Andaman Island Renaming Explained

If you are planning a trip to Andaman and keep seeing two different names for the same island, you are not alone. This guide explains the island renaming story in clear, practical terms, so you can understand what changed, what the old names were, and how it affects your bookings, ferries, maps, and day-to-day travel.

For most Indian travellers, this matters because the Andaman itinerary often includes Port Blair, Havelock, Neil, Ross Island, North Bay, and a few other stops where both old and new names may still appear. By the end of this article, you will know which names to expect on tickets, signboards, hotel listings, and local conversations.

Why the islands were renamed

The renaming of places in Andaman is part of a broader effort to reflect India’s history, honour national leaders, and move away from colonial-era names. In simple terms, many of the old names came from British administration, while the newer names were chosen to represent Indian identity and memory more clearly.

For travellers, this is not just a political or historical note. It affects what you see on ferry tickets, government notifications, road signs, and online maps. If you are comparing old blog posts with current booking sites, the name mismatch can be confusing unless you know the equivalence.

In Andaman, the most commonly discussed renamings are:

• Havelock Island to Swaraj Dweep
• Neil Island to Shaheed Dweep
• Ross Island to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep
• Port Blair to Sri Vijaya Puram

Not every local person or business uses the new names all the time, so you may hear both versions during the same trip. That is normal.

The main Andaman island name changes you should know

Havelock Island became Swaraj Dweep

Havelock Island is the most well-known example, especially for beach holidays. It was renamed Swaraj Dweep, a name that is now widely used in official references, though many travellers, hotels, and taxi drivers still casually say “Havelock”.

This island is the base for Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, and relaxed resort stays. It lies around 55 km by sea from Port Blair, and the ferry journey usually takes around 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the vessel and sea conditions.

If your booking says Havelock, do not worry. It almost always means Swaraj Dweep. If you are searching online for hotels or cruises, use both names to get the full set of results.

Neil Island became Shaheed Dweep

Neil Island was renamed Shaheed Dweep. This is the quieter island of the two popular stay-over islands in South Andaman, known for calm beaches, coral-rich waters, and a more laid-back pace than Swaraj Dweep.

It is roughly 40 km from Port Blair by ferry, and the ride generally takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. Travellers often combine it with Swaraj Dweep in a 5 to 7 day Andaman itinerary.

As with Havelock, you will still hear “Neil” in hotels, shops, and among locals. The new name appears more often in official usage, but both are understood instantly.

Ross Island became Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep

Ross Island, close to Port Blair, was renamed Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep. This island is famous for its ruins, old colonial structures, deer sightings, and easy day-trip access from the capital area.

The ferry from Port Blair’s waterfront to the island is short, usually around 10 to 20 minutes, followed by the combination visit route that often includes nearby attractions like North Bay. For many visitors, this is the easiest place to notice how old and new names coexist in brochures and spoken language.

Because the name is longer, the old name “Ross Island” remains widely used in casual conversation. On maps and government references, you may see the new name more often now.

Port Blair became Sri Vijaya Puram

Port Blair, the capital and primary entry point for most travellers, was renamed Sri Vijaya Puram. This is the most important change for practical trip planning because almost every itinerary begins here, from airport transfers to ferry bookings and hotel check-ins.

The city remains the same travel hub it has always been: Veer Savarkar International Airport, Aberdeen Bazaar, Cellular Jail, Marina Park, and the ferry jetty area are all part of the standard sightseeing route. You may still see “Port Blair” used in many places, especially in older booking systems or by local operators who are used to the older name.

If you are flying in, taxis, hotel pickups, and tours will understand either name. Still, when confirming transfers, it helps to mention both names: “Sri Vijaya Puram, formerly Port Blair”.

What changed for travellers and what did not

The renaming changed the official name, not the geography. Beaches are in the same place, ferries follow the same routes, and resorts have not moved. So your holiday plans do not need to change just because the names have changed.

What has changed is the way information appears across different channels. Government notices, some signboards, updated ferry manifests, and newer maps may use the current names. At the same time, many hotels, agents, and long-time residents still use the older names in conversation and in legacy systems.

This means you should be ready for mixed naming on:

• Ferry tickets and boarding lists
• Hotel booking confirmations
• Taxi and cab discussions
• Google Maps and offline navigation
• Tour operator itineraries

If a reservation says Havelock, Neil, Ross, or Port Blair, it is still valid in common usage. If a government site or updated map uses Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep, or Sri Vijaya Puram, that is the newer official form.

