Andaman Island Names Old and New

If you are planning a trip to the Andaman Islands, the names can be a little confusing at first. You may hear locals, ferry staff, hotel owners and booking websites use both old and new names for the same place, so this guide will help you understand them clearly and travel without mix-ups.

In this article, you will learn the island names you are most likely to hear in Andaman, what their old and new names are, why they changed, and how to use them while booking ferries, hotels and day trips. It is especially useful for first-time travellers, families, honeymooners and anyone planning an island-hopping itinerary around Port Blair, Havelock and Neil.

Why Andaman island names can feel confusing

The Andaman Islands have long been known by colonial-era names, and in recent years several major islands were renamed to reflect Indian history and freedom movement heroes. Because of that, you may see an island listed under one name on your hotel voucher and another name on the ferry ticket or on roadside signboards.

This is normal. In everyday conversation, many people still use the old names because they are familiar and easy to remember. But official boards, government documents and newer tourism material increasingly use the new names. If you know both versions, you will save time, avoid ticketing errors and feel more confident while asking for directions.

The most important Andaman island name changes

These are the names you are most likely to come across as a traveller. If you remember only a few, make it these.

In practical terms, you will still hear “Havelock” and “Neil” very often, especially in taxis, ferries and from local residents. If you say the old name, people will understand you. If you use the new name, that is fine too.

Havelock Island and Swaraj Dweep

Havelock Island is the island most travellers associate with Andaman. Its new official name is Swaraj Dweep, but many travellers still say Havelock because that is how they first saw it on maps, blogs and package itineraries. This is the island for long sandy beaches, water sports and resort stays.

The main places you will hear about here are Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach and Kalapathar Beach. Radhanagar is usually the star attraction and is often visited in the late afternoon for a relaxed beach walk and sunset. Elephant Beach is known for snorkelling and optional water activities. Kalapathar is quieter and good for a peaceful morning or sunset visit.

When booking, check carefully whether your package says “Havelock” or “Swaraj Dweep” because both refer to the same island. Ferries from Port Blair usually take around 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the service, sea conditions and vessel type. Ticket prices can vary widely, but a realistic range is often around ?1,000-?2,500 one way, subject to season and availability.

Neil Island and Shaheed Dweep

Neil Island, now officially Shaheed Dweep, is the quieter sibling to Havelock. If Havelock feels energetic and activity-heavy, Neil is slower, more compact and more suited to travellers who want a calm beach break. The island is small enough to explore easily in a day, though many people stay one or two nights.

Popular stops include Bharatpur Beach, Laxmanpur Beach and Sitapur Beach. Bharatpur is often used for light water activities and shallow shoreline views. Laxmanpur is famous for sunset, while Sitapur is generally visited early in the morning for a peaceful atmosphere. Distances are short, so getting around is easy by rented scooter, hired buggy or local transport, depending on what is available during your visit.

If your ferry ticket or hotel booking shows “Shaheed Dweep”, do not worry. That is the official name for Neil Island. In casual conversation, most people still say Neil, and many package operators continue to use the older name in day-to-day communication.

Ross Island and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep

Ross Island, renamed Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep, is a short and easy excursion from Port Blair. It is not a beach stay destination; instead, it is better known for its old colonial ruins, walking paths and historical atmosphere. Most travellers combine it with nearby visits in one half-day trip.

The island is closely associated with the colonial era and later Indian history. Today, it is visited for a slow walk through restored and ruined structures, along with views across the water. If you like heritage and photography, this is one of the easiest places to add to your Port Blair itinerary.

Because many people still say Ross Island, you may hear both names from boat operators and guides. When asking for tickets or transport, either name works. If you want to be extra clear, you can say “Ross Island, now Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep”.

Other names you may hear in Andaman

Not every name change is as important for a typical traveller as Havelock or Neil, but you may still come across a few more terms while planning your itinerary. These are worth knowing so you do not get confused by maps or local advice.

Port Blair and Sri Vijaya Puram

Many travellers know the capital as Port Blair. Some recent discussions and official references may use newer naming trends in the region, so it is wise to double-check the latest official usage before travel. For most tourists, however, “Port Blair” remains the most familiar entry point and the name that appears on flights, hotels and transport searches.

Baratang, Diglipur and the outer islands

Unlike the more famous tourism islands, places such as Baratang and Diglipur are usually discussed by their existing names. Baratang is known for limestone caves and mangrove creeks, while Diglipur is linked with longer overland and ferry journeys in the North Andaman. These are not commonly renamed in everyday tourist use, so you will mainly hear their standard names.

