Radhanagar Beach
Radhanagar Beach- Andaman, Everything You Should Know
Situated on the western coast in the Havelock Island, Radhanagar Beach is one of the most popular destinations for tourists in Andaman Islands. With its breathtaking sunsets and mesmerizing sunrises, this beach is something straight out of a wonderland. Also known as Number 7 Beach, this beach was once titled as the ‘Best Beach in Asia’ in 2004. This crescent shaped 2 kilometers long beach is known for its soft silver sand with high carrying capacity.With the pristine sand rushing beneath your feet towards the sea, and the unspoiled emerald blue waves caressing the shore, Radhanagar Beach is everything you would have ever dreamt of! Surprisingly, despite its massive popularity, Radahangar Beach is hardly ever over-crowded making it one of the famous tourist spots in Andaman. The long stretch of the beach makes it easy to find a quiet place, making it perfect for nature lovers wanting some peace, photographers longing for that perfect shot, or honeymooners in Andaman looking for a private spot. The shore lined with lush green palm trees makes it for a postcard perfect scenery. It also very common for tourists to spot some elephants on the beach, so make sure you keep your eyes open and cameras ready! Radhanagar Beach tends to get crowded with visitors around late mornings and afternoons usually from 10 am to 4 pm. The best time of that day at the beach has to be the early mornings as you get time to enjoy the beach in its rawest, most secluded form. You might even end up having the entire beach to yourself or just maybe, find 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 stupendous as well, but the forests guards might not let you stay past 6 pm, as it starts growing darker by the minute.Swimming in the waters is also not allowed post 5 pm due to high tides that might prove to be dangerous. Since it is located very close to the equator, the beach tends to be hot year round. But the best season to visit Radhanagar Beach is during the winters as it provides a slight relief from the scorching heat and humidity.Radhanagar Beach makes it for a perfect stop for those looking to spend some time peacefully in the midst of nature while feasting on delicious food from cafes selling all sorts of cuisines ranging from traditional to global.Beach beds and shower rooms are also available at the beach, making it a perfect luxurious spot. It is advised to apply a strong sunscreen lotion to protect yourself from the sun’s glare. Here is our things to do guide in Andaman to plan your next trip itinerary in the best way possible.
How to reach Radhanagar beach from Port Blair
Radhanagar Beach is easily accessible from Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Union Territory. Port Blair can be easily reached via a 2 hour long plane journey from Chennai in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. From Port Blair, one must first board a catamaran called Makruzz to Havelock Island.With an option to choose between Royal, Deluxe and Premium tickets, the fares start at 1500 Indian rupees per person, one way. This fully air conditioned 90 minutes long ferry service plies four times on a daily between the two stops. The first boat departs at 8:15 am, and the last one departs from Port Blair at 4 pm.Albeit costlier, you can also take a seaplane from Port Blair to Havelock as it is an experience of a lifetime. This is India’s first commercial seaplane service and the flight also takes you above Barren Island, India’s only active volcano, and gives a bird eye view of the magnificent island. This small plane has a capacity for ten people, eight of which are available for passenger bookings. The plane also has a window seat for each passenger, making for great views for everyone on board. Seaplanes depart from Port Blair thrice a day from Mondays to Saturdays, at 7:45 am, 9:15 am and 3 pm. The tickets are priced at 4100 rupees per person, and it only takes the plane 20 minutes to cover the distance.If you’re looking to travel on a budget, the cheapest option is to take the government ferries that run twice between these two stops on a daily basis. The first boat departs at 6:20 am and the second at 2 pm. The ticket costs a mere 850 rupees for an adult, and 100 rupees for children. However, these ferries take two and a half hours to complete the journey, much longer than the Makruzz.From Havelock Jetty, the place where you arrive on Havelock Island, Radhanagar Beach is about 10 kilometers, and you can either hire a rickshaw or a cab to the beach, or simply rent out a scooter or a bicycle and enjoy the ride!For the best experience of the place and to enjoy a hassle free trip, you can also book Andaman holiday packages which are inclusive of Radhanagar beach.
Best time to visit
With a different type of beauty each season, a visit to Havelock Island has a new side to show around the year. The summer months from March to May are a great time to enjoy water sports. With the heat not too harsh, it makes for the perfect weather for divers. The temperature during this period usually ranges from 28 to 30 degree Celsius. If you are a night sky lover, this is the season for you, since the air is clear with a great view of the stars at night, along with your chance to spot the core of the Milky Way galaxy!The monsoon season is usually avoided by tourists due to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms which may be seen as a hindrance to your sightseeing plans. However, due to low tourist in flow, hotels in Havelock Islands remain at an all-time low from June to September. So if you are on a budget, and don’t mind the rains too much, this season is definitely for you! On the plus side, heavy rains often give way to some of the most breathtaking sunsets, with the remaining sun rays refracting majestically against the clouds, and the clear skies making the colours even more vivid!The most crowded season at the Island is during the mild winter months from October to February. The temperature is perfectly set usually ranging from 35 to 15 degree Celsius, and it is no surprise then that most people plan their Andaman trip during this time of the year.Check out the best time to visit Andaman before planning your trip.Other Essential Info about Radhanagar Beach1) Mobile Connectivity
Mobiles are perhaps the biggest boon for travelers, giving them the convenience of informing their friends and families of their whereabouts, and making emergency calls in times of need. But while on vacation away in a remote part of the world like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the biggest question often remains of network coverage.Mobile network coverage in the Andaman often only means the option of making and receiving phone calls, since decent Internet is still a farfetched dream for the Islands. Catching a 2G network is considered lucky, forget about receiving 3/4G signals. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and cafes, often free of cost and sometimes chargeable, but these connections are usually shoddy and not very reliable, especially in the monsoon months.In Port Blair, Airtel, Vodafone and BSNL do the job of making and receiving calls well enough. However, Havelock Island has an even poorer network coverage, with BSNL doing a decent job here. Radhanagar Beach has absolutely no mobile connectivity, irrespective of your service provider. Other network providers like Reliance Jio, Aircel and Idea have no coverage throughout 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 (PCH) 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 famous for its crystal clear waters and pristine white sand. To witness the grandeur of the tropical Andaman in its purest form, you must head to Radhanagar Beach for a few hours and indulge in all that nature has to offer. Take a stroll along the 2 kilometers long stretch of the beach, play some beach volleyball, take time out for a peaceful session of yoga or just lay back and let yourself bask in the warmth of the sun. This beach is also famous for its snorkeling and scuba diving points. So if you wish to get your blood pumping and explore what is beneath that blue surface, make sure you book a sessions for yourself. The best way to end your day is by catching a fiery sunset over Radhanagar Beach, leaving you mesmerized by the beauty of untouched nature!Here the best scuba diving experiences in Andaman for your next water adventure in Andaman and Nicobar Island trip.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 called Beach Number 7, is located on the south-west 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!
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