Covering an area of 281.50 square km, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is one of the most popular attractions of Andamans. The park was founded in the year 1983 and is a paradise for animal lovers and nature enthusiasts. Also known as Wandoor National Park, this beautiful place is situated on the South Western coast of South Andaman, in the Bay of Bengal. The national park was founded to protect the region's stunning corals, sea turtles, and marine life. The park is covered with tropical forests and is spotted with 15 rocky islands.
The rich animal life in the Mahatma Gandhi National Park comprises different kinds of colorful fishes, coral reefs, molluscs, salt-water crocodiles, shells, turtles, starfish, and so on. Over 271 avifauna species call this place their home, including Andaman teal, swifts, terns, waders, white-bellied sea eagles, parakeets, etc.
The area of the national park has bushy vegetated islands, marine waters, mangroves, sandy beaches and stunning coral reefs. At the beaches and in the azure waters of the park, visitors can partake in a number of exciting recreational facilities such as scuba diving & snorkeling, trekking and island camping. Red Skin, and Jolly Boys are the two islands, which are worth visiting here from the viewpoint of ecotourism.
Best Time to Visit Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
The best time to visit the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is from the month of November to February. Due to heavy rains, the park remains closed between June and August.
How to Reach Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
By Air: The nearest airport to the national park is Port Blair airport, which is around 30 km away. This airport is well-connected to important destinations in India and the world.
By Road: A well-maintained road connects the national park to the important cities nearby. One can hire government or privately-operated vehicles that go to the National Park, which is available at frequent intervals. Private and state-run buses are also available from Port Blair to Wandoor, which is the headquarter of the park. Transportation to the park is also provided by the Department of Information, Publicity and Tourism, Andaman and Nicobar islands.
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park Boat timings
Here are the boating timings to refer to while on your visit to Mahatma Gandhi National Park -
- 1st boat trip - 8.30 am
- 2nd boat trip - 9 am
- 3rd boat trip - 9.30 am
- 4th boat trip - 10 am
- 5th boat trip & final trip - 10.30 am
Things to do & see in and around Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
Check out this list of things to do in Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park -
- Exploring beaches
- Scuba diving
- Sea walking
- Trekking
- Island camping
- Snorkeling
- Exploring the tropical forests
- Witnessing the rich marine life at the beaches
Once you have had your fun at the national park, here are some places to visit near Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park -
- Anthropological Museum
- Elephant Beach
- Wandoor Beach
- Chidiya Tapu
- Jolly Buoy Island
- Cellular Jail
- Red Skin Island
