COVERSTORY
#356
An Unspoilt Beach Paradise in India
From Sambit Mohanty, New Delhi
With snow-white beaches,
teal shallows, a coast
crammed with beach huts
and some of the best diving
in South Asia, Havelock has
a well-deserved reputation
as a backpacker paradise.
For many, Havelock is the
Andamans, and it’s what
lures most tourists across
the Bay of Bengal, many of
whom are content to stay
here for the entirety of
their trip.
Mid-January until midMay sees the best weather,
and often the best diving
conditions. The days
are mostly sunny at this
time of year, and the sea
sometimes flat enough to
reflect the clouds.
Ferries are the major way
on or off the island. About
2-3 arrive daily from Port Blair
(2-4 hours) and one from
Rangat, one of which comes
via Neil Island. Schedules
vary according to day and
season, so inquire locally, and
see Andaman and Nicobar
Islands about the differences
between the ship types.
November-December 2015 Travel Secrets 61