If you’re looking for a dreamy honeymoon or romantic getaway in a secluded and untouched paradise with some of the world’s most spectacular beaches, Havelock Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is for you. With its pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, and lush green forests, this island is a hidden gem that rivals even the ever-popular Maldives.
Havelock Island, located in Southeast Asia and part of India, may not be well-known yet, but watch this space – things are changing fast! This hidden gem allows travellers to immerse themselves in the serene atmosphere and natural beauty of one of the world’s most untouched holiday islands for an unforgettable honeymoon experience.
With its remote and rugged landscape, Havelock Island exudes an air of mystery and tranquility rarely found these days. Reaching the island may require some effort, but trust us, the experience is more than worth the effort.
For the adventurous couples, there are opportunities for scuba diving, snorkelling, trekking, and kayaking. The island used to be famous for swimming with elephants, but, sadly, the last swimming elephant, Rajan, died in 2016.
And to add to the charm, Havelock Island is home to luxurious resorts and villas, providing the perfect setting for a romantic escape.
Named for a former British general, Havelock Island (at just over 100 square kilometres) is the largest island in Ritchie’s Archipelago and one of the few places that the administration of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands union territory of India has encouraged tourism, with a strong emphasis on eco-conscious travel. For couples who love island locales that are largely untouched by modern tourism, this is the romantic destination for you.
Beaches, sights and a completely chilled-out vibe – sounds like perfection, no? For a romantic island holiday or honeymoon, Havelock Island (known affectionately as Havelock by the locals – yep, they’re on a first-name basis!) is the place to go. Unlike your traditional beaches with exotic names for an exotic locale, Havelock uses a clever numbering system. You won’t get lost finding the shores of your dreams, which means more hours spent hand-in-hand strolling on the white sands, or lying under the shade of low-swinging palms in your own hammock. Completely romantic, and completely necessary for your island honeymoon or holiday!
Couples definitely should give the island’s unique sights a look-see. History buffs, check out the cellular jail and its twice daily Son-et-Lumiere lightshow, which will take you back to the island’s penal settlement years. Couples will love exploring the petite ruin-covered Ross Island, the former capital of Port Blair and seat of power during the days of the Raj, the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park and Chidiya Tapu, home to dense mangroves and a white sand beach.
If you’re someone who enjoys exploring lesser-known destinations before they become popular tourist spots, now is the time to visit Havelock Island. The island is currently undergoing rapid development, with the construction of a larger, international airport in Port Blair and the emergence of new accommodations, dining options, and dive shops all over the island.
While these islands may be remote, the inconvenience of connecting flights and ferry rides tends to discourage those seeking easy travel options, resulting in fewer tourists in the area. Our advice? Go and explore Havelock Island before it becomes a mainstream tourist destination.
Best time to visit Havelock Island for a honeymoon
The best time to visit Havelock Island for a honeymoon is from November to May, when the weather is dry and pleasant. During these months, the temperature ranges from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as beach walks, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
The monsoon season in the Andamans starts from May and lasts until September, and it is not advisable to visit during this time as the sea can become rough, and many activities may be closed. However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly honeymoon, visiting during the monsoon season can be a good option, as the hotels and resorts offer lower rates.
Top things to do on Havelock Island for couples
Havelock Island offers a wide range of activities for couples who want to spend their honeymoon in a romantic and adventurous way. Here are some of the top things to do on Havelock Island for couples:
- Romantic beach walks: Havelock Island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and taking a romantic walk on the beach during sunset is an experience that should not be missed.
- A candlelight dinner on a cruise: What a perfect way to add romance to your honeymoon in Andaman and Nicobar. Imagine sailing through the beautiful waters of the islands, surrounded by the serene atmosphere, while enjoying a delicious candlelit dinner. It’s an experience that will create lasting memories for you and your loved one.
- Trekking: If you’re an adventure-loving couple, trekking through the lush green forests of Havelock Island is a must-do activity – consider a trek through the enchanting forests of Long Island Beac, an exhilarating experience that we highly recommend. This trek is not challenging but rather a leisurely and romantic adventure. You can explore stunning locations, capture breathtaking photographs, and create unforgettable memories!
- Kayaking and paddleboarding: Kayaking and paddleboarding are great ways to explore the island’s mangrove forests and waterways. You’ll get to see a different side of the island and enjoy some quality time with your loved one.
- Experience the wonders of marine life at Elephant Beach: Located in the northern parts of Havelock, Elephant Beach is separated by a dense tropical jungle, making it accessible only by a boat ride, or a trek through the jungle. It’s renowned for its stunning coral reefs and diverse marine ecosystem, and offers numerous diving spots and snorkelling centres to cater to all experience levels. In addition to these activities, visitors can also enjoy thrilling water sports such as kayaking, jet-skiing, and boating in glass-bottom boats. For those seeking tranquillity and a chance to unwind amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Andaman Sea, Elephant Beach is truly a slice of paradise.
Accommodation options for a romantic honeymoon on Havelock Island
The Barefoot at Havelock is one of the highest-rated accommodations on the island, comprising 25 thatch tents, cottages, and villas with en suite bathrooms.
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans offers 54 villas perched on stilts on 46 acres along on Radha Nagar beach, one of the best slices of sand in South Asia.
Climate
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands climate is characterised by a tropical climate with minimal temperature fluctuations and pleasant conditions throughout the year. The presence of sea breezes helps to moderate the climate. The region experiences most of its annual rainfall during the southwest monsoon season, from May to September. Additionally, tropical cyclones occur in October and November, contributing to the rainfall. The optimal time to visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is considered to be from November to May, as the monsoon season is avoided due to strong winds, heavy rainfall, and high tidal waves.
Getting there
Currently, the islands can only be reached from mainland India through direct flights from cities such as Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi, and Mumbai. Once an international airport is established, there will be a surge in development and accessibility to the islands. However, for now, reaching the islands involves a 90-minute ferry ride from the runway in Port Blair to Havelock. While this may deter some travelers looking for a more convenient destination, it also helps to limit the number of tourists in the area, making it a great time to explore these remote islands.
PERFECT FOR COUPLES WHO:
Love back-to-basics eco getaways, where an island getaway feels like stepping back in time.
MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACH:
Beach No. 7 on the western coast, better known as ‘Radha Nagar’ Beach, named “Best Beach in Asia” by Time (magazine) in 2004.
DON’T MISS:
Trekking Madhuban – Hindi for ‘Forest of Honey’ – 75 km from Port Blair, where the beautiful beach is backed by lush green hills, Mount Harriet Peak and the Mount Harriet National Park.
