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Marine National Park

In August 1980, the Marine National Park and Sanctuary of Jamnagar in the state of Gujarat, India, was declared as a National Park and Sanctuary. This park lies along the coasts of Jamnagar and Gulf of Kutch islands. It has been blessed with a variety of habitats, beautiful mangroves and coral reefs.  The Marine National Park was created in 1982 under the purview of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 with the aim of protecting the marine fauna and flora of the area which were under threat. This park was the first marine national park of the country. It has a total area of 458 square kilometres.

Geography

There are totally 42 islands which form the Park, out of which Pirotan, Narara, Karubhar and Poshitra are the most well-known. These islands offer the most pristine and unspoiled sandy beaches which you’ve probably never seen before.

The islands form a unique eco-system with varied marine life species and amazing biodiversity. This eco-system has been considered to be under threat in recent years due to cement industries extracting sands and coral, high levels of water turbidity, use of automated fishing boats and development of oil refineries and chemical industries. The strong, temperamental tides which come in twice a day have added to the fragility of the eco-system.

Areas that are protected offer habitats of diverse types. They range from coral reefs, mudflats, mangroves, creeks, sandy strands and estuaries to marshy areas, saline grasslands and rocky shores. These provide shelter and support to large varieties of fish, reptiles, birds and many other forms of life.

The mangroves and coral reefs of the Marine National Park are considered as the most fascinating collection of rich marine biota in the country. Special measures are taken by the Government for the preservation and upkeep of this park.

Wildlife

This park is truly a trove of colourful treasures such as sponges and corals, sea anemones, sea horses, jelly fish, pearl oysters, octopus, sharks, dolphins, starfish, and a huge variety of undersea plants and animals.

Plants such as Sesam, Limda, Sesam, Saag and sea grass and sea weeds in the shallow water prevent land predators from venturing in. This also provides protection for nesting and roosting birds.

Various undersea creatures like Coral sponge, Puffer Fish, Prawns, Sea anemones, Crabs, Jelly Fishes, Shelled mollusks, Dolphins and Sea turtles along with coastal birds like storks, herons, ibises, egrets, spoonbills, darters, flamingoes, gulls and ducks can be seen. The birds feed on the rocky shores and mudflats, nest on the canopies provided by mangroves and wade in the shallow waters.

Dugong, a marine mammal and rare species of the Bonnalia worm are also found here. During the monsoons, 30 species of migratory birds arrive and make their homes in the mangrove forests. The great Indian bustard which has a fast diminishing population and Chowsingha, the only four-horned antelope in the world can also be seen in certain protected areas.

You could say that corals are the master builders of the Marine National Park with the stone fantasies they create. They come in different shapes and sizes – some look like horns while others are shaped like the human brain. There are even some plants that seem to be animals and vice versa. So there’s no limit to the wonderful and unique things you’ll get to see at the Marine National Park. The Park also has a hatchery near Porbander at Madhopur and others on islands near Dwarka and Okha.

Tourist Attractions

The Narara Island, a popular tourist destination, is well connected with the mainland. It is known for its expansive inter-tidal zone which facilitates the viewing of various marine invertebrates. This island serves as an excellent educational site for nature lovers.

The Pirotan Island too offers similar attractions. To visit this island by boat, you need to plan it when the tide is high. Make sure to reach the boarding point for crossing the creek at least an hour before its time for high tide. Since there is a 12 hour gap between the two high tides, you will be able to return only after a 12 hour period when the tide is high once again.

How to Reach

To visit Marine national Park by air, road or rail, you would almost always need to head to Jamnagar. The Jamnagar airport is about 7 kilometers away. The nearest bus stand and railway stations are at Jamnagar too. Rajkot is another railway station close by. For a trip to the park, boats can be hired at jetties near close to Jamnagar.

Best Time to Visit

An ideal time to plan a trip to the Marine national park is from the end of October to the end of February.

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Marine National Park
Marine National Park
Marine National Park
Marine National Park
Marine National Park
Marine National Park

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