These islands are an asset to the subcontinent in more ways than one. In recent times it has been voted to have some of the best beaches in Asia. It has a lot of parks dotted around its virgin territories apart from the tourist capital of Havelock Islands.
Popular Parks in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands:
Here are the best Parks in Andaman and Nicobar.
1. Campbell Bay National Park:
It is located on the Great Nicobar Island of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which is the largest island in the eastern Indian Ocean. Forming an integral part of the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve, this park got national status in the year 1992. It is right next door to the smaller Galathea National Park, separated by a buffer forested area
Home to a diverse variety of flora and fauna, the primary residents of this region are species of:
- Nicobar scrubfowl
- Edible-nest Swiftlet
- Nicobar Long-tailed Macaque
- Saltwater crocodile
- Giant Leatherback Sea Turtle
- Malayan box turtle
- Nicobar tree shrew
- Reticulated python and
- Giant robber crab.
2. Galathea National Park:
Also located on the island of Great Nicobar in the Nicobar Islands, it is adjacent to Campbell Bay National Park which lies in the eastern Indian Ocean forming the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve. Thanks to the isolation and vegetation in the area it houses some rare flora and fauna that is not found elsewhere. Nestled in the tropical broadleaves are species such as a Giant Robber Crab and the unique Nicobar Pigeon.
[See More: Tourist Favorite Beaches in Andaman]
3. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park:
Located at Wandoor on the Andaman Islands, 29 kms off Port Blair, the park is a cluster of 15 small islands. It draws tourists during the season from October to April on the islands of Jolly Buoy and Red Skin. The adventurists gang up to go kayaking in glass bottom boats, snorkeling or scuba diving to relish the coral reefs and colorful marine life.
The marine life here is precious hence it gained protected area status to nurture and save the sea turtles and coral reefs. Along with this it ensures a better life for those dwelling in the islands that are mostly of tribal origins.
Tarmugli is the largest island in the cluster and is covered with thick mangrove vegetation which is pivotal for the ecological balance of this area.
4. Button Island National Parks:
There are three divisions of the Button Islands based on the location of which they are individually named. Each one has the prevalence of some unique fauna with almost similar flora.
Middle Button Island:
This Park is located near the capital Port Blair and is famous for breeding and protecting the spotted deer.
[See Also: Must Visit Places in Andaman]
North Button Island:
Located in the Andaman district, near Long Island, it is home to the Dugong and Dolphins which are predominant in this area. The best time to view them is between December and March each year.
South Button Island:
This Park is located at the south-west of Havelock Island, and the main attractions are the shallow water coral reefs which are clearly visible and hence popular amongst scuba divers world wide.
5. The Mount Harriet Island National Park:
Located at the Ferrargunj area it harbors the third highest peak of the land called Mount Harriet. Named after the wife of a British soldier and a naturalist, Harriet Tytler, the park is home to the rare Andaman wild pigs, elephants, turtles, robber crabs and the devious looking seawater crocodiles.
[See More: What are the Festivals Andaman & Nicobar People Celebrate?]
6. Saddle Peak National Park:
This national park harbors the highest peak and dormant volcano in the region called the Saddle Peak. The warmth and the hard lava soil make it a haven for reptiles like the Water Monitor Lizards and Seawater Crocodiles, along with the Andaman Hill Myna, Andaman Imperial Pigeon, Wild Pigs and the aquatic fauna such as dolphins and whales. Some unique flora is also found here such as evergreen Cleistanthus robustus and Scolopia pusilla.
If these don’t catch your fancy then resort to the Havelock islands for breathtaking masterpieces of nature. It is sure to enrich your travel experience.
