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Havelock Island is the largest of all islands in Andaman and Nicobar. The island derived its name “Havelock” from Henry Havelock, the British major general during the first war of Independence in 1857. However, it was renamed recently as Swaraj Dweep. There are several thrilling things to do in Havelock Island that you can indulge in. You may find various water sports such as snorkelling and scuba diving, and gorge upon delicious seafood. This is the best place to create memorable moments with your loved ones.
10 Things To Do In Havelock Island
Here’s a comprehensive list of top things to do in Havelock Island to enable you to make the most of your time on the island.
1. Discover Marine Life At Elephant Beach
Elephant Island beckons travellers from all over the world with its mesmerising underwater world. This island is renowned for its unspoiled marine ecosystem and captivating coral reefs. It boasts multiple diving sites and snorkelling hubs. The place is brimming with various adventurous things to do in Havelock Island, such as jet skiing, kayaking and glass bottom boat rides. If you are craving serenity and tranquillity amidst the grandeur of the Andaman Sea, this place offers an idyllic haven.
Activities: Jet skiing, glass bottom ride, scuba diving, snorkelling
Timings: 7 AM – 3 PM
Cost/Person: ₹800 onwards
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Neil Island
2. Explore The Beauty Of Radhanagar Beach
Photo: mrinalpal / Shutterstock
Radhanagar Beach looks truly enchanting with its crystal-clear water that is sure to capture your heart. The beach is ranked 8th globally among the finest beaches of the world. This is a family-friendly beach where a coast guard stays present, ensuring a safe environment for all. The pristine blue turquoise waters are one of the top things to see in Havelock Island at this beach. This is an ideal place for various water sports activities, making it a favoured destination among adventure enthusiasts around the world.
Activities: Scuba diving, snorkelling
Best Time To Visit: 6 AM – 5 PM
Cost/Person: ₹2000 onwards
3. Witness The Active Volcano At Barren Island
Photo: Edgar Santos T. / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Barren Island hosts the sole active volcano across Southeast Asia, which gained the world’s attention after its eruption in 2017. The island is completely devoid of human inhabitants, and boasts a diverse array of animal and bird species. Some of the best things to do in Barren Island are to go on exhilarating seaplane rides and immersive nature walks across pristine flora and fauna. Several tour operators facilitate the exploration of the island’s natural resources, providing the visitors with unforgettable experiences.
Cost/Person: ₹2500 onwards (Boat service)
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Port Blair
4. Trek Across Japanese Hill
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Japanese Hill trek features prominently among the top adventure activities when one thinks about what to do in Havelock Island. The place is a popular spot for photographers looking to capture some memorable shots of rare bird species like collared kingfisher, Andaman wood pigeon, drongo, Pacific Reef egret and Oriental magpie. The hike provides you an opportunity to witness the lush greenery and blue waters set together in a landscape.
Timings: 6 AM – 3 PM
Starting Point: Radhanagar Beach
Cost/Person: ₹1000
5. Snorkelling At The Kalapathar Beach
Photo: Mvbellad / Wikimedia Commons
Kalapathar Beach boasts a lengthy expanse of pristine white sand beaches adorned with sizable black stones and rocks. It’s situated near the Kalapathar Village at one end of Havelock Island. It stands as a magnificent coastal gem with lush greenery, verdant forests, and crystal clear waters. It offers a serene ambience with fewer visitors, hence, perfect for couples seeking privacy. The deep waters of Kalapathar Beach offer opportunities for many exciting things to do in Havelock Island like swimming, snorkelling, and bathing. Many tourists also partake in sunbathing or strolls, relishing the invigorating ocean breeze.
Timings: 24*7
Cost/Person: ₹2000 onwards
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Andaman In December
6. Enjoy A Soothing Walk At Govind Nagar Beach
Photo: Hemant Nighojkar / Shutterstock
Govind Nagar Beach is truly a hidden gem in Havelock Island. It offers a secluded and beautiful option for weary travellers. The unspoiled beauty of the island makes it perfect for leisurely morning and evening strolls along the sandy beach. The island remains isolated from the hustle and bustle of the crowds, with the occasional exception of a few fishing boats. Therefore, it’s an ideal choice for people looking for some private time and those who want to try several beach-related things to do in Havelock Island, India.
Activities: Scuba diving, marine trail, Elephant Beach hike
How To Reach: Take a Havelock Jetty or a helipad from Port Blair
Timings: 24*7
7. Trek Through Ancient Lava Stream
Photo: Julia Volk / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Experience the serene, and pristine beauty of the dense tropical forest on Havelock Island with this ancient lava stream trek. This unique trekking experience gives you a peek into the lives of the betel nut planters and harvesters. It allows you to discover one of a kind flora that has adapted to the island’s conditions. Lastly, trekkers will reach a river with bedrock made of pillow lava. This trek is among the best things to do in Havelock Island as it provides evidence of how the islands were formed and an expansive history of the wildlife here.
Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM
Cost/Person: ₹3000
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Andaman And Nicobar Islands
8. Visit Turtle Nesting Sites At Turtle Beach
Photo: Jolo Diaz / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Another one on our list of the best things to see in Havelock Island is visiting Turtle Island. As the name suggests, this place was once a turtle nesting site and is home to one of the most gorgeous live hard corals in Havelock Island. The place is a shallow fringing reef and an ideal site for beginner divers due to its deep and shallow ends. Several adrenaline-pumping water sports activities can be indulged in such as scuba diving, snorkelling etc.
Best Time To Visit: May to October
Timings: 24*7
9. Explore The Lush Mangroves
Photo: Tom Fisk / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
One of the most spectacular attractions of Havelock Island is its breathtaking mangrove forests. If you think about what to see in Havelock Island, we place this verdant sanctuary at the top among other must-visit attractions. The place is truly a treasure trove for the Indian subcontinent as it’s a refuge for a diverse array of avian species from small to large, feasting on fishes in the swampy brackish water. It is also a haven for photographers where they can capture stunning images of the birds in their natural habitat.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Cost/Person: ₹3900 onwards
Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Havelock At Night
10. Embark On Jungle Trekking Trails
Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
One of the most exciting things to do in Havelock Island is to embark on adrenaline-pumping trails around the island. These trails range from easy to difficult levels, taking the trekkers on a thrilling journey through the twists and turns of forests. Stay within the safe zones and avoid wandering into the restricted forest areas. There are some trails like the Chaar Nariyal trek that can only be undertaken after getting permission from the local police station. It is best to get a local guide during the trek as they have many stories to share and help you avoid danger.
Trails Available: Elephant Beach trek, Mount Harriet National Park trek, Chaar Nariyal trek
Cost/Person: ₹1000 onwards
Timings: 6 AM – 4 PM
Havelock Island is a splendid tourist destination where every moment inspires fascinating adventures. There are a plethora of captivating things to do in Havelock Island making it popular among tourists worldwide. The place offers spellbinding scenic charm along with several thrilling water activities. Plan a trip to Havelock Island with TripXL and make it a truly memorable experience of your life.
Cover Photo: Roop_Dey / Shutterstock
