Radhanagar Beach, Swaraj Dweep, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

Radhanagar Beach

Powder-white sand, turquoise water, zero jet skis

Powder-white sandUndeveloped forest backdropNo motorized water sportsSunset-facing orientationShallow turquoise entry
WildSandSafe

About

Radhanagar Beach stretches roughly 2 kilometres along the western shore of Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island) in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, facing the open Bay of Bengal with a sunset-facing orientation that turns the sky spectacular every evening. The sand is powder-white underfoot, the water shifts from shallow turquoise at the entry to deeper blue beyond the break, and a wall of undeveloped tropical forest backs the entire beach — no resorts, no beach bars, no jet skis. It's genuinely wild in feel despite the steady stream of visitors who make the crossing from Port Blair daily. The beach opens at 06:00 and closes at 18:00, and rangers enforce those hours along with a strict carry-in carry-out litter policy.

How to get there

The primary route is by ferry from Port Blair — a daily service that takes around 120 minutes to reach Havelock Jetty. From the jetty, it's a 25-minute drive by car or shared taxi to the beach. Parking is available at the beach entrance in an unpaved lot; a nominal fee applies, and spaces fill fast in peak season, so arrive early. There is no entry fee to the beach itself.

Who it's for

For couples

The no-alcohol, no-motorized-sports rules keep the atmosphere calm and the forest backdrop gives the beach a seclusion that feels rare for somewhere this well-known — a genuinely peaceful setting for an evening walk ending at sunset.

For families

The shallow turquoise entry and safe swimming conditions during the dry season (November–April) make this a practical choice for families with children, though note that pets are not permitted and the soft sand and forest path approach make pushchairs and wheelchairs impractical.

Our take

Feet in the sand, eyes on the screen

Radhanagar earns its reputation honestly: 2 kilometres of powder-white sand, turquoise water shallow enough to wade far out, and a forest backdrop that hasn't been cleared for a resort. The rules — no alcohol, no motorized sports, no littering, gates closed by 18:00 — are what keep it looking this way, and they're worth respecting. Come between November and April; the dry season delivers calm seas and clear skies. Skip June through October entirely — the southwest monsoon brings rough water, possible swimming restrictions, and jellyfish blooms that make the sea uninviting and potentially hazardous. The crocodile advisory near the mangroves is not a tourist gimmick; stay on the open sand and away from any mangrove edge. Get here early, claim your patch of sand before the ferry passengers arrive mid-morning, and stay for the sunset — that westward orientation is the beach's single best feature.— The wmb team

What to do

The beach itself is the main event — swimming in the shallow turquoise entry is safe during the dry season, and the sunset view from the shoreline is the reason most visitors time their afternoon here. About 0.9 km away there's a sea turtle spotting and snorkeling site worth the short walk. Elephant Beach, roughly 4.5 km north, offers shallow coral snorkeling accessible by boat or jungle trek and makes a natural full-day pairing. If you're spending more time on the island, Krishna nagar village is 3.5 km away and gives a grounded sense of local Andaman life.

Instagram spots

The western shoreline at golden hour delivers the signature shot: powder-white sand curving into turquoise water with the unbroken forest wall behind — position yourself low and shoot into the sunset light.

The forest treeline meeting the sand at the northern end of the beach gives a second strong frame, especially in the soft directional light just after 06:00 when the beach is at its quietest.

Where to eat

A handful of small restaurants sit within 400 metres of the beach entrance. Mahua is the closest at 0.1 km, while Maya, Shree Hari Restaurant, Kali Restaurant, and Swapna Restaurant are all within 0.4 km — a short walk from the parking area. Don't expect elaborate menus; these are simple, practical spots suited to hungry beach-goers.

Where to stay

Dreamland Resort and the well-regarded Barefoot at Havelock are both within 0.4 km of the beach, making them the most convenient bases. If you want more distance from the beach scene, Munjoh, Flying Elephant, and SeaShell Resort are clustered around 7 km away and offer a quieter retreat.

Photography

The sunset-facing orientation makes the western end of the beach the prime spot from around 17:00 onwards — shoot with the forest backdrop behind you and the turquoise shallows in the foreground for the classic Radhanagar frame. Early morning, before visitors arrive after 06:00, gives you the powder-white sand virtually empty and the light soft and directional from the east.

Good to know

No motorized water sports are permitted here — that's a rule, not a suggestion — and alcohol on the beach is also prohibited. Rangers enforce a carry-in carry-out waste policy, so pack a bag for your rubbish. Swimming after sunset is prohibited, and during the monsoon months (June–September) stronger currents and possible swimming restrictions apply; jellyfish blooms are also reported during this period, so check conditions before entering the water. Crocodile sightings near the mangrove edges are rare but documented — stay well clear of any mangrove fringe, especially at dawn and dusk.

Map

Nearby places

Mahua

0.1 km

Maya

0.3 km

Shree Hari Restaurant

0.3 km

Kali Restaurant

0.3 km

Swapna Restaurant

0.4 km

Things to see around Swaraj Dweep

Nature

Elephant Beach

4.5 km

Shallow coral snorkeling beach accessible by boat or jungle trek from north Havelock.

Museum

Cellular Jail National Memorial

55 km

Colonial-era prison in Port Blair, now a national memorial and UNESCO-tentative site.

Nature

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

68 km

Protected marine park with coral reefs accessible from Wandoor jetty near Port Blair.

Frequently asked

Swimming is safe during the dry season (November–April) in the shallow turquoise entry zone. Avoid June–September when the southwest monsoon brings stronger currents and possible restrictions. Swimming after sunset is prohibited year-round. Jellyfish blooms are reported during monsoon season, so check conditions before entering.
Take the daily ferry from Port Blair to Havelock Jetty — the crossing takes around 120 minutes. From the jetty, it's a 25-minute drive by car or shared taxi to the beach. The beach is on Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island), not on the Port Blair mainland.
No. Pets are not permitted on Radhanagar Beach. The beach sits adjacent to a forest reserve and the no-pets rule is enforced. Don't plan to bring animals regardless of size or breed.
Avoid June, July, August, September, and October. The southwest monsoon runs June–September with rough seas, heavy rain, and possible swimming restrictions. October carries over jellyfish risk as the monsoon tail. The best window is November through April.
Yes — several small restaurants are within 400 metres of the beach entrance. Mahua is the closest at 0.1 km. Maya, Shree Hari Restaurant, Kali Restaurant, and Swapna Restaurant are all within 0.4 km. Expect simple, practical food rather than elaborate menus.
Yes, there's an unpaved parking area at the beach entrance with a nominal fee. It fills quickly in peak season (November–April), so arrive early. The lot is basic — don't expect marked bays or a formal system.
Practically, no. The approach involves soft sand and a forest path, which make wheelchair access impractical. There are no documented accessibility facilities at the beach. Visitors with limited mobility should factor this in before making the 120-minute ferry crossing from Port Blair.

The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.

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