Swaraj Dweep

🌴 Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) – An Overview

• Location: Part of Ritchie’s Archipelago, 57 km northeast of Port Blair.

• Area: ~113 sq. km

• Population: Around 6,000 (mostly Bengali settlers, along with other Indian communities)

• Official Name: Renamed Swaraj Dweep in 2018 to honor Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

• Famous For: White-sand beaches, turquoise waters, coral reefs, scuba diving, and eco-tourism.

🕰️ History of Havelock Island

Pre-Colonial

• Originally inhabited by the Great Andamanese tribes, but they moved inland or vanished due to colonial encroachment and diseases.

Colonial Period

• Named after Sir Henry Havelock, a British general.

• Developed post-independence as part of India’s strategy to settle refugees (mainly Bengali Hindus) after Partition.

Post-Independence Development

• Focus shifted towards sustainable tourism in the 1990s and 2000s.

• Today, it is the most developed tourist destination in the Andaman Islands in terms of eco-luxury tourism and underwater activities.

🌍 Culture of Havelock Island

Ethnic Composition

• Dominated by Bengali settlers, with smaller communities of Tamil, Telugu, Punjabi, and Karen (Burma-origin) settlers.

• Peaceful and tourism-driven local community.

Languages

• Bengali, Hindi, Tamil, and English are commonly spoken.

Festivals

• Indian festivals like Durga Puja, Diwali, Holi, Pongal, and Eid are celebrated.

• Local village fairs and cultural shows sometimes occur during peak seasons.

🌴 Top Tourist Attractions in Havelock Island

1. Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7)

• Highlight: Consistently ranked among Asia’s top beaches (awarded by Time Magazine and TripAdvisor).

• Features: White sand, lush green forest backdrop, and clear waters.

• Activities: Swimming, photography, sunset watching. No water sports allowed here to preserve ecology.

2. Elephant Beach

• Famous For: Snorkeling, coral reefs, and shallow waters.

• Reachable via a 20-minute boat ride or a scenic jungle trek (~2 km).

• Offers activities like banana boat rides, glass-bottom boat rides, and kayaking.

3. Kalapathar Beach

• A quieter and lesser-crowded beach.

• Known for its black rocks and golden sands — great for relaxing and photography.

• No water activities here, mostly a tranquil viewing spot.

4. Vijaynagar Beach (Beach No. 5)

• Lined with resorts and coconut trees.

• Popular for early morning sunrise views and leisure walks.

• Ideal for kayaking and swimming during high tide.

5. Govind Nagar Beach

• Close to main market area.

• Offers scuba diving for beginners and is home to dive shops and training centers.

🤿 Adventure and Activities in Havelock Island

1. Scuba Diving

• Havelock is India’s scuba diving capital.

• Coral reefs, manta rays, sea turtles, and colorful fish await beneath the waves.

• Popular Dive Sites: The Wall, Lighthouse, Aquarium, Barracuda City, Johnny’s Gorge.

• Certified dive schools: Dive India, Barefoot Scuba, Andaman Bubbles, Scuba Lov.

2. Snorkeling

• At Elephant Beach, Nemo Reef, and Beach No. 2.

• Guided tours are available for non-swimmers too.

3. Kayaking

• Paddle through mangroves and coastal shallows.

• Night kayaking under bioluminescent plankton is a magical experience (seasonal).

4. Trekking

• Trek to Elephant Beach through dense forests.

• Nature walks and birdwatching opportunities.

🦐 Food and Cuisine in Havelock

Local Specialties

• Seafood is the highlight — grilled fish, lobster, crab, prawn curry, and more.

• Fusion of Bengali, South Indian, Thai, Burmese, and continental cuisines.

Must-Try Dishes

• Coconut prawn curry

• Grilled snapper or barracuda

• Fish fingers, calamari fry

• Fresh fruit smoothies and local desserts like coconut laddoo

Popular Cafes and Restaurants

• Full Moon Café – Relaxed vibe, great seafood and international dishes.

• Anju Coco Resto – Multi-cuisine, loved by tourists.

• Something Different Café – Unique décor and Indian + continental food.

• SeaShell’s Urban Tadka – Indian and tandoori food.

• Bonova Café & Pub – Lively with live music, seafood platters.

🏨 Where to Stay in Havelock Island

Luxury Resorts

• Taj Exotica Resort & Spa – Nestled in 46 acres of mangrove forest near Radhanagar Beach.

• Barefoot at Havelock – Eco-resort offering rustic-luxury villas in the jungle.

Mid-Range Hotels

• Symphony Palms

• Havelock Island Beach Resort

• SeaShell Havelock

Budget Options

• Green Valley Resort

• Gold Star Beach Resort

• TSG Blue Resort

🛍️ Shopping and Souvenirs

• Small shops in the local market sell:

  • Handicrafts made from shells and coconut wood

  • Spices and herbal products

  • Bamboo crafts

  • Local art and handmade jewelry

🛫 How to Reach Havelock Island

From Port Blair:

By Ferry (90–120 minutes):

• • Government-operated ferries and private catamarans (Makruzz, Green Ocean, ITT Majestic).

  • Book tickets in advance, especially during peak season.

By Helicopter:

• Limited service available for emergencies or special bookings.

📅 Best Time to Visit Havelock Island

• October to May: Ideal weather for beach trips, diving, and sightseeing.

• Monsoon (June to September): Fewer tourists, cheaper hotels, but rough seas and limited activities.

♻️ Ecotourism and Responsible Travel

• Many resorts promote zero-waste, plastic-free zones, and solar energy.

• Activities are regulated to protect coral reefs and marine biodiversity.

• Tourists are encouraged to avoid littering and respect local customs and wildlife.

🔚 Conclusion

Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) is a perfect tropical paradise that blends natural beauty, adventure, tranquility, and culture. Whether you’re looking for underwater thrills, romantic getaways, or eco-conscious retreats, Havelock is a destination that leaves an unforgettable mark on every traveler.