Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Marine national park in South Andaman, India
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is a protected marine area in the Andamans with 15 islands, including Jolly Buoy and Red Skin, located about 16 kilometers (10 miles) south of Port Blair. The area spans water and coastline with coral gardens and tropical forests.
The area became a national park in May 1983 under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 to protect sea turtles and their nesting sites. The establishment followed growing efforts to preserve the reefs and mangrove forests of the Andamans permanently.
The name honors the leader of India's independence movement and links his legacy to nature conservation. Visitors today experience coral reefs and turquoise water surrounding the islands.
Boats take guests to accessible islands where swimming and snorkeling in clear water are possible. Weather conditions change during monsoon season, so checking which areas remain open before visiting helps.
Twin Islands serve as nesting grounds for sea turtles, which biologists monitor regularly. Tarmugli, the largest island in the reserve, is covered with dense mangrove forest visible when approaching by boat.
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