make it visible. The coral population is high on the right side of the beach and the water is crystal clear too. The snorkellers can spot colourful fish swimming around. Snorkelling offers a great experience to explore the unexplored.
Cost/Person: ₹1000
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5. Parasailing
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It is one of the most thrilling activities that you can indulge in on one of the most famous beaches on Havelock Island. The boat that takes the parasailers goes around 10-20 meters across the sea, offering spectacular views of the beach and the surrounding areas. They are also given small dips throughout the ride where they touch the sea surface and glide up again. It is a fun activity for people who want an adventurous experience.
Cost/Person: ₹3000 to ₹6000
6. Jet Skiing
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Jet Skiing is another enjoyable and exhilarating activity loved by tourists that appears like a person riding a motorcycle on water. The energetic waves of Elephant Beach offer a great adventure on the jet ski. The gushing winds, big waves, and water splashing offer a magical experience. A trained professional rides alongside an untrained rider on a ski for safety and takes them to spots where one gets maximum adrenaline rush.
Cost/Person: ₹600 (for 10 minutes)
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7. Trekking
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The trekking trail from Havelock Jetty to this beach is very adventurous. It is a fun activity for tourists who wish to explore the place on foot and immerse themselves in nature. The view of the beach from between the trees is stunning. The forests on this island have a wide variety of animals, birds, and other species. There are also beautiful and scenic treks from this beach to Radhanagar Beach.
Places To Visit Near Elephant Beach
Some of the best places to visit near Elephant Beach include:
1. Kala Pathar Beach
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Kala Pathar Beach in Andaman is famous for its vast stretch of greenery accompanied by white sands. It is among the most visited beaches on the Havelock Island. People who don’t want to take a dip in water can just relax and have a leisurely time picnicking. Whereas, those who want to indulge in adventure can opt for water sports like skiing, windsurfing, scuba diving, sea walking, and snorkeling.
Distance From Elephant Beach: 10.8 km
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2. Radhanagar Beach
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Famously known as Number 7 Beach, Radhanagar Beach is surrounded by palm trees. The combination of turquoise blue sea and white sand make it a worth-visiting spot. It is an ideal spot for indulging in swimming, sunbathing, witnessing breathtaking sunset, or simply taking a stroll. A lesser known spot at the beach is Neil’s Cove, a lagoon that is a short walk away.
Distance From Elephant Beach: 2.2 km
Where To Stay In Elephant Beach
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There are a lot of good properties near Elephant Beach, on Havelock Island. They offer the best infrastructure and a comfortable stay. You can check out Havelock Island Beach Resort, Taj Exotica, Barefoot, Flying Elephant, Sea Shell Resort, El Dorado, Holiday Inn Beach Resort, Coral Reef Resort, and more.
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Where To Eat In Elephant Beach
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There are a lot of small shacks on this beach, that offer refreshing snacks and drinks to the visitors, like samosa, vadas, tea, pakodas, etc. For full meals, the tourists can either go to the nearby Radhanagar Beach or Swaraj Dweep Jetty. Some good restaurants with great dining options are – Turtle Cafe, the Blue Cafe, and Beachside Cafe.
Other Factors To Consider
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There are a few factors which should be taken into consideration before planning a visit to this beach.
Average Cost Of Trip
The average cost of the trip to this beach largely depends on the water sports you indulge in and the mode of transport used to reach here. The entry is free and the water sports costs range from ₹500 to ₹3000. The travel cost is approximately, ₹1000. Overall, the trip is economical and also adventurous.
Tips For Travellers
Here are some essential tips for travellers going to this beach:
- Wear sunscreen and carry a hat to avoid the sun’s rays.
- Plan to visit the beach early, as it shuts down by 4 pm.
- Carry a swimsuit if indulging in water sports is on the agenda.
- Carry waterproof footwear or slippers as you would want to enter the beautiful waters.
- Do not dump plastic waste on the beach.
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Elephant Beach has something to offer to everyone, be it water enthusiasts, photographers, or nature lovers. It is also sure to fulfil your fantasies of exploring the underwater world which includes vibrant coral reefs, sea turtles, colourful fishes, aquatic plants, and other organic species. Witness the dazzling white sand, turquoise green ocean, and dense tropical trees, by planning a trip with TripXL and make the best of your holiday.
Cover Photo: Subro89 / Wikimedia Commons