ZP – Technology & Outdoors

Note:

• Havelock 113 square km
• Population around 10,000 + transient locals
• Small place. Not too many roads, difficult to get lost. Excellent tourism trends and services.
• Most resorts, cafes and the main market are located in village number 5, stretching from the jetty to dolphin resort. This is a 3.5 km road stretch that holds most of the happening spots highlighted below.
• A cycle, two wheeler and walking is ideal. To visit beach no.7, Kala Pathar beach or starting point of Elephant Beach Trek – a vehicle is must.

How to Get Here:

• Spend minimum number of hours or days in Port Blair
• Catch the government ferry, privately run Makruz (Catamaran) or Coastal Cruise. The private ferries are slightly faster, few hundred bucks more expensive but less frequent.
• General timings are 6 am, 9 am, 12 pm, 2 pm from Port Blair to Havelock
• Journey time is 2 hours max and tickets are easily available at the Jetty, but prior arrangements say via your resort, are always a welcome comfort.

Must See:

1. Radha Nagar Beach for its epic sunsets and shades in the sky. Considered one of the best sunsets in Asia, on a lucky days.
2. Clown Fish and Boulder Corals at Nemo Reef, a perfect spot for an introductory shore dive, evening swims or gentle free dives.
3. Elephant Beach Jungle Walk, starts from village number 6. A beautiful hike that ends on a mildly commercial beach full of activity options.
4. Kala Pathar Beach, is an epic spot for sunrise shots. Be there by 4:45 am to see the colours change.
5. Yulatang Secret Spot, you’ll need a local friend for this. A serene hike up the hillock for a view of the islands in front. Is not a commercial spot, and we work hard with local friends to keep it so.

Must Eat/Wine/Dine:

1. Cafe Salt Water at Outback Resorts has the best vibe and service. The food is prepared fresh in a live kitchen. They are the first ones to bake their own pizza bases, burger buns and bread loads on the island. The continental and local indian preparations are epic.
2. Anju Coco restaurant, great food, located on the main 3.5 km stretch. Thalis are a sumptuous meal here, and they also offer one of the largest menus on the island. Cuisines that I’d recommend here are India-Chinese, South Indian and North Indian.
3. Barefoot Jungle Resort Bar, located on the west side at Radha Nagar beach is one of my favourite afternoon spots. Grab some pints, walk to famous sunset beach via their private exit and come back for some snacks before riding back to the happening side of the island.
4. Silver Sand Beach, has a super friendly Bar. Perfect for your evening bashes and hangouts. Look for Azhar here, he makes the place tick.
5. Full Moon Cafe, located beach side within village number 5.
6. Something Different, is a superb spot with epic service. It is near village number 2 and offers some happening evenings, with a well crafted menu. Ask for Ram ji here, he’s the man holding the place together.
7. Taj Exotica, a lunch at Taj is perfect. For some afternoon beers after beach time at no. 7 and a pool side nap are gold when on vacation.
8. Jalakara Exclusive Lunch, is a rare treat, for this property is known for its exclusivity and denial of services to many whose-who. Your best for this is to book it with https://goandamans.in (They’ve put in a decade to build these relationships, and bring in quality guests only.)

Extras:

• Island wakes up early, do see the sunrise at least once. Anywhere along beach 1 to 6.
• Shops shut early, by 8 pm. Afternoons are lazy too. So avoid the cute markets and disappointment in these hours.
• The island lifestyle, local mentality and crime rate all prove that it is a super safe place for solo-travellers, women and children. Indian and foreigner tourists are given equally value across the island, unlike a few other destinations in India.
• Water Sport Activities are plenty, but quality providers are a few. Work with the best, recommend https://goandamans.in to book all that you need.
• Swim in the water day or night 24/7. In my 11 years here, there have been a few warning letters, but no actual sightings. Yes sea-crocodiles do exist on other islands, and usually hate hanging around a well lit up, busy and noisy spots.
• Take out time and see the low tide turn into a high tide. Something very few do, is an inter-tidal walk. i.e. walk out when it is low tide to notice the puddles, organisms and secrets that lie beneath the water. This is so simple, and informative that when done right – it leaves a lasting impression.
• If you go with an easy mindset and laid back vibe, its a place to fall in love with. Do not look for beach shacks, late night parties and ragers unless you have the nack to create and participate in one.

– Cheers!