General Information

Area of Prak-28.5 sq.km
Distance by road from port blair-29 km
Islands open for tourists-Redskin and Jollybuoy

How to reach Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park ,Wandoor ,Andaman

Park is accessible by raod from Port Blair.State transport/private buses ply regularly from port balir to wandoor,the parks headquarter.

The tourisim department of andman and nicobar adminstration provide transport facilities to reach the park.

Private travel agencies often conduct tours to park from port blair.

Process to obtain permit to for visit to Red Skin / Jolly Buoy Island of Mahatma Gandhi marine National Park

To minimize the hardships faced by the tourists in the boat trips to said places, the following system will be adopted by the Forest Department w.e.f 11.1.2011.

1. The entry permits to visit Red Skin / Jolly Buoy Islands will be issued one day in advance on first come first serve basis on production of application and subject to terms and conditions given therein. A modal copy of the application form will be displayed in the counter for information of tourists / others.

2.The entry permits to be issued is subject to availability of authorized boats, the No. of permit to be issued will be displayed in the counter for information of tourists.

3. The tourists may purchase the boat ticket from the authorized operators plying inside the MGMNP on production of entry permits. A list of authorized boat operators and permitted passenger capacity of the boats shall be displayed in the counter for information of the tourists.

4. To avoid congestion in Red Skin / Jolly Buoy beach and consequent damage to marine life, 5 Nos. of tourism trips will be organized in the Wandoor Jetty as per the following table on all days except "Monday". The No. of trips may vary subject to availability of boats / weather conditions. All the permit holders are advised to get the boat tickets with time stamp of the trip to avoid congestion in Wandoor jetty.

Trip Time	Name of the Trip	No. of Boat permitted in the trip
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

Where to stay in Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park ,Wandoor

A forest rest house having four suits is available at wandoor. It is advisable to stay at Port Blair where many lodging options are available.

Excursions:

Traveler need to obtain entry permit at Wondoor and then take boats of marine department or private tourist agencies. Glass bottom boats are used to see corals and under water marine water. It is also perfect place for snorkeling.

What to See :

Mangrove forest along the creeks and magnificent tropical forest on Islands offers a splendid view. Corals reef an exotic variety of colored coral fishes and other marine life through the glass bottom boat.

Important marine Fauna :

Mahatma Gandhi marine national park provides an opportunity to experience the fascinating world of tropical forest and coral reefs. The sandy beaches and crystal clear water offers excellent recreational facilities. The park provides a reach and varied habitat for marine animals. These range from the smallest zoo planktons to large see mammals like dolphin.

Corals :

The fringing type of coral reefs growing around the islands attract not only tourists but also scientists and researchers more than fifty types of coral are found here. The coral reef look like a forest growing in the sea. Some important coral verities are Acropora, Pacillopora, Montipora, Leptoseris, fungia, forties, tubipora and gorgonians. Fishes: Hundreds of colorful verities of coral reefs fishes can be seen in the park some of these are clown fish which stays within poisonous sea anemons, butterfly fishes, sergeon fishes, angel fishes, parrot fishes, bat fishes, white tip shark, hammer headed shark, manta-ray and blue finack are also occasionally seen. Reptiles: The beaches of the islands such as twin island an rutland island are among the best nesting ground for four species of marine turtles Green Sea, Leather back, Hawaks Bill, and Olive Ridlay. Their breeding season starts in October and lasts till Aril may. The creeks inside the park are ideal for salt water crocodile. The other important reptiles are Water Monitor Lizard and sea snakes like such as Banded Sea Snake.

Other Marine Animals

Other marine animals are Start fishes,Sea Liyy,Feather Star,Giant Clam shell,Cowries,Trochus,Sea cucumber,Sponges,Sea anemons and many varities of crustances.

Land Fauna

Mammals:-Andaman Wild Pig,Spotted Deer,Civet,Fruit Bat.

Birds:-Andaman Teal,Whisling Teal,White Belied Sea Eagle,Andaman Serpeant Eagle,KingFishers,Terns,Waders,Reef Herons,Swifts,Parakeet,Lorokeet,Pigeons,Doves.

Reptiles:-Karit,Cobra,King Cobra,Vinake Snake.

Flora of the Park:

The important plant species are Dipterocarpous Spp,Andaman Padauk,Andaman Bullet wood,Terminalia Spp,Silk Cotton Tree,Thespesia,Pandanas,Cycas bamboos,Canes,Orchids and ferns.Main mangrove species are Rhizophora,Auicennia and Herittiera.

Do's*

Treat the park with respect as it is a santum sanctorium of our precious national hertage. Make use of services of tourist guidelines.

Learn more about coarl reefs,other marine and tropical forests.This will make your vist more enjoyable.

Help us to keep park clean.Always take back litters.

Take care of reef ,not just yourself but for all who foloow.

Don'ts

Donot enter park without permit. Do not collect, destroy or remove any living Or dead corals or break live corals.

Please don't stand on coral reefs while snorkeling. Do not take vide or photo without permit

For more information: Contact Chief Wild Life Warden, A & N Islands, Haddo, Port Blair-744102 Phone:221549