"Andaman Islands - Havelock" Top 5 Page for this destination Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands by janiebaxter

Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Travel Guide: 204 reviews and 683 photos

Elephant on Beach Number 7 - Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Rainforests and Reefs

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are made up of 572 islands and islets with an area of 8249 sq km, 726km long and only 20km at the widest point. They are located in the Eastern Bay of Bengal and belong to India but are 1190km from Chennai and are actually closer to Myanmar and Thailand. Only 38 of the islands are inhabited. The climate is tropical with 77% humidity and temperatures between 16 and 36 degrees C and annual rainfall of 3000mm.
There are rainforests and mangroves as well as pristine coral reefs and sandy beaches and coves. 80% of the rainforest is protected including some of the tribal reserves and the islands have 2200 species of plants of which 200 are endemic including the Andaman Paduak trees.
There are 110 species of wild orchids, 198 types of coral, 1200 specis of fish, 62 types of mammals, 218 types of birds, saltwater crocodiles and reticulated pythons. Four species of turtle breed here - green, leatherback, hawksbill and olive ridley.

Beaches and Wildlife

Lizard

We stayed on Havelock Island, which is 54km North East of the capital Port Blair. There is a wide choice of accomodation on the island. Our resort, Barefoot at Havelock is situated on beach number 7 at Radhangar, which was voted the best beach in Asia by Time magazine in 2004. It is located 11km from the main jetty and is bordered by 30 metre high Mahua rainforest. The path through the forest runs parallel with the beach and we saw beautiful birds - Kingfishers, Myna birds, parrots, Kite tailed Drongos and sunbirds as well as many others, and some beautiful Lizards and butterflies.

Activities and Relaxation

Sunset at beach number 7

Beach number 7 is 2km long and wider than the other beaches we visited. Next to it is Niels Cove which is excellent for snorkelling as it is calm and you can see some great fish there.
Apart from the swimming, snorkelling and diving you can go kayaking in the mangroves, walking in the rainforest, have elephant rides, do yoga classes, hire bicycles or scooters to visit other parts of the island or relax on beach number 7 and watch the world go by and enjoy the stunning sunsets over the bay, followed by an ayurvedic massage.
We travelled to The Andaman Islands with UK company Transindus.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Great for laid back atmosphere, beaches and sea
Cons:Poor service & you'll be disappointed if you expect luxury
In a nutshell:Ocean, beaches reefs, wildlife and elephants

Last visit to Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Jan 2008
Intro Updated Feb 26, 2008
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Reviews (25)

Avoiding "Delhi Belly" - Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Avoiding "Delhi Belly" What to Pack (2)

I have found Travla pills invaluable when travelling, to avoid upset stomachs and diarrhoea. I have now taken them for... more travel advice

Rainclouds gathering - Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Be prepared for Rain Warnings and Dangers (5)

Being rainforest it is expected that there will be rain. We got caught out at the furthest point of beach number 7 in... more travel advice

Watch Out for Biting Ants - Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Watch Out for Biting Ants Warnings and Dangers (5)

Watch out for biting ants if you are sitting under the trees on beach number 7 or Niels Cove. They are quite large and... more travel advice

Elephants on the beach - Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

See Elephants on the beach Things to Do (12)

Beach Number 7 is home to Rajan, a 53 year old retired Elephant who is looked after by his 2 mahoots along with Barefoot... more travel advice

Transportation (4)
See All Scooters and Tuktuks
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Comments (10)

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canuckmike Jan 10, 2013 at 10:12 AM

This is a place that pops up on my radar every few years. Great page.
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goutammitra Aug 1, 2009 at 7:19 PM

Wonderful page but you have missed some tourist attractions like Cellular Jail. I am going there on 10th, shall stay at Fortune Bay. But surely visit Havelock. You sure had a wonderful stay . Could you tell me the chemical name of Travla!
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lynnehamman Apr 4, 2009 at 5:48 AM

Having recently visited the Sunderbans- I would now love to see these islands on our next trip to India. Lovely photos and good tips.
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850prc Mar 28, 2009 at 12:58 PM

Very interesting page. Wonder why it costs so much for Rajan to take a dip - he always comes to work with his "trunks". Love your homepage "growing old disgracefully" moniker. Hugs from Florida.
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chennaismartguy Dec 14, 2008 at 12:50 AM

great comments. like your pics.
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JohnniOmani May 4, 2008 at 12:00 PM

Great page, I have been wanting to get to these islands for a few years now. Good stuff. jz
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victorwkf Jan 25, 2008 at 2:05 AM

Very good insight and photos of the andaman & nicobar islands, which is a rather off-the-beaten path location!
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Bwana_Brown Jan 19, 2008 at 1:02 PM

What a great page on this remote, exotic and difficult to get to spot! Your tips and photos are excellent - sounds like a real adventure!!
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kokoryko Jan 18, 2008 at 4:09 PM

Hell ! I liked it ! I am more for mountains rather than beaches, but This Andaman deserves a visit. Thanks for this tour on the beaches with the elephants (and the obirds, and flowers). I’m afraid I will visit some of your other pages. Excellent, Jane.
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hunterV Jan 11, 2008 at 10:31 AM

Thanks, Jane , for your splendid stories...