About Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island) - Andaman's Crown Jewel
Swaraj Dweep, formerly known as Havelock Island, is the crown jewel of the Andaman Islands and one of India's most pristine tropical destinations. Home to the world-famous Radhanagar Beach (voted Asia's Best Beach), this 54-square-kilometer paradise offers an unmatched combination of pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, world-class scuba diving, and luxury eco-resorts. It's the perfect destination for honeymoon couples and adventure seekers alike.
World-Class Beaches
25+ pristine beaches including award-winning Radhanagar Beach
Diving Paradise
40+ dive sites with incredible coral reefs and marine life
Eco Paradise
Protected tropical forests and sustainable tourism practices
Official Name Change & New URL Structure
In 2018, the Government of India officially renamed Havelock Island to Swaraj Dweep to honor the island's historical significance in India's freedom struggle. "Swaraj" means self-rule or independence, making this name change deeply meaningful.
New Official Information:
Official Name:
Swaraj Dweep
New Official URL:
www.tropicalandamans.com/destinations/swaraj-dweep
The old Havelock Island URL still works but redirects here for user convenience.
For tourists: Both names are commonly used and understood. Hotels, tour operators, and locals may use either "Swaraj Dweep" or "Havelock Island" when referring to this destination.
World-Famous Beaches of Swaraj Dweep
Radhanagar Beach
Beach No. 7
The crown jewel of Swaraj Dweep, Radhanagar Beach has been consistently voted as Asia's Best Beach. Famous for its 2-kilometer stretch of pristine white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and breathtaking sunsets.
Elephant Beach
Adventure Hub
A paradise for water sports enthusiasts and snorkeling lovers. Elephant Beach offers the best coral reefs accessible from the shore, making it perfect for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike.
Kalapathar Beach
Peaceful Retreat
Known for its unique black rocks (Kalapathar means black rocks), this beach offers a more serene and peaceful experience. Perfect for early morning walks and sunrise photography.
Vijaynagar Beach
Pristine Paradise
A long stretch of pristine white sand beach, perfect for long walks and beach activities. Less commercialized than Radhanagar, offering a more authentic island experience.
World-Class Scuba Diving in Swaraj Dweep
Swaraj Dweep is renowned as one of India's best scuba diving destinations, with crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life including manta rays, reef sharks, and colorful tropical fish. You can also enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, and sea walking here.
Popular Dive Sites:
Elephant Beach
Perfect for beginners, shallow reef diving
Turtle Bay
Chance to see sea turtles and eagle rays
Johnny's Gorge
Advanced dive site with strong currents
Barracuda City
Large schools of barracuda and reef fish
Diving Information 2025
Best Season: October to May for optimal visibility and calm seas
Best Hotels & Resorts in Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island) 2025
From luxurious beachfront resorts to eco-friendly cottages, Swaraj Dweep offers accommodation for every budget and preference.
Luxury Resorts
₹8,000 - ₹25,000/night
- • Taj Exotica Resort & Spa - 5-star luxury with private beach
- • Barefoot at Havelock - Eco-luxury resort at Radhanagar
- • Havelock Island Beach Resort - Premium beachfront property
- • Munjoh Ocean Resort - Designer boutique resort
Mid-Range Hotels
₹3,000 - ₹8,000/night
- • Symphony Palms Beach Resort - Beach-side comfort
- • Wild Orchid Resort - Garden cottages near beach
- • Silver Sand Beach Resort - Good value beachfront
- • Sea Shell Resort - Popular with families
Budget Stays
₹1,000 - ₹3,000/night
- • Emerald Gecko - Backpacker favorite
- • Blue Bird Resort - Clean budget rooms
- • Dive India - Diver-friendly accommodation
- • Beach View Inn - Basic but comfortable
Best Areas to Stay in Swaraj Dweep
🏖️ Beach No. 7 (Radhanagar Area)
Premium location near Asia's Best Beach. Luxury resorts dominate this area with direct beach access.
- ✓ Closest to Radhanagar Beach
- ✓ High-end resorts and facilities
- ✓ 30-40 minutes from jetty
- ✓ Peaceful and scenic
🏝️ Beach No. 5 (Vijaynagar)
Long stretch of beach with mix of budget and mid-range options. Popular with backpackers.
