This national park is located on the southern most flank of the Gulf of Kachchh.  The national park is located in the Jamnagar district of Gujarat.  Duiring 1980, an area covering 270 sqkm was declared as Marine Sanctuary but a little later in 1982, another main area covering 110 sqkm was declared Marine National Park according to the provisions made in Wildlife (protection) Act 1972.  Initially the area from Okha to Jodiya was preserved.  This park is the first Indian Marine National Park. Jamnagar district of Gujarat has small or big islands at its coastal line towards Okha and Porbandar.

General Information

History

The gulf of Kachchh is well known for its uneven coastal lines all the way to the end line.  Reefs are the most attracting and amazing factor of this gulf.  This gulf consists of more than 346 islands starting from Southern portion of Bhuj up to Okha via Jamnagar and northern flank of Porbander.  The long coastal line made various tourist places en route.  Pirotan and Salaya are the famous places among all the islands.  Presently tourism in Pirotan Island is prohibited by the government but Narara Island is just equal to Pirotan and it is open to all.   More than 1000 years of history of this Gulf, the ports falls inside the line are being used as embarkation and de-embarkation centers.  For maximum of the sea trade in Gujarat, carried out from Kandla, Jamnagar and Porbandar ports.  All these ports fall under this Gulf.

Flora

The vast coastal line provides a beautiful scenic view of sea and its species.  Perhaps this is the only place in world where one can view the reefs without diving into the water.  Just after the tide goes back, a normal walk in 1ft or 2 ft water will give you the experience of viewing the reefs around your feet.  

Fauna

In this national park the main attraction is seeing the Dugong. This first marine national park has various species inside like Gangetic Dolphins, Giant Crabs, Ray Fish, rarely found Balooga whales, Giant Leather Back Turtles, Horn Fish and outside the water Jackals, Jungle Cats and Black Napped Hare are some of the mammals which found here vigorously.  Common monitorlizard is also found here.

Best Time to Visit

This national park can be visited throughout the year.  No winter season hampers the visit.

Distance from Gulf of Kachchh Marine National Park

By Air:  The nearest airport is at Jamnagar (33 Kilometers).

By Rail : The nearest railway stations is Jamnagar which is located at 31 kilometers from the national park.  One can also de-trained at Hapa railway station 37 kilometers away from the national park.

How To Get There

To access this national park, one will have to reach Jamnagar Airport or railway station.  From these spots, frequent taxi services are available to the national park. Conveyance is very cheap and affordable to all categories of visitors.  Maximum fare for this national park is Rs. Rs. 23/- per head. Motor boats are also available at Salaya and Narara islands.  Recently the tourism at Pirotan has been banned by the department of tourism due to security reasons. But options are open for Narara islands.

Things To Do In Gulf Of Kachchh Marine National Park

Turtles, Coral Reefs, Dugong, Dolphins and Balano-glossus

Location Map

Accommodation

Hotels available at Mandapam

Forest department has maintained a rest house located at just 8 kilometers from Jamnagar city.  There are many hotels and private lodging arrangements in Jamnagar with basic amenities required by the tourists.  Breathtaking thing is the cheapness of these accommodations. A circuit House is also in Jamnagar city with the best facilities for tourists.  PWD has also maintained its Rest house located at just 30 kilometers away from Jamnagar. 

Moti Khavdi,
Jamnagar - 361 140, India

Phone :  +91 - 288 - 2344 416 / 17 / 80 / 90
Fax : +91 - 288 - 2344 417
Email : Contact Us
Website : www.expressworld.com/ehpl/eJamnew.htm

Hotel President
Teen Batti, Jamnagar -361 001 Gujarat

Phone :  91-288-557 4191
Fax.: 91-288-558 491
Email : Contact Us

Aram Hotel,
Pandit Nehru Marg,
Jamnagar - 361 008

Mepani Corporation
Teen Batti,
Jamnagar - 361 001, India

Weather

Summer   : 33.30 Celsius

Winter     : 190 Celsius

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