Havelock Island, Andaman Islands: India's Most Beautiful Secret

Paradise can be found not too far from the hustle and bustle of India’s densely populated cities. Considered the jewel of India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Havelock Island is a tiny strip of land surrounded by the clear waters of the Andaman Sea, resulting in miles of uninterrupted coastline, often populated by wandering elephants. Whether you’re looking to sunbathe and paddle in sparkling, turquoise shallows, or try your hand at water sports like scuba diving or kayaking, get ready to experience some of the most renowned white-sand, palm-fringed beaches in Asia – and the world.

Like a lesser-known Galapagos, the Andamans are home to a stunning array of biodiversity. You’ll find over 5,000 animal species, from endangered sperm whales to a tiny, red-crested bird known as the Andaman treepie. Easily reachable by private cruise or government ferry, the sun-soaked island is home to the amazingly photogenic Radhanagar Beach, lush mangrove forests that can be visited by boat, and rainbow-coloured underwater coral, making this a snorkeler’s paradise. Note that there’s no nightlife on this island, and it’s the perfect place for a digital detox – you’ll be hard pressed to find decent internet and phone coverage.

Port Blair is the capital city in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and it has the archipelago’s only airport. Several companies run direct routes from major cities within India’s mainland, including Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai. Nonstop flights will take anywhere from two to four hours. From Port Blair, you have a few options for getting to Havelock, including helicopter, with limited capacity so make sure you book in advance; government ferry, which operates three crossings a week; and private boat companies like Makruzz, which take 90 minutes.

The Andaman Islands experience mild winters and hot summers, making it an almost year-round destination to visit. From October to February, you can enjoy temperatures from 30-35C (86-95F) – ideal for enjoying the idyllic beaches. Divers and snorkelers can’t go wrong planning a trip anytime from October to May, when underwater visibility is at its clearest. You’ll want to avoid the July to September monsoon season, though, which brings nonstop downpours, making for choppy seas and fewer tourist services.

Surrounded by tropical jungle and swaying coconut trees, the setting for gorgeous Radhanagar Beach has earned it multiple ‘best beach in Asia’ accolades, including by Time magazine. There’s no coral, but the water is tranquil and heavenly for swimming, and it’s surrounded by dense forest that you have to walk through to get there. There’s a treehouse restaurant serving light meals and cold drinks behind the beach, as well as a few market stalls for refreshing coconut drinks – grab one and find a good spot for watching the sunset. Then, just a 10-minute walk away lies the picturesque freshwater lagoon known as Neil’s Cove, where you might find crocodiles.

Havelock is a seafood lover’s dream. Eat like a local and dine on piping-hot fish curry, poured over steamed rice. Hit up Red Snapper, in Wild Orchid Resort, for buttery, melt-in-the-mouth lobster or a rotating catch of the day. Or look out for the kitschy painting of a rotund chef that signals Fat Martin’s, a laid-back backpacker staple, for milkshakes and South Indian dosas and dahls.

Havelock might be best-known for its beaches, but it would practically be a crime to not head inland to explore its untouched jungle landscapes. Jump on a kayak to wind through muggy mangrove forests, or combine trekking with beach time on a pair of guided hikes that end in the emerald-watered Kalapathar or Elephant Beach, named for the wild elephants that have been known to grace its shores. Don’t ever pay to swim with elephants there, as that stresses the animals. Instead, spot stingrays and clownfish on a snorkelling or diving excursion (the uninitiated can take certification courses), or get your fill of aquatic wildlife aboard a glass-bottomed boat cruise.

Pick up handicrafts made from coconut shells – like bowls, dishes or hanging plant holders – or woven souvenirs made from the silky threads of the tropical, fibrous jute plant.

You won’t find transport apps like Uber or Ola in the Andamans, but there is no shortage of local taxi companies to arrange either one-way drop-offs or full-day cars with drivers. You can also flag down the ubiquitous three-wheeler auto-rickshaw or even rent your own scooter.

This is an updated rewrite of an article originally by Sophie Izzet.