Wandur National Park

Area of the Park: 281.5 square km
Year of Establishment: 1983
Best Season to visit: December to early April

Wandur National Park, also known as Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, is a group of 15 islands in Wandoor on the Andaman Islands. Located at a distance of about 29 km from Port Blair, the park is spread over an area of 281.5 square km and is home to some of the best marine life and most wonderful coral reefs.

Visitors are mostly taken with the dense and somber-looking forest; every open space of the park is covered with scrub and creepers giving the park a distinct and raw feel. From sparkling tropical flowers, mainly orchids,to dangling branches, and from wandering narrow paths to gigantic trees, you will find them all here. The chirping of birds which suddenly breaks the deafening silence of the place tends to overwhelm you, and you would be a sad soul if you miss out on some of the popular names in the park like terns, gulls, ospreys, and swifts.

The unique vegetation of the islands is another very intriguing aspect of the park and may very well pique your senses. Extending right up to the banks of the sea, they creep under your feet and you can even feel their dense core. Branches and creepers hang perilously close to the sea, sometimes embracing the sea.

Climate

Since Wandur National Park has a tropical climate, you can expect medium to heavy rain between May and mid September and between November and mid December. The weather is usually moderate, but being a tropical region, rains and storms are common during late summer.

Flora and Fauna

The islands are also a favored nestling place for a number of species including Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas), Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), and Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea). While the park is home to a large population of crocodiles of the Estuarine family (Crocodylus porosus), on the other end of the spectrum is the coconut crab (Birgus latro) which mostly inhabits the South Sentinel Island. Also found in large numbers in the park are Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii) and Black-naped Tern (Sterna sumatrana) as well as Sooty Tern (Sterna fuscata). These species also use the favorable conditions of the park to give birth to their new generations. You will also found reef builders like molluscs adding to the color and diversity of the region.

Mangroves are a common thread that bind the islands and you can find them in large numbers throughout the park, even though their numbers have greatly reduced in recent years.

Attractions

Jollybuoy : Among all the islands, Jollybuoy enjoys a pride of place and visitors throng it like anything. The sandy beaches of the island seem to be a natural magnet, and so are the reefs that engulf the beach. You can have a fabulous time in such an environment, soaking in the sparkling water and taking in the amazing view of its marine life. But be careful when on the beach, as the tides can be powerful and give you the fright of your life. Marine life that should keep you engrossed include sea cucumbers (Holothuroidea. sp), anemones (Heteractis crispa), starfish (Ophioderma), cowries (Cypraeidae), turbots and spider conch (Lambis).

Redskin Island : Redskin Island is another popular destination among thrill seekers, and is famous for its deer, which was presumably introduced by the British. You have to travel by boats to reach the island, and when you reach the island you will immediately discover that it is a sandy beach. In the interiors of the cave you will come across many centuries-old caves along the northern part of the island awaiting to be explored, and I am ready to bet my last penny that you might feel inspired to explore them. Mangroves dominate the landscape while a few hundred yards away along the southwestern section of the park is Tarmugli, a region famous for its extensive coral reef. You can also pay a quick visit to Grub Island, which is again not very far from Redskin Island.

On the southern parts of the park lies the Twins, which is actually two peaks that rise from sea with only a thin strip of water separating them.

Mangrove : Mangrove is the middle name of this park, as it is found in abundance across it. It usually has its roots submerged in water and is a major source of food for the marine life in the region. In addition, just like reefs it also acts as a natural buffer against storms.

Reaching There:

Regular flights are available from Port Blair to Calcutta and Chennai. From Port Blair, you can drive to Wandur.

To travel inside the park, you can avail the launch service run by the forest department. It covers two to three islands every day. Otherwise, you may hire motorized canoes which are operated by the local population. If you chose the later, ensure that you take a guide along so that you don't get lost midway.

Permits:

Foreigners are required to get their permits -can be obtained at the Port Blair upon arrival- before they are allowed to travel in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The permits are normally valid for 15 days and can be extended under certain circumstances. They are, however, barred from visiting Nicobar and the southern islands. To book permits in advance or from overseas, you need to contact the Deputy Secretary, Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs. The State Government Directorate of Information, Publicity, and Tourism at Port Blair is the most reliable place for tourists to gather relevant information about a tour to the islands.

Hotels & Resorts in Wandur National Park

Icons Summary Restaurant Internet Service Tea/Coffe Machine Business Centre Swimming pool Travel Desk Doctor on Call Baby Sitting Health club Bar Safe Deposit Amphitheatre Library Std/Isd Money Exchange

Fortune Resort Bay Island

Hotel Sinclairs Bay view

Hotel TSG Emerald View

Hotel Abhishek

Hotel Citi King Palace

Hotel diviyum Manor

Wandur Wildlife Tour Packages

Wildlife in Wandur National Park

The wildlife of the park consists of a large number of rare and endangered mammals, birds and fish. The marine life of the park, in particular, is varied and teaming with life with species like starfish, turtles, salt-water crocodile, etc. Some of the popular birds of the park include White-Bellied Sea Eagle, Parakeets, Andaman Teal, Heron, Terns, Waders, and Swifts. Bird lovers must, however, be patient and come with some time in their hands so that they can spot most of these beautiful creatures in their natural environment. For avid birders, special permits are also available and it will allow them to stay longer and absorb everything that the park has to offer.

Wandur National Park Travel Information

How to Reach Wandur National Park

By Air Regular flights are available from Port Blair to Calcutta and Chennai.

By RoadA smooth roadway connects Wandur to Port Blair, so you shouldn't have any problem reaching here if you are travelling by road.

To travel inside the park, you can avail the launch service run by the forest department. It covers two to three islands every day. Otherwise, you may hire motorized canoes which are operated by the local population. If you chose the later, ensure that you take a guide along so that you don't get lost midway.

Permits

Foreigners are required to get their permits -can be obtained at the Port Blair upon arrival- before they are allowed to travel in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These permits are normally valid for 15 days and are extendable. They, however, are barred from visiting Nicobar and the southern islands. To book permits in advance or from overseas, you can contact the Deputy Secretary, Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs.