Radhanagar Beach

Radhanagar Beach sits on the western coast of Havelock Island, about a 20 minute drive from the jetty. TIME magazine called it the best beach in Asia in 2004, and it still earns the crowd it pulls. You get a wide crescent of white sand, a wall of tropical forest behind it, and a west-facing sunset that most people plan their whole Havelock day around. It is free to enter, open from 6 am to 5 pm, and one of the very few Andaman beaches where lifeguards watch a netted swimming zone. It closes at sunset though, and the sea turns rough in the monsoon, so timing matters more here than at most beaches.

Quick Facts About Radhanagar Beach

Radhanagar Beach is a free, lifeguarded beach on the west coast of Havelock Island, open 6 am to 5 pm. It sits about 12 km from Havelock Jetty, roughly a 20 minute drive. Come in the afternoon, swim in the netted zone, and stay for the sunset.

Detail	At a glance
Location & distance	Radhanagar Village, western Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep). About 12 km, roughly 20 minutes, from Havelock Jetty. Havelock is 2 to 2.5 hours by ferry from Port Blair.
How to reach & time	Ferry Port Blair to Havelock (90 minutes to 2 hours), then cab, scooter or local bus 12 km to the beach (about 20 minutes).
Entry fee or permit	No entry fee. No permit needed for the beach. A small vehicle parking fee may apply at the gate.
Timings	6:00 am to 5:00 pm, every day. No night access.
Best time of day & months	Mid-afternoon to sunset, roughly 3 pm onward. Best months October to May.
Swimming allowed	Yes, inside the netted, lifeguarded zone. Currents strengthen close to 5 pm.
Activities available	Swimming, sunset watching and beach walks to Neil Cove. No motorised water sports on site.
Facilities	Changing rooms, toilets, paid freshwater showers and the Sagarika handicraft stall. No lockers.
Food options nearby	Mohwa beachside cafe (9 am to 11 pm) and snack and coconut stalls at the entrance. Barefoot, Taj Exotica and TSG Blue resorts within a few km.
Time needed	1.5 to 3 hours, longer if you stay for sunset.

About Radhanagar Beach Overview

Radhanagar Beach, also called Beach No. 7, is a crescent of white sand roughly two kilometres long on the western side of Havelock Island. Tropical forest backs the sand, and the water stays shallow and clear well offshore. It is Havelock headline beach and its most reliable sunset spot.

The reputation is not marketing. TIME magazine ranked Radhanagar the best beach in Asia and the seventh best in the world in 2004, and the name stuck. In 2021 it became one of the first Indian beaches to earn Blue Flag certification from the Foundation for Environmental Education in Denmark, an eco-label that checks water quality, cleanliness, safety staffing and waste management. In practice that means clean sand, working toilets, marked swimming limits and lifeguards on duty.

The layout is simple. You enter near the stalls and changing rooms, the open sand runs left and right, and the forest edge sits behind you for shade. Walk to the far end and a forest and shoreline trail leads to Neil Cove, a quiet lagoon about 15 to 20 minutes away. Mornings here are calm and near empty. The crowd builds from about 4 pm as day-trippers arrive for sunset, and it thins fast after the 5 pm closing whistle.

What Makes Radhanagar Beach Special?

Two things set Radhanagar apart from other Andaman beaches: safe swimming and the sunset. The netted, lifeguarded zone makes it one of the few places in the islands where you can actually get in the water with confidence, and the west-facing shore gives an open horizon sunset with almost nothing in the way.

The sand is soft and pale, easy to walk barefoot for the full length. Near the shoreline the sea shelves gently, which suits waders and families, but it drops off deeper once you pass the nets, so weak swimmers should stay inside the marked zone. The forest wall at the back is the only real shade, useful in the midday glare when the open sand gets hot.

It also plays a clear role among Havelock beaches. Kala Pathar, on the other side of the island, is the sunrise beach with dark rock and no safe swimming. Elephant Beach is the water-sports and snorkelling hub. Radhanagar is the one you come to for a swim and a sunset, and it does both better than anywhere else on the island.

What to Expect at Radhanagar Beach?

Expect a long, clean, white-sand beach with calm shallow water inside a netted swimming zone, basic facilities near the entrance, and a busy sunset hour. Expect very little shade on the open sand, no water sports on site, and a firm 5 pm closing time.

