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Galathea National Park is one of India’s best-kept secrets and a hidden gem that is untouched by civilization. At this national park, you will find a multitude of species like animals, birds, and a variety of flora. Tourists can also spot a variety of unique animals here like crab-eating macaques, giant leatherback turtles, saltwater crocodiles, water monitor lizards, palm civets, and more. The park is also home to diverse trees and plant species including some rare varieties that have medicinal values. Adventure lovers will enjoy exploring this park as it has adrenaline-pumping activities like sea walking, scuba diving, and boating.
Quick Details About Galathea National Park
Location: Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve on the Great Nicobar Island in Andaman and Nicobar
How To Reach: Chartered flights from Port Blair or you can also take ferries from Port Blair
Galathea National Park Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
Best Time To Visit: October to April, as it is warm and tropical
Things To Do In Galathea National Park
Galathea National Park is a perfect place for an adventure as it has several trekking trails as well as watersports like snorkelling & scuba diving.
1. Trekking
Photo: Athulvis / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Galathea National Park is spread over 110 square kilometres and has vast trails that are perfect for trekking. Visitors can trek and explore the dense forests full of rare and endangered plants and unique fauna like Leatherback Turtles, Nicobar Tree Shrews, Crab-Eating Macaques, Water Monitor Lizards and Palm Civets. There are also a variety of birds like Fruit Bats, Nicobar Serpent Eagles, Nicobar Pigeons, Nicobar Megapodes, and many more. Besides this, there are opportunities for mountain biking and off-road driving on these trails.
Suggested Read: Wildlife Sanctuaries In Andaman And Nicobar
2. Snorkelling and Scuba Diving
Photo: John Cahil Rom / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Some of the best Galathea National Park activities that tourists can enjoy include snorkelling and scuba diving. By indulging in these water sports you can discover the colourful corals and marine animals in the surrounding areas of this national park. The crystal-clear water here makes it easy to spot a variety of marine animals like sea turtles, butterfly fish, angelfish, and more. There are also instructors here to help you identify these underwater species.
Cost/ Person: ₹2000-₹3500
3. Birdwatching
Photo: Ray Miller / Wikimedia Commons
Galathea National Park is a diverse ecosystem with lush tropical forests and pristine beaches. This scenic park also attracts a number of migratory birds throughout the year as it is an important stopover point. Birdwatchers and ornithologists can spot Megapodes, Green Imperial Pigeons, Nicobar Pigeons, Nicobar Scrubfowl, Fruit Bats, Edible Nest Swiftlets, etc at this park. There is also a special bird-watching tower from where tourists can get a panoramic view of Campbell Bay and the surrounding areas.
Suggested Read: Water Sports In Havelock Island
Places To Visit Around Galathea National Park
While this national park is in itself an ideal destination for sightseeing and trekking, there are also a few good places to visit around this area.
1. Campbell Bay National Park
Photo: Dhruvaraj S / Wikimedia Commons
The Campbell Bay National Park is one of the best national parks in India that has plenty of exotic flora and fauna. Tourists coming to Galathea can also plan a visit to the Campbell National Park for a complete adventure. There is a long forest zone of 12 km between the two parks where you can go trekking and spot orchids, flowering plants, and Robber Crabs. Besides this you can also spot White-Bellied Sea Eagles, Nicobar Tree Shrews, Hawksbill Turtles, Andaman Wild Pigs, and more.
How To Reach: 30 km from Galathea National Park
Entry: This park is only open for Indian tourists
2. Indira Point
Photo: T.Harshavardan / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most scenic places around Galathea National Park is the Indira Point in the Great Nicobar Islands. Lt. Rajiv Gandhi named this spot as the Indira Point to honour his mother Indira Gandhi after she visited this place. This point is known as the southernmost tip of both the Great Nicobar Island and of the Indian mainland. You can also enjoy the view from the lighthouse here that guides the ships travelling to Malaysia and Malacca through India.
Suggested Read: Little Andaman Island
3. Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve
Photo: Erik_Karits / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
The Galathea National Park is a part of the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve, which is home to a wide spectrum of ecosystems. These range from tropical wet evergreen forests to mountain ranges, and coastal plains. Tourists can explore the rich biodiversity and plant species at this reserve which encompasses around 85% of the Great Nicobar Island. From Nicobar tree shrews, Marine turtles, and Saltwater crocodiles, there are plenty of species at this reserve. It is also important to note that you need prior permission to visit this reserve.
Where To Stay
Photo: Vojtech Bruzek / Unsplash/ Image For Representation Only
There are no accommodation options available inside Galathea National Park, but there are a few hotels and restrooms on the outskirts of the forest area. These hotels include Hotel Astoria Garden, Hotel Oca Galatea & Spa, Best Western the President Hotel, and Hotel Globales Mediterrani. There is also a government-run facility near this park called Galathea Eco Lodge that offers basic amenities like AC rooms, a bar, and a restaurant.
Suggested Read: Adventure Sports In Andaman
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: AshwiniShinde / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost: A Galathea National Park ticket price is around ₹100. By including the price of water sports like snorkelling and scuba diving at this park, the total cost will come to around ₹3000.
Tips For Travellers
- Tourists need to get a permit from the forest department before visiting this national park
- Visitors should carry packed meals and water bottles as there are no eating joints here
- Apply mosquito repellent while visiting this park to avoid mosquito bites
- Visitors cannot feed animals at this national park
Galathea National Park is a natural paradise in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and boasts a rich history of flora and fauna. It is home to a diverse range of ecosystems, tropical evergreen, mangrove, and littoral forests along with rocky and sandy beaches. The park is also surrounded by coral reefs which makes it ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving. So, plan a trip to this heavenly place with TripXL and embark on an adventure.
Cover Photo: Ritu Kulshrestha / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