- ✓ More affordable options
- ✓ Beachfront restaurants
- ✓ Good for long stays
- ✓ Less crowded beach
🛥️ Govind Nagar
Central location near the jetty. Convenient for diving operators and island hopping.
- ✓ Close to jetty (5-10 mins)
- ✓ Near dive centers
- ✓ Local markets nearby
- ✓ Budget-friendly options
🌅 Beach No. 3
Quieter area perfect for those seeking solitude. Limited but quality accommodation options.
- ✓ Very peaceful location
- ✓ Beautiful sunrise views
- ✓ Less developed area
- ✓ Authentic island feel
Best Restaurants & Cafes in Swaraj Dweep 2025
From fresh seafood BBQs to international cuisine, discover the island's culinary delights.
🦐 Must-Try Island Specialties
Grilled Lobster
Fresh catch with garlic butter
Red Snapper
Tandoori or pan-fried
Mud Crab Curry
Spicy Andaman style
Fish Amritsari
Crispy fried local fish
🏖️ Beachfront Dining
- Full Moon Café
Beach No. 5 - Seafood BBQ, sunset views
- Barefoot Bar & Brasserie
Radhanagar - Fine dining, cocktails
- Something Different
Beach No. 7 - Beachside shack, fresh catch
- Anju Coco Resto
Beach No. 5 - Local & continental
☕ Popular Cafes
- Fat Martin Café
Market area - Breakfast, coffee, bakery
- Golden Spoon Restaurant
Multi-cuisine, vegetarian friendly
- Nico Bar & Restaurant
Italian, pizza, pasta
- Wild Orchid Restaurant
Resort dining, buffet options
🍛 Budget Eats
- Milan Restaurant
Local thalis, South Indian
- Shakahaar Pure Veg
Vegetarian only, North Indian
- B3 - Bunker's Bistro & Bar
Good portions, reasonable prices
- Local Food Stalls
Market area - Authentic street food
How to Reach Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island) - Complete Travel Guide 2025
⛴️ From Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram)
Government Ferries
- • Duration: 2.5 - 3.5 hours
- • Frequency: 3-4 daily sailings
- • Cost: ₹400-600 (varies by class)
- • Booking: andaman.gov.in (30 days advance)
- • Types: MV Makruzz, Green Ocean, Nautika
Private Cruises
- • Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours
- • Frequency: 2-3 daily
- • Cost: ₹1,200-1,850
- • Features: AC seating, faster, comfortable
- • Booking: Online or through agents
Seaplane (Premium)
- • Duration: 20 minutes
- • Cost: ₹4,500-6,000 one way
- • Views: Spectacular aerial views
- • Booking: Limited seats, book early
🏝️ From Other Islands
From Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
- • Duration: 1-1.5 hours
- • Frequency: 2-3 ferries daily
- • Cost: ₹300-1,000
- • Route: Popular island hopping route
From Rangat/Long Island
- • Duration: 4-6 hours
- • Frequency: Limited services
- • Cost: ₹500-800
- • Note: Check schedules carefully
💡 Pro Tip: Book return ferry tickets immediately upon arrival to secure your spot, especially during peak season (Oct-May).
🚗 Getting Around Swaraj Dweep
Two-Wheeler Rental
₹400-600/day
Most popular option. License required.
