Marine National Park |
About: |
Gujarat has the distinction of creating the country's first Marine National Park spread over an area of nearly 458 sq.kms. in the Gulf of Kutch, 30 km. from Jamnagar. Here corals create fantasies in stone and are the master builders of the Park. Their limestone fortresses - those found near the Pirotan Islands and the rich moist deciduous forests like those found in the dense forests of the Danes. One of the most threatened birds, the great Indian bustard finds a refuge in certain pockets of protected areas.
Each one the work of a colony of countless tiny animals - come in an amazing variety of shapes and sizes, from the convolutedbrain coral corals that look like horns. Here you will find plants that look like animals and animals that look like plants. Turtles, shrimp, sponge, eels, sea urchin lurk among the corals and huge schools of fish create a brilliance of colors that are unknown, unseen and unimaginable to us. There are Gobi's which clean parasites from other fish and fishes who burrow so deep only their eyes are seen. You will easily spot fishes that look like stars and spot dolphins herding schools of fish for a hearty meal. Dugong, a marine mammal which resembles a seal and the rare Boralia species are found in these protected areas. At times it seems as if every life form here is familiar with the art of magic as each seem to trick the other for food and shelter. Above the waters, mangrove plants with their tangled roots and densely packed leaves prevent land based predators from penetrating but provide scores of birds with nesting and roosting sites. There is no doubt that life in the coral reef is like witnessing a thousand rainbows in a kaleidoscopic way. The world's only four-horned antelope, the chowsingha is found here in healthy numbers. One of the largest herds of blackjacks grace the grasslands of Velavadar and till recently Gujarat was the place where flamingos nested in huge numbers. Dugong, a marine mammal which resembles a seal, along with the rare Borolo species have found home in the protected areas of the Marine National Park. In 1982, the protected area of the sanctuary was enlarged nearly to 458 sq. km. and that of the park is now 162.89 sq.km. In all a total 931.33 Sq.Km of area including Mangrove forests is under the administration of Jamnagar Circle.Recently, the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) has declared this Park as catThe landscape of the shallow waters of the park is dominated by a complex coral reef ecosystem, coupled with extensive mangroves. Apart from the rich collection of corals in different shapes and sizes, mainly six species of mangroves are commonly represented in this area, i.e. Avicennia marina, Avicennia alba, Avicennia officianalis, Rhizophora mucronata, Ceriops tagal, Aegiceros corniculata. Sporadic presence of Salvadora, Tamarix dioca and Commiphora wightii is observed on islands. The slushy muddy mangrove marshes provide a paradise for marine creatures, marine Flora and colourful living corals.Mangroves also support huge breeding colonies of painted storks (Mycteria leucocephala), herons, egrets, ibises, spoonbills (Platalea leucorodia), darters (Anhinga melanogaster), Flamingoes, avocets, ducks, terns, gulls and little cormorants (Phalacrocorax niger) and Stints. egory-II area in the list of important National Parks of the world, published by them. |
Location info: |
Address: Marine National Park, Jamnagar,Gujarat,India |
District: Jamnagar |
Nearest City: Jamnagar |
Best time to visit: December to April |
Climate/Weather: |
Temperatures of average maximum 28° Celsius in March/April. The average minimum falls to 22° Celsius in August/September. |
History: |
Marine National Park in The Gulf of Kutch is an inlet of the Arabian Sea along the west coast of India, in the state of Gujarat.The maximum depth of Gulf of Kutch is situated on the southern shore of the Gulf of Kachchh in the Jamnagar District is located in state of Gujarat, India. The headquarters is in Jamnagar. The famous city of Dwarka is situated in this district... of Gujarat is a States and territories of India in western India. Gujarat borders Pakistan to the north west and the state of Rajasthan to the north and northeast, Madhya Pradesh to the east, state, India . In 1990, an area of 270 sq.km. from Okha is a types of inhabited localities in Russia in Sakhalin Oblast, Russia. to Jodiya was declared Marine Santuary. Later, in 1982, a core area of 110 sq.km was declared Marine National Park under the provisions of the Wildlife (protection) Act, 1972 of India. It is the first national marine park of India. There are 30 to 40 islands on the Jamnagar coast in the Marine National Park, all surrounded by reefs. The best known islands are Pirotan and Karubhar. Among the fauna found here include: coralCorals are marine organisms from the class Anthozoa and exist as small sea anemone?like polyps, typically in colonies of many identical individuals. The dugong is a large marine mammal which, together with the manatees, is one of four living species of the order Sirenia. It is the only living representative of the once-diverse family Dugongidae; its closest modern relative, Steller's Sea Cow , was hunted to extinction in the 18th century.. and the finless porpoise. |
Interesting things to do: |
Interesting things to Visit: |
Gobi's: There are Gobi's which clean parasites from other fish and fishes who burrow so deep only their eyes are seen. You will easily spot fishes that look like stars and spot dolphins herding schools of fish for a hearty meal. Dugong, a marine mammal which resembles a seal and the rare Boralia species are found in these protected areas. At times it seems as if every life form here is familiar with the art of magic as each seem to trick the other for food and shelter. Above the waters, mangrove plants with their tangled roots and densely packed leaves prevent land based predators from penetrating but provide scores of birds with nesting and roosting sites. There is no doubt that life in the coral reef is like witnessing a thousand rainbows in a kaleidoscopic way.
