Swaraj Dweep Earns Global Recognition
Havelock Island, officially known as Swaraj Dweep, in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has been ranked ninth in the '2026 Unspoilt Index' by BookRetreats.com. The study, which evaluated 100 islands worldwide, has placed Swaraj Dweep among the top destinations
for a peaceful retreat. This recognition is significant as global searches for “quiet destinations” have reportedly seen a dramatic increase, signaling a shift in traveler priorities toward nature and tranquility. The index measured factors like naturalness, population density, airport noise, road density, and night-sky brightness to quantify how removed an island feels from modern bustle. While New Zealand's Stewart Island took the top spot, Swaraj Dweep's inclusion highlights its unique charm on an international stage.
What Makes This Island So Peaceful?
Swaraj Dweep scored an impressive 87.9 out of 100, largely due to its lush natural landscape and limited infrastructure. Most of the island is covered in untouched tropical forests that run down to the sea. A key factor contributing to its peace is the absence of an airport; visitors must take a ferry from the capital, Sri Vijaya Puram (formerly Port Blair), which naturally limits the daily influx of people. A single quiet road connects its main attractions, preserving the serene atmosphere. Known for its dense forests, pristine white-sand beaches like the Blue Flag-certified Radhanagar Beach, and rich coral reefs, the island offers a genuine escape. Its renaming in 2018 was part of a move to honour Indian history, but its reputation remains rooted in its spectacular, unspoiled nature.
The Challenge of Staying Unspoilt
This newfound fame, however, presents a classic dilemma: how to welcome tourism without destroying the very tranquility that attracts it. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have already seen a significant rise in visitor numbers, from just over 7 lakh in the previous season to 6 lakh by September of this year alone. The administration is aware of the pressures on the ecosystem, particularly the fragile coral reefs which are vital for both biodiversity and tourism revenue. In response, authorities are carefully managing development and promoting eco-tourism. Initiatives include opening new islands in a graded manner, establishing carrying capacities for sensitive areas, and banning small plastic bottles to manage waste.
Beyond Swaraj Dweep: A Broader Push for Eco-Tourism
The focus on Swaraj Dweep is part of a larger strategy to position the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago as a premier eco-tourism hub. The government is planning to develop new sustainable resorts on other islands like Neil Island and the uninhabited Aves Island through public-private partnerships. There is also a push to diversify attractions beyond beaches, with new initiatives like birdwatching, astro-tourism, and cultural festivals being promoted. By expanding the Blue Flag certification to more beaches and improving connectivity to less-visited areas like Little Andaman, the administration aims to distribute tourist flow and encourage a more sustainable form of travel that respects the region's immense natural and cultural wealth.
