Why is Radhanagar Beach ranked among Asia’s best?

Imagine enjoying your vacations at one the best beaches in Asia. One would instantly think of Thailand, Bali or even Sri Lanka. While the beaches in these locations are also equally stunning and considered as top travel hotspots, it is worth noting that  India is home to Asia’s one of top ranked beaches. Yes, you read that right.

Situated on Swaraj Dweep (formerly known as Havelock Island) of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Radhanagar Beach is famous for its powdery white sands, calm turquoise waters, and peaceful atmosphere.

Ideal for relaxation, sunset watching, and light water activities, the beach offers travellers an escape into untouched natural beauty, making it one of the highlights of tourism in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

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Recently, Radhanagar Beach returned to the spotlight after India achieved a remarkable Guinness World Records milestone by displaying the world’s largest underwater national flag at the beach. The achievement brought renewed global attention to this already celebrated destination.

What sets it apart?

Also known as Beach No. 7, Radhanagar Beach gained international recognition when TIME magazine ranked it among “Asia’s Best Beaches” in 2004. Over the years, it has continued to preserve its charm and ecological purity.

Recently, it has also recieved the Blue Flag certification. The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised voluntary awards by Denmark for beaches, marinas, and sustainable tourism boats. In order to qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained.

It's safe, well maintained and eco-friendly approach to ecological conservation while also promoting responsible tourism, makes it a unique location.

Things to do at Radhanagar Beach

Radhanagar Beach focuses on low-impact, relaxing experiences, making it ideal for travellers looking for peace rather than adventure. Among the most soothing things to do in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the beach offers several memorable activities:

For adventure activities such as snorkelling and jet skiing, travellers often head to nearby Elephant Beach, while Radhanagar Beach remains dedicated to tranquility and scenic beauty.

Best time to visit Radhanagar Beach

The best time to visit Radhanagar Beach is between October and May, when the weather remains pleasant and the sea stays calm. For the most scenic experience, plan your visit around 3 PM and stay until sunset, when the beach showcases some of the most breathtaking views on Swaraj Dweep.

Nearby attractions

Elephant Beach

Elephant Beach is one of the most popular spots for water sports in the Andamans. Visitors can reach it by speedboat from Havelock Jetty or through a 2–3 kilometre trekking trail. Activities here include snorkelling, jet skiing, and sea walking.

Neil’s Cove

A peaceful lagoon surrounded by lush greenery, Neil’s Cove is located about a 15–20 minute walk from Radhanagar Beach. It is perfect for those looking to enjoy quiet natural surroundings away from crowds.

Kala Pathar Beach

It is a serene, quiet destination on the eastern coast of Swaraj Dweep, named after the striking black volcanic rocks along its coastline.

How to reach Radhanagar Beach?

To reach the Andaman Islands, the fastest and most convenient option is by air. Direct flights operate from major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru to Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair.

Passenger cruises are also available from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam, but flights are far quicker and more reliable. Travellers planning to continue directly to Havelock Island should ideally book a flight that lands before 12:30 PM to catch an afternoon ferry.

From Port Blair, visitors can travel to Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island) via private ferries such as Makruzz and Green Ocean, which take around 90 minutes to reach Havelock Jetty.

Government ferries also operate daily and are more economical, though the journey may take between 2 to 3 hours. For a quicker and scenic option, commercial seaplanes offer a short 20-minute flight to the island.

After arriving at Havelock Jetty, Radhanagar Beach is located about 12 kilometres away. Visitors can easily hire a taxi, rent a scooter, or take an auto-rickshaw to reach the beach comfortably within 20 minutes.

Your perfect beach escape awaits in the Andamans, all without the need for even a passport.