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For all wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts, Andaman and Nicobar is a haven. There are a plethora of wildlife sanctuaries in Andaman and Nicobar that are home to a variety of mammals, rodents, bats, birds, butterflies, saltwater crocodiles and turtles. This place has a distinct ecosystem and green jungles. Get on a tour to Andaman to explore these sanctuaries, and you can witness diverse marine life and vibrant coral reefs that will leave you with an immersive experience amidst nature like never before.
10 Best Wildlife Sanctuaries In Andaman And Nicobar
Do you love to explore the untamed and untouched wilderness of nature? Then, here are the top 10 wildlife sanctuaries in Andaman and Nicobar for you to explore.
1. Mount Harriet National Park
Photo: Chinmayisk / Wikimedia Commons / Cropped Image
This national park lies on Andaman’s third tallest peak- Mount Harriet, and is considered one of the top wildlife sanctuaries in Andaman and Nicobar. With picturesque views, and natural flora and fauna, it attracts a lot of tourists. This park is home to a lot of exotic bird species, including Andaman woodpecker and crakes, reptiles, amphibians, moths, and mammals like Nicobar Flying Fox. The park is crammed with so many trees that it gives you a feeling of taking a stroll through a forest.
Distance From Port Blair: 55 km
How To Reach: Via road or ferry
Timings: 7 AM-5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹25 for adults, ₹10 for children
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Port Blair
2. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
Photo: Ritu Kulshrestha / Wikimedia Commons
This national park is one of the best national parks near Port Blair. This park was set up to keep the marine life of this area safe. This park also covers beaches, creeks, mangrove and tropical forests, and marine ecosystems. You may spot numerous colourful sea animals here, like starfish, shells, vibrant coral reefs, and more. You can also witness exotic bird species of Tern, Teal, Reef, Heron, and more.
Location: SH8, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744103
Distance From Port Blair: 29 km
How To Reach: Via ferry from Port Blair Jetty
Timings: 9 AM-3 PM (Tuesday to Sunday)
Boating Timings: 8:30 AM-10 AM
Entry Fee: ₹50 for adults, ₹25 for children
3. Campbell Bay National Park
Photo: Portengaround / Wikimedia Commons
This national park is full of rich attractions, including wildlife and biodiversity. It has rich aquatic life and species like the Nicobar Pigeon, Giant Robber Crab, crab-eating Macaque, and Megapode. This place is also known for a variety of orchids, flowering plants, sprawling vegetation, and mangrove forests. Besides exploring the flora and fauna, you can also spot various species of birds and animals here. A trek in this sanctuary is an absolute must if you are a wildlife enthusiast.
Location: Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744302
How To Reach: Via ferry
Timings: 12 AM-12 Noon
Entry Fee: NA
Suggested Read: The Festivals Of Andaman And Nicobar Islands
4. Cuthbert Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Maria Isabella Bornotti / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
This wildlife sanctuary is a haven for natural beauty and biodiversity in the pristine islands of the Andaman and Nicobar. It is famous for nesting the Olive Ridley Turtles, Leather-back Turtles, and the Green Sea Turtles. Many species of birds, butterflies, and spotted deer can be seen here. Covered with semi-evergreen and deciduous forests, this small sanctuary also houses plenty of Ipomea species. Here, you may enjoy the release of turtle hatchlings in the sea, and find numerous birds, including Lesser Whistling Ducks, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Pond Herons, and more.
Distance From Port Blair: 196 km
Timings: 5 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹25 for adults, ₹10 for children
5. Landfall Island Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Elmer Nev Valenzuela / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This sanctuary offers you an opportunity to see the animals living in their natural habitat. With multiple ecosystems like: blue lagoons, creeks, lush mangrove rainforests, and white sandy beaches, here you can find yourself closest to nature. Housing a diverse range of fish and coral species, it’s also a habitat for some rare animals, such as the Hawksbill Turtle, Green Sea Turtle, and Andaman Water Monitor. The bird species found here are: White-headed starling, Serpent Eagle, Andaman Drongo, Andaman Coucal, and more.
