National marine sanctuaries safeguard stony reefs, kelp forests, deep-sea canyons, and underwater archaeological sites. India has six marine national parks which harbor hidden natural treasures of the sea including coral reefs, mangroves, sea turtles, and even adorable dolphins! When we talk about India’s natural resources, we talk about India’s forests and wildlife sanctuaries, but many people are unaware that there are exotic marine national parks in India that are worth experiencing. They are the ideal adventure for marine life enthusiasts who while visiting Marine National Parks in India exploring the world underwater have an opportunity to immerse themselves in the remarkable bio-diversity that lies in India’s marine national parks.

Here are the best five marine conservatories that provide quick insight on the Marine National Parks in India!

Marine National Parks in India exploring the world underwater 

1. Gulf of Kutch Marine National Park

This marine national park is India’s first of its kind. It is located in Jamnagar, Gujarat, on the southern shore of the Gulf of Kutch. Further, it consists of 42 islands located on the Jamnagar coast. Coral lichen, bottlenose dolphins, sea slugs, painted storks, in addition to shelled mollusks are among the park’s treasured flora and fauna. One can visit this place from October to the end of February.

2. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

This Marine National Parks in India exploring the world underwater covers over 282 square kilometers, includes 15 rocky islands with white sandy beaches and tropical vegetation, open seas, and smaller bodies of water that are home to a variety of marine species. The majority of the coral reefs in the park are fringing reefs, and the area is a significant turtle breeding ground. Finally, out of the 15 islands in this national park, Jolly Buoy and Red Skin Islands are the most well-known tourist attractions here!

3. Malvan Marine Wildlife Sanctuary 

The Malvan Marine Wildlife Sanctuary in Maharashtra is an excellent place to explore! Firstly, one can spot dolphins in the blue waters, pearl oysters, corals, and a variety of endangered species of fish including Putitora mahseer, catfish, and other species. Further, this sanctuary provides great ways you can enjoy exploring underwater life like snorkeling or diving. Bird watchers can see terns, plovers, ducks, and egrets. Visitors can also visit the Sindhudurg Fort while exploring this marine national park.

4. Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, Odisha

Every year, Olive Ridley turtles come from the South Pacific to the Odisha coast to breed and give birth in large numbers. Similarly, after seeing this, the Odisha government designated 1,435 square kilometers of coastline at Gahirmatha as a protected marine park. This park is located 75 kilometers from Bhubaneswar. From October through May, the sandy coasts are overflowing with hundreds and thousands of them in various phases of development. Because of the mangroves in this area, the waters are nutrient-rich, making them ideal for this species of the smallest of all sea turtles. After hatching, the young ones swim directly to the sea, where they will begin their long journey to the South Pacific. 

5. Rani Jhansi Marine National Park

This lovely marine life sanctuary is located in the Andaman region of India’s Andaman and the Nicobar Islands. Further, the park has a one-of-a-kind collection of vegetation and sea life. From lagoons, coral reefs, to evergreen rain forests and mangrove forests. The park’s natural habitat is a beautiful diversity. Moreover, the fruit-eating bat is the park’s main attraction. Crocodiles and dugongs can also be spotted in the park, along with other wildlife. However, the surrounding islands of John Lawrence Island, Henry Lawrence Island, and Outram Island are all worth visiting.

These are 6 of India’s picturesque marine national parks that must-see on your travel bucket list. Likewise, these places are perfect for water babies. For those who want to visit Marine National Parks in India exploring the world underwater! These marine national parks are essential for the protection of marine life and the tourism here also directly impacts the local economy which the locals living in these areas need for their survival. 

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