Radhanagar Beach is the star attraction of Havelock Island and rightly so. A vast stretch of glittering white sand beach flanked by lush forests of tropical trees, it is a piece of heaven on earth.
The beachfront is so breathtakingly beautiful that I ended up going there many times during my Havelock stay. This Radhanagar Beach guide aims to provide you with all the necessary information and inspiration for stress-free travel planning.
A Quick Glance Through
- Some Facts
- Getting There
- Things To Do
- Best Time To Visit
- Beach Essentials To Carry
- Getting Around
- Where To Eat
- Accommodation Near The Beach
- Nearby Places To Visit
Some Facts
- Radhanagar Beach is located on the western coast of Havelock Island. It is locally referred to as Beach Number 7.
- It was recognized as the best beach in Asia and the 7th best beach in the world by Time Magazine in 2004.
- This beach has also won TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards in 2017 as it was ranked #1 beach in Asia and #8 beach in the world
- It is one of the 8 Indian beaches that have been awarded the coveted Blue Flag certification by the Foundation for Environment Education, Denmark. This certification is the world’s most prestigious eco-label award for a clean and safe environment.
Getting There
Havelock island is accessible by cruise from Port Blair, the capital city of Andaman Islands.
Radhanagar Beach lies approximately 11 km away from Havelock jetty. By cab, it takes nearly 20-25 minutes to reach there.
Local buses also run on the island, but the time to commute almost doubles. Buses, of course, are the cheapest, but you might have to wait for a while before getting the next bus.
Things To Do at Radhanagar Beach
Set in an idyllic corner of Havelock Island, this beach is blessed by nature. It is irresistible with its untouched beauty and spectacular landscapes. Needless to say, Radhanagar Beach is one of the most famous beaches in India. Take a look at the best things to do here.
Enjoy Swimming
It is one of the most scenic beaches I have ever visited. Perfectly clean and serene, you can’t miss taking a dip at Radhanagar Beach.
This beach is considered safe for swimming and lifeguards are also present here. They keep warning beachside frolickers if anyone tries to cross the safe limits of the sea.
Go Trekking
A 6 km nature trail through the lush green forests connects Radhanagar Beach to Elephant Beach.
In terms of difficulty level, I would call it moderate as it also passes through a short stretch of marshy mangrove forests. So, choose this activity only if you are fit to do so. Hiring a guide is recommended since the track is not marked well.
Watch A Gorgeous Sunset
Radhanagar Beach offers a magnificent sight of the sunset, truly a feast for the eyes. The sky turned into a kaleidoscope of colours as the sun gradually receded into the waters. It’s worth waiting at the beach till sunset.
There is never a rush of people at this beach. Even if there is a slight increase in the number of visitors, the crowds are never bothersome.
You will always find a quiet corner to park yourself and watch stunning views of the setting sun at the beach.
If you find yourself awestruck by the beauty of this Andaman beach, be sure to check out: 101 Beautiful Quotes For Nature Lovers.
Visiting this beach after sunset hours is not allowed. It closes around 5-5:30 pm.
Best Time To Visit
Besides the monsoon season, lasting June to September, all other months are fine for a trip. It is not safe to visit when there are heavy downpours.
Beach Essentials To Carry
Changing room and locker facilities are available here at quite nominal charges. So, keep your stuff in the locker while you are away gambolling in the azure waters of the Andaman Sea. Here is a list of items to carry to the beach.
- Bring a change of clothes and a beach towel.
- Get a bag to keep your wet items in.
- Carry good sunscreen in your beach bag.
- A beach hat and sunglasses are good to carry things.
- A water bottle to keep you hydrated.
- Get a waterproof mobile pouch case if you want to take selfies at the beach
Getting Around
If you are traveling solo or in a group of two, renting out a scooter is the best option for local commutes. Pre-booked cabs are recommended for large groups and families.
You can book it through your hotel as well, but last-minute bookings are usually costlier. Even a short distance round trip might cost you 1000 rupees or more. So, plan according to your budget.
Where To Eat
There are no beach shacks or eateries at Radhanagar beach, unlike Goa beaches. This seemed to be the secret behind the insanely unspoiled beach here.
Within a short distance from the beach, there is a wonderful restaurant. It is part of the TSG Blue Resort. They serve a variety of seafood and vegetarian food.
Accommodation near Radhanagar Beach
Staying close to the beach has some added benefits. You can just walk to the beach early in the morning and spend some quality time amid nature in solitude.
Barefoot at Havelock and TSG Blue Resort are the two nearest hotels to Radhanagar Beach.
Barefoot at Havelock
Set amidst dense wooded forests, Barefoot Resort is an eco-friendly place.
The property has different categories of rooms. You can choose from the tented cottage, villa, duplex room and Nicobari Villa.
The location of the resort is excellent. It lies right next to the beach. This resort is a great choice for nature-loving travelers.
Book your stay at Barefoot at Havelock.
TSG Blue Resort
The only other option near the beach is TSG Blue Resort. The beach is within a 5-minute walk from the resort.
It is a beautiful property, dotted with palms and coconut trees. The resort features spacious and comfortably furnished rooms.
It is ideal for travelers looking for budget-friendly accommodation.
Book your stay at TSG Blue Resort.
Nearby Places To Visit
Few other beaches that are accessible from Havelock island, include Elephant Beach and Kalapathar Beach.
Take a ferry from Havelock jetty to reach Elephant Beach if you are not willing to trek. The ferry ride lasts roughly 30 minutes. This beach is popular for its exquisite corals and water sports activities.
Kalapathar Beach is located about 13 km away from Radhanagar Beach. It is perfect for a long walk but not fit for swimming.
There are a lot of dead corals on the seashore. I got to know from some locals that it was completely devastated in the tsunami that struck Andaman in 2004.
You can also visit Neil Island, which is famous for its magnificent beaches and rich coral reefs. Bharatpur Beach and Lakshmanpur beach are some of the most popular beaches in Neil Island.
It takes approximately an hour to reach Neil jetty from Havelock jetty. This is not going to be a day trip. So, you will need to make stay arrangements in Neil Island.
Further Reading
For more travel inspiration and tips for your Andaman vacation, please read some of these posts.
12 Places in Port Blair You Must Visit.
How To Plan A Trip to Andaman Islands – Detailed Guide.
15 Incredible Things To Do in Andaman.
Things To See and Do in Neil Island.
Quick Guide To Elephant Beach, Havelock Island.
Things You Should Know Before Visiting Ross Island.
You might also want to check out our blog on beach quotes:
135 Short Beach Quotes To Inspire Your Next Vacation.
Over To You Now…
Have I missed something that is worth adding to this Radhanagar Beach travel guide? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
