Kalapathar Beach, Havelock: Sunrise, Black Rocks and How to Reach It
Kalapathar Beach guide: sunrise on Havelock's east coast, the black rocks, how to reach it, sunrise times by month, safety and what to pair it with.
Radhanagar gets the postcards. Kalapathar gets the sunrise. On Havelock's east coast the sun comes up over the water, and this is the beach where most visitors see it.
It is also a smaller, simpler place. There are no big resorts on the sand, only a long white shore, a line of coconut stalls and the dark rocks that give the beach its name. This guide tells you how to reach it, when to go and what it is not.
Figures were checked in October 2026. Travel times and prices on a small island vary, so confirm them with your hotel on the day.
Kalapathar Beach at a glance
What to know | |
|---|---|
Where | The east coast of Havelock Island, officially Swaraj Dweep |
Distance | About 6.5 km from the Havelock jetty, according to local sources |
Name | Kala Pathar means "black rock", after the dark boulders on the shore |
Known for | Sunrise, a quiet shore and coconut stalls |
Time to allow | 1 to 2 hours. Longer if you also do Radhanagar |
Best hour | First light, then a second visit near the end of the day |
Best season | November to April |
Entry | No ticket for the beach |
Swimming | Check on the day. Rocks and currents vary |
Why the east coast matters
Havelock is not a big island, but its two coasts are very different. The west coast, where Radhanagar sits, faces the setting sun. The east coast faces the sunrise, and Kalapathar is the best-known place to see it.
A morning here is a different experience from an afternoon at Radhanagar. The light is cooler and blue at first, and then it turns gold on the sand. The black rocks make a good foreground, so the beach suits photographers as much as anyone.
Sand and shallows at Kalapathar.
How to reach it
Most hotels on Havelock can arrange a cab or an auto, and you can also rent a scooter. Sources suggest keeping the same vehicle for the return trip, because you may not find transport waiting at the beach. Agree the price and the waiting time before you set off.
Reaching Havelock itself usually means a flight to Port Blair and then a ferry to the island. Our guide to Havelock vs Neil Island explains how the islands are linked.
The beach signboard.
What you find there
Feature | What it is |
|---|---|
The shore | A long, pale stretch of sand with trees behind it |
The black rocks | Dark boulders that give the beach its name |
Coconut stalls | Roadside vendors selling fresh coconuts |
Small boats | Fishing and local boats pulled up or anchored in the shallows |
Quiet corners | The ends of the beach, away from the road |
One source advises walking farther along the sand to find quieter spots. Another mentions tidal pools near one end at low tide. Ask your driver or hotel about the tide before you go, because that decides whether you can wade or walk the rocks.
A coconut stall by the beach road.
Boats on the water off the beach.
Swimming and safety
The beach is not managed like a resort beach. Rocks, currents and tide change what is safe from week to week. Ask your hotel whether swimming is sensible on the day, and wear water shoes if you plan to wade near the rocks.
For a reliable swim, Radhanagar and Elephant Beach are better choices. See our Radhanagar Beach guide and Elephant Beach guide.
Best time by month
Sunrise and sunset times below are calculated for Kalapathar on the 15th of each month, in Indian Standard Time.
Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Visiting advice |
|---|---|---|---|
January | 5:42 am | 5:12 pm | Dry and clear. Best sunrises |
February | 5:40 am | 5:25 pm | Excellent. Calm sea |
March | 5:25 am | 5:29 pm | Warm. Go at first light |
April | 5:06 am | 5:30 pm | Hot. Sunrise only |
May | 4:54 am | 5:35 pm | Pre-monsoon showers begin |
June | 4:54 am | 5:43 pm | Monsoon. Rough sea |
July | 5:01 am | 5:47 pm | Monsoon. Often cloudy |
August | 5:07 am | 5:38 pm | Monsoon. Check the weather |
September | 5:07 am | 5:19 pm | Rains easing |
October | 5:08 am | 5:00 pm | Clearing. Good shoulder month |
November | 5:15 am | 4:50 pm | Season opens |
December | 5:30 am | 4:56 pm | Peak season |
The sun rises early here, far to the east of the mainland. A 5:30 start is normal.
Choosing your time of day
Time | What you get | Best for |
|---|---|---|
Before sunrise | Cool air and quiet | Photographers and early risers |
Sunrise | The sun climbing out of the sea | Everyone |
Mid-morning | Strong light and some heat | Short stops |
Late afternoon | Warmer light, with the sun behind you | Walks and coconuts |
Who Kalapathar suits
Traveller | Why it works | Tip |
|---|---|---|
Photographers | Sunrise and rocks | Scout the beach the day before |
Early risers | A quiet start | Pre-book the cab |
Couples | A private feel at first light | Bring a flask and a towel |
Families | A short drive and an easy walk | Keep children away from the rocks |
Beach lovers who want to swim | Not the best choice | Use Radhanagar or Elephant Beach |
Slow travellers | A long, empty walk | Carry water |
What to pair it with
Radhanagar Beach is on the west coast. Read the Radhanagar Beach guide and plan it for sunset.
Elephant Beach is the reef and snorkelling stop. See the Elephant Beach guide.
Scuba diving is Havelock's other great draw. Read our first scuba dive in the Andamans guide.
How to plan your visit
Book the cab the night before. Agree the time and the return.
Check the sunrise for your date in the table above.
Leave early. Leave in the dark and arrive as the sky lightens.
Take water and a light layer. The air is cool before sunrise.
Wear shoes that can handle rocks.
Return for breakfast, then plan the rest of the day.
Where it fits in the Andamans
Kalapathar fits a morning on Havelock before an afternoon at Radhanagar or a dive. Our guide to how many days to spend in the Andaman Islands shows how to arrange the days, and the best time to visit the Andaman Islands explains the seasons.
Taj Exotica Resort and Spa and Barefoot at Havelock are both on Havelock. See how the beach fits a route in the Andaman beach escape itinerary or the Andaman beach escape package.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called Kalapathar Beach?
Kala Pathar means "black rock" in Hindi. The beach is named for the dark boulders along its shore.
How far is Kalapathar Beach from the Havelock jetty?
About 6.5 km, according to local sources. Allow roughly 15 to 20 minutes by road, and confirm with your driver.
Is Kalapathar Beach good for sunrise?
Yes. It is on the island's east coast and is one of the best-known sunrise spots on Havelock.
Can you swim at Kalapathar Beach?
Check with your hotel on the day. Rocks and currents change the conditions, and Radhanagar and Elephant Beach are better for swimming.
Is there any entry fee?
No ticket is needed for the beach.
How long should I spend at Kalapathar?
One to two hours is enough for sunrise and a walk. Pair it with the rest of your morning.
Is Havelock Island the same as Swaraj Dweep?
Yes. Havelock was officially renamed Swaraj Dweep in 2018, though most visitors and signs still use the old name.
Plan your Havelock visit with us
We time island mornings around the sunrise and the ferry. Explore the Andaman and Nicobar destination page or talk to a trip designer.
Photo credits
Beach signboard: Shad Siddiqui, CC BY-SA 4.0. White sand: Harvinder Chandigarh, CC BY-SA 4.0. Coconut stall: La Vacanza Travel Private Limited, CC BY-SA 4.0. Boats: Manu Manjunath, CC BY 3.0. All via Wikimedia Commons.
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