Distance From Port Blair: 220 km
Activities: Swimming and snorkelling
How To Reach: Via ferry from Port Blair Jetty
Timings: 5 AM-5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹25 for adults, ₹10 for children
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Andaman And Nicobar At Night
6. Saddle Peak National Park
Photo: Ellie Burgin / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Saddle Peak is the highest point in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and this national park is famous for its land and terrestrial flora and fauna. It is home to several endemic bird species like the Andaman Wood Pigeon and the Andaman Crake, and mammal species like Andaman Wild Boar, Andaman Hill Myna, and many more. As you trek through its 8 km long trail, you may have an exhilarating wildlife experience while cherishing the best of nature here.
Location: Kalighat, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744202
Distance From Port Blair: 330 km
Timings: 4 AM-5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹25 for adults, ₹10 for children
7. Interview Island Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Simi / Pixahive / Image For Representation Only
This sanctuary is another incredible sightseeing spot on Mayabunder Island. It is full of rich marine life, colourful wildlife, azure waters, and attractive flora and fauna. The sanctuary area is covered with mangrove, semi-evergreen, and littoral forests. As you trek through the thick forests of this wildlife sanctuary, you can spot elephants trumpeting around. An array of birds, plants, and animals species, including Spotted Deer, Wild Pig, and Three-striped Palm Squirrel can also be found here.
Distance From Port Blair: 125 km
Timings: Sunrise to sunset
Entry Fee: NA
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Havelock Island
8. Lohabarrack Saltwater Crocodile Sanctuary
Photo: Rohit Naniwadekar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This is one of the best sanctuaries in Andaman and Nicobar. Home to saltwater crocodiles, it was built to preserve them. It is filled with tropical evergreen and mangrove forests. With a variety of marine and terrestrial flora and fauna, you may find yourself indulging in the beauty of nature like never before. It also has pristine beaches that are frequently visited by marine turtles. The whole area can be explored in 2 to 3 hours.
Distance From Port Blair: 30 km
Timings: 5 AM-4 PM
Entry Fee: ₹25 for adults, ₹10 for children
9. Barren Island Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Richu Roy / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Located on a remote island, this sanctuary often witnesses volcanic activities. However, you can visit this place, for the Andaman island has only one active volcano in India. This wildlife sanctuary is half natural and half man-made. It offers a great biodiversity that helps the plants and animals survive. Some of the wildlife found here are: Bats, Flying Foxes, Wild Boar, Rodents, etc. A great variety of flora can also be found here. You can enjoy scuba diving and discover underwater coral lawns here.
Distance From Port Blair: 130 km
How To Reach: Via Ferry
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: NA
Suggested Read: Water Sports In Havelock Island
10. Dil Sanctuary
Photo: T R Shankar Raman / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Popular for its six-acre pond, Dil Sanctuary is home to several birds and marine species. As you explore the museum and an educational centre here, you get a deeper insight into the wild and marine life of the Andamans. Here, you can spot Andaman Water Monitor Lizards, crocodiles, Long Tail Foxes, and more than 100 bird species, including Andaman Wood Pigeon, Andaman Crake, etc. You can visit this sanctuary for trekking, bird watching, and exploring nature.
Distance From Port Blair: 30 km
How To Reach: Via ferry from Port Blair
Timings: 9 AM – 9 PM
Entry Fee: NA
The wildlife sanctuaries in Andaman and Nicobar are a paradise on earth. These are the hidden gems that give you a glimpse into the wilderness. It is a treat to watch the mangrove forests, vibrant corals and marine life, endemic bird species, mammals, and reptiles all at one place. Some of these sanctuaries are still unexplored. While planning a trip to the islands, make sure your itinerary includes these wildlife sanctuaries. So, connect with TripXL to plan the best holiday in the lap of nature, now.
Cover Photo:Ashwin Bhat Kemthuru / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
