In Havelock, you can while away time and take long leisurely walks amidst paddy fields and coconut and banana plantations. The real action here, however, is centred on Radhanagar and Vijaynagar beaches, as well as the diving and snorkelling sites.
The sea along the coast of Havelock has an abundance of coral and marine life and provides a rich variety of diving possibilities. It has a large number of diving sites: Seduction Point is a huge submerged rock with stag horn coral. Aquarium has a hard, fringing coral with lots of fish. Lighthouse has both hard and soft coral, suitable for dives even at night. Pilot Reef, Mac Point, Minerva Ledge and Turtle Bay are other promising areas for diving. There are two licensed diving clubs in Havelock, both located on Beach No. 3: Dive India (Tel: 03192-214247; diveindia.com) at Island Vinnie’s Tropical Beach Cabanas Resort and Barefoot Scuba (Cell: 09566088560). Snorkelling is offered in the shallow coral ecosystems; Aquarium and Elephant Beach are the most frequented ones. Both these sites have to be reached by boats. Havelock Tourist Services (Tel: 282163) at Beach No. 3 arranges several water sports.
Where to Stay & Eat
Barefoot at Havelock (Bangalore Tel: 080-4092252; Tariff: ₹9,000–21,000), next to Radhanagar Beach, has bamboo cottages. Dolphin Resort (Tel: 03192- 282061/ 62; Tariff: ₹5109; reservations from Tourist Office at Port Blair), occupies a divine location, but offers soulless concrete cottages. Silver Sand Beach Resort (Tel: 211073, 282493/ 94; Tariff: ₹12,000–30,000) at Vijaynagar Beach is pricey. The Wild Orchid (Tel: 282472, Cell: 09531835655; Tariff: ₹6,125–7,970) next door has beautiful wooden cottages. Orient Legend (Tel: 282389; Tariff: ₹2,500–4,500) is a budget option on Vijaynagar Beach.
Havelock has hardly any stand-alone restaurants, but most hotels have restaurants that are open to all.
Long Island
Lalaji Bay, on Long Island north of Havelock, is popular with foreign tourists, most of whom trek an hour through the forest to reach the sandy beach on the other side of the island. Here, they camp, cook, play and swim.
For those not able to camp, there’s Blue Planet Resort (Cell: 09474212180; Tariff: ₹950–3,000) and the Forest Guest House (Tel: 03192-274210; Tariff: ₹300–500). You’ll also find dhabas in the small market here.
Mayabunder
Mayabunder is located on the northernmost edge of Middle Andaman Island. The town juts out as a peninsula into the sea northwards between Middle Andaman and North Andaman Island. You will not see many tourists in the town of Mayabunder.
Be careful at the beaches here. There are no lifeguards. Also check the high and low tide timings from the locals.
The Information
When to go October to early May. Very wet during the monsoon (mid-May to September)
Tourist Office
Andaman and Nicobar Tourism, Kamraj Road, Port Blair, Tel: 03192-232694, Timings: 9.00am–5.00pm; Closed on Sundays, andamans.gov.in
Permits All foreign nationals require permits to visit any of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Those arriving by air are granted permits on arrival at Port Blair. Indian tourists do not require a permit to visit Port Blair or Havelock.
Getting There
From Port Blair, there is a government ferry (₹300–380 per head, one way) and a private ferry service (₹975–1,900 per head, one way)