Havelock Island is one of the largest and most popular islands in Andaman and Nicobar. Spread over a massive area of 113.93 square kilometres, it is situated 57 km north-east of the capital city Port Blair. Havelock Island is a paradise of silky white sand beaches, crystal blue water, rich corals and verdant forests. There is no dearth of beauty on this little island as the reputed and much-loved Radhanagar and Vijaynagar Beaches are also right on its southern shores.
Awarded with the title of 'Asia's Best Beach' by the TIMES magazine in 2004, Radhanagar Beach with its turquoise blue waters and powdery white sands lives up to the moniker. Its vast shores of endless white grains stretch across 2 kilometres, making it a prime attraction of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Located at a distance of a mere 7 kilometres from the much adored Vijaynagar Beach and approximately 12 kms from the main Havelock Island, it is a hop, skip and jump away to serenity and beauty.
Located just 2 kilometres east of Port Blair is the Ross Island; an island which was once the administrative headquarters of the British, but today is only an uninhabited island that is recognised solely for its beauty and scenic views. Following an earthquake that hit Ross Island in the year 1941, the British left the island and shifted their settlement to Port Blair. The island was not able to overcome the grief of this sudden withdrawal, and decay and neglect ultimately set in.
Years before Cellular Jail was constructed, Viper Island was used by the British to keep the freedom fighters in exile. You can still see the remains of the jail which was built in 1867 by the British. The island is breath-taking and serene and got its name from the vessel in which Lt. Archibald Blair came to Andaman and Nicobar in 1789. Covering an area of 69 acres this beautiful island is situated at a distance of 23.6 kilometres from Port Blair. Legend also has it that there were numerous viper snakes present on the island which is how it got its name.
Neill Island is a part of the South Andaman Administrative District and belongs to Ritchie’s Archipelago in the Bay of Bengal. A part of the massive ocean separates it from Ross Island and Havelock Island, Tourists visiting Havelock often make a day-long trip to Neill Island. Perhaps the most endearing feature of this island is its three sandy beaches, namely Bharatpur Beach, Sitapur Beach and the Lakshmanpur Beach.