NATIONAL PARKS OF INDIA

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is located in Wandoor on the South-Western coast of Andaman. The park covers an area of about 281.5 sq km.

About the park
The park was set-up on 24th May 1983 for safeguarding the marine life of the area. The park area comprises of creek, open sea and 15 islands. Out of these 15 islands only two islands - Jolly Buoy Island and Red Skin Island - are open to the tourists alternatively for a period of 6 months each.

Flora
Most parts of Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park are covered with tropical forest and mangrove creek.

Fauna
The marine park provides excellent opportunity for viewing the underwater marine life and the rare corals. Important fauna species of the region include Colourful Fishes, Shells, Coral Reefs, Mollusks, Salt-Water Crocodile, Sea Turtles, etc.

Avian-fauna
The national park is home to some of the most colourful and rare bird species such as Parakeets, White-Bellied Sea Eagle, Tern, Andaman Teal, Heron, Waders, Swifts, etc.

Transport
The nearest airport is at Port Blair, which is approximately 29 km away. Tourists can also avail the passenger ships from Kolkata, Chennai and Vishakhapatnam to reach Port Blair. From here one can hire bus or taxi to reach Wandoor, which is approximately 30 km from Port Blair. Wandoor is a small fishing settlement and the entry point to the park. Buses are available every 30 minutes to and from Wandoor between 6:00 am and 8:00 pm.

General Information
The visitors can avail accommodation in the forest rest houses with prior permission. Activities such as glass bottomed boat ride and snorkeling and scuba diving amongst the corals and rich underwater marine world should not be missed by the tourists.

Tourist information
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, SH8, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India.
Phone: +91-3192-234060
Ideal time to visit: October to May
Visiting hours: 9 am - 6.30 pm
Closed: June to August (monsoon season)