Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

Introduction:

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National park located in Wandoor on Andaman Islands. This National Park is spread over an area of 281.5 km² and made up of 15 islands and the open sea creeks running through the area.

The park was closed for rehabilitation after the 2004 tsunami, but has since reopened, with damage seeming to be less than originally reported. Both Red Skin and Jolly Bouy islands are open during season. The park is under the overall administrative control of the Chief Wildlife Warden of the forest department of A&N islands administration.

History:

Andaman Administration has established Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Wandoor on 24th May 1983 to protect different species of wild animals.

About the 15 Islands:

Island	Area(km)	Important Features
Alexandra	4.97	Reef wall Sea fan Jungle
Belle	0.08	Patchy Coral Reef
Boat	7.28	Turtle nesting beach giant grouper
Chester	0.49	Large coral rock sea fans
Grub	0.47	Excellent coral reef, giant clam, feather stars
Hobday	5.28	Underwater cave, giant grouper, saltwater crocodile habitat
Jolly Buoy	1.94	Large shoals of fishes, good diversity of corals and reef wall
Malaya	1.94	Patchy coral reefs
Pluto	0.52	Patchy coral reefs
Redskin	7.07	Reef wall, high diversity of corals, saltwater crocodile habitat
Rifleman	0.08	Strong current sea fans
Rutland	136.17	Giant leather back turtle nesting beach, saltwater crocodile habitat
Snob	1.45	Patchy coral reef, sea grass beds
Twins	1.84	Turtle nesting beach, sharks, manta rays, moray ells
Tarmugli	23.33	Turtle nesting beach, saltwater crocodile habitat, crystal clear water, sharks.

Flora:

Most of the coral reefs in the park are fringing reefs. The type and composition of vegetation varies from island to island. The area includes vast stretch of enchanting marine waters, bushy vegetated islands, magnificent coral reefs and sparkling sandy beaches and mangroves

Fauna:

The richness of wildlife is found in Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. Rich marine life consists of variety of coral reefs, colourful fishes, molluscs, shells, starfish, turtles, salt-water crocodile etc.Variety of birds like White-Bellied Sea Eagle,Parakeets,Andaman Teal,Heron, Terns, Waders, Swifts etc. also can be seen here.

Activities:

The region is as famous for adventure activities like Scuba diving and snorkeling. June to August is monsoon and practically all tourist activities are closed down due to heavy rains.

Best time to visit:

Best time to visit the park is during the months of October to February. Climate is typically tropical. Nights are quite cool and comfortable.

Trip Timings:

Visitors are advised to get in touch with officials of the sanctuary for complete information entry timings and fee.

Time	Trip Name	No. of permitted Boat
8.30 A.M	1st trip	1
9.00 A.M	2nd trip	1
9.30 A.M	3rd trip	1
10.00 A.M	4th Trip	1
10.00 A.M	4th Trip	1
10.30 A.M	5th & final trip	Remaining authorized