Overview
Radhanagar Beach- Andaman, Everything You Should Know
Radhanagar Beach, located on the western coast of Havelock Island, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Andaman Islands. This beach is like something out of a fairy tale, with its breathtaking sunsets and mesmerizing sunrises.
This beach, also known as Number 7 Beach, was named the ‘Best Beach in Asia’ in 2004. This two-kilometer-long crescent-shaped beach is known for its soft silver sand with a high carrying capacity.
Radhanagar Beach is everything you’ve ever imagined, with pristine sand rushing beneath your feet towards the sea and unspoiled emerald blue waves caressing the shore. Surprisingly, despite its enormous popularity, Radahangar Beach is rarely overcrowded, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Andaman.
The long stretch of beach makes it easy to find a quiet spot, making it ideal for nature lovers seeking peace, photographers seeking the perfect shot, or Andaman honeymooners looking for a private spot. The shoreline is lined with lush green palm trees, creating postcard-worthy scenery.
It is also common for tourists to spot elephants on the beach, so keep your eyes open and cameras ready!
Radhanagar Beach is usually crowded with visitors in the late mornings and afternoons between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The best time of day at the beach has to be early mornings because you get to enjoy the beach in its most natural, secluded state.You might even have the entire beach to yourself, or you might come across a stray soul or two, perhaps walking a dog or enjoying a peaceful yoga or meditation session on the beach. Sunsets at this beach are also spectacular, but forest guards may not allow you to stay past 6 p.m., as it becomes darker by the minute.
Swimming in the waters is also prohibited after 5 p.m. due to high tides that could be dangerous. The beach is hot all year round due to its proximity to the equator. However, winter is the best time to visit Radhanagar Beach because it provides some relief from the scorching heat and humidity.
Radhanagar Beach is ideal for those who want to spend some time peacefully in the midst of nature while feasting on delicious food from cafes selling a variety of cuisines ranging from traditional to global.
The beach also has beach beds and shower rooms, making it an ideal luxurious destination. To protect yourself from the sun’s glare, apply a strong sunscreen lotion.
How to reach Radhanagar beach from Port Blair.
Radhanagar Beach is easily accessible from Port Blair, the capital of the Union Territory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Port Blair is easily accessible via a two-hour flight from Chennai in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. To get to Havelock Island from Port Blair, take the Makruzz catamaran.
The fares start at 1500 Indian rupees per person, one way, with the option of Royal, Deluxe, or Premium tickets. This fully air-conditioned 90-minute ferry service runs between the two stops four times per day. The first boat leaves Port Blair at 8:15 a.m., and the last boat leaves at 4 p.m.
You can also take a seaplane from Port Blair to Havelock, which is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The flight also takes you above Barren Island, India’s only active volcano, giving you a bird’s eye view of the magnificent island.
This small plane seats ten people, eight of which are available for passenger reservations. Each passenger also has a window seat, providing excellent views for everyone on board.Seaplanes leave Port Blair three times a day, from Monday to Saturday, at 7:45 a.m., 9:15 a.m., and 3 p.m. The tickets cost 4100 rupees per person, and the flight takes only 20 minutes to complete the journey.
If you’re on a tight budget, the cheapest option is to take the government ferries, which run twice daily between these two stops. The first boat leaves at 6:20 a.m., followed by the second at 2 p.m.An adult ticket costs 850 rupees, and children’s tickets cost 100 rupees. These ferries, however, take two and a half hours to complete the journey, which is much longer than the Makruzz.
Radhanagar Beach is approximately 10 kilometers from Havelock Jetty, where you arrive on Havelock Island, and you can either hire a rickshaw or a cab to the beach, or simply rent a scooter or a bicycle and enjoy the ride!
Best time to visit
A visit to Havelock Island has a different side to show each season, with a different type of beauty to show. The summer months of March to May are ideal for water sports. With the heat not being too intense, it is ideal diving weather.During this time, the temperature usually ranges between 28 and 30 degrees Celsius. If you enjoy gazing at the stars at night, this is the season for you, as the air is clear and you have a good chance of spotting the core of the Milky Way galaxy!
Tourists typically avoid the monsoon season due to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, which may interfere with your sightseeing plans. However, hotels in Havelock Islands remain at an all-time low from June to September due to low tourist inflow.So, if you’re on a budget and don’t mind the rain, this is the season for you! On the plus side, heavy rains frequently result in some of the most breathtaking sunsets, with the remaining sun rays refracting majestically against the clouds and the clear skies intensifying the colors!
The mild winter months of October to February are the busiest months on the island. The temperature is ideal, usually ranging between 35 and 15 degrees Celsius, and it is no surprise that most people plan their Andaman trip during this time of year.
Other Essential Info about Radhanagar Beach
1) Mobile Connectivity
Mobile phones are perhaps the greatest convenience for travelers, allowing them to notify friends and family of their whereabouts and make emergency calls in an emergency. However, while on vacation in a remote part of the world such as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the most pressing issue is often network coverage.Mobile network coverage in the Andaman Islands is frequently limited to the ability to make and receive phone calls, as decent Internet access remains a distant dream for the Islands.
Receiving a 2G network signal is considered fortunate; forget about receiving 3/4G signals.Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and cafes, often for free and sometimes for a fee, but these connections are typically shoddy and unreliable, especially during the monsoon season.Airtel, Vodafone, and BSNL provide adequate call-making and-receiving services in Port Blair.
Havelock Island, on the other hand, has even worse network coverage, with BSNL doing a good job. Radhanagar Beach has no mobile connectivity, regardless of your service provider.Other network providers, such as Reliance Jio, Aircel, and Idea, do not have coverage in the Andaman Islands.
