Embrace Nature's Flora & Fauna With The 9 Best National Parks In Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Beaches, tropical rainforests, and national parks - Andaman has it all. Since global warming has its claws on our environment, these parks are a good way to combat with the trappings of that. The number of national parks at the island shows the richness of biodiversity so visit these national parks at Andaman & Nicobar Islands:

1. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park 

The most popular national park, this is spread across an area of almost 300 square kilometers and is located near Wandoor. It was created in 1983 to protect the marine life such as corals and nesting of sea turtles. The park is home to birds like White-Bellied Sea Eagles, Parakeets, Andaman Teals, Herons, Terns, Waders and Swifts! The Marine National Park is highly diversified in terms of white sandy beaches, vegetation, and marine life so head on over! 

Where | Wandoor

2. Mount Harriet

Mount Harriet is the highest peak in the South Andaman archipelago, whose flora and fauna is unmatched. The national park is host to a variety of endangered species of animals and is also a butterfly hotspot. The trekking trail starts from Mount Harriet and ends in Madhuban and covers a distance of about 16 kilometers through the captivating woodlands.The wilderness trek meanders through the jungle where you will get to see various exotic species of birds and butterflies.

Where | Port Blair

3. Campbell Bay 

A part of the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve, Campbell Bay covers an area of 462 square kilometers. The park has a rich collection of flora which includes the tropical evergreen forests, tree fern and varieties of orchids.The fauna includes crab-eating Macaques, Giant Robber Crabs, Megapodes, and Nicobarese Pigeons. The trek to the national park is a beautiful one and is right through the middle of all the wildlife!

Where | Nicobar District

4. Galathea Bay

This reserve is home to most of the endemic species of flora and fauna found on the island. Galathea Bay forms a part of the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve. A 12 kilometer buffer zone separates Galathea from Campbell Bay. The dominant vegetation consists of tropical and subtropical broadleaf forests and the fauna is made up of Giant Robber Crabs, and Nicobarese Pigeons besides much more. 

Where | Great Nicobar Island

5. Saddle Peak

An easy trek to the highest point in Andaman, it can easily be traversed by an amateur trekker. If you enjoy trekking beside beaches, you will enjoy Saddle Peak. The collection of 270 species of exotic birds is a major attraction on the island. Rare birds like Purple Moorhen, Lesser Whistling Teal, Cotton Teal, Common Moorhen, Andaman Drongo, Medium Egrets, Blacked Naped Oriole, Glossy Starling, Scarlet Minivets, and Andaman Bulbuls are sighted if you're lucky enough! 

Where | North Andaman

6. Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve

Encompassing a large part of the Great Nicobar, the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve lies in the Bay of Bengal. It has significance as in 2013 it was included in the list of the Man and Biosphere program of UNESCO to promote sustainable development based on local community effort and sound science. The reserve is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna which includes some endemic creatures as well. During your visit to the reserve, you will be able to see the Nicobar Scrubfowl, the Edible Nest Swiftlet and many other animals & birds. 

Where | Great Nicobar Island

7. North Button Island

This reserve runs along the coast which heightens the beauty of the reserve. The best months for visiting the park are from December to March. The fauna found here constitute of Dugongs, Dolphins & Water Monitor Lizards etc. One can reach the park from Long Island, which is 60 kilometers from the park; the island is surrounded by azure pristine waters! 

Where | Andaman District Of Andaman and Nicobar Island

8. Middle Button Island

The park is the perfect blend of nature and adventure. Strictly reserved for the betterment of the wildlife, the Middle Button Island park’s boundary is marked to protect the flora and fauna from poachers, hunters or grazers. It features on the Government of India’s list of protected areas and is famous for its exotic aquatic life. A visit to the island is arranged on boat tours and private boats also ferry to the island. 

Where | Andaman District Of Andaman and Nicobar Island

9. South Button Island

Picture Credits: Venkateswar Rao

Together with the Rani Jhansi Marine National Park, it covers a huge area off the coast of South Andaman Island. From Havelock Island, it's a few hours’ journey by motorboat to the reserve. The park receives most visitors from December and April. The huge reserve of coral reefs having high visibility is one of the major attractions here. It's also a popular spot for scuba diving. The rich marine life includes Barracudas, Snappers, Sweetlips, Lionfish, Angelfish, Butterflyfish and many more. 

Where | South Andaman Island

The diverse flora and fauna is something to experience before getting back to your respective concrete jungles!