The Rani Jhansi Marine National Park is a well-reserved ecological paradise in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, named after Rani Lakshmi Bai- the warrior Queen of Jhansi. The park hosts a rich and unique assortment of flora and fauna and offers mesmerising landscapes. Its natural habitat is extensive which includes mangrove forests, semi-evergreen rainforests, lowland evergreen rainforests, beaches, lagoons, and coral reefs. It is famous for sun-basking crocodiles, a rare and endangered species Dugongs, and fruit-eating bats. Fishes and turtles can be commonly spotted here. This national park is a true paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Location
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The Rani Jhansi Marine National Park lies 14 km northeast of the South Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal. It was designated a national park in 1996 and is located in the Ritchie’s Archipelago. Three islands – Henry Lawrence Island, John Lawrence Island, and Outram Island are the part of this national park. The park is about 36 km northeast from Port Blair and 40 km from Baratang Island.
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How To Reach Rani Jhansi Marine National Park
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Tourists can land at Port Blair, the nearest airport to the park. One can find frequently available local transport to the National Park. It is easy to go by local buses, cabs, or taxis which will take about 50-60 minutes. A permit is required from authorities to enter the park.
Places To Visit Near The National Park
The Rani Jhansi Marine National Park photos clicked by tourists always include these amazing tourist attractions in and around the park. These places are exclusively known for their rich and diverse flora and fauna. Some of the good places to visit near this national park are:
1. Collinpur Beach
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This beach is known for its cobalt waters and a calm stretch of smooth sand. It lies around 21 km from this national park, and it takes only 43 minutes to reach here. This beach has a thick covering of palm plantations. It is also called the ‘Sunset Bay’. It has shallow waters which makes it an ideal place for swimming. The view of this U-shaped beach with ocean clouds floating around seawater makes it a picturesque location.
Location: Port Blair
Timings: 6 AM – 4:45 PM
Entry Fee: NA
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2. Mount Manipur National Park
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This national park is also called Mount Harriet National Park. It lies on a beautiful hill near Port Blair. This enchanting destination is a haven for nature enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and adventure seekers. Some of the fauna to spot here are saltwater crocodiles, turtles, wild pigs, robber crabs, and a variety of bird species. Tourists can trek to Mount Harriet Peak and enjoy the beauty of the way. Being so close to nature and wildlife offers a great experience to remember.
Location: Hope Town, Port Blair
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹25 (Adult) and ₹10 (Child)
3. Corbyn’s Cove Beach
Photo: Voguru / Wikimedia Commons
This is a beautiful beach fringed with coconut and palm trees. The exact location lies within 40 km from the Marine National Park and around 6 km from Port Blair which is the closest beach to the city. It is a most-loved destination by nature lovers, adventure seekers, and beach admirers. The azure and clear waters surrounding the place are ideal for indulging in water sports like scuba diving, speed boat riding, parasailing, jet skiing, and surfing.
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: NA
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Things To Do In The National Park
The list of Rani Jhansi Marine National Park activities includes trekking and water sports. This place is also perfect for nature lovers and water enthusiasts alike.
1. Trekking
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Tourists visiting this national park love to trek in the forests here. They offer natural beauty and habitats including lagoons, semi-evergreen rainforests, and mangrove forests. Trekkers admire the beauty of the place and like to relax in the lap of nature. Here, trekkers can spot wildlife like Nicobar pigeon, Andaman Drongo, Andaman Coucal, Serpent-eagle, etc., and trees like Andaman Bullet Wood, and Andaman Padauk. The biggest attraction here is the fruit-eating bat.
2. Snorkelling And Scuba Diving
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Snorkelling and scuba diving are the two main fun water sports that tourists love to indulge in. There are many popular spots here for these activities. You get to witness the healthy coral population and varied marine life of this national park which includes Barracudas, Snappers, Sweetlips, Lionfish, Butterflyfish, Angelfish, and many more. The coral reefs here are breathtaking and vibrant. South Button Island is also a part of this national park which is a popular place for such water activities.
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Where To Stay
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Many visitors choose to stay in Port Blair, as it has several options for a luxurious and comfortable stay. Some of the best properties in Port Blair include Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Rainforest Cottages and Cafe, Island Cliff, Palm Groove Eco Resort, Coral Reel Hotel & Spa, Hotel Marina Manor, and many more. They offer good services, comfort, and hospitality to the tourists. A few other lodging options are available in Baratang, which is 40 km from Port Blair.
Where To Eat
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You can find a lot of food options around the national park. Some of the best eateries and restaurants in Port Blair are – Dugout, New Lighthouse Restaurant, Adi Bengali, Amaya, SeaFood Delights, and many more. You can also try out several food options here or savour local delicacies as well.
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Best Time To Visit Rani Jhansi Marine National Park
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Rani Jhansi Marine National Park timings are from 5 AM to 9 PM. The ideal time of the year to visit the park is between December and March. The weather remains pleasant and winds are refreshing & cool during these months, so tourists can indulge in various outdoor activities also.
Other Factors To Consider
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There are some important things to consider when you’re planning your visit to the Marine National Park, such as:
Average Cost Of The Trip
There is no entry fee to visit the national park. So, the only expenses would be transportation and water sports, ranging from ₹2500 to ₹3500 for an individual. It is a very affordable trip, offering fun and lifetime memories.
Tips For Travellers
The tourists visiting the national park must keep the following things in mind:
- Do not wear bright colours like red and white, instead wear dull hues so that you do not attract any wild animals.
- Wear sunscreen and carry a hat or sunglasses to keep the sunrays away.
- Apply insect repellent to avoid any bites or infections.
- Prior booking is needed for accommodation in the Forest Department Guest House.
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The region is strictly reserved for the preservation and betterment of wildlife and biodiversity. It’s a perfect place for nature lovers, offering a unique collection of flora and fauna including blue lagoons, coral reefs, mangroves, dugongs, and fruit-eating bats. Tourists can enjoy thrilling activities like scuba diving and snorkelling on the nearby beaches. Plan an unforgettable trip with TripXL to witness the incredible marine life in Rani Jhansi Marine National Park!
Cover Photo: Ritiks / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only