Auto-Rickshaw
₹150-500 per trip
Good for short distances
Bicycle Rental
₹100-200/day
Eco-friendly exploration
Top Things to Do in Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island) 2025
Water Sports
- • Kayaking: Mangrove exploration (₹2,500)
- • Jet Skiing: At major beaches (₹500/ride)
- • Parasailing: Elephant Beach (₹3,500)
- • Banana Boat: Group fun activity (₹500)
- • Stand-up Paddleboarding: Calm waters (₹1,500)
Adventure Activities
- • Trekking: Elephant Beach trail (2.5 km)
- • Night Kayaking: Bioluminescence tour
- • Island Hopping: Day trips to nearby islets
- • Game Fishing: Deep sea fishing trips
- • Camping: Beach camping experiences
Relaxation & Wellness
- • Spa Treatments: Resort spas with ocean views
- • Yoga Sessions: Beach yoga at sunrise
- • Beach Picnics: Private beach setups
- • Sunset Watching: Radhanagar viewpoints
- • Photography Tours: Capture island beauty
Best Time to Visit Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island)
Peak Season
October to March
- ✓ Perfect weather (25-30°C)
- ✓ Calm seas, ideal for ferries
- ✓ All water activities operational
- ✓ Best visibility for diving
- ✗ Higher prices & crowds
- ✗ Advance booking essential
Shoulder Season
April to May
- ✓ Warm weather (28-35°C)
- ✓ Fewer tourists
- ✓ Good deals on hotels
- ✓ Sea still calm
- ✗ Can be quite hot
- ✗ Occasional pre-monsoon showers
Monsoon/Off Season
June to September
- ✓ Lowest prices
- ✓ Lush green scenery
- ✓ Peaceful, fewer crowds
- ✗ Rough seas, ferry cancellations
- ✗ Limited water activities
- ✗ Heavy rainfall periods
🎯 Recommendation: Visit during November-February for the best overall experience with perfect weather and calm seas.
Essential Travel Tips for Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island) 2025
✅ Do's
- • Book ferries and hotels well in advance (45-60 days)
- • Carry sufficient cash (ATMs can run dry)
- • Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect corals
- • Respect local customs and environment
- • Try local seafood at beachside shacks
- • Keep copies of permits and tickets
- • Carry motion sickness medicine for ferries
- • Book diving/activities through certified operators
❌ Don'ts
- • Don't litter beaches or ocean
- • Don't touch or step on corals
- • Don't collect shells or coral pieces
- • Don't venture into restricted forest areas
- • Don't swim in rough seas or unmarked areas
- • Don't rely solely on cards (carry cash)
- • Don't miss last ferry back to Port Blair
- • Don't ignore weather warnings
🎒 Packing Essentials for Swaraj Dweep
Beach Gear
- • Swimwear
- • Beach towel
- • Snorkeling gear
- • Water shoes
Protection
- • Sunscreen SPF 50+
- • Mosquito repellent
- • Hat & sunglasses
- • Rash guard
Essentials
- • First aid kit
- • Medications
- • Waterproof bag
- • Power bank
Clothing
- • Light cotton clothes
- • Flip flops
- • Light jacket
- • Quick-dry shorts
Frequently Asked Questions About Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island)
Q: Do I need a permit to visit Swaraj Dweep?
Indian nationals don't need any special permit for Swaraj Dweep. Foreign nationals get a 30-day permit on arrival at Port Blair airport or seaport, which covers Swaraj Dweep. Some restricted areas within the island may require additional permissions.
Q: How many days should I spend in Swaraj Dweep?
Ideally, spend 3-4 nights in Swaraj Dweep to properly explore the beaches, enjoy water activities, and experience the island vibe. This allows time for Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, scuba diving, and relaxation without rushing.
Q: Is Swaraj Dweep suitable for non-swimmers?
Absolutely! Non-swimmers can enjoy the beautiful beaches, shallow water areas, glass-bottom boat rides, and even try scuba diving with certified instructors. Many beaches have gentle slopes perfect for wading.
Q: What's the internet and mobile connectivity like?
Mobile connectivity (Airtel, BSNL, Jio) is decent in main areas but can be patchy at beaches. Most hotels offer Wi-Fi, though speeds are limited. Consider it a digital detox opportunity! Download offline maps before visiting remote beaches.
Q: Are there ATMs on Swaraj Dweep?
Yes, there are 3-4 ATMs near the jetty and market area, but they frequently run out of cash, especially during peak season. Bring sufficient cash from Port Blair. Most restaurants and hotels accept cards, but small vendors are cash-only.
Q: Is Swaraj Dweep safe for solo female travelers?
Yes, Swaraj Dweep is generally very safe for solo female travelers. The crime rate is low, locals are helpful, and the tourist areas are well-frequented. Standard precautions apply - avoid isolated beaches after dark and choose reputable accommodations.
Q: Can I book activities on arrival or should I pre-book?
While you can book many activities on arrival, pre-booking is recommended for scuba diving (especially courses), seaplane tickets, and popular restaurants during peak season. Beach activities and snorkeling can usually be arranged on the spot.
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