Wandur National Park

Location :Andaman Islands
Coverage area : 281 square kms
Main attraction :
Best time to visit :November to May
Nearby excursions :
Nearby cities :Wandur

Wandur National Park is also known as Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. It is a combination of 15 islands in Wandur, Andaman Islands. It is known for its diverse and magnificent marine life and coral reefs. This place is heavenly for nature lovers, and one should witness the blend of nature and marine life at least once in a lifetime.

The pleasant time spent amidst nature, listening to the birds chirping and admiring the scenic beauty, is a beautiful experience on its own. The park is overflowing with diverse species of flora, fauna and marine life. From the bright tropical flowers to some of the rarest birds, this national park has it all. The area is surrounded by

huge lush green trees and filled with greenery, the fresh air flowing through your hair will rejuvenate your sense.

The sandy shores, shining sun and surrounded by nature, it will be a tropical vacation you have been yearning for. There are also turtles conservation centres where one can have close interactions which these adorable creatures.

This park attracts several tourists each year, who come to explore something different and admire nature. The park is well-maintained and also has numerous accommodation options.

The park was initially created to protect marine life, including turtles and coral reefs. The forest department of Andaman protects it.

Location of Wandur National Park

Wandur National Park constitutes of 15 islands in Andaman and is 29kms away from Port Blair. The park is almost 281 square kms and has a variety of birds, trees, animals and marine species.

More than 15 islands fall in the boundaries of the park. Some of them are :-

Alexandra islands
Bell islands
Chester Islands
Red Skin Islands
West Twin Islands
Grub Islands
Hobday Islands
Snob Islands
Tarmugli Island
Pluto

Every island is known for different flora, fauna and vegetation.

Climatic conditions

Labyrinth Islands and the Twin Islands are the two major island groups that are a part of the national park. The park has the coordinates of 11.53?N and 92.60?E and is surrounded by the Bay of Bengal.

The vast stretches of ocean, golden sandy beaches, beautiful coral reefs and lush green vegetation, the island is home to all. The Tarmugli is the largest island and has thick mangrove covers while the Twin Islands are a breeding ground for turtles. Every part of the island is exceptional and provides a different experience than the other.

The park has a tropical climate, making it suitable for the tourists to visit any time of the year. Moderate to heavy rainfall can be expected from May - Mid September and November - Mid December. The average temperature ranges from 24 to 38 degree Celsius. The maximum rainfall that the region receives in 2534 mm.

Best time to visitWandur National Park

The ideal time to visit the national park would be from November to May. It is suggested to avoid the months where excessive rain is awaited as they are often accompanied by tropical storms that cause severe damage to the region.

November to May has the perfect climatic conditions and weather, in which the tourist can easily tour the place and enjoy nature in its full-form, without any hindrance.

The park remains closed during heavy rainfall season, from June to August.

Animals that inhabit the sanctuary

The national park is home to various flora and fauna species, even though it is famous for its coral reefs. Here are some of the species that you can find in the park:-

Animals

The spotted deer was brought to the islands by the Britishers, and they continue to sustain here, till date. Andaman wild pig, civet, fruit bat etc. are some of the other animals found here.

Birds

King Fishers, Dove, White-bellied sea eagles, Reef herons, small brown duck, Terns, Andaman Teal, Whistling Teal, Swifts, Waders, Andaman Serpent eagles etc.

Fishes

Angelfish, parrot fish, starfish, butterfly fish, White Tip sharks, Hammer headed sharks etc.

Reptiles

Water monitor lizard, crocodiles, Pit Vipers, cobra, king cobra, Estuarine Crocodiles, Day gecko, Hawks Bill, Olive Ridley, Green Sea, Vinake Snake etc.

Corals

Fungia, Forties, Pacillopora, Leptoseris, Tubipora, Acropora etc

Other Fauna

Sea cucumber, Sponges, Clam Shells, Cowries, Sea lily, anemons etc.
Mangroves are also common in the region and an integral part of the park?s flora and fauna.

Some of the famous attractions of this National Park are :

Reef wall
Underwater Caves
Giant Clams
Patchy coral reef
Sea fan Jungle
Manta Rays
Turtles
Sharks

Trip timings

Various trips are conducted to and from the national park. Here is the list of timings for the same:

1st- At 8:30 A.M
2nd ? At 9:00 A.M
3rd ? At 9:30 A.M
4th ? At 10:00 A.M
Final Trip- 10:30 A.M

Distance of Wandur National Park from major cities:

How to reach the National park ?

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Airways

The International airport in Bengaluru and the Coimbatore airport are the two nearest ports for the airways. There are several routes to reach Bengaluru, from where one can travel to the park in direct buses.

Roadways

The park is 29km away from Port Blair and hence, can be easily reached by road through various road transport offered by the government and private agencies.

Accommodation facilities

Various hotels have emerged near Wandur to provide the tourists with a comfortable stay. Although there is no private accommodation inside the national park, many hotels can be found near the area. Mostly, tourists stay in Port Blair and pay a visit to the park during their stay. The forest department maintains a guesthouse inside the park but being high in demand; prior reservations have to be made.

There are also a variety of activities you can take part in:

Snorkelling
Boating
Canoeing
Island Camping
Scuba diving
Explore the coral world
Spot sea turtles
Go trekking

Try these recreational activities while you are in the park and have the time of your life!

The National Park gives one an opportunity to be amidst nature and admire it. There are so many puzzles and sides of nature that we are yet to explore, but we should try to experience it whenever we can, and Andaman provides the opportunity for the same. So, head out for your tropical vacation this year.