Key Highlights of Havelock Island

• Location: Part of South Andaman, in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, accessible by ferry from Port Blair.
• Area & Population: Covers 92.2 sq km with a population of ~6,000, primarily Bengali settlers and a small local community.
• Climate: Tropical, with temperatures between 20°C and 32°C. Best visited from October to March for clear skies and calm seas; monsoon (June-September) limits water activities.
• Connectivity: Reachable by government ferries (₹800-₹1,200, 2-2.5 hours) or private ferries (₹1,500-₹2,000, 1.5 hours) from Port Blair. No airport; nearest is Port Blair (IXZ).
• Tourism Appeal: Famous for Radhanagar Beach (rated among Asia’s best), snorkeling, scuba diving, and laid-back island vibes.

Top Attractions in Havelock Island

1. Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7):
   • Historical prison used by the British to exile freedom fighters, known as “Kala Pani.”
   • Entry: ₹30; Light & Sound Show: ₹300 (evenings, narrates history of Indian freedom struggle).
   • Visiting Hours: 9 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM – 5 PM (closed Mondays).
   • Highlight: A must-visit for history enthusiasts, included in all Andaman tour packages.
   • World-renowned for its white sand, turquoise waters, and lush greenery.
   • Entry: Free; ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and sunset views (5:30-6 PM).
   • Facilities: Changing rooms, basic cafes (snacks ₹100-₹300).
   • Highlight: A must-visit, included in all budget packages for its scenic beauty.
2. Kalapathar Beach:
   • A quieter beach on the eastern side, known for black rocks and serene vibes.
   • Entry: Free; great for photography and relaxation.
   • Tip: Less crowded than Radhanagar, perfect for a peaceful morning visit. Scooter rental (₹500/day) is ideal to reach it.
3. Elephant Beach:
   • Famous for coral reefs and water sports, accessible by a 20-minute boat ride (₹1,000 round trip) or a 40-minute trek (free, guided: ₹500).
   • Activities: Snorkeling (₹1,000), glass-bottom boat (₹800), jet skiing (₹1,500).
   • Highlight: Budget-friendly snorkeling compared to private dive sites. Book boat rides at the jetty to save costs.
4. Vijaynagar Beach (Beach No. 5):
   • Close to the main jetty, ideal for a quick beach visit.
   • Entry: Free; good for casual strolls and local food stalls (₹100-₹200).
   • Tip: Convenient for short stays, less touristy.
5. Marine Life & Water Sports:
   • Havelock is a hub for snorkeling and scuba diving, with vibrant corals and marine species (parrotfish, clownfish).
   • Snorkeling: ₹1,000-₹1,500 (30-45 minutes, equipment included).
   • Scuba Diving: ₹3,500-₹5,000 (introductory dive, 30-40 minutes).
   • Operators: Budget-friendly options like Andaman Bubbles or Barefoot Scuba offer group discounts.
   • Tip: North Bay (near Port Blair) is cheaper for water sports, but Havelock’s reefs are superior.
     • Run by the Indian Navy, displays marine life, coral exhibits, and Andaman’s geography.
     • Entry: ₹50; Hours: 9 AM – 1 PM, 2 PM – 5 PM (closed Mondays).
     • Highlight: Informative for families and marine enthusiasts.

Budget Travel Tips for Havelock Island

• Accommodation: Budget guesthouses and homestays (e.g., Green Valley Resort, Coconut Grove) cost ₹1,500-₹3,000/night (AC, twin-sharing). Book via local agents like Experience Andamans or directly at Govind Nagar for deals.
• Food: Local eateries like Anju Coco (seafood, Indian) and Full Moon Cafe offer meals for ₹150-₹400. Try fish curry, grilled prawns, or vegetarian thalis. Beachside shacks are pricier (₹300-₹600).
• Transport: Rented scooters (₹500-₹700/day) are affordable. Bicycles (₹100-₹200/day) suit short distances. Walking is viable near Govind Nagar and Beach No. 3.
• Ferry Booking: Government ferries (book at DSS counter in Port Blair or online via www.andamanvisit.com) are cheaper but sell out fast. Private ferries (Makruzz, Green Ocean) are faster. Book 2-3 days in advance.
• Activities: Skip expensive private tours; join group snorkeling or trekking for savings. Radhanagar and Kalapathar are free, making them perfect for budget itineraries.
• Shopping: Small markets near Govind Nagar sell shell crafts and souvenirs (₹200-₹1,000). Bargain for better prices.

Practical Information

• Safety: Havelock is safe with tourism police and lifeguards at major beaches. Avoid swimming during high tides or in unmarked areas. Nightlife is minimal; most places close by 10 PM.
• Permits: No special permits needed for Indian nationals. Foreigners require a Restricted Area Permit (free, issued at Port Blair airport).
• Connectivity: Limited mobile coverage (Airtel, BSNL, Jio); Wi-Fi is spotty in budget accommodations. ATMs are available near Govind Nagar but carry cash for small vendors.
• Language: Hindi, English, and Bengali are widely spoken. Locals are tourist-friendly.
• Medical Facilities: Basic clinics available; serious cases are referred to Port Blair (2 hours by ferry).

Why Visit Havelock Island?

Havelock is the crown jewel of the Andamans for budget travelers, offering world-class beaches (Radhanagar), affordable water sports, and a relaxed island vibe. It’s perfect for a 1-2 night stay in a budget tour package, balancing adventure (snorkeling, diving) with free attractions (beaches). Its proximity to Port Blair and Neil Island makes it a convenient stop for island-hopping itineraries.

For a budget package including Havelock, a 3N4D trip (Port Blair + Havelock) costs ~₹8,999-₹12,450 per person, covering budget stays, breakfast, ferries, and sightseeing (see earlier response for details). For bookings or specific queries (e.g., ferry schedules, dive operators).

For tailored itineraries or bookings, contact Andaman Visit (www.andamanvisit.com), (+91 933 244 7352) If you need specific details (e.g., hotel recommendations, ferry schedules), let me know!