Tushar8765 · File:Radhanagar.jpg · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0) · https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Radhanagar.jpg
Radhanagar Beach
Two kilometres of white sand on the west coast with rainforest behind it and nothing built along it — the beach the Andamans are known for, and the reason most people cross to Havelock at all.
Radhanagar
Radhanagar runs for about two kilometres along the west coast of Havelock, and what distinguishes it from a great many beautiful beaches is what is not there: no buildings on the sand, no line of loungers, no bar. The sand is white and fine, the rainforest comes right down behind it, and the water shelves gently for a long way out. Because it faces west it gets the sunset, which is the island’s set piece and draws most of Havelock down to the sand for the last hour of the day. The one thing to take seriously is the water. The flagged area is patrolled and the drop-off within it is gentle, but the current past the southern headland is strong and the patrol is not decorative — every package that comes here says so, and they are right to.
Explore Radhanagar Beach on the map
City locations, drawn from our published destination data. Attractions, hotels and restaurants are not mapped yet.
What to do
Swim, walk and stay for the sunset. There is no more to it and that is the appeal.
The beach
- Two kilometres of white sand with rainforest immediately behind and nothing built along it.
- A long gentle shelf into the water inside the flagged area, which makes it a genuinely good swimming beach.
- The walk to the northern end, which most people never do and where the beach is effectively empty.
The sunset
- It faces west, and the sunset is the reason the beach fills in the last hour of the day.
- The light on the sand and the treeline in that hour is the photograph everybody takes.
- The beach is cleared at dusk; it is not a place to stay after dark.
Around it
- The forest behind the beach, which is proper Andaman rainforest and worth ten minutes of attention.
- The small headland at the southern end, which marks the limit of the safe water rather than an invitation.
- Facilities — changing rooms, lockers and food — are set back from the sand rather than on it.
Getting there
Across the island from the jetty, on a road that takes about twenty minutes.
From the jetty
- Havelock’s jetty is on the east side; Radhanagar is on the west, about twelve kilometres across.
- Twenty to thirty minutes by taxi, auto-rickshaw or hired scooter.
- Most itineraries go straight there on the afternoon of arrival, which is the right call.
Reaching the island
- Ferries from Port Blair take about two hours on the private high-speed boats, and longer on the government service.
- Havelock was renamed Swaraj Dweep in 2018 and tickets and signage use the new name; everyone still says Havelock.
- Ferries are booked in advance and sell out in season.
At the beach
- Parking, changing rooms, lockers and food are all set back from the sand.
- There is a modest entry arrangement at the gate.
- It closes at dusk and the closing is enforced.
When to visit
Late afternoon into sunset for the set piece, early morning for an empty beach.
Time of day
- Late afternoon and sunset, which is what almost everyone does and is genuinely worth doing.
- Early morning, when the beach is empty and the light is soft, and almost nobody is there.
- The middle of the day is hot with limited shade on the sand itself.
Time of year
- November to April is the season — dry, calm water and the best visibility.
- May to September is the south-west monsoon, with rough seas and ferry disruption.
- October is the shoulder and can be excellent or wet.
How long
- Half a day is the usual, arriving in the afternoon and staying for the sunset.
- A full day if you are swimming and walking properly.
- An hour is enough only if the sunset is the sole objective.
Visitor intelligence
The safest beach in the Andamans if you follow the flags, and not if you do not.
The water
- Swim inside the flagged and patrolled area. The current past the southern headland is strong and has caused deaths.
- The shelf inside the flags is gentle and the swimming is genuinely good; there is no reason to go beyond them.
- Lifeguards operate during the day and the beach clears at dusk.
Sun and stings
- There is almost no shade on the open sand. This is close to the equator and the sun is stronger than it feels in the breeze.
- Reef-safe sunscreen where you can get it, and a rash vest is more effective than reapplying.
- Saltwater crocodile advisories are issued in the Andamans from time to time and are taken seriously; observe any signage.
Practicalities
- Lockers and changing rooms are available near the entrance and are worth using.
- Take cash; card acceptance on the island is patchy.
- Mobile coverage on Havelock is limited and unreliable.
Leave it as it is
- The beach has no buildings on it and that is a deliberate arrangement worth respecting.
- Take everything away with you; disposal on the island is a real constraint.
- Do not remove coral, shells or sand — it is prohibited and it is checked at the airport.
Nearby
Havelock is small; nothing on it is more than half an hour away.
Frequently asked
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