Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park in Wandoor
Summer: March-May (20°C - 36°
Winter: December-February (20°C -15°C)
Monsoon: June-August
Best time to visit:
October – February
Opening Time: 9:00 a.m.
Closing Time: 3:00 p.m.
Weekly Holiday: Monday
Entry Fees for Indians
Adults: INR 50/
Children:
INR 25/
Cameras: INR 25/
Video Camera: INR 50/
Entry Fees for Foreign Nationals
Adults:
INR 500/-
Children:
N/A
Cameras:
N/A
Video Camera:
INR 25/
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park at Wandoor spreads over an area of 281 sq. km. and includes as many as 15 uninhabited islands surrounded by the sea. With an objective to preserve the tropical ecosystem this marine national park was set up in the year 1983. The park is located at a distance of 29 km. from Port Blair.
From the 15 islands, only the islands of Jolly Buoy and Red Skin are open to visitors, alternatively for six months each. The islands are all located close to each other and the terrain is mostly rocky and dotted with lush green mangrove forests.Beaches open for tourists are shallow and safe for swimming, scuba diving and snorkelling.Boat journey to the park from Port Blair costs Rs. 450/- which includes 2.5 hours’ time allowed at islands of Jolly Buoy (December to May) and Red Skin (May to November). It is advisable to have carry some packed food along.
A ferry ride is the best option to explore the mangrove forests and the charm of post card pretty village of Wandoorupclose. The glass bottomed boat tours attracts tourists and are a delightful option to explore the diverse and rich aquatic life. The beach also draws a lot of snorkelling enthusiasts and swimmers from all over the globe. Fine sandy beaches and surreal beauty of the virgin landscapes that still remains unscathed by the mass tourism trails offer a memorable experience for the tourists. It is a well recommended destination for nature lovers and adventure tourists alike.
Connectivites
Road:
This national park is at a distance of 29 km. from Port Blair and is located along the South Western coast of South Andaman. It can be reached by taxis or bus. You can take tourist coaches plying to Wandoor from Andaman Tea House or regular bus from the bus terminus.
Railway:
There are no rail heads close to Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. The Paradeep Railway Station is 1169 km. from the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is the nearest available rail head. Tourists generally reach Port Blair by air.
Airway:
The nearest airport is Vir Savarkar Airport, Port Blair which is 19km. away from Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (Wandoor).