Parks and Reserves in Andaman and Nicobar
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The islands are in many ways an asset to the subcontinent. Recently, it was voted to have the best beaches in Asia. In addition to the Havelock Islands, the tourist capital, there are many parks surrounding its virgin land.
Popular parks in Andaman and Nicobar Islands:
Here are the best parks in Andaman and Nicobar.
1. Campbell Bay National Park:
It is located on Great Nicobar Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the largest island in the Eastern Indian Ocean. The park is an integral part of the Greater Nicobar Biosphere Reserve, which received national status in 1992.It borders the smaller Galathea National Park and is separated by a buffer forest area
The main inhabitants of the area are home to a variety of flora and fauna, the main inhabitants are:
- Nicobar Bush Chicken
- Edible Bird’s Nest Swiftlet
- Nicobar long-tailed macaque
- saltwater crocodile
- giant leatherback turtle
- Malay Box Turtle
- Nicobar tree shrew
- reticulated python and
- Giant Bandit Crab.
2. Galatea National Park:
It is also located on Greater Nicobar Island in the Nicobar Islands, adjacent to Campbell Bay National Park in the eastern Indian Ocean, forming the Greater Nicobar Biosphere Reserve. Due to the isolation and vegetation of the area, it has some rare flora and fauna not found elsewhere. Inhabiting the tropical hardwoods are species such as the giant robber crab and the unique Nicobar pigeon.
[See More: Tourist Favorite Beaches in Andaman]
3. Mahatma Gandhi National Marine Park:
The park is located in Wandor, Andaman Islands, 29 kilometers from Port Blair, and consists of 15 small islands. It attracts tourists on the islands of Jolly Buoy and Red Skin during the October to April season. Adventurers travel together in glass-bottom boats for canoeing, snorkeling or scuba diving to enjoy coral reefs and colorful marine life.
The marine life here is so precious that it has acquired the status of a sanctuary to nurture and save sea turtles and coral reefs. Among other things, it ensures a better life for the people living on the islands, which are mainly of tribal origin.
Tarmugli, the largest island in the cluster, is covered with lush mangrove vegetation, which is vital to the ecological balance of the region.
4. Button Island National Park:
The Button Islands are divided into three parts based on their respective named locations. Each has some unique fauna, and their flora is almost similar.
Middle button island:
Located near the capital, Port Blair, this park is known for breeding and protecting sika deer.
[See Also: Must Visit Places in Andaman]
North Button Island:
It is located in the Andaman District near Long Island and is home to the region’s main dugongs and dolphins. The best time to see them is from December to March each year.
South Button Island:
Located in the southwest of Havelock Island, the main attraction is the shallow coral reef, which is clearly visible and is therefore popular with scuba divers from all over the world.
5. Mount Harriet Island National Park:
It is located in the Ferrargunj region and has the third highest peak in the land, called Mount Harriet. Named after the wife of British soldier and naturalist Harriet Tytler, the park is home to rare Andaman boars, elephants, sea turtles, robber crabs and the cunning-looking saltwater crocodile.
[See More: What are the Festivals Andaman & Nicobar People Celebrate?]
6. Saddleback National Park:
This national park has the highest peak and dormant volcano in the region, known as Saddleback. The warm and hard lava soil makes it a haven for reptiles such as water lizards and saltwater crocodiles, as well as aquatic fauna such as Andaman starlings, Andaman imperial pigeons, wild boars and dolphins and whales. Some unique flora are also found here, such as the evergreen Clistanthus robustus and Scolopia pusilla.
If none of this piques your interest, head to the Havelock Islands to see breathtaking natural masterpieces. It will definitely enrich your travel experience.