The Forest Elephant

A tucked-away sanctuary on Havelock Island, The Forest Elephant invites you to leave the noise of daily life behind and rediscover what it means to truly breathe, relax, and refresh. Formerly known as the Flying Elephant, this boutique three-star eco resort sits in the quiet settlement of Kalapathar Village, far removed from the bustling tourist hubs, yet still just a short two-minute stroll from one of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ most pristine white-sand shores. Here, jungle trails, rice paddy views, and the gentle soundtrack of island wildlife replace crowded streets, while the team’s warm hospitality ensures every guest feels more like a neighbor than a reservation number.

Since welcoming its first visitors in February 2013, The Forest Elephant has evolved through careful listening and genuine care. Guest feedback has shaped everything from the morning menu at the Drongo Café to the curated activity list that connects travelers with local guides, dive operators, and boat captains who know these waters better than anyone. The emphasis is never on luxury excess; it is on returning to simple, meaningful pleasures: falling asleep to the hum of the forest, waking to sunbeams through the palms, and spending unhurried hours exploring Kalapathar Beach, where only hermit crabs and seabirds keep you company along miles of untouched sand. Every structure on the property respects its natural surroundings, creating an experience that feels organic rather than imposed.

Accommodation Rooted in the Landscape

Rooms at the resort are designed to blend seamlessly with the lush jungle setting while providing the comforts you need after a day of island adventures. Each cottage features fan-cooled living spaces, an attached bathroom with wood-fired hot water, and a private verandah where mornings begin with the call of endemic birds and evenings end with the scent of tropical blossoms drifting on the breeze. The decor is deliberately understated, using natural materials and local craftsmanship that reflect the Andaman style without pretension.

Whether you choose a garden-view double room or a cottage facing the surrounding rice paddy fields, you will find the same attention to detail: crisp linens, thoughtful lighting for reading, and a writing desk should inspiration strike. The absence of televisions and excessive technology is intentional—instead, guests are encouraged to relax with a book from the shared library, jot notes in a travel journal, or simply sit still and absorb the serenity. With only a limited number of units on site, The Forest Elephant maintains an intimate scale where privacy is paramount and crowds simply do not exist.

• Garden View Cottages: Private verandahs with views of native heliconia, ferns, and towering forest trees.
• Fan-Cooled Comfort: High ceilings and cross-ventilation keep rooms pleasant without energy-intensive air conditioning.
• Wood-Fired Hot Water: A return to traditional methods ensures a cozy, sustainable shower experience.

The Drongo Café & Island Dining

Named after the clever black drongo bird often spotted flitting between the palms, the on-site café has become a social hub where guests gather over all-day breakfasts that continue until 5 p.m. The menu focuses on fresh, simple island cuisine that nourishes without overwhelming the palate. Think ripe tropical fruits, locally caught fish prepared with minimal seasoning to let the ocean flavor shine, hearty egg dishes, and aromatic coffee or chai brewed to your liking. The café also offers complimentary Wi-Fi, making it easy to share a photo with family back home or look up the next day’s snorkeling spots, though many guests find they prefer the offline peace.

In true eco resort fashion, the kitchen prioritizes seasonal ingredients sourced from Havelock Island and the surrounding villages whenever possible. Coconuts picked nearby become refreshing drinks; fresh herbs grown in the resort garden elevate even the simplest dishes. Vegetarian and vegan options are always available, and the cooks are happy to accommodate dietary requests with advance notice. Meals can be enjoyed indoors in the cozy café seating or al fresco under a canopy of tropical foliage, where the open-air setting adds a subtle sweetness to every bite.

Activities & Island Experiences

While it is tempting to spend your entire stay curled in a hammock, the island offers remarkable opportunities for adventure, and the resort team helps you connect with the best local operators. Whether you are a seasoned diver or a first-time snorkeler, Havelock’s coral reefs—some of the most vibrant in South Asia—are just a boat ride away. The resort does not run its own dive center, but instead partners with reputable companies that prioritize safety, small group sizes, and environmental responsibility.

For those who prefer to stay on land, guided jungle walks reveal the astonishing biodiversity of the Andaman forests, from endemic woodpeckers and emerald doves to rare orchids and ancient buttress-rooted trees. The walk to Kalapathar Beach is only two minutes through towering jungle trees, but for a longer ramble, staff can arrange a guide to lead you deeper into the interior, where the forest reveals its secrets at every turn. Birdwatchers will want to bring binoculars and a field guide—the dawn chorus here rivals anywhere on the archipelago.

• Scuba Diving & Snorkeling: Partner operators run trips to Elephant Beach, the Lighthouse, and other premier dive sites.
• Fishing & Boat Excursions: Exclusive daytrips that take you to secluded coves and untouched mangrove creeks.
• Guided Jungle Walks: Photograph butterflies, pitcher plants, and the elusive Andaman wild pig in its natural habitat.
• Village & Paddy Field Walks: Meander through Kalapathar Village to see local island life and working rice paddies.

