Marine National Park is the first national marine park of India is situated on the southern shore of the Gulf of Kachchh in the Jamnagar district of Gujarat. Blessed with a great diversity of habitats, its coral reefs and mangroves and the series of 42 islands form a unique eco-system, which supports an amazing marine life and biodiversity. These islands are a treasure-trove of marine species and a paradise for birdwatchers.
The Marine National Park stands as a vanguard to a very fragile eco-system, which is as good as any underwater forest eco-system. The protected area has a great diversity of habitats- ranging from coral reefs, mangroves, mudflats, creeks, estuaries, sandy strands to saline grasslands, marshy areas and rocky shores.
The fascinating underwater world of the Marine National Park is an exotic sighting for people willing to go on an adventure trip in this area. You can see octopus, jelly fish, star fish, colourful corals, exotic marine flowering plants, puffer fish, sea horse, huge green sea turtles, lobsters, dolphins, etc. For visiting this part of the Marine Sanctuary you will need permission from the Forest Department. The Permits issuing of for visitor start from mid October to May.
STATE : GUJARAT
LOCATION : Marine National Park is situated on the southern shore of the Gulf of Kutch in the Jamnagar District of Gujarat state.
LANGUAGE : Gujarati, Hindi, English.
WHEN TO VISIT : November to March is the best time to visit Marine national park.
CLOTHING : Cotton or linen full-sleeve outfits which match with surroundings like dark green, muddy-brown and rocky-grey are the ideal clothing color. Avoid shiny or reflective clothes during park safari which may diverts or attracts wild animals & birds’ attention which may become cause them leaving the place.
Nature
Adventure
Wildlife
National Park
Marine National Park is available from Kolkata to different entry point. The nearby places are connected by good motorable road from Kolkata. From the entry points motor boat services are available for Marine National Park.
The nearest railway station is Jamnagar Junction which is 56 km. away from Marine National Park. The rai-head is well connected with different cites and places in India. A bus or taxi from the railway station would get you easily to the Marine National Park.
The nearest airport is situated at Jamnagar, which is 49 km. from Marine National Park. The airport is well connected by flights with different cities and places in India. From the airport, you can get a taxi or bus to reach Marine National Park.
Best Season / Best Time to Visit Marine National Park
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CLIMATE
OPENING OF PARK : Every Year Marine National Park remains open from 15st October to 15th June for visitors. The park is close from Mid June to mid of October for visitors.
PERMIT : Permits obtain from the concerned park authority before you make entry to the Park. Tourists can obtain day visit permit at the respective entry gates.
Entry Point: The two well known entry point in Marine National Park are Pirotan Island and Narara Island. Recently the tourism at Pirotan has been banned by the department of tourism due to security reasons. But options are open for Narara islands.
ENTRY FEE AT PIROTAL : For a group of 12 persons (Indian nationals) would cost about Rs. 1,800 per person for a 3 to 4 hours Sailing trip. It includes Entry Permit, Passenger Boat rental, Guide, Snacks and potable Water - From New port to New port.
ENTRY FEE AT NARARA :
For an Indian national, entry permit is Rs. 40 per person.
Foreign nationals, entry permit would be 10 USD per person at Narara.
SAFARI TIMING : Timings for Safari in the park vary according to the season. Safari timing at Marine National Park are:
| DAY | Timing |
|---|---|
| Monday to Sunday | 06:00 AM - 06:00 PM |
: A trip of Marine National Park directly takes you to the widespread arena of coral reefs, mangroves, sea-grass beds, mudflats, network of creeks and other ecosystems which supports rich marine life & bird life.
BOAT SAFARI AT PIROTAN ISLAND:Pirotan Island is about 7 nautical miles from Rozi port. Sailing on the tranquil waters with mangroves forest on both sides is a wonderful experience. Recently the tourism at Pirotan has been banned by the department of tourism due to security reasons.
CORAL WALK AT NARARA ISLAND: Narara is 60 km. drive from Jamnagar towards Dwarka. The Island accessible by road provides the "Coral Walk" without sailing to the Islands. Narara Island is good fun for nature lovers, families and anyone who is looking to do something different than touristy sightseeing. Visitor has to consider the following tips for coral walk in Narara:
First of all take entry permit from Forest Dept at Narara itself.
There are 2 high tides in every 12 hours so you can plan your Coral walk in between 2 high tides.
A coral walk of about 5 km. in the reef generally takes about 3 to 4 hours.
