Far from the madding crowd in the heart of the Andamans lies an untouched natural beauty called the Elephant Beach . Set on the stunning Swaraj Dweep (now known as Havelock Island ) in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands , this beach is noted not only for its unusual name but also for its raw natural beauty and thrilling water activities.
The beach is lesser-known but is a must-visit for travellers seeking adventure and solitude. Let’s find out more:
The unusual name "Elephant Beach"
Elephant Beach got its name for a reason. There was a time when elephants were used for transporting timber and were trained for swimming across short stretches of water. One particular elephant named Rajan was quite famous here and a beloved figure on the island. Today, though there are no elephants, the place still calls itself Elephant Beach.
How to reach
Elephant Beach on the northern tip of Havelock Island can be reached in two ways:
By boat: The most popular and quickest way to reach Elephant Beach is by taking a short 20-minute speedboat ride from Havelock jetty. Boats are available regularly and offer stunning views of the island.
By trek: If you are someone who enjoys adventure, there’s a roughly 2-kilometre jungle trail that starts near the Radhanagar Beach road. It goes through dense tropical forest so a guide is suggested.
What makes Elephant Beach special?
Because Elephant Beach is relatively untouched, it is a popular spot among solitude seekers. The beach features a stretch of powdery white sand backed by greenery and coral-rich shallow waters. It is an ideal beach for snorkelling and other water activities. The underwater visibility is excellent here allowing visitors to view vibrant coral gardens and a variety of marine life including parrotfish, clownfish, sea cucumbers, and sometimes even baby reef sharks.
Things to do on Elephant Beach
Snorkelling and sea walking: Elephant Beach is one of the safest and most accessible snorkelling spots in the Andamans. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling and sea walking here.
Glass-bottom boat rides: For those who prefer to stay dry, these rides offer a peek into the marine world beneath.
Jet skiing, kayaking, and banana boat rides: Perfect for thrill-seekers and families alike.
Despite its activity offerings, the beach maintains a quiet charm. Early in the morning, it's often empty — perfect for a peaceful walk, beach photography, or simply soaking in the sun and sea breeze.
Best time to visit
The ideal time to explore Elephant Beach is between October and May. This is when the sea is calm and visibility is best for underwater activities. Monsoon months (June to September) can bring rough seas and limited accessibility, and boat services may be suspended during heavy rain.
So next time you're in the Andamans, allow Elephant Beach to surprise you.
The beach is lesser-known but is a must-visit for travellers seeking adventure and solitude. Let’s find out more:
The unusual name "Elephant Beach"
Elephant Beach got its name for a reason. There was a time when elephants were used for transporting timber and were trained for swimming across short stretches of water. One particular elephant named Rajan was quite famous here and a beloved figure on the island. Today, though there are no elephants, the place still calls itself Elephant Beach.
How to reach
Elephant Beach on the northern tip of Havelock Island can be reached in two ways:
By boat: The most popular and quickest way to reach Elephant Beach is by taking a short 20-minute speedboat ride from Havelock jetty. Boats are available regularly and offer stunning views of the island.
By trek: If you are someone who enjoys adventure, there’s a roughly 2-kilometre jungle trail that starts near the Radhanagar Beach road. It goes through dense tropical forest so a guide is suggested.
What makes Elephant Beach special?
Because Elephant Beach is relatively untouched, it is a popular spot among solitude seekers. The beach features a stretch of powdery white sand backed by greenery and coral-rich shallow waters. It is an ideal beach for snorkelling and other water activities. The underwater visibility is excellent here allowing visitors to view vibrant coral gardens and a variety of marine life including parrotfish, clownfish, sea cucumbers, and sometimes even baby reef sharks.
Things to do on Elephant Beach
Snorkelling and sea walking: Elephant Beach is one of the safest and most accessible snorkelling spots in the Andamans. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling and sea walking here.
Glass-bottom boat rides: For those who prefer to stay dry, these rides offer a peek into the marine world beneath.
Jet skiing, kayaking, and banana boat rides: Perfect for thrill-seekers and families alike.
Despite its activity offerings, the beach maintains a quiet charm. Early in the morning, it's often empty — perfect for a peaceful walk, beach photography, or simply soaking in the sun and sea breeze.
Best time to visit
The ideal time to explore Elephant Beach is between October and May. This is when the sea is calm and visibility is best for underwater activities. Monsoon months (June to September) can bring rough seas and limited accessibility, and boat services may be suspended during heavy rain.
So next time you're in the Andamans, allow Elephant Beach to surprise you.
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