Let’s Go Hevlock Island
Havelock Island Tour
(After Port Blair City tour)
It was originally inhabited by the Great Andamanese people, who are thought to have arrived in the archipelago around 60,000 years ago. The island was first sighted by Europeans in 1778, when it was named after Sir Henry Havelock, a British general who fought in the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
In the late 19th century, the British government established a penal colony on Havelock Island. The colony was used to house political prisoners, including Indian independence leaders such as Subhas Chandra Bose. The penal colony was closed in 1947, after India gained independence.
Since then, Havelock Island has become a popular tourist destination. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and lush rainforests. It is also a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling.
In 2018, the Indian government renamed Havelock Island as Swaraj Dweep, which means “Island of Freedom”. The renaming was part of a larger effort by the government to rename places in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands that were named after British colonial figures.
Here are some of the important events in the history of Havelock Island:
- 1778: The island is first sighted by Europeans.
- 1857: The island is named after Sir Henry Havelock.
- 1896: A penal colony is established on the island.
- 1947: The penal colony is closed.
- 1970s: The island becomes a popular tourist destination.
- 2018: The island is renamed Swaraj Dweep.
Here are some details and tips for planning a tour of Havelock Island:
- When to go: The best time to visit Havelock Island is during the dry season, which is from November to April. However, the island is also beautiful during the monsoon season (May to October), when the beaches are less crowded and the water is calm and clear.
- How to get there: The only way to get to Havelock Island is by sea. You can take a ferry from Port Blair, which takes about 2 hours.
- Where to stay: There are a variety of accommodation options on Havelock Island, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious resorts.
- Things to do:
- Snorkeling and scuba diving: Havelock Island is home to some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the Andaman Islands. The clear waters and abundant marine life make it a great place to explore the underwater world.
- Beaches: Havelock Island has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Andaman Islands. Radhanagar Beach is often ranked as one of the best beaches in Asia.
- Trekking: There are several trekking trails on Havelock Island, ranging from easy to challenging. The trails offer stunning views of the island’s rainforests and beaches.
- Nature walks: There are several nature walks on Havelock Island, which are a great way to learn about the island’s flora and fauna.
- Bird watching: Havelock Island is home to a variety of birds, including the Andaman scops owl, the Andaman wood pigeon, and the Andaman pied hornbill.
Here are some additional tips for planning your trip to Havelock Island:
- Book your accommodation in advance, especially if you are traveling during the peak season.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and insect repellent.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking and exploring.
- Be sure to respect the marine life and do not touch or disturb the coral reefs.
- Leave no trace behind and dispose of your waste properly.
Now you are in Hevlock, so you can visit following places:
- Elephanta Beach: It is a secluded beach located on the east coast of Havelock Island. It is known for its white sand, clear waters, and coral reefs. The beach is only accessible by boat or on a long trek through the jungle. It is not advisable to go, when sea is rough or any storm warning.
- Radhanagar Beach: It is one of the most popular beaches in the Andaman Islands. It is known for its soft white sand, clear blue waters, and lush green vegetation. The beach is located on the southeastern coast of Havelock Island. This is rated the most beautiful beach in Asia.
- Kala Pathar Beach: It is a small beach located on the south-eastern coast of Havelock Island. It is known for its black sand, clear waters, and scenic views of the surrounding hills. The beach is located about 6.5 km from the Havelock jetty. This is popular among the photographers.
Here are some important things to keep in mind when visiting these beaches:
- Respect the marine life: Do not touch or disturb the coral reefs or the fish.
- Leave no trace: Be sure to pack out all of your trash and dispose of it properly.
- Be aware of the tides: The tides can be strong at these beaches, so be careful when swimming or sunbathing.
- Be kind to others: You are here for tourism. Be kind to others, be happy and spread happiness.
- Don’t avoid warning: Be vigilant to any announcement and warning, when you are on beach.
(Due to heavy rain, boats were not operating for Elephanta beach. So, neither yesterday nor today I could go there to enjoy some exciting water activities.)
Tomorrow, will leave Hevlock and go to Niel Island. Please wait for my next post 🙏