Havelock Island is the largest island among the group of islands in the Ritchie’s Archipelago which lie to the east of Great Andaman. Situated to the northeast of the capital city Port Blair, Havelock is named after the British general, Henry Havelock. The most visited island in Andaman, it is popular for its beaches, nonchalant way of life, snorkeling and scuba diving. Covering an area of 113.93 square kilometers, Havelock Island promotes eco-tourism.
The locals consist mostly of Bengali settlers. Since the pace of life is slow, and tourism as an industry is still to flourish, the facilities available here are moderate. The main attraction in Havelock is its pristine beaches. Most beaches have number names, but a few have names like Radhanagar (beach #7), Govindnagar (beach #3) and Vijaynagar (beach #5). Govind Nagar is the main town in the area and has a few shops and dhabas. Most of the lodging facilities lay around beach #3 and beach #5. Radhanagar beach, the most beautiful beach in Havelock Island, was rated the best beach in Asia and has beautiful turquoise blue waters and silky-smooth sand. Ferries are the major means of transport to go in and out of the island.
About three ferries arrive from Port Blair and one from Rangat via Neil Island. The schedule varies according to seasons, and sometimes, days. Government operated ferries charge `250 for chair class and `350 for seat class. It is advisable to book ferry tickets in advance for these air-conditioned ferries from Port Blair. The Catamaran ferry from Port Blair to Havelock provides luxury of leather seats and TV at the rates of `800, `900 and even `1000. Being more expensive, it is less likely to be full and it is often scheduled according to incoming flights.
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The tickets can be booked at Port Blair. Flying in is also an option. Pawan Hans helicopters and 8 seated Cessna seaplanes from Port Blair operate on all days, except Sunday, at a rate of `4500 one way. Both flight and ferry schedules may be changed without warning according to the weather. Walking is the best way to go around in the island. Local buses and jeeps ply between beaches 1, 5 and 7 (Radhanagar). Auto rickshaws are also available. It is also possible to hire bicycles, scooters and motorcycles on daily rent. Private taxis, though available, are costlier.
Other than popular tourist activities like Snorkeling, Trekking and Scuba diving, activities like Mangrove Safari, Bird watching and Fishing can also be undertaken in Havelock. One can also visit the elephant training camp. Some of the budget hotels in Havelock are Pristine Beach Resort, Cafe del Mar and Orient Legend Resort. Emerald Gecko, Dolphin Beach Resort and Sea Shell resort offer middle range accommodation. Silver Sand, Symphony Palms Beach Resort and Wild Orchid Resort are among the high end hotels in Havelock. Mid October to March is the high season in Havelock.