Small islands around Port Blair

Near Port Blair, islands such as Viper Island, North Bay and other nearby sightseeing spots are commonly referred to by their existing names. Since local operators may package them together in day tours, it is more important to know what the activity includes than to worry about name changes here.

How to use old and new names while booking your trip

The simplest rule is to recognise both versions, but book using the exact name shown by the operator or ticketing platform. This matters for ferries, hotel reservations and permit-related paperwork. A mismatch between what you say and what is printed can create confusion, especially in peak season.

Here is a practical way to handle it:

• Search for both names if you are booking online, for example Havelock and Swaraj Dweep.
• When speaking to locals or drivers, either name is usually understood.
• For ferry tickets, follow the name used by the booking portal or counter.
• If you are unsure, ask, “Is this the same as Havelock/Swaraj Dweep?”
• Keep screenshots of your bookings in case the printed name differs from what you expected.

It also helps to remember that some websites and travel agents still use the older names because those are easier for visitors to search. That does not mean the information is wrong. It usually means the operator is using the name that travellers know best.

A simple Andaman itinerary using both old and new names

If you are planning a short trip, the island names become much easier to understand when you see them in an itinerary. A common 5-night plan might look like this: 2 nights in Port Blair, 2 nights in Swaraj Dweep, and 1 night in Shaheed Dweep or back in Port Blair depending on your ferry timings and flight schedule.

Here is a practical version:

1. Day 1: Arrive in Port Blair, visit Cellular Jail if time allows, and stay overnight.
2. Day 2: Take a ferry to Swaraj Dweep/Havelock and enjoy Radhanagar Beach.
3. Day 3: Do Elephant Beach or relax at Kalapathar.
4. Day 4: Move to Shaheed Dweep/Neil and visit Bharatpur and Laxmanpur.
5. Day 5: Return to Port Blair.
6. Day 6: Fly out after a buffer for weather and ferry delays.

This kind of itinerary works well for most Indian travellers because it balances travel time, beach time and flexibility. If you are travelling in peak months such as December, January or around long weekends, book ferries and hotels early and allow extra buffer time between your island and flight connections.

Best time to visit and what to expect

The best time to explore Andaman’s islands is generally from October to May, when sea conditions are usually more suitable for ferry travel and beach activities. December to February is the most popular travel window, so prices tend to be higher and availability tighter. A hotel that might cost ?3,000-?5,000 per night in shoulder season can rise to ?5,000-?10,000 or more in peak periods, depending on location and category.

Since ferry schedules and water sports depend on weather, always confirm timings close to your travel date. A day that looks calm on paper can still change because of sea conditions. If you are visiting smaller islands, keep your plan flexible and avoid overpacking too many transfers into one day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Havelock and Swaraj Dweep the same island?

Yes, they are the same island. Havelock is the older, widely used name, while Swaraj Dweep is the official new name. Most travellers still recognise both, so you can use either one while planning.

Are Neil Island and Shaheed Dweep the same?

Yes, they are the same island. Shaheed Dweep is the newer official name, but Neil Island is still commonly used in conversations, hotel listings and trip planning. Both names point to the same quiet beach destination in Andaman.

Should I use the old name or the new name when booking?

Use the exact name shown on the booking platform or ticket. If a ferry site says Swaraj Dweep, book it that way; if a hotel uses Havelock, that is fine too. To avoid confusion, search using both names before you pay.

Do locals still use the old names?

Yes, very often. In daily conversation, many locals and service providers still say Havelock, Neil and Ross Island because those names are familiar and easy to recognise. You will not usually face any issue if you use the older names.

Which island is best for first-time visitors to Andaman?

For most first-time visitors, Swaraj Dweep/Havelock is the easiest island to start with because it offers a good mix of beaches, activities and resorts. If you want a quieter follow-up stay, Shaheed Dweep/Neil is a good second island. Ross Island is better as a short sightseeing trip from Port Blair.

Will renamed island names affect my ferry tickets or permits?

Usually not, as long as the name on the ticket matches the operator’s system. The main thing is to keep your documents consistent and check the latest official information before you travel. Since schedules and rules can change, it is always smart to reconfirm close to departure.

Conclusion

Knowing the old and new names of Andaman islands makes your trip smoother, especially when you are comparing ferries, booking hotels and talking to locals. Once you understand that Havelock means Swaraj Dweep, Neil means Shaheed Dweep and Ross means Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep, the whole island map becomes much easier to read.

If this guide helped you plan your Andaman trip more confidently, please share it with others who are getting ready to travel.