The Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the extreme east of India is the first part of the country to welcome the sunrise. Located near the capital Port Blair, are Neil and Havelock Islands. You can leave on a small boat from Phoenix Bay Harbor for Havelock located 50 km/30 miles northwest of the capital. The boat docks at Neil en route. Don't be surprised if you find an escort of dolphins accompanying the boat. Look out for flying fish and if you are lucky you can spot a giant sea tortoise.
Turquoise waters coral reefs, turtles and fish welcome you to Havelock Island, named after Sir Henry Havelock. White sands, lush forest inhabited by elephants beckon you to this island of which only 1/3rd of the north is inhabited. Havelock has it's own laid back style and you enjoy it more if you settle into its slow but charming pace sleep eat read, laze, visit the beach. Next day start all over again.
Havelock's virgin, unpolluted beaches still do not have names but are numbered from one to seven. The boat docks at No 1 the bazaar is near No 3 the best accommodation is at No 5 also known to the locals as Vijaynagar Beach but the finest is No 7. It is interesting to lie on the beach No 7 and count the various shades of blue of the waters around with the swaying palms for music. This beach has the cleanest sand with shells and the occasional driftwood and of course the cleanest blue water. After a lazy day spent on the beach, reading, swimming or just dreaming to the sound of the waves, walk to Golden sands a small restaurant for a cup of tea or coffee or even a beer. There are also several other small shacks or chai stops serving hot tea and conversation. A steaming cup of tea is a great way to relax and watch the world go by. Lots of sun and sand seekers from around the world go camping at Havelock.
If you enjoy sea food then this the place for you as catch comes in fresh every day. There are virgin rainforests around and rice paddies and Banana plantations and 100 feet high Mahua trees which the natives tap to make a heady brew.
Scuba diving off beach No 5 is possible December to April. There are several dive sites near Havelock Island. At Mac Point divers can see hard corals. Dugongs have been spotted as the visibility is good. Aquarium is a fringing reef with lots of fish traffic. Barracuda City is meant for experienced divers. It has lots of fish, sometimes turtles and lots of corals. Turtle Bay is an easy dive site where turtles and Rays are found. Seduction Point is a large rock with different kinds of aquatic life where Napoleons are often seen as well as stag horn corals. Lighthouse is good for night divers. Pilot reef near Havelock is a huge block of pristine corals with canyons where. Leopard and white tip sharks have been sighted Minerva ledge at Havelock has even more corals, tons of fish and the possibility of seeing sharks makes it one of the top dive sites.
Big game fishing is another sport, where sportsmen can fish for red snapper, giant barracuda, spanish mackerel, marlin and tuna. So swim, go for long walks or just relax on the beach. Port Blair the nearest airport can be reached from Indian mainland with flights from Calcutta and Madras.