6 Lesser-Known Marine National Parks In India That You Should Definitely Explore

The Marine National Park in Gujarat was founded in the initial years of the 1980s, situated along the Jamnagar coastline adjoining the Gulf of Kutch. It is a group of 42 islands which sustain diverse types of coral, mangrove forests, and a plethora of bird species including the painted stork, darter, and black-necked ibis. Additionally, the park is a habitat for dolphins, green sea turtles, and the critically endangered whale shark. During low tide, you have the opportunity to engage in snorkeling activities, and you can rent a boat from Jamnagar to reach marine park.

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands encompasses 15 rugged islands adorned with pristine white sandy shores and lush tropical vegetation. It serves as a habitat for rich diversity of marine creatures and bird species, such as the white-bellied sea eagles, parakeets, and Andaman teal. You can do scuba diving, snorkeling, or embarke on a glass-bottom boat ride from Wandoor, which is a short thirty-minute journey to the east of Port Blair.

Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary in Odisha is a nesting habitat for Olive Ridley turtles across the Indian Ocean. The presence of mangroves encircling the area and the nutrient-rich waters is ideal for these turtles. Annually, these turtles embark on a journey from the South Pacific to the Odisha coastline, where they gather in large numbers for breeding and birthing activities from October to May. Positioned along the Puri-Konark Marine Drive, the sanctuary is situated approximately 75 kilometers away from Bhubaneswar.

Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, Tamil Nadu is located inside the larger Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. It comprises 21 islands along with coral reefs. Extending over a span of 160 kilometers from Thoothukudi to Dhanushkodi, this area boasts extraordinary marine biodiversity, making it one of the most diverse regions globally. Its richness has been compared to that of an underwater tropical rainforest.

Rani Jhansi Marine National Park, Andaman and Nicobar Islands is home to a diverse species of coral, mangroves, terrestrial moist forest, crocodiles and dugongs. The park offers opportunities for visitors to discover the lagoons, coral reefs, and mangrove woodlands of the islands.

The Malvan Marine Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in Maharashtra, can be explored via a boat ride from the Malvan jetty. A diverse range of life forms such as anemones, mollusks, pearl oysters, corals, seaweed, and various fish species are found here. You can see these fascinating creatures through snorkeling and diving activities. There are also, array of bird species including egrets, terns, plovers, and waterfowl.