Havelock island
{{short description|Island of the Andaman Islands}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2024}}
{{Infobox islands
| name = Swaraaj Dweep
| image_name =250px
| image_caption =A view of a beach in Swaraj Dweep
| image_alt =
| map = India Andaman and Nicobar Islands
| map_alt =
| map_width =250px
| map_caption = Location of Swaraaj Dweep
| coordinates = {{coord|11.96|N|93.00|E|region:IN-AN_type:isle_dim:50000_source:GNS-enwiki|display=inline,title}}
| etymology =
| location = Bay of Bengal
| archipelago = Andaman Islands
| waterbody = Indian Ocean
| total_islands = {{nowrap|1}}
| major_islands = {{hlist|Swaraaj Dweep}}
| area_km2 = 92.2
| area_footnotes =
| rank =
| length_km = 18
| width_km = 8
| coastline_km = 58.5
| elevation_m = 167
| elevation_footnotes =
| highest_mount = Yulutang
| country = {{flag|India}}
| country_admin_divisions_title = District
| country_admin_divisions = South Andaman
| country_admin_divisions_title_1 = Island group
| country_admin_divisions_1 = Andaman Islands
| country_admin_divisions_title_2 = Island sub-group
| country_admin_divisions_2 = Ritchie's Archipelago
| country_admin_divisions_title_3 = Tehsil
| country_admin_divisions_3 = Ritchie's Archipelago Tehsil
| country_largest_city = Govinda Nagar
| population = 6,351{{citation needed|date=October 2016}}
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_footnotes =
| population_rank =
| population_rank_max =
| density_km2 = 68.5
| density_rank =
| density_footnotes =
| ethnic_groups = Bengali
| timezone1 = IST
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| timezone1_DST =
| utc_offset1_DST =
| postal_code_type = PIN
| area_code_type = Telephone code
| website = {{URL|http://www.and.nic.in/}}
|additional_info = {{Infobox|child=yes
| label1 =
| data1 =
| label2 = Literacy | data2 = 84.4%
| label3 = Avg. summer temperature| data3 ={{convert|30.2|°C|°F}}
| label4 = Avg. winter temperature| data4 ={{convert|23.0|°C|°F}}
| label5 = Sex ratio| data5 =1.2♂/♀
| label7 = Census code| data7 = 35.639.0004
| label8 = Official languages| data8 = Hindi, English
}}
}}
Havelock Island, officially known as Swaraj Dweep ({{translation|Independence Island}}),{{Cite news |agency=Press Trust of India |date=30 December 2018 |title='Bose, Shaheed and Swaraj,' PM gives new names to 3 Andaman islands |work=Business Standard India |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/bose-shaheed-and-swaraj-pm-gives-new-names-to-3-andaman-islands-118123000418_1.html |access-date=9 July 2022}} is one of the largest islands in Ritchie's Archipelago, to the east of Great Andaman within the Andaman Islands. It belongs to the South Andaman administrative district, part of the Indian union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.{{Cite web |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-VillageDirectory/Directory/short_code_rural_35.pdf |title=Village Code Directory: Andaman & Nicobar Islands |publisher=Census of India |access-date=16 January 2011}} The island is {{convert|41|km|0|abbr=on}} northeast of the capital city, Port Blair.
Etymology
Havelock Island was previously named after a British general, Sir Henry Havelock, who served in India.{{cite book |title=The Great Uprising in India, 1857-58: Untold Stories, Indian and British |first=Rosie |last=Llewellyn-Jones |publisher=Boydell & Brewer |year=2007 |isbn=978-1-84383-304-8 |page=168 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vcHQd-M5NsQC&pg=PA168}}
In December 2018, it was renamed, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as Swaraj Dweep as a tribute to Subhas Chandra Bose. Bose had hoisted the Indian flag at Port Blair on 30 December 1943 and proclaimed the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as liberated from British rule. He had subsequently named Neil Island as Shaheed Dweep and Ross Island was renamed as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep as well.{{cite news |author1=Ananya Bhardwaj |title=Andaman's most-visited islands to be renamed during PM Modi visit |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/3-andaman-islands-to-get-new-names/story-NC3sWdg8oHAP6sLyXDBEeI.html |access-date=31 December 2018 |work=Hindustan Times |date=25 December 2018 |language=en}}
History
Swaraj Dweep is one of the few places that the administration of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands union territory of India has permitted and encouraged development of tourism, with a focus on promoting eco-tourism.