The sand and the sea

The sand is fine and powder-white, and the water is clear enough to see your feet in the shallows. Close to shore it stays waist-deep for a good stretch, then deepens past the safety nets. Swim inside the netted zone. Past it the current runs stronger, especially in the last hour before closing.

Crowds and timing

Before 11 am the beach is quiet and you often have long stretches to yourself. The rush is the sunset window, roughly 4 pm to 5 pm, when cabs and buses drop day-trippers in waves. December and January weekends are the busiest. If you want the beach at its calmest, come mid-morning, then return another day for the sunset.

Facilities on site

Near the entrance you get changing rooms, toilets and paid freshwater showers, plus a few stalls selling snacks, cold drinks and coconut water. The government-run Sagarika Emporium inside the premises sells handicrafts and souvenirs. There are no lockers, so keep valuables with you or leave them at your hotel. Shade is limited to the forest edge.

Drawbacks worth knowing

The beach shuts at 5 pm and there is no staying after dark. Sandflies come out near the treeline around dusk, so carry repellent if you sit close to the forest. Food on site is limited to stalls, so eat before you come or plan a resort meal nearby. During the monsoon, roughly June to September, the sea gets rough and swimming is often restricted. And there are no jet skis or scuba here. For that you go to Elephant Beach.

Things to Do at Radhanagar Beach

The main things to do at Radhanagar are swim in the netted zone, watch the sunset, walk to Neil Cove, and shoot photos on the open sand. Water sports are not offered here, so most visitors pair the beach with a separate Elephant Beach trip for snorkelling and jet skiing.

Swim in the netted zone

This is the safest swim in Havelock. Lifeguards watch the marked area from sunrise to sunset and safety nets hold the boundary. The shallow shelf near shore is fine for children and nervous swimmers. Stay inside the nets, get out well before 5 pm, and do not swim once the lifeguards signal closing.

Watch the sunset

Radhanagar faces west with an open horizon, so the sunset here is the real draw. Arrive 45 to 60 minutes early to claim a spot on the sand, especially in peak season. The light turns the whole bay gold and pink. Remember the beach closes at 5 pm, so on short winter days you catch the colour just before you are moved on.

Walk to Neil Cove

From the far end of the beach a shoreline and forest trail leads about 15 to 20 minutes to Neil Cove, a sheltered lagoon ringed by greenery. It is quieter than the main beach and good for spotting fish in the shallows. Swimming is not permitted at Neil Cove, so treat it as a walk and a viewpoint, not a second swim.

Photography and a beach picnic

The wide sand, treeline and clean horizon make Radhanagar an easy place to shoot, and freelance photographers wait near the entrance if you want quick portraits. Early morning and late afternoon give the best light. Spreading a mat for a simple picnic works well, but carry your rubbish out. The Blue Flag status depends on the beach staying clean.

Pair it with Elephant Beach for water sports

Radhanagar has no motorised water sports, so plan a separate half day at Elephant Beach for that. You reach Elephant Beach by a short speedboat ride from Havelock Jetty or a 2 to 3 km forest trek. There you can snorkel over coral and try jet ski, banana boat, sea walk and beginner dives. Prices vary by operator and season, so confirm rates before you book.

How to Reach Radhanagar Beach

Reaching Radhanagar takes two legs. First a ferry from Port Blair to Havelock Island, 90 minutes to 2 hours. Then 12 km from Havelock Jetty to the beach by cab, rented scooter or local bus, about 20 minutes. There is no direct route from Port Blair to the beach.

Port Blair to Havelock by ferry

Private ferries such as Makruzz, Nautika and Green Ocean run daily from Port Blair, with fares that broadly range from about Rs 1,100 for economy seats to over Rs 3,000 for premium class. The government ferry is cheaper, roughly Rs 630 to Rs 920, but seats sell out and booking is less flexible. The crossing takes 90 minutes to 2 hours. Book several days ahead in peak season, as ferries fill up.

Havelock Jetty to the beach

The beach is 12 km from the jetty on a straightforward road. A chauffeured cab is the easiest option for families and starts from around Rs 450 for a drop, with return trips priced higher. Rented scooters, roughly Rs 700 a day, suit couples and confident riders, though skip them in heavy monsoon rain. Local buses and shared jeeps run from the market on fixed timings and cost very little, but check the schedule at the jetty desk.

Getting back before closing

Plan your return before you settle in. The beach closes at 5 pm, and if you came by bus you need to know the last departure, which is easy to miss after sunset. Cabs and scooters give you the most control over timing. If you are relying on public transport, confirm the last bus with your hotel travel desk that morning.