How to avoid confusion while booking Andaman travel

A little naming awareness can save time and prevent missed transfers. The simplest method is to search and book using both the old and new names until you are sure which one the platform uses.

For flights and airport transfers

Your flight destination will usually still show the city name you recognise, but local transfer details may mention Sri Vijaya Puram. Keep your hotel address handy and confirm pickup points one day before arrival. Airport-to-city travel usually takes around 15 to 30 minutes depending on your hotel location and traffic.

For ferries between islands

Ferries are the place where name differences matter most. If you are travelling from Sri Vijaya Puram to Swaraj Dweep or Shaheed Dweep, the ticket may display either form depending on the operator. Confirm the departure jetty, boarding time, and baggage allowance in advance, especially in peak season from October to May.

For hotels and packages

Many packages still use the older names because travellers search that way. A good Andaman package description may mention “2 nights in Havelock/Swaraj Dweep” or “stay in Neil/Shaheed Dweep” to remove ambiguity. If your quote uses only one version, ask the operator to add the alternate name in writing.

For maps and local directions

Use both names when asking directions. For example: “I need the ferry for Swaraj Dweep, Havelock side” or “I am going to Shaheed Dweep, Neil Island route.” In smaller places, this kind of double naming prevents unnecessary back-and-forth.

A quick comparison of old and new names

Best time to visit Andaman if you are planning these islands

The renaming issue is year-round, but your overall travel experience changes a lot with season. The most comfortable time to visit is usually from October to May, when sea conditions are generally better and island-hopping is smoother. This is also the best window for beach weather, water sports, and clearer ferry operations.

From June to September, monsoon conditions can affect ferry schedules and sea visibility. If you travel then, keep buffer time between island transfers and avoid overly tight connections. Prices can also vary: expect budget hotels in the range of ?2,000-?4,500 per night, mid-range stays around ?5,000-?10,000 per night, and premium resorts higher depending on location and season.

How locals and regular visitors actually use the names

In everyday conversation, many people still use the old names because they are shorter and deeply familiar. You may hear hotel staff say Havelock while the ferry slip says Swaraj Dweep, or a cab driver say Port Blair even if official signage says Sri Vijaya Puram.

This is not something to correct or worry about. In Andaman, both forms are understood. If anything, using both names yourself makes travel smoother and shows that you are aware of the current official terminology without ignoring local usage.

Think of it as a bilingual travel habit: official name for forms and signboards, familiar name for conversations and searches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Havelock and Swaraj Dweep the same island?

Yes, they are the same island. Havelock is the older name and Swaraj Dweep is the current official name. You will still see both names used in hotels, ferries, and tour packages.

Is Neil Island now called Shaheed Dweep everywhere?

Officially, yes, but in everyday travel language, many people still say Neil Island. If you are booking transport or asking for directions, either name will usually be understood. It is best to know both forms before you travel.

Will my old ferry ticket to Havelock still work?

If the booking is valid and the dates are correct, the name difference alone should not be a problem. Ferry operators are used to travellers using old and new names interchangeably. Still, always verify the operator, timing, and boarding point before travel.

Why do maps and websites still show old names?

Some platforms update slowly, and many older listings remain in search results because travellers still use the older names. Local businesses also keep old names in their branding to stay recognisable. This mixed usage is especially common in a destination as popular as Andaman.

Should I use the new names when I book my trip?

Yes, but not exclusively. The safest approach is to use both names together, especially for island stays and ferry connections. For example, write “Swaraj Dweep (Havelock)” or “Shaheed Dweep (Neil)” when confirming with an agent.

Does the renaming affect sightseeing plans in Andaman?

No, the actual sightseeing routes remain the same. You can still visit Radhanagar Beach, Cellular Jail, Ross Island, North Bay, and the other well-known spots. The only change is the name used in official references and some bookings.

Conclusion

The Andaman island renaming story is simple once you know the old and new names side by side. For your trip, the main thing is not memorising history class details, but avoiding confusion when you book hotels, ferries, and transfers across Sri Vijaya Puram, Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep, and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep.

Keep both versions in mind, confirm details before travel, and your Andaman holiday will feel much smoother from the first airport pickup to the last ferry ride back.

If this helped you understand the island name changes better, share this post with someone planning an Andaman trip.