Swaraj Dweep avoided much of the devastation by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and its resulting tsunami and there were no documented casualties.
There is a lighthouse at the northern point of the island, near Govinda Nagar, established in the year 2005.
On 30 December 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that Havelock Island would be renamed as Swaraj Dweep.{{cite news |title=PM Narendra Modi renames 3 islands of Andaman Nicobar |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pm-narendra-modi-renames-3-islands-of-andaman-nicobar/articleshow/67311660.cms |access-date=31 December 2018 |work=The Times of India |date=30 December 2018}}
Geography
The island belongs to the Ritchie's Archipelago and is located between Peel Island and Neil Island.
Administration
Demographics
The island's current{{when|date=March 2017}} population of 6,351{{citation needed|date=March 2017}} consists of mainly Bengali settlers. Many of these settlers have East Bengali origin as these people were given settlement by the Indian government after the Partition of India in 1947.
The six villages are:
- Govinda Nagar 2,940
- Vejoy Nagar (inc. Kalapathar) 1,099
- Shyam Nagar 856
- Krishna Nagar 719
- Radha Nagar 637
- Road between Shyam Nagar and Krishna Nagar 100[http://ls1.and.nic.in/doef/images/Havelock.jpg Map]
Beaches
Radhanagar Beach on the western coast, also known as Number 7 Beach, is one of the most popular beaches on Swaraj Dweep and was named "Best Beach in Asia" by Time in 2004.{{cite web |url=http://www.time.com/time/asia/2004/boa/boa_soul_andaman.html |title=TIMEasia Magazine: Best of Asia - Best Beaches You Can Get to |access-date=19 January 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090123030227/http://www.time.com/time/asia/2004/boa/boa_soul_andaman.html |archive-date=23 January 2009 }} Radhanagar beach also bagged the prestigious blue flag certification in 2020.{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=Ravi Prakash |date=15 October 2020 |title=8 Indian beaches get prestigious Blue Flag certification. Check list here |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/best-indian-beaches-get-prestigious-blue-flag-certification-check-list-here-11602743882083.html |access-date=27 May 2023 |website=mint |language=en}} A Blue Flag beach is an eco-tourism model endeavouring to provide the tourists or beachgoers clean and hygienic bathing water, facilities, safe and healthy environment. Other notable beaches include Elephant Beach on the northwest coast and Vijay Nagar Beach (No. 5), Beach No. 3 and Beach No. 1 on the east coast. Kalapathar is another famous beach.[http://www.andamans.gov.in/images/havlockmap.jpg beaches map]
- [https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/100-best-beaches/index.html CNN]
To reach Elephant beach one needs to take a boat from Swaraj Dweep jetty. Another way to reach Elephant beach is via trekking. The major 3 beaches at Swaraj Dweep are namely Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach and Kalapathar beach.{{Cite web |title=Havelock Island Tourism - Detailed Travel Guide 2021 with Photos |url=https://www.experienceandamans.com/andaman-tourism/havelock |access-date=13 February 2021 |website=www.experienceandamans.com}}
Beach Activities
Some of the great attractions and activities to do in Havelock Island are listed below:
Go Scuba Diving Havelock Island is renowned for its incredible scuba diving experiences. Dive into the crystal clear waters and discover vibrant coral reefs, exotic marine life, and underwater rock formations. There are several diving centers on the island that offer courses and guided dives for both beginners and experienced divers.
Snorkel at Elephant Beach Elephant Beach is a popular spot for snorkeling enthusiasts. Located a short boat ride away from Havelock Island, Elephant Beach is known for its vibrant coral reefs and various water activities. You can also enjoy other water sports activities like jet skiing, parasailing, sea walking, banana boat rides and many more here.
Take a Kayaking Tour Embark on a kayaking adventure through the beautiful mangrove forests surrounding Havelock Island. Paddle through calm waters, marvel at the unique ecosystem, and keep an eye out for exotic bird species. You can also opt for a night kayaking tour to witness the magical bioluminescence phenomenon.
Sea Walk For a unique and mesmerizing experience, try the sea walk adventure in Elephant Beach. You can descend to the ocean floor while wearing a specially designed helmet that allows you to breathe effortlessly. Walk on the sandy seabed and witness the incredible marine life up close, making memories that will last a lifetime.
