National Parks in Andaman & Nicobar Islands

National Parks in Andaman & Nicobar Islands: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are an emerald island in the Bay of Bengal, which is home to one of the most diverse terrestrial and marine ecosystems in India. Not only are these islands known due to the white-sand beaches, but they are also the most critical biodiversity hotspots where rare species can be found nowhere on the planet. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands National Parks are the actual Indian wildlife frontier, which remains unexploited, at least, this is what travellers and environmentalists believe. 

In this article, we provide a list of the National Parks in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, including essential protected areas, official data, and key highlights of the islands' unique natural heritage.

National Parks in Andaman & Nicobar: Quick Facts

Before diving into the specific details, here is a quick snapshot of the protected landscape in the Union Territory:

• Total Number of National Parks: 6 Primary Protected Areas

• Largest National Park: Campbell Bay National Park (426.23 sq. km).

• Smallest National Park: Saddle Peak National Park (32.54 sq. km).

• State Animal: Dugong (Sea Cow).

• Important Habitats: Tropical Evergreen Forests, Mangroves, and Coral Reefs.

List of National Parks in Andaman & Nicobar Islands

The following table provides the notified area and administrative details for the primary national parks in the region:

Source: eiacp/moef

Detailed Overview of the National Parks in Andaman & Nicobar Islands

1. Campbell Bay National Park

Source: wanderon

The Campbell Bay National Park is located 200 km northwest of Geraldton. This is the biggest national park in the archipelago, and it is located on the Great Nicobar Island. It belongs to the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve and the Nicobar Megapede, a rare bird that lays heaps of its eggs. It is covered with thick tropical evergreen forests and is the home of the Giant Robber Crab.

2. Galathea National Park

Source: andamantourism

Galatheia is present in Great Nicobar Island, as well as is world-renowned as one of the largest Giant Leatherback Turtle nests. The forest buffer zone separates the park and Campbell Bay and contains a wide variety of endemic animals and plant life.

3. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

Source: wanderon

This marine park is composed of 15 islands and open sea creeks that is found near Wandoor. The primary cause as to why it was established was to protect the sea organisms, especially the colourful coral reefs and sea turtles. It is the best snorkelling as well as underwater Biodiversity view.

4. Manipur Parvat (Mount Harriet) National Park

This park was formerly known as Mount Harriet; however, it was renamed in honour of the freedom fighters of Manipur. It also features some of the best views of the Andaman coast, and it is also renowned for its high butterfly diversity and the Andaman wild pig. It is the third-ranked island.

5. Rani Jhansi Marine National Park

This park is found in the Archipelago Ritchie. It creates a special home to Dugong (Sea Cow) and is a mix of moist forest on the ground with a huge mangrove system that serves as livestock to aquatic animals.

6. Saddle Peak National Park

Source: experienceandamans

The greatest altitude in the whole archipelago is Saddle Peak. The beautiful evergreen forests that have been stunted in the mountains also characterise the park. It is also habitat of vital habitat of the Andaman Hill Myna and Imperial pigeon.