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458 square kms. The Marine
National Park consists of an archipelago of 42 islands. Some
of the best known islands are Pirotan, Karubhar, Narara,
Poshitra.
Wildlife attractions in
the Marine National Park
Colourful coral reefs, mangrove swamp forests, mudflats, sea
grass, sea weeds, Saag, Sesam, Kheru, Limda and rocky shoals
form the landscape of the shallow waters of the Marine
National Park. These plants prevent the land based predators
from penetrating and also provides shelter to the birds for
nesting and roosting purposes. Coral lichen, Coral sponge,
Green sponge, Puffer Fish, Crabs, Prawns, Sea anemones,
Jelly Fishes, Octopus, Sea hare, Shelled mollusks, Sea slug,
Star fish, Dolphins, Sea turtles and various coastal birds
like painted storks, herons, egrets, ibises, spoonbills,
darters, flamingoes, avocets, ducks, terns, gulls, little
cormorants and stints can be seen feeding on the mudflats
and rocky shores, nesting on the mangrove canopies and
wading in shallow coastal waters. Dugong or sea cow, a
marine mammal that looks like sea and breed in the Arabian
sea and rare species of Bonnalia, an undivided worm, was
also found here. During the monsoon season, 30 different
species of migratory birds make their home among the
mangrove forests. One of the most threatened birds, the
great Indian bustard and Chowsingha, the world’s only
four-horned antelope is also found in certain protected
areas in this island.
In the Marine National Park, corals create fantasies in
stone and are the master builders of the Park. Their
limestone fortresses come in a wide variety of shapes and
sizes, from the convoluted brain coral to corals that look
like horns. There are some plants that look like animals and
animals that look like plants. There are various varieties
of turtles, shrimp, sponge, eels, sea urchin lurk, fishes
and octopuses that create a brilliance of colours that can
be unknown, unseen and unimaginable to us. Gobies are also
there which clean parasites from other fish and fishes who
burrow so deep that only their eyes can seen. The Marine
National Park also maintains a hatchery at Madhopur near
Porbandar and also some temporary hatcheries on islands near
Okha and Dwarka.
Best time to visit the Marine National Park
The best time to visit the Marine national park is from end
of October till end of February. You can also hire boats at
jetties near Jamnagar for a trip to the Marine national
park.
How to reach Marine National Park
By Air:
The nearest airport is located at Jamnagar, about 7 kms.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station are located at Jamnagar and
Rajkot.
By Road:
The nearest bus stand is located at Jamnagar. |