Game Fishing If you are an avid angler, game fishing in the waters surrounding Havelock Island is an exciting adventure.{{Cite web |last=Sarkar |first=Ajay |title=Top Must Do Attractions in Havelock Island |url=https://blueandamantour.com/destinations/havelock-island/ |website=Blue Andaman Tour}}
Transportation
The island can be reached from Port Blair by government-operated ferries and private cruises.{{cite news |author1=A & N Administration |title=Ferry Program for Neil, Havelock & Rangat |url=http://www.andaman.gov.in/web/guest/neilhavrangat |access-date=15 October 2013}} There are also helicopter services.{{cite news |author1=A & N Administration |title=Helicopter Inter Island Schedule |url=http://www.andaman.gov.in/web/guest/helicopter-schedule |access-date=15 October 2013}} There will be 2-3 government operating ferries in a day.
A local bus connects the jetty and villages on an hourly circuit.[https://books.google.com/books?id=8KnLFpjEHpUC&dq=avis+island+mayabunder&pg=PA26 bus] Private ferries that sail to Swaraj Dweep are Makruzz, Green Ocean, Nautika, Nautika Lite and ITT Majestic these cruises have different sailing time and schedule{{Cite web |last=Travel |first=RSR Tours & |date=9 April 2023 |title=Private Ferry Schedule in Andaman Islands |url=https://rsrtoursandtravel.com/home/andaman-ferry-booking/#schedule |access-date=27 May 2023 |website=RSR Tours and Travel |language=en-US}} from Port Blair to Swaraj Dweep and from Neil Island to Swaraj Dweep. The ferry sailing to Swaraj Dweep is subject to weather conditions.{{Cite web |title=Ferry and Cruise Booking and Timing in Andaman in 2021 |url=https://www.experienceandamans.com/ferry |access-date=13 February 2021 |website=www.experienceandamans.com}}
Within the island you can travel in a cab, a two wheeler or bus. The most convenient way is to take a cab or a two wheeler.
Travelers typically take the ferry service from Port Blair to Swaraj Dweep, Swaraj Dweep to Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) and Neil Island to Port Blair{{Cite web |title=Ferry in Andaman Port Blair to Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island) |url=https://www.go2andaman.com/book-ferry/port-blair-to-havelock-ferry/}}
Many properties are now available at Havelock Island that can be booked. From budget to luxury all options are available. The most preferred places to stay at Swaraj Dweep are Beach No.3, and Beach No. 5. People prefer to stay closer to the beaches at Havelock Island.
Internet connectivity at Swaraj Dweep has improved since the undersea cable from Chennai to Port Blair has been laid. The internet connectivity in all the islands has improved. At Swaraj Dweep now high-speed internet is available. Mobile networks of Airtel and BSNL are available at Swaraj Dweep.{{Cite web |title=Havelock Island |url=https://www.experienceandamans.com/andaman-tourism/havelock/}}
Gallery
File:Havelock Island, Mangrove trees in tropical sea, Andaman Islands.jpg|Mangrove trees, East side
File:Havelock Island, Tropical beach and tree, Andaman Islands.jpg|Trees on the beach, East side
File:Havelock Island, Canopy of tropical moist evergreen forest, Andaman Islands.jpg|Canopy of tropical rainforest
File:Havelock Island, Sunset at the beach, Andamans.jpg|Sunset on the beach
File:Radha Nagar Beach, Havelock Island.jpg|alt=Radha Nagar Beach|Radha Nagar Beach, Havelock Island
File:Radha Nagar beach, Havelock Island, Andamn, India- Sun set view.jpg|Radha Nagar Beach sunset view
File:Elephenta beach, Havelock Island, Andamn, India.jpg|Elephant Beach, Havelock Island
File:Kalapathar beach Havelock Island, Andaman, India.JPG|Kalapathar Beach
File:Promonant horticulture produce of Havelock, Andaman Island, India.jpg|Prominent horticulture produce of Havelock
File:Coral reef Elephant Beach ,Andaman 03.jpg|Coral reef Elephant Beach
File:Coral reef Elephant Beach ,Andaman 10.jpg|Coral reef Elephant Beach
File:Havelock Light House.jpg|Havelock Light House
References
{{reflist|30em}}
External links
{{commons category|Havelock Island}}
{{Wikivoyage}}
{{Portal|India|Islands}}
- [https://www.andaman.gov.in/tourism/Swarajdweep Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)] at Andaman & Nicobar Tourism website
{{South Andaman district |state=collapsed}}
Category:Cities and towns in South Andaman district
Category:Ritchie's Archipelago
Category:Islands of South Andaman district
Category:Islands of the Andaman Sea
Category:Tourist attractions in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands