Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park
The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park has the prestigious distinction of being the first Marine Biosphere Reserve not only in India but in the whole of South East Asia. Covering an extensive area of 10,500 sq km, the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park consists of 21 islands along the coastline of Tamil Nadu. Of these, seven islands belong to Mandapam district, seven to Keelakarai district, three islands to Vembar district and the rest of the four islands to the Tuticorin district.
The entire area commonly referred to as the Pamban to Tuticorn Barrier Reef was originally declared a Marine National Park in the year 1986. Later in the year 1989, the park was affirmed the status of a Biosphere Reserve. There are about 3,600 species of flora and fauna in this rich coastal region.
Some of the rare and endangered species that are to be sighted in the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park are dolphins, dugongs, whales and sea cucumbers. Sea Turtles, Sharks, Pearl Oysters, Sprats, herrings, Barracuda, Sea Horses, Gorgonian Coral, Acorn Worms can also be seen here.
| Wildlife in Tamil Nadu |
One will be amazed to know that about 117 hard coral species are harbored in the Gulf of Mannar. Several algal and eleven sea grass communities thrive in the coral reef of the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park. The vegetation of the islands belongs to the tropical dry broadleaf variety. Beaches and estuaries form a part of it.
Visitors feel ecstatic on seeing the dolphins and the brightly colored fishes. The sheer variety of marine life will startle anyone. Many migratory birds make the islands their home for a time of the year. India's position amongst the various nations of the world as a country seriously concerned with environmental issues has been enhanced after the setting up of Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park.
The nearby railway stations are Mandapam, Rameshwaram and Tuticorn. Buses ply at regular intervals from all these stations to the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park.
Three days are needed to visit all the islands that form a part of the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park. It is best to visit it between October and March. Visitors need to keep in mind that prior permission from the following authorities are required for a visit to the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park.
- Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wild Life Warden,
Panagal Building,
No. 1 Jeenis Road,
Saidapet, Chennai 15.
- The Wildlife Warden,
Gulf of Mannar, Marine National Park, 76/1,
Madurai Salai, Mandapam,
Ramanathapuram District - 623501.
Phone : 04567-230079
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