Discover India's Wild Heritage
Explore the diverse ecosystems and magnificent wildlife across India's national parks
Explore ParksExplore the diverse ecosystems and magnificent wildlife across India's national parks
Explore ParksIslands of Coral and Seagrass
Tamil Nadu
Image: Swarnav999 / CC BY-SA 4.0Welcome to Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park! Use the resources below to plan your adventure in one of India's most treasured wild spaces.
Safaris, bird watching, nature walks, and more
Safari timings, open seasons, and park schedules
Entry fees, safari charges, and camera fees
How to reach by air, rail, and road
Official booking links, permits, and offline reservation guidance
Nearby stays, forest rest houses, and booking resources
Island and boat access is permission-based. Confirm current visitor options with Tamil Nadu Forest or local interpretation centers before planning a marine outing.
This link opens Booking.com, a third-party site.
Interpretation centers and coastal viewpoints are easier to access than boat or island activities. Marine outings require stepping into boats and may not be suitable for all visitors.
Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park protects 21 islands and surrounding marine habitats along the Tamil Nadu coast. The larger biosphere reserve is known for coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, seaweeds, dugong habitat, reef fish, and coastal birds. Tourism access to the protected islands is regulated, so visitors usually experience the region through interpretation centers, coastal viewpoints, approved boat routes, and nearby beaches rather than free island landing.
| Season | Morning Safari | Evening Safari |
|---|---|---|
| Open Season (Oct - Mar) | By approved boat schedule | By approved boat schedule |
Visitor access is regulated for marine conservation. Confirm legal routes and interpretation options locally.
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Entry/Interpretation Fee | As notified by Tamil Nadu Forest Department |
| Boat or Eco-tourism Fee | Only where approved; varies by route |
Check current permissions and visitor options with the forest department before planning island or boat activities.
Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, Tamil Nadu coast between Rameswaram and Thoothukudi
9.1500° N, 79.2000° E
Madurai and Thoothukudi airports are practical gateways depending on the section visited.
Rameswaram, Ramanathapuram, and Thoothukudi are useful railheads.
Coastal towns along Ramanathapuram and Thoothukudi districts provide access to interpretation points and beaches.
Use local taxis and only authorized boat operators where marine visits are permitted.
Seagrass meadows, seaweeds, mangroves, coastal scrub, and coral reef-associated algae.
The marine park supports dugong habitat, reef fish, corals, sea cucumbers, mollusks, turtles, dolphins in the wider gulf, and many coastal birds.
The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park was established in 1986 and later became central to the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, India's first marine biosphere reserve.
