Radhanagar Beach
This beach on Havelock Island sits at the top of most lists for good reason. Named Asia's Best Beach by Time magazine in 2004, its long curve of white sand backed by a high jungle canopy still feels untouched. The calm, shallow waters make it equally suited to swimmers, families, and those looking to unwind by the sea. Beyond swimming and sunbathing, Radhanagar is best experienced through leisurely walks along the shore and sunset watching, with the northern end offering some of the island's finest golden-hour views. Photographers will find endless scenic frames of turquoise waters and lush greenery, while travellers seeking water sports can head to nearby Elephant Beach, as Radhanagar is prized for its tranquillity rather than adventure.
Cellular Jail
This National Memorial in Port Blair is the emotional centre of any trip to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Built by the British in 1906, the three-storeyed prison became a symbol of India's freedom struggle, where thousands of political prisoners and freedom fighters endured harsh confinement and brutal treatment. Today, visitors can explore its museum, art and photo gallery, or attend the evening light and sound show, which recounts the prison's history through the voices of its inmates. The show is held daily in Hindi at 6:00 PM and English at 7:15 PM, while the galleries are open every day except Monday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Elephant Beach
A 30-minute boat ride from Havelock Jetty brings you to Elephant Beach, one of the most popular spots in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for snorkelling and marine life. Its coral reef begins just a short distance from the shore, making it easy for first-time snorkellers to experience vibrant corals and colourful fish without specialised gear. Surrounded by coconut palms and white sand, the beach is also accessible via a forest trek from near Radhanagar Beach, though most visitors choose the boat route and should reserve tickets in advance due to limited daily permits. Mornings are the best time to visit, with calmer waters and the clearest visibility between November and April.
Ross Island
Now officially Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep, this island lies a 20-minute ferry ride from Port Blair’s Aberdeen Jetty. Once the administrative headquarters of the British in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the island today is a quiet ruin, a field of churches, bakeries, and bungalows slowly reclaimed by banyan roots. The light and sound show here is a worthwhile companion to the one at Cellular Jail. The small Smritika Museum houses photographs, documents, and artefacts from the British colonial era, offering insight into the history of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
North Bay Island
Often paired with Ross Island on Port Blair day trips, North Bay Island is the more action-packed stop and a favourite for adventure lovers. Its clear turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs make it ideal for scuba diving, snorkelling, sea walking, and glass-bottom boat rides, offering experiences for both thrill-seekers and non-swimmers. The island is also home to the iconic North Bay Lighthouse, featured on the reverse of the old INR 20 note, where a short trek rewards visitors with panoramic views. If your group wants to experience a variety of water sports in a single morning rather than dedicate a full day to diving, this is the place.
Barren Island
Home to South Asia's only active volcano, Barren Island lies about 138 km northeast of Port Blair in the open Andaman Sea. Rising 354 m above sea level, its stark, lunar-like landscape and smoking crater create one of the region's most dramatic sights. Visitors cannot land on the island, but dive operators from Havelock and boat excursions circle its shores, offering close-up views of the volcano and the surrounding waters, where the underwater volcanic terrain is unlike anything else in India. Even from the deck of a boat, watching the cone rise from the endless blue horizon is a memory that outlasts most beach photographs.
Baratang Limestone Caves
Reached on a long day trip from Port Blair through the Jarawa Tribal Reserve, the Baratang Limestone Caves are among the most remarkable natural wonders in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The journey itself is part of the experience, combining a convoy drive, a speedboat ride through mangrove creeks, and a short forest trek before you arrive at the caves. Formed over thousands of years through natural limestone deposition, the chambers are filled with striking stalactites and stalagmites that reveal the islands' unique geological history. Less crowded than many of Andaman's coastal attractions, they offer a rewarding blend of adventure, biodiversity, and dramatic landscapes.
If you have already mapped out the headline sights, a second layer of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands tourist destinations rewards a slower pace.
Kala Pathar Beach
On the eastern edge of Havelock, Kalapathar Beach is the sunrise counterpart to Radhanagar's famed sunsets. Named after the black volcanic rocks that line its shore, this serene stretch offers a striking contrast of dark stones, turquoise waters, and swaying palms. Far less crowded than the island's popular beaches, it is an ideal spot for leisurely walks, photography, and simply watching the first light spread across the horizon. If you're willing to set an early alarm, the unhurried atmosphere and dramatic ocean views make the effort worthwhile.
Neil's Cove
Just a 10-minute walk from Radhanagar Beach, Neil's Cove is a secluded inlet where crystal-clear waters, shallow coral, and a sheltered lagoon create one of Havelock Island's most tranquil escapes. The calm conditions make it a popular spot for snorkelling and observing colourful fish close to the shore, while the surrounding rainforest and rocky coastline offer excellent photography opportunities. Arrive in the morning to enjoy the cove at its most peaceful, but heed the posted crocodile warnings and avoid swimming beyond designated safe areas or at dawn and dusk.
Chidiya Tapu
About 30 km south of Port Blair, Chidiya Tapu is a serene coastal escape known for its lush greenery, clear waters, and rich birdlife. Widely regarded as one of the island's best birdwatching spots, it is home to over a hundred species, including parakeets, kingfishers, and white-bellied sea eagles. Its pristine beach, gentle waves, and unhurried atmosphere make it an ideal place to slow down, enjoy nature, and watch one of the most beautiful sunsets on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The bioluminescent beaches of the Andamans, found on islands like Havelock and Neil during the new moon, glow blue as the tide moves through plankton. Local operators run small-group night kayaks during the right lunar window. Pick the dates carefully and travel with a guide who knows the conditions.
- Scuba Diving: Havelock Island is the premier diving destination in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with sites such as Dixon's Pinnacle, Johnny's Gorge, and the MV Mars wreck catering to both beginners and certified divers. The best conditions are typically from November to May, when the seas are calmer, and visibility is at its peak.
- Mangrove Kayaking: Paddle through the creeks of Mayabunder and Baratang, home to India's second-largest mangrove network. The still waters, dense canopy, and calm surroundings offer a completely different perspective of the islands.
- Night Kayaking: Experience bioluminescence near Havelock as every stroke of the paddle illuminates the dark water. For the best display, plan your trip on a new moon night with a certified operator.
- Forest Trails: Explore the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on guided walks through the forests of Mount Harriet National Park and Chidiya Tapu. Rich biodiversity and dense tropical cover make these trails rewarding while remaining accessible to most visitors.
After a day of island hopping, diving, or wandering through forest trails, retreat to Barefoot at Havelock, India's first sustainably designed island resort. Tucked behind the tree line just steps from Radhanagar Beach, the resort invites you to slow down, with architecture crafted from indigenous materials and surroundings where the forest sets the rhythm. Choose from our collection of 31 island-inspired tents, cottages, and villas, thoughtfully built using renewable materials and designed to blend seamlessly with the tropical landscape while offering modern comforts.
Choose how you want to end your day: enjoy a beachfront meal at Swimming Elephant, settle in for a leisurely evening at Dugong Dugon Bar, or unwind with coffee and conversation at Robber Crab Cafe. Complete the experience with a visit to Oma Spa, where holistic therapies inspired by Eastern and Western traditions offer the perfect way to relax before another day of exploring the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Choose how you want to end your day: enjoy a beachfront meal at Swimming Elephant, settle in for a leisurely evening at Dugong Dugon Bar, or unwind with coffee and conversation at Robber Crab Cafe. Complete the experience with a visit to Oma Spa, where holistic therapies inspired by Eastern and Western traditions offer the perfect way to relax before another day of exploring the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