Facilities Designed for Rest & Connection

Beyond accommodation and dining, the resort’s shared spaces have been conceived to foster a sense of community without sacrificing solitude. The open-air lounge area is ideal for morning meditation or evening conversations with fellow travelers, while the library shelf swaps paperbacks between departing guests and new arrivals. Complimentary Wi-Fi in the café ensures you can stay connected when needed, though many visitors remark that the true luxury here is the chance to disconnect. Free parking is available for those arriving by rental scooter or bicycle, and the grounds are well-lit and secure.

Practical amenities such as luggage storage, local transport assistance, and activity coordination are handled with the same unhurried, personable approach that defines the entire experience. If you want to explore Havelock’s market, visit Beach No. 5, or head to the jetty, the team will arrange a tuk-tuk or jeep—just ask at the café or reception. The resort is approximately 9 km from the Havelock jetty, 7 km from the main market, and 5 km from Beach No. 5, making it conveniently positioned while remaining peacefully sequestered.

• Free Parking: Safe space for cars, motorbikes, and bicycles.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi: Available in the Drongo Café area.
• Activity Booking Desk: Staff provide honest advice and contact numbers for trusted local guides.
• Luggage Storage & Early Check-In: Flexibility for ferry arrivals before standard check-in time of 11:00.

Why Guests Choose The Forest Elephant

Travelers who return year after year cite a combination of small details that add up to something rare: the respectful, unhurried pace that allows a true break from modern overstimulation; the proximity to Kalapathar Beach, which remains one of Havelock’s quietest and most beautiful shorelines; and the genuine care of the staff, many of whom hail from the island and delight in sharing their knowledge of local lore, tides, and trails. The resort is also proudly LGBTQ+ friendly, welcoming all guests with equal respect and warmth.

Another standout feature is the resort’s commitment to sustainability, evident in the restrained use of energy, the avoidance of single-use plastics, and the wood-fired water heating system that reduces reliance on electricity. Guests regularly remark in reviews that they slept more deeply here than they had in months, waking naturally with the sunrise and falling asleep to the rustle of palms. Whether you are a solo traveler seeking stillness, a couple craving a romantic nature escape, or a small group of friends eager for reef dives and campfire stories, The Forest Elephant delivers an experience that is at once humble and unforgettable.

Serving Kalapathar, Havelock Island & the Andaman Islands

Kalapathar Village remains one of Havelock Island’s less-trafficked corners, and the resort’s location at its heart makes it an ideal base for those who want immersion rather than just a photo stop. The village itself is a living community where rice cultivation, fishing, and small-scale trade set a gentle daily rhythm. Walking between the houses, you will encounter smiling kids, free-roaming chickens, and the occasional water buffalo cooling itself in a paddy. This is island life as it has existed for generations, and the resort’s presence harmonizes with rather than disrupts it.

The broader Andaman and Nicobar archipelago—over 500 islands—offers countless possibilities for extended exploration, from the limestone caves and mangrove creeks of Baratang to the indigenous heritage reserves of the Nicobar group. Many guests use The Forest Elephant as a home base for multi-island itineraries, returning after each excursion to the familiar comforts of their garden cottage and the welcoming lights of the Drongo Café.

Hours, Location & How to Reach Us

The resort operates with an 11:00 check-in time and 9:00 check-out, allowing the housekeeping team to prepare each room with care. For ferry arrivals earlier in the morning, luggage storage is available, and the café is ready with hot coffee and breakfast the moment you walk in. The contact numbers connect you directly to staff on the island: reach reservations at +91-9717421271, the resort at +91 7846017269, or the activity desk at +91 7583891379. Email inquiries can be sent to bookings@forestelephantresort.com or flyingelephantresort@gmail.com.

Address: Kalapathar Village, Vijaynagar, Havelock Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744211, India. If you are navigating from the Havelock jetty, count on roughly a 20-minute drive through some of the island’s prettiest scenery—your transfer driver will know the way to Kalapathar. The map coordinates X2H7+4X Govind Nagar will drop you right at the entrance, and from there, the jungle envelops you.

Questions Visitors Ask

How far is the beach from the resort?

The beautiful white sands of Kalapathar Beach are just a two-minute stroll along a shaded forest path directly from the property.

Do you offer scuba diving courses?

We partner with excellent local dive operators who provide discovery dives for beginners as well as PADI certification courses—contact our activity desk at +91 7583891379 for recommendations and bookings.

Is breakfast included in the room rate?

Breakfast is available at the Drongo Café and is priced separately, with an all-day menu served until 5 p.m. so you can sleep in without missing your favorite morning meal.

Can I bring my children to The Forest Elephant?

Yes, families are welcome. The resort’s peaceful atmosphere and natural surroundings allow children to explore the outdoors, though there are no dedicated child-minding services on site.

Are there ATMs or shops nearby?

The main market is approximately 7 km away, and the resort staff can arrange transport. We recommend carrying sufficient cash, as ATMs on the island can be unreliable and digital payments are not universally accepted.

Is the resort accessible for guests with mobility challenges?

While we have taken steps to make certain areas accessible, the natural terrain and cottage design may pose challenges—please contact us directly to discuss your specific needs before booking.