Marine National Park

Marine National Park is the first marine conservatory in India which is known for its diverse habitats, mangroves and coral reefs. It consists of 42 tropical islands and stretched over 163 square kilometres. It is home for some imperilled birds and aquatic animals. It lies along the Jamnagar district’s northern coast and Kutch’s southern coast. This park is a major tourist attraction, offering a striking sight of the aquatic world.

The park falls between the levels of highest and lowest tides, supporting a range of diverse habitats which include creeks, mudflats, estuaries, coral reefs, mangroves, and marshy areas. Coral reefs draw a wide number of tourists to the Marine National Park as they don’t have to dive into the water to see the reefs. The park nurtures around a 52 variety of coral reefs.

Some endangered bird species including Black-necked Ibis, darter, and Painted Stork breed on the mangroves. Tourists can also spot Gulls, Osprey, Kingfishers, Phalaropes, Terns, Avocets, and Marsh Harrier here. The park also provides habitat for mammals including black napped hare, jungle cats and jackals. It is also home to marine creatures such as giant crabs, giant leather back Turtles, Gangetic Dolphins, and Balooga Whales. Furthermore, the park nurtures 70 sponge species, 108 algae species, 27 prawn types, more than 400 mollusc species, 3 turtle species, 175 bird species, etc.

The diversity in fauna and flora is probably the major attraction of this park. Tourists can experience the variant of coral reef colours, unique fishes like star fish, puffer fish, and also octopus, jelly fish, whale shark, and sea snake. Dolphins are also found here.

While visiting the park, look for sea anemone which seems like giant flowers. In its folds, it provides shelter for shrimps. You can also witness octopus camouflage by changing colours, puffer fish that defends itself by swelling up and deflates suddenly for escaping the trap and sea cucumbers that distracts predators by ejecting body parts.

The park stays open between the period of mid-October and Mid-June. The ideal time to explore the Marine National Park is in between end of October to the end of February. During winter season, migratory birds fly to this park for nesting and breeding, perfect time for the bird lovers to visit. The weather in winter is quite pleasant. Summer can be humid and hot of course. Choose the perfect time so that you can explore properly and enjoy.

We come up with the best Gujarat Trips for all the travel enthusiasts out there. With us, you will explore; experience and enjoy your vacation.