Gulf of Mannar in Rameshwaram
· Summer: March-June (25°C - 38°C)
· Winter: November-February (17°C - 32°C)
· Monsoon: July-September
Best time to visit:
October-April
Opening Time: 09:30 a.m.
Closing Time: 05:30 p.m. (closed from 12:30 p.m. to 01:30 p.m.)
Weekly Holiday: Sunday
Entry Fees for Indians
Adults: INR 10
Children:
INR 5
Cameras: N/A
Video Camera: N/A
Entry Fees for Foreign Nationals
Adults:
INR 10
Children:
INR 5
Cameras:
N/A
Video Camera:
N/A
An archipelago of 21 islets and the wonderful world of coral reefs together form the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, located on the eastern coast of Tamil Nadu. Littoral scrub forests and sea grass meadows, along with beaches, mudflats and estuaries turn the area into a paradise. However, the most striking highlight of the park is its wealth of flora and fauna.
While flora consists of mangroves and huge varieties of seaweeds and sea grasses, the fauna at the park consists of some exotic wonders like dugong, green turtles and Olive Ridley turtles as the major attractions. Bottlenose dolphin, spinner dolphin, finless porpoise, parrotfish, butterfly fish, clown fish and many ornamental corals keep the visitors completely enthralled.
Sea cucumber, shrimps, lobsters, sponge and stony coral species complete the colourful picture of the park. The park can be explored in glass bottom boats and one needs permit to visit the otherwise restricted park.
Connectivites
Road:
Rameshwaram, the holy town, is just about 5 km. from the national park. Excellent roads connect the park not only with Rameshwaram, but also with many other destinations like Ramanathapuram, Madurai and Tuticorin. Unbound beauty of nature is disclosed on these journeys.
Railway:
The railway station of Rameshwaram is only about 5 km. from the park. Another good option is the Mandapam Railway Station, about 24 km. away. For road journey from these stations, you can depend on local buses, auto-rickshaws and taxis.
Airway:
The closest airport to the national park is at Madurai, about 175 km. away. You can board a train from Madurai to reach the place. However, hiring a taxi should be a better option.