Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7)

Overview

Radhanagar is the beach that put Havelock on the map — TIME named it “Asia’s best beach” in 2004 and it has been the islands’ star attraction ever since. It faces west across open sea, so unlike the tidal east-coast beaches it has proper depth for swimming at any hour, and the sunsets are unobstructed and spectacular. A wide belt of tall forest sits behind the sand, which keeps the beach shaded until mid-morning and free of the resort clutter you’d expect somewhere this famous.

It’s a big beach — around two kilometres — so even on busy days you can walk a few hundred metres from the entrance and have space to yourself.

Getting there

From Havelock Jetty follow the main road across the island; the beach is about 12 km (20–25 minutes) by scooter or auto. Autos wait at the car park for the return trip, and most resorts run drop-offs for sunset. The last stretch of road is through forest and unlit — bring a torch or a charged phone if you’re riding back after dark.

What to do

• Swim. This is the best swimming beach on Havelock: no coral, no rocks, sandy bottom, and a lifeguard team who mark the swim zone with flags. Waves pick up in the afternoon and in the monsoon.
• Watch the sunset. The main event; people start arriving from about 4 pm. Bring a sarong, sit down, don’t leave early — the colours peak ten minutes after the sun is gone.
• Walk to Neil’s Cove. About a kilometre north along the sand, round the rocky point, is a small lagoon and cove that many people miss. Read the crocodile note before you go.
• Kayak or SUP — occasionally offered from the beach in season.
• Photograph the trees — the ancient mahua and padauk giants at the forest edge are worth the walk on their own.

Practical notes

• Facilities are at the entrance only: changing rooms, lockers, showers, toilets, a row of stalls selling coconuts, chai, fresh fruit, snacks and simple meals, and life-jacket rental. Beyond that there is nothing — carry water.
• No alcohol, no plastic are the posted rules; they are enforced.
• Sunburn is the real hazard. There is no shade on the sand after mid-morning; the forest edge is your only cover.
• Currents can be strong at high tide, especially June–September. Swim between the flags and don’t swim after dark.
• Crowds are heaviest 4–6 pm on holidays. Come at 7 am and you’ll share it with a few joggers.
• Sunset boat rides from Radhanagar are sometimes offered — check the sea state and that the operator has life jackets.

Nearby

Neil’s Cove (walk north along the beach); Elephant Beach is on the same side of the island but is reached from a different road or by boat.