Best Time to Visit Radhanagar Beach

The best time to visit Radhanagar Beach is October to May, when the sea is calm and the sky clear. For the best experience arrive mid-afternoon and stay for sunset. Avoid the monsoon months, June to September, when rough water often restricts swimming.

Within the season there are trade-offs. December and January bring the best weather but also the biggest crowds and the highest hotel and ferry prices. February to April is the quieter sweet spot, still dry and warm, with easier bookings. October and May sit at the shoulders, cheaper and less busy, with a small chance of an early or late shower. For the beach itself, the golden window each day is roughly 3 pm to the 5 pm close.

Where to Eat Near Radhanagar Beach

Radhanagar has one proper beachside cafe, Mohwa, plus snack and coconut stalls near the entrance. For a full sit-down meal you head to the resorts a few kilometres away. Barefoot, Taj Exotica and TSG Blue are the closest.

• Mohwa: The Beach Cafe: The only beachside cafe on Radhanagar, run by Havelock Island Beach Resort, in an open Balinese-style wooden setting. Open 9 am to 11 pm, with a multi-cuisine menu (pizzas, Mexican, tandoori, seafood, rice bowls), fresh juices and mocktails, and no alcohol. DJ music plays in the evenings. Sample prices run from about Rs 79 for coffee and Rs 199 for fries to Rs 299 for a Margherita or a mocktail. It is a short walk from the beach parking and a good sunset stop after a swim. The public swimming beach closes at 5 pm, but Mohwa keeps going into the night on the resort side.
• Barefoot at Havelock: A well-known sit-down option near the beach, strong on seafood and continental dishes. Non-guests should reserve ahead, as seating is limited.
• Taj Exotica Resort and Spa: The most upmarket dining on the island, multi-cuisine in a polished setting a short drive from the sand.
• TSG Blue Resort: A comfortable mid-range choice with Indian and international menus, close to the beach.
• Entrance stalls: Fresh coconut water, snacks and cold drinks for a quick bite without leaving the beach.

Nearby Hotels and Resorts

No hotel sits directly on Radhanagar Beach itself. The nearest stays are a short drive away and range from luxury to mid-budget. Taj Exotica, Barefoot at Havelock and TSG Blue are the closest names, with several mid-range resorts along the road between the jetty and the beach.

• Taj Exotica Resort and Spa: The island flagship, top-end luxury a short drive from Radhanagar Beach.
• Havelock Island Beach Resort: The closest resort to the Radhanagar side and the operator of the Mohwa beach cafe.
• Barefoot at Havelock: A long-standing eco-resort set back from the beach in the forest.
• TSG Blue and Symphony Palms: Mid to upper-range resorts along the main road between the jetty and the beach.
• Govind Nagar guesthouses: Smaller guesthouses and budget resorts near the market for tighter budgets.

Few stays sit right on the public beach itself, so wherever you book, expect a short cab or scooter hop to reach the sand.

Planning Your Visit With andamantourism.org

Small timing details decide whether Radhanagar works on a short trip: which ferry to catch, when the beach is quiet, and how to get back before it closes. andamantourism.org is an Andaman-based operator that plans these day by day, using on-ground knowledge of ferries, road transfers and seasonal conditions.

Being local matters here. Ferry availability, bus timings, monsoon sea conditions and which beaches allow swimming on a given week change often, and mainland agencies usually work from stale information. As a team based in the islands, andamantourism.org holds real relationships with Havelock hotels, transport and activity providers, and can slot Radhanagar into a wider Havelock and Neil itinerary without the guesswork. If you want the planning handled, that local read is the difference between a smooth day and a missed ferry.

Additional Information

Quick reference for Radhanagar Beach: free entry, open 6 am to 5 pm daily, lifeguards on duty, no lockers, no water sports on site, and patchy mobile signal. Keep the details below handy on the day of your visit.

Entry Cost	Free. A small vehicle parking fee may apply.
Timings	6:00 am to 5:00 pm, daily.
Address	Radhanagar Village, Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), about 12 km from Havelock Jetty. PIN 744211.
Closed on	Open all days. Night access not allowed.
Locker Facility	Not available. Keep valuables with you or at your hotel.
Life Guards	Yes. On duty sunrise to sunset in the netted swimming zone.
Water Sports	Not on site. Nearest at Elephant Beach.
Mobile Connectivity	Patchy. BSNL, Airtel and Jio work in parts of Havelock, but signal at the beach is weak and data is slow. Carry offline maps.

Is Radhanagar Beach Worth Visiting?

Yes. Radhanagar earns half a day of even a short Andaman trip. It is the best swimming and sunset beach in Havelock, it is free to enter, and the water safety is better than almost anywhere else in the islands. Skip it only if you are chasing corals or water sports.

If your idea of a beach day is a safe swim, soft sand and a big open sunset, nothing on Havelock beats it. The honest caveats are the 5 pm close, the thin food options and the lack of on-site activities. Plan around those, pair the day with Elephant Beach or Kala Pathar, and Radhanagar delivers exactly the beach its reputation promises.

Related Andaman Information

These are the Andaman-specific names and terms that come up when planning a Radhanagar Beach visit. Knowing them makes ferry booking, permits and nearby trips easier to sort out.

• Swaraj Dweep: The official name of Havelock Island since 2018, still widely called Havelock.
• Blue Flag certification: An eco-label from the Foundation for Environmental Education, Denmark. Radhanagar earned it in 2021.
• Beach No. 7: The local numbering for Radhanagar Beach, still used on signs and by drivers.
• Neil Cove: A quiet lagoon a 15 to 20 minute walk from the main beach. Swimming is not allowed there.
• Elephant Beach: A nearby Havelock beach for snorkelling and water sports, reached by boat or a 2 to 3 km trek.
• Kala Pathar Beach: Havelock sunrise beach, known for dark rock. Not a safe swimming beach.
• Havelock Jetty: The island arrival point, about 12 km from Radhanagar Beach.
• Makruzz, Nautika and Green Ocean: Private ferry operators running between Port Blair and Havelock.
• Restricted Area Permit (RAP): A permit system for parts of the Andamans. Not needed for the beach, but foreign nationals must register on arrival.
• Sagarika Emporium: A government-run handicraft stall inside the beach premises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an entry fee for Radhanagar Beach?

No, entry is free. You may pay a small parking fee if you arrive by car or scooter. There is no ticket counter and no charge to walk onto the sand or use the swimming zone.

What are the timings of Radhanagar Beach?

The beach is open from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm every day. Visitors are not allowed to stay after sunset for safety reasons, so plan to be out by the 5 pm whistle, especially on short winter days.

Is swimming allowed and safe at Radhanagar Beach?

Yes. Swimming is allowed inside a netted zone watched by lifeguards from sunrise to sunset, which makes it one of the safest swims in the Andamans. Stay inside the nets, since the water deepens and currents strengthen past them.

How far is Radhanagar Beach from Havelock Jetty?

About 12 km, roughly a 20 minute drive on a straightforward road. You can cover it by cab, rented scooter, or a local bus from the market. There is no direct transport from Port Blair to the beach.

Are there changing rooms and toilets at the beach?

Yes. Changing rooms, toilets and paid freshwater showers sit near the entrance, along with snack and souvenir stalls. There are no lockers, so carry only what you need and leave valuables at your hotel.

When is the best time to visit Radhanagar Beach?

October to May, when the sea is calm and the sky is clear. Each day, mid-afternoon to sunset is the golden window. Avoid June to September, when monsoon swell often restricts swimming.

Can you watch the sunset at Radhanagar Beach?

Yes, and it is the main reason to come late in the day. The beach faces west with an open horizon. Arrive 45 to 60 minutes before sunset to find a spot, and remember the beach closes at 5 pm.

Are there water sports at Radhanagar Beach?

No. Radhanagar has no jet skis, scuba or sea walks. For water sports and snorkelling, head to Elephant Beach, a short boat ride or trek from Havelock Jetty, where several operators run activities.

Is there a cafe on Radhanagar Beach?

Yes. Mohwa, run by Havelock Island Beach Resort, is the only proper beachside cafe at Radhanagar. It is open 9 am to 11 pm, serves multi-cuisine food, fresh juices and mocktails, and plays DJ music in the evenings. There are also basic snack and coconut stalls near the entrance.

Can you stay on the beach at night?

No. Radhanagar closes at 5 pm and night access is not allowed. No accommodation sits directly on the sand either. The nearest stays are resorts and guesthouses a few kilometres away along the main road.

Is Radhanagar Beach good for families and children?

Yes. The shallow shelf near shore and the lifeguarded netted zone make it one of the better family beaches in the Andamans. Keep young children inside the nets and out of the water in the last hour before closing.