Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is in Wandoor, some 29 kms away from Port Blair in the vast Bay of Bengal. This park houses 15 islands and is a home to coral reefs and marine life. There are two main islands, that visitors visit Jolly Buoy island and Red Skin island.

Our Experience

We got ready in the morning to start for our expedition at Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. It was 7’o clock in the morning. Weather was pleasant. Our private vehicle was waiting for us. All of us (3 couples)were geared up for the trip and were super excited. In some time, we reached Mahatma Gandhi Marine National park from Port Blair. The driver parked our vehicle at Wandoor. We had taken the permit a day before. Then we purchased the tickets of boat and went ahead with our excursion.

So beautiful!

Island view from far

As we got on the boat, a spellbinding view was awaiting us. It was mesmerizing! The full boat was crowded.  But the scenery was just amazing!

I have captured beautiful moments of nature for you. Its such a natural beauty that you will just feel like sitting there and gazing. I felt as if God gifted me a chance to see his special creation. Cool breeze that embraced me was in a way signal from God- “see what I have created for you. Enjoy these moments, I am there for your happiness.” Wow!.. So rejuvinating to see such lush green islands from far! They reminded me of a movie- ‘Life of Pie’

Lush green Island view

Glass bottom boat

After a while, the boat staff shifted us in a glass bottom boat which took us far in the sea to show corals. Seeing the beautiful life under the sea was an experience! We spent quiet a time seeing corals. Boat staff had slowed down the boat so that we could see corals from near.

Such type of experience is an opportunity of a lifetime. Do see the corals. Every time our boat man found a coral, he would deep dive in the water and take it out to show us. Upon touching, the coral released water and the boat man would put it in water again. I am putting snippets of few corals we saw.

Red coloured coral

Carrot shaped and black coral

Leaf like green Corals

Red coloured coral was so nice, it resembled grated carrot.

Green leaf like coral looked bright and fresh

Black and red carrot coral on the right also looked spectacular.

We were excited to see more and more corals. All corals looked so delicate.

Tiger coral

Coral view from glass bottom boat

Elegant Tiger coral (as named by the boat man) was a delight to eyes. I was amazed at its sight. Under water life was very interesting to see. I thanked myself for coming to see this.

After seeing corals, we were then taken to Red skin island. One can spend some time to relax there and enjoy. Then we went back on the boat to get to the main boat.

How to reach Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

Park is easily accessible by private and government vehicles. You cash reach by bus or taxi from Port Blair.Wandoor is the headquarter for Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. Park is just before the Wandoor Beach.

Where to eat

It being a National Park, you should carry your own stuff to eat and drink.

Another view from boat

Where to Shop

View from dock

There is a small souvenir shop at the entrance of the park.

Where to stay

There are many staying options in Port Blair

Refreshing view

Things to take care

• One must take the permit one day before the visit to Mahatma Gandhi Marine National
  

  Clear water at Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

  Only authorized boats are allowed in the park

• Take out one full day for this outing
• One can do Snorkelling, Scuba diving. So ask about it earlier and come prepared in case you want to do such things
• One cannot keep the coral in air more than few seconds as it can harm corals
• One must not stand on a coral or collect or destroy a coral live or dead
• Park should be treated with respect and kept clean

Beautiful God’s creation

Did you know?

• The park was created on 24th May,1983 in order to protect marine life such as corals and sea turtles under wildlife protection act of 1972
• Type and composition of vegetation varies from island to island
  

  Clear skies with clear water

• Tarmugli is the largest island
• Twin island is the breeding station for turtles
• Other marine life present there are star fishes, feather star, sponges,sea cucumbers, sea anemones etc

Source-http://wikitravel.org/en/Mahatma_Gandhi_Marine_National_Park

Special thanks to Mrs. Neelam Kapur for this post and photographs

Nidhi KM

 Viharin.com