Pirotan Island, Marine island in Gulf of Kutch, India
Pirotan is an island in the Gulf of Kutch within Gujarat's Marine National Park, spanning several square kilometers of protected waters. The island features extensive coral reefs and mangrove forests that shape its marine landscape.
The first navigation aid appeared in 1867 as a flagpole, later replaced by a masonry lighthouse built in 1898. This structure marked an important shift in how ships navigated the waters around the island.
The island served as a pilgrimage destination where people visited the shrine dedicated to Saint Khwaja Khizer Rahmatullahialaih over many generations. Its name comes from "Pir jo thaan," meaning sacred place, reflecting how locals understood this site as spiritually important.
Visiting requires permits from the Forest Department, Customs Department, and Ports Department to enter protected waters. Foreign visitors need additional police clearance before planning a trip to the island.
The surrounding waters hold fluorescent carpet anemones and sea horses that become especially visible under certain light conditions. Visitors may spot green sea turtles and dolphins in their natural habitat, revealing the rich biodiversity of these protected waters.
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