Elephant Beach

Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)


Along the island's northwest coastline, the alabaster sands of Elephant Beach, a popular snorkelling spot, are reached by a 40-minute, 1.8km walk through a muddy elephant-logging trail. The path is well signposted off the cross-island road, 7.5km southwest of Havelock's jetty, but turns to bog if it has been raining.

At high tide the beach is also impossible to reach – ask locally for more information. Lots of snorkelling charters, and even jet skis, banana boats and a 'sea walk', converge here, so it can be a bit of a circus. Head over for around 6am for a better chance of having the place to yourself.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) attractions

1. Neil's Cove

1.67 MILES

With its gorgeous teal ‘lagoon’, Neil's Cove is a gem of sheltered sand and crystalline water. Swimming is prohibited at dusk and dawn; take heed of any…

2. Radhanagar Beach

1.8 MILES

One of India’s (and indeed Asia's) most fabulous and famous stretches of sand: a beautiful bleach-blonde curve of powdery sugar fronted by perfectly…

3. Beach 3

3.95 MILES

A slender strip of platinum east-coast beach, dotted with palms and a few fishing boats and overlooked by clumps of natural jungle. Beautiful, though not…

4. Beach 5

4.13 MILES

On Havelock's eastern coast, palm-ringed Beach 5 has your classic tropical vibe with cream-coloured sand, cerulean sea, shady patches and few sandflies…

5. Kalapathar

5.22 MILES

Pristine Kalapathar is a salt-white swathe of sand lapped by clear turquoise water. It's a favourite sunrise-gazing spot, and you may have to walk a bit…

6. Beach 1

12.02 MILES

A long sweep of sandy white coastline and mangroves wrapping around the northwest end of the island, 2km from the jetty, and gazing across to Havelock …

7. Beach 2

12.95 MILES

On the southwest side of the island, signposted from Neil Kendra (1.5km), this rocky cove is famous for its striking Natural Bridge rock formation,…

8. Beach 4

13.36 MILES

Neil Island's best swimming beach, though its proximity to the jetty (just west) is a turn-off, as is the rowdy day-trip scene packed with motorised boats…

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