Radhanagar Beach, also known as Beach No. 7, is the most famous beach in the Andaman Islands and the one most travellers picture when they imagine Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep). A broad crescent of soft white sand, backed by tall forest and washed by clear turquoise water, it has been praised around the world and was named Asia’s best beach by Time magazine in 2004. Its calm, shallow water makes it one of the best places in the islands for a long, easy swim, and its sunsets are legendary.
Radhanagar lies on the western coast of Havelock, about a 20-minute drive from the jetty. This guide covers what to do, swimming and safety, the facilities, the best time of day and year, how to reach it and how to fit it into your Havelock plan. If you would rather have the transfers and timing arranged for you, explore our Andaman tour packages, planned by Andaman Emerald Travels, a travel team based in the Andamans.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Western coast of Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) |
| Also known as | Beach No. 7 |
| Length and width | About 2 km long and roughly 30 to 40 m wide |
| Distance from jetty | Around 10 to 12 km; roughly a 20-minute drive |
| Known for | White sand, calm swimming water, sunsets, forest backdrop |
| Reported timings | About 6 am to 5 pm; lifeguards on duty from sunrise to sunset |
| Suggested time | 1.5 to 3 hours |
| Best time of day | Afternoon into sunset (or early morning for a quieter swim) |
| Best season | October to May |
| Best for | Swimmers, couples, families, sunset lovers, photographers |
Radhanagar is a long, gently curving beach framed by dense evergreen forest, with the sea sloping gradually from the sand. The water is calm and shallow for a good distance, which is why it is considered one of the safest swimming beaches in the Andamans. The beach is wide enough that even in peak season you can find a quiet corner, and it has an easy, unhurried feel that suits travellers of every age.
The beach’s reputation is well earned. Besides the 2004 Time magazine recognition, it has appeared on several lists of the best beaches in Asia and the world, and it has received Blue Flag certification, an international mark that looks at cleanliness, safety and environmental management. Because it is so popular, the beach is busiest in the late afternoon, when visitors gather for sunset. For a quieter, sunrise-focused beach on the same island, see Kalapathar Beach.
Swimming is the main activity, and Radhanagar is one of the best places in the islands for it. Lifeguards are on duty during daylight hours, and safety nets or marked swimming zones are set up in some areas. Stay within the designated zones, follow the lifeguards’ instructions and avoid swimming when the sea is rough. As on any beach, supervise children closely.
The sunset is the highlight of the day. The sun sinks into the sea in front of you, and the sky turns orange, pink and purple over the water. Arrive an hour or two before sunset to find a good spot, swim while the light is soft and stay until the colours fade. The sun sets early in winter, so check the timing for your dates.
The wide sand is ideal for a long walk along the water. Bring a mat or towel, a hat and sunscreen, as shade is limited close to the sea. Tall trees at the back of the beach provide some natural shade.
The white sand, the forest backdrop and the colours at sunset are among the best photographic subjects in the islands. Photographers are often available near the entrance, and the beach is a popular spot for a pre-wedding shoot in Andaman. Please be considerate of other visitors when taking photographs.
Swimming and snorkelling are possible in suitable conditions, but the beach is not set up for heavy water sports such as jet skiing or parasailing. For those, head to Elephant Beach, which is the activity hub of Havelock.
| Highlight | What It Is | Approx. Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Swimming | Calm, shallow water in marked zones | 45 minutes to 1.5 hours |
| Sunset | Golden light over the Bay of Bengal | 45 minutes to 1 hour |
| Beach walk | A long, wide stretch of white sand | 30 to 45 minutes |
| Photography | Sand, forest and sunset colours | 30 to 60 minutes |
| Rest and sunbathing | Mats, shade and a quiet corner | 30 to 60 minutes |
Timings are approximate and vary with the tide, season and crowds.
Facilities are basic but useful. Visitors usually find changing rooms, restrooms, paid showers and small lockers, along with a few stalls selling snacks, coconut water and drinks. Free or low-cost parking is usually available. Because services vary and can change, bring your own water, a change of clothes and some cash for small purchases.
