Jalakara

Tucked away on the lush, tropical slopes of Havelock Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jalakara is more than just a place to stay—it is a private, whimsical sanctuary that redefines the luxury boutique experience. Envisioned as a seamless blend of a private villa’s intimacy and a small hotel’s attentive service, Jalakara invites guests to unplug from the digital deluge of modern life and reconnect with the raw, analogue beauty of nature. Set on a former banana and betel nut plantation backing onto virgin rainforest, the property offers breathtaking filtered views across the forest canopy toward the sunset and the glimmering Andaman Sea.

From the moment you arrive, the sense of seclusion and authenticity is palpable. The gentle afternoon light, the chorus of tropical birds, and the scent of freshly picked herbs from the garden create an atmosphere of immediate, genuine serenity. With only seven uniquely designed accommodations—comprising three rooms, three suites, and one private villa—Jalakara guarantees an uncrowded, house-party-like ambiance where guests naturally gather for sundowners by the infinity pool or share stories over a pot of coffee in the main villa kitchen. Here, the rare luxury is not measured in gold taps or pillow menus, but in the authenticity of a place where smiles are genuine and everything is crafted to make you feel truly awesome.

Accommodation & Amenities

The living spaces at Jalakara are a masterclass in considered tropical design, merging indoor comfort with the surrounding jungle. Each room and suite serves as a personal hideaway, deliberately free from in-room televisions and digital distractions. Instead, the focus is on analogue pleasures: the cool breeze from a ceiling fan, the texture of natural fabrics, and panoramic views that blur the line between inside and out.

Rooms, Suites & The Private Villa

The boutique hotel offers a curated selection of spaces to suit different moods and groups. The three elegant rooms provide a cozy, intimate base, while the three expansive suites offer generous living areas and enhanced privacy. For families or larger parties, the standalone private villa delivers a fully self-contained retreat complete with its own kitchen, lounge, and private outdoor areas. All accommodations feature comfortable furnishings that invite you to unwind and let the island’s rhythm dictate your day.

Infinity Pool & Gathering Spaces

At the heart of the property lies the spectacular infinity pool, seemingly spilling into the rainforest canopy below. It is a natural magnet for relaxation and social connection. Adjacent lounging decks are perfect for sunbathing, reading, or simply absorbing the panoramic views. The main villa kitchen and communal lounge area reinforce the property’s philosophy of shared, house-party-style hospitality, encouraging spontaneous interactions and long, laughter-filled evenings.

A Culinary Journey Rooted in Freshness

Dining at Jalakara is an integral part of the experience, celebrating the bounty of the land and sea with an expert kitchen that punches far above its remote location. The culinary philosophy centers on freshness and flavor, with ingredients sourced directly from Jalakara’s own tropical gardens and local island producers. The daily menu is a creative and flexible affair, driven by what is seasonal and available, ensuring every meal is a unique expression of the Andamans.

The team is adept at crafting a wide array of dishes, from modern interpretations of regional Indian cuisine to international comfort food. Freshly caught seafood often takes center stage, prepared simply to highlight its natural quality. Meals can be enjoyed in various settings—at the communal dining table, as a private candle-lit dinner on your veranda, or as a casual beach camp feast with your feet in the sand. This commitment to culinary excellence, without the formal stiffness of a traditional restaurant, makes every breakfast, lunch, and dinner a memorable occasion.

Signature Activities & Adventures

Jalakara is designed as a launching pad for authentic Andaman experiences, blending gentle relaxation with thrilling exploration. The dedicated team curates a range of activities that reveal the island’s dual treasures: the lush interior rainforest and the vibrant, coral-rich seas. Guests are encouraged to tailor their days to their energy levels, mixing deep relaxation with guided adventures.

• Beach Camps: A signature experience, involving private excursions to secluded, pristine beaches. The team sets up everything you need for a perfect day, complete with shade, cold drinks, and a beautifully prepared meal served right on the sand.
• Snorkeling & Reef Excursions: Led by knowledgeable guides, these trips take you to the best local coral reefs, part of the world’s most biodiverse marine ecosystems. Swim alongside schools of colorful fish and graceful sea turtles in crystal-clear waters.
• Rainforest Treks: Venture into the ancient tropical forest behind the property with the lodge manager, an avid naturalist, to discover endemic birds, rare flora, and the potent energy of the island’s interior.

Well-Being, Massage & Rejuvenation

The on-site well-being program is an extension of Jalakara’s core philosophy of unplugging and reconnecting. The dedicated treatment space provides a tranquil setting for a range of holistic massages and wellness therapies. Using aromatic oils, skilled therapists draw on both international and Indian techniques to melt away tension, soothe tired muscles after a day of trekking, and bring the body and mind back into a state of deep harmony.

Yoga sessions can be arranged on a private deck overlooking the jungle, turning the sunrise or sunset into a moving meditation. Beyond structured treatments, the very environment serves as therapy: the negative ions from the surrounding trees, the profound quiet broken only by nature’s sounds, and the complete absence of urban stressors. Wellness at Jalakara is a subtle, restorative immersion in a stress-free world.

Serving Havelock Island & Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Jalakara is proudly situated in Village No. 4 on the southwest coast of Havelock Island, now officially known as Swaraj Dweep. The island is a crown jewel of the Andaman archipelago, celebrated for its world-class diving, powdery white-sand beaches, and dense, green interior. The property’s elevated position within a tropical rainforest provides a unique perspective, offering cool breezes and a sense of being deeply embedded in the landscape, unlike many beachfront properties.

With a dedicated team of fifteen, Jalakara successfully defies the significant logistical challenges of its remote, off-grid location to deliver friendly, informal, and efficient service. The staff's intimate knowledge of the island ensures guests receive personalized recommendations, from the best time to visit a particular beach to finding the most secluded snorkeling spots. The property is open year-round, and each season paints the island in a different, magical light—from the clear, settled skies of January to May, to the spectacular, life-affirming energy of the monsoon months.

Hours, Location & Directions

Jalakara is open around the clock, welcoming guests into its tropical embrace at any hour. The standard check-in time is 2:00 PM, and check-out is at 11:00 AM, allowing the team ample time to prepare the property for each new arrival. The address is Village number 4, Havelock Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 744211, India. For detailed, personalized travel guidance, including ferry and flight connections, guests are encouraged to reach out to the in-house travel concierge or visit the comprehensive "Getting There" section on the official website. An airport transfer service from Port Blair can also be seamlessly arranged, making the journey to this hidden paradise as smooth as the stay itself.