Havelock Island in Andaman and Nicobar

Havelock Island, also known as just Havelock is located in Ritchie's Archipelago and belongs to the Indian union territory of Andaman and Nicobar. This island is the largest among all the islands in Ritchie's Archipelago. Owing to its white sand beaches, dense evergreen forests and rich marine life, Havelock is a major tourist destination in the world.

Havelock Island is one of the few populated islands of Andaman and Nicobar. This island got its name from a British General named Mr. Henry Havelock who was based in India.

During the era of colonization of Andaman and Nicobar by the British, the tribal population of this island declined to a great extent. As the original natives of this land have completely died out, currently, Bengali and Myanmar immigrants live in this island.

Tourism has been greatly promoted in this island by the administrative body of Andaman and Nicobar. Eco tourism has been specially emphasized due to the special features of the hilly island of Havelock like palm fringed sea beaches stretching along the Bay of Bengal, verdant greenery, dense forests, vast array of marine species, etc.

This island has also been rated as the seventh most beautiful island in the world. It provides a great outing with a Virgin Beach and an unpolluted atmosphere. Radhanagar beach in this island is a great exposure to the unpolluted atmosphere. The best time to visit Havelock Island is between November to April.

Places to See in Havelock

Radhanagar Beach

This is the most stunning beach on the island and was rated as the best in Asia by Times magazine in 2004. The tourism department has done a lot of hard work to keep this beach neat and tidy. It possesses some nice white sand backed by a forest which provides shades over the turquoise water, some stretches with a sandy bottom that's good for swimming and some with outstanding coral reefs which are great for snorkeling.

It's indeed a great combination. Sunset is especially a beautiful time to be here. You could ride an elephant for free on this beach as well there are some buses which run right through the day until sunset.

Elephant Beach

It's further north from the Radhanagar beach and is popular among the Indian tourists. The shoreline of this beach was mostly swept away by Tsunami in 2004 and the beach is now a fraction of what it used to be. Here you could also see the water changing its color with the light, an amazing view.

Barefoot at Havelock

This small resort is set in tropical fruit trees and rainforest behind an immaculate resort at Havelock Island. Barefoot at Havelock is the foremost and still the only ecologically friendly resort in the Andaman Islands. This resort is set in seven acres of land and consists of 17 beautifully designed thatch and wood cottages and villas with spacious interiors and ensuite bathrooms. This property has been built using materials which are eco friendly.

Havelock Island is also a popular destination for activities like trekking, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, island camping, sailing, etc. You could also find fresh sea food here. The rural atmosphere, beaches and crystal clear waters along with its relaxing ambience attract people to this island all round the year.