The best season is October to May, when the weather is dry, the sea is calm and visibility is good. For swimming, go in the late morning or early afternoon, when the light is bright and the water is calm. For sunset, arrive in the afternoon. For fewer people, visit early in the morning. Monsoon months bring heavy rain and rough seas, and swimming may be restricted.
| Months | Season | What to Expect | Our Guides |
|---|---|---|---|
| October to November | Post-monsoon | Green forest, improving sea conditions | October, November |
| December to February | Peak season | Clearest skies and best sunsets; busiest period | December, January, February |
| March to May | Summer | Warm and humid; swim in the morning | March, April, May |
| June to September | Monsoon | Rain and rough seas; swimming may be restricted | June, July, August, September |
Radhanagar is reached by road from the Havelock jetty. Sources put the distance at around 10 to 12 km, and the drive takes roughly 20 minutes. First reach Havelock by ferry from Port Blair, or from Neil Island, then take a taxi, auto, rented scooter or local bus. If you are on one of our packages, your private transfer takes you directly and brings you back after sunset.
| Option | Best For | Things to Note |
|---|---|---|
| Private cab or pre-booked transfer | Families and sunset visits | Arrange the return pickup before dark |
| Auto | Short, budget-minded trips | Agree the fare and the return in advance |
| Rented scooter | Confident riders | Ride carefully, as the road to the beach can be tricky, and avoid riding in the dark |
| Local bus or shared jeep | Budget travellers | Fixed timings; check the last return |
Because traffic and parking can be busy near sunset in peak season, leave early and plan your return in advance.
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Morning | Elephant Beach for snorkelling and water sports |
| Midday | Lunch and a short rest at your hotel |
| Afternoon | Drive to Radhanagar and swim in the marked zone |
| Late afternoon | Beach walk and photographs |
| Sunset | Watch the sun go down, then return before dark |
Looking for a ready-made plan that includes Radhanagar? See our 4 nights 5 days and 5 nights 6 days Andaman packages, which include Havelock. You can also explore the best beaches in Andaman and Nicobar or browse all Andaman destinations on our site.
Several resorts and stays sit near Radhanagar and along the road to it, which makes sunset easy to enjoy and keeps you away from the busier jetty area. Properties here are quieter and often more upscale, and they suit couples and families who want to stay close to the beach. Rooms fill quickly in December and January, so book early.
Havelock sightseeing, including Radhanagar Beach, is part of many of our packages. Every traveller has different needs, so we offer a package for each:
| Traveller Type | Package | What It Offers |
|---|---|---|
| Couples | Andaman honeymoon packages | Romantic stays, sunsets and private transfers |
| Families | Andaman family packages | Comfortable, child-friendly plans |
| Friends and colleagues | Andaman group packages | Shared planning for large parties |
| Value-focused travellers | Andaman budget packages | Affordable trips that cover the highlights |
| Government employees | Andaman LTC packages | Plans designed for LTC travel |
| Thrill seekers | Andaman adventure packages | Snorkelling, diving and other water sports |
Not sure which suits you? Reach out through our contact page for a customised itinerary.
See what travellers say about us on Andaman Emerald Travels on Google, then call +91 9933245630 or send an enquiry for a free quote on your Andaman tour packages.
It is known for its white sand, calm turquoise water and sunsets, and it was named Asia’s best beach by Time magazine in 2004.
Beach No. 7 is another name for Radhanagar Beach. The beaches on Havelock were originally numbered, and the numbers are still used.
It is considered one of the safest swimming beaches in the Andamans, with lifeguards on duty during the day and marked swimming zones. Stay within the zone and follow the instructions.
Sources say about 10 to 12 km, and the drive takes roughly 20 minutes.
For the season, October to May. For the day, the late afternoon is best for sunset, while early morning is quieter.
The beach is not set up for heavy water sports. For activities such as snorkelling, sea walking, jet skiing or parasailing, go to Elephant Beach.
Yes. The beach is wide and easy to access, with calm water and lifeguards. Keep children close and provide shade for seniors.
Any package that includes Havelock can include it. Couples often choose a honeymoon package, families a family package and budget travellers a budget package. Our team can customise any plan.
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