Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
Established in 1983 to protect marine life along with corals and turtles coming for nesting, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is situated in Wandoor, approximately 29 km from Port Blair. Spread across 281 km, MG Marine National Park covers Creeks, sea and 20 large and small Islands and a few rocks. Enriched with Turquoise blue water inhabiting beautiful coral reefs, fishes, turtles, crocodiles, shells, molluscs, mangroves, and sandy beaches, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park Andaman becomes a perfect tourist spot. During the Tsunami in 2004, Mahatma Gandhi Marine Park was damaged and closed for re-establishment. After re-opening, Jolly Buoy and Redskin Islands are open for tourists, while the rest islands are non-accessible to the general public.
Major Attractions At Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
Tropical Conditions of Andaman and Nicobar Island allow to house splendid coral reefs, radiant fishes, mangrove creeks, turtle nestings, crocodiles, and many more marine creatures is a magnificent sight to be seen. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is established so that tourists can enjoy this experience. In Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Andaman, tourists can do snorkelling, scuba diving, island camping, sea walking, and exploring beaches along with tropical forests. Crystal-clear water around Jolly buoy island makes it ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving. Those not much into snorkelling and scuba diving can enjoy riding in glass-bottomed boats.
Availability Of Transportation
After reaching Port Blair, one can take a Taxi or bus to get to Wandoor, which is 29km far from Port Blair. Frequent buses are available from 6.00 am to 8.00 pm to reach Wandoor marine national park. But taking a cab is a better option if you are not in a rush and want to enjoy the surroundings while travelling.
Timings, Entry Fees, Permits etc.
Except for Monday, you can visit Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park in Andaman anytime during the week between 9.00 am to 3.00 pm. The best time to visit is from November to February, although it is prohibited from staying in Monsoons due to heavy rainfall. A permit to Visit Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park in Wandoor forest departments is required, available at Wandoor jetty for Adults for Rs. 50 per person, Rs.25 For children and designers, Rs.500 . While only 150 permits are issued by the Forest department daily, numbers increase in peak season. Permits are available on a first-come, first basis. Therefore it is advised to reach Wandoor Jetty as early as possible. After taking the permit, Rs.300/pp is charged to visit redskin Island which includes a boat ride and snorkelling. To carry plastic bottles and bags Forest department takes a deposit of Rs.100 per 3 plastic bottles, which, to reclaim, you have to show those items once you are back from the MG marine national park Tour. Along with other charges, Rs. 25 is charged per camera.
Tips To Travellers
It is advised to tourists visiting Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park to keep it clean and not throw any garbage near the park. When you enter the park, carry your food and water while visiting Jolly buoy island, as nothing is available there. Try to drink plenty of water and keep yourself hydrated as the climate gets to you. Although small restaurants and hotels are available on Wandoor Beach to enjoy local as well as Indian, Italian, and Chinese food, near the jetty, only little joints are open that provide snacks, water, cold drinks and coconut water. While away from the noisy cities and hectic lifestyle, Visiting the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park in Andaman Island brings you peace and experience of a different world than humans, making a tour to Andaman And Nicobar Island worthwhile.
Nearby Places
FAQ
Q.1 Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is Famous for Which Animal?
Ans Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is famous for Turtles ,Coral reefs, starfish, molluscsm, colourful fishes, saltwater crocodiles; birds like white-bellied sea eagle, Parakeets, Andaman Teal, Herons etc.
Q.2 Why does the Forest department give limited permits per day to visit Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park?
Ans To protect from overcrowding, and damaging the habitat of animals altogether, the Forest department gives limited permits per day to visit Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. 150 permits per daily are given on a first come first basis, while increasing numbers of permits during peak season.
Q.3 Are there any restaurants available in Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park?
Ans No. there are no restaurants or any food joints are available inside the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. although you can take your own food and water while touring. On a wandoor jetty you may get some snacks. But for more options you must visit Wandoor beach which is 2 km away from wandoor jetty.
Q.4 Where is Mahatma Gandhi national marine park located?
Ans Mahatma Gandhi National park is located in Wandoor, 29 km away from Port Blair on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Q.5 How to reach Mahatma Gandhi National park in Wandoor?
Ans You can take a Cab or Bus from Port Blair which is just 29km away from Wandoor marine national park. They have frequent numbers of buses for Wandoor. Once you reach Wandoor, the forest department has arranged permitted boat rides to take you inside Mahatma Gandhi National park.
Q.6 What are the timings to visit Mahatma Gandhi National park in Andaman?
Ans The timings to visit Mahatma Gandhi National park are fromMorning 9 am to afternoon 3 pm on weekdays. Park is closed on Monday.
Q.7 Any suggestions about Mahatma Gandhi Marine National park?
Ans Try to enjoy the surroundings without disturbing marine life. Listen to the guide and follow rules laid by the forest departments. Drink lots of water and carry your food with you while visiting Mahatma Gandhi National park.
Q.8 What to do at Mahatma Gandhi National park Andaman?
Ans Snorkelling, scuba diving, boat rides, glass-bottom boat rides, sea walk are some of the activities you can do at Mahatma Gandhi National park Andaman.