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About
Wandur National Park
Wa ndur
National Park comprises of about 12 islands and is located about 30 km
southwest of Port Blair. the capital city of Andaman and Nicobar
Islands and are also the home to Indias best marine parks.
Most of the islands in the park are densely forested; the open spaces
are covered with scrub and creepers. A casual glance around and one
can spot brilliant tropical flowers including orchids, broken branches
and fallen leaves spread over the jungle pathways. One can also hear
the bird calls, but unless in the open, it is difficult to spot the
terns, gulls, ospreys, serpent crested eagles, wood pigeons and of
course the swifts. The most striking feature of all these islands is
the vegetation. Very dense, it comes right down to the shore, seeming
to merge into the sea. Branches and creepers overhang and dip into the
seawater.
Climate:
Wandur National Park has a tropical climate. There is medium to heavy
rain from May to mid September and November to mid December. There is
no extreme climate except rains and tropical storms in late summer,
which causes heavy damage.
Flora and
Fauna
These
island beaches are great nestling place for growth of Leatherback (Dermochelys
coriacea), Ha wksbill
(Eretmochelys imbricata), Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) and
Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas). Several hundred Estuarine Crocodiles (Crocodylus
porosus) can also be found here in densities inversely proportional to
human populations. The Coconut Crab (Birgus latro) on the other hand
is an important species found mostly on the South Sentinel Island. The
Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii) and Black-naped Tern (Sterna sumatrana)
nest on the islands in unknown numbers, the Sooty Tern (Sterna fuscata)
also breeds here. Molluscus, particularly Tridacna, are also important
reef builders.
There are extensive mangrove stands around many islands although many
of these have been destroyed in places.
Attractions
Jollybuoy
Of all these islands Jollybuoy, which, lies towards the
middle of the park, is most famous. The biggest attraction of this
island is a sandy beach on its northern end. This beach is encircled
by a reef, which is exposed during low tide. Walking carefully over
the area one can see the tide pools and in them the sea cucumbers (Holothuroidea.
sp), anemones (Heteractis crispa), starfish (Ophioderma), cowries (Cypraeidae),
turbots and spider conch (Lambis).
Redskin Island
Redskin Island is
another important island, which is inhabited by the deer, which were
brought here by the British. Approachable by boats that land in sandy
coves on either side of the island, Redskin has a large area with
numerous caves along the northern cliffs. The interior is still quite
densely wooded with mangrove stands along the eastern and southern
creeks. Across the channel is Tarmugli, which has an extensive coral
reef on the southwestern side and an idyllic diving cove at the
extreme end of the reef. Nearby is Grub Island, a picturesque sand
fringed island that is so small, one can walk a round
it.
At the southern end of the park lie the Twins. Aptly named, the two
peaks rise from the deep blue sea, separated by a thin strip clean and
clear water.
Mangrove
Another marvel of these islands is the mangrove. This hardy
tree has its roots in seawater. The leaves and other debris of the
mangrove form a very important source of food to the marine life. Like
the reef this tree provides a natural buffer against storm waves.
Reaching There
Regular flights from Port Blair to Calcutta and Chennai are operated
by Indian Airlines. One can travel to Wandur, from Port Blair, by
road.
For moving inside the park, the forest department runs a launch
service, which visits two or three islands daily. More enterprising
parties hire motorized canoes from local fishermen and head for the
less frequented areas. It is essential to take along the fisherman as
a guide for safe trips.
Permits
Foreigners need a permit to visit the Andaman Islands. This can be
obtained on arrival at Port Blair. The permit is valid for about 15
days. Foreigners are not permitted to visit Nicobar and other southern
islands. One can apply for a permit from overseas, to the Deputy
Secretary, Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs. The
Government of India Tourist Office in Port Blair is at Middle Point.
The State Government Directorate of Information, Publicity, and
Tourism at Port Blair can help the tourist with the relevant
information. |