2) Medical Facilities
Healthcare in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is unique and unlike that of mainland India, the facilities provided in the government hospitals across the Islands is completely free of cost. Port Blair, the capital of the Islands has two hospitals. In Havelock Island, there are no hospitals, but one Primary Health Care Unit that provides the basic medical facilities. The nearest medical center to Radhanagar is the PHC in Havelock. This PHC is equipped with ten beds, along with other primary medical equipment.
3) Activities to do
Radhanagar Beach is well-known for its clear waters and pristine white sand. To experience the grandeur of the tropical Andaman in its purest form, head to Radhanagar Beach for a few hours and enjoy everything nature has to offer.Take a walk along the two-kilometer-long beach, play beach volleyball, relax with a peaceful session of yoga, or simply lie back and enjoy the warmth of the sun.
This beach is also well-known for its snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities.So, if you want to get your blood pumping and discover what lies beneath that blue surface, make a reservation for yourself. The best way to end your day is to catch a fiery sunset over Radhanagar Beach, which will leave you mesmerized by nature’s untouched beauty!
4) Places to eat near Radhanagar Beach
Havelock Island is lined with various cafes selling cuisines from all over the world. These are just a walkable distance from Radhanagar Beach. You can also hire a cab or a rickshaw or rent a bicycle to visit these cafes and relish some lip-smacking dishes.
– Full Moon café: Run by an Indian-Irish couple, this thatched roof café is busy through most of the day and is known for its extensive menu, which includes Indian, Italian, Mexican, and other global dishes. The food here is cooked with local flavours, and is one of the few cafes serving seafood in diverse styles.
– Fat Martin’s Café: If you are looking for a place to get some breakfast, this is to place to be. This open air café is known for its different menu including an array of fresh shakes and smoothies. The laid back vibe of this café attracts a lot of backpackers, and is a widely recommended place.
– Barefoot Bar and Brasserie (B3): This place boasts to be the best pizzeria on Havelock Island and it does not fail to live up to its name. With the pastas and pizzas being the most commonly ordered food, this place is a must try for all pizza lovers.
5) Minimum Duration for Visiting Radhanagar Beach
With a host of activities to choose from, make sure you visit Radhanagar Beach with at least 4-5 hours to spare. The best way to plan your day would be to get brunch at one of the cafes near the beach, and then head to the beach for some relaxation or water activities, ending the day by catching the beautiful sunset.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How can I go to Radhanagar Beach?
Radhanagar Beach is located about 10 kilometers away from Havelock Jetty, the place where you arrive at in Havelock Island. From there, one can hire a rickshaw or a cab towards the beach. Other options include renting out a scooter or a bicycle to go around the beach and other spots on the island at your own convenience.
2. How many beaches does Havelock Island have?
Havelock is known for its host of beaches, with about 7 to 8 beaches in the island. The most famous beach of these is, of course, Radhanagar Beach. Other popular beaches includes Elephant Beach and Kalapathar Beach, all located in close proximity.
3. Which resorts are near Radhanagar Beach?
There are a number of hotels and beach resorts in Radhanagar, most of them located close to Radhanagar Beach. The most luxurious of these is the Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, Andaman. Other famous resorts include SeaShell Resort, Munjoh Ocean Resort, Symphony Palms Beach Resort, Silver Sand Beach Resort, and Wild Orchid Resort. Most of these resorts have bike or car rental facilities that enable you to go around the island easily.
4. What activities happen at Radhanagar Beach?
Radhanagar Beach is famous for its scuba diving and snorkeling points. If you’re interest in exploring the ocean life, make sure you book a spot for yourself. Other activities include yoga, beach volleyball etc.
5. What are the famous places near Radhanagar Beach?
Famous places near Radhanagar Beach include Neil’s Cove, a beautiful lagoon formed in a part of the beach itself. You can also try out the Sea Walk near Elephant Beach. Other famous attractions near Radhanagar Beach include Vijaynagar Beach, Kalapathar Beach and Elephant Beach.
6. Can I cover Elephant beach and Radhanagar beach in one day?
Yes, Elephant Beach and Radhanagar Beach are located just at a distance of 2.2 kilometres. There are several public buses and rickshaws connecting the two beaches but if you are feeling a bit more adventurous, you can try hiking through the forest trail from Radhanagar Beach to Elephant Beach. The trail is well marked and easily recognizable, and serves as a great way to take a walk amidst pristine, untouched nature.
7. Where does Radhanagar beach located?
Radhanagar Beach, also known as Beach Number 7, is located on the south western part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, in the Havelock Island.
8. Does Radhanagar comes in the best beaches of the world?
Radhanagar was awarded the ‘Best Beach in Asia’ in 2004 by Time Magazine and ever since then this beach has won many awards and accolades from various magazines and websites. It still remains one of the best beaches in the Andaman Islands as well as in the world. The best part about this beach, however, is that unlike most famous beaches across the world, Radhanagar Beach is not all that crowded and makes for a great spot to get some peace and quiet.
9. What can I expect while visiting Radhanagar Beach?
Radhanagar Beach is known for its emerald blue waters and white sandy beaches. With a tropical forest lined up on one side, you can expect all sorts of different landscapes while on this beach. The beach has basic facilities like shower rooms, washrooms, and eateries. It is also a great spot to catch the sky light up on fire during sunset!
10. Should I visit Radhanagar Beach while being in Andaman?
Yes! Radhanagar Beach is one of the best beaches in the world, and if you ever find yourself in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, do not forgot to make a trip to Havelock to visit the beach. Its natural beauty is sure to leave you speechless!