Tiny animals: Threatened bird: |
Mobile range info: |
How to reach? |
Nearest Railway Station:Jamnagar 7 km. ,raiway station. |
Nearest Airport:Marine National Park is at Jamnagar airport, which is merely at a distance of 7 km. |
Road Transport:Regular buses ply between Marine National Park and Jamnagar, ensuring comfortable roadway communication. |
Nearest Visiting places: |
Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary: Khijadia Bird Sanctuary:
Bohra Hajira:
Lakhota Palace: Museum of Antiquities: Rangmati River: Adinath Mandir: Bhid Bhanjan Temple: The Bhid Bhanjan Temple is one of the many Temples in Jamnagar whose beauty and minute detailing in decoration has fascinated those who have already visited it.For those who haven't, reaching Jamnagar is also not a problem at all. The place can be reached by various modes of transport. Flights of Indian (Indian Airlines) can take you to Jamnagar from Mumbai in Maharashtra or Bhuj in Gujarat. Jamnagar is also connected directly with Ahmedabad and Bombay through railway. Hapa Junction, which is 9 kilometers from Jamnagar, is a convenient point to drop at. Moreover, Jamnagar is also connected by a sound network of Roads. State Transport of Gujarat offers efficient two-way bus services from Jamnagar to the cities of Gujarat like: Ranmal Lake: Bala Hanuman Temple: Shantinath Mandir: Rozi and Bedi Ports: Beyt Dwarka Beach: Rukmini Hrid: Mandvi Beach: Dwarka Lighthouse: Porbandar Beach: |
Nearest Petrol Pump: |
Petrol pump:Gulabnagar,Jamnagar,Gujarat,India Cheater petrol pump:Jamnagar,Gujarat,India |
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation: |
Hotel Ashiana:New Super Market,Bedi Gate Road,Jamnagar,Gujarat,India,ph:0288 2559110
Hotel President:Teen Batt,Jamnagar,Gujarat,India Hotel Vishal:Jamnagar,Gujarat,India |
Things to carry: |
Tips & Suggestions: |
Help Line/Phone Number: |
Police Station:100 |
Nearest Hospital:Indu Madhu Hospital:Jamnagar,Gujarat,India |
Society/Community Phone Number: |
Link:www.nawanagar.com |
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Dwarkadhish Temple |
Dwarka the headquarters of Okhamandal taluka is in the extreme west of the Saurashtra peninsula on the Arabian Sea. It is a station on the Ahmedabad-Okha broad gauge railway line, about 137-km from Jamnagar, 217 km from Rajkot and 378 km from Ahmedabad.A state highway with Jamnagar and Okha also connects it. Nearest airport is Jamnagar. Dwarka lies on 20.22' north latitude and 69.05' east longitude and built on the night bank of Gamut creek. Dwarka was known as the city of Gold. Shree Krishna came here from Mathura along with some Yadav families and establishes his own empire Dwarka. That was the legend but science proved it partially. Scientists researched on that and have found some facts....more |
Nageshwara Mahadeva Temple |
This place has got its name from the word 'dwar' which denotes door. Amongst the Holy Places in Dwarka, an admired place that draws tourists in huge numbers is the Nageshwar Mandir, Dwarka. This temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and remains abuzz with tourists and pilgrims round the year.At Nageshwar Mandir in Dwarka, the Nageshwar Mahadev Sivalingam faces south while the Gomugam faces east. There is a popular story for this position. One day, Naamdev, an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, was singing bhajans facing the Lord. Other devotees told him to stand aside and not block the front view of the Lord. To this, Naamdev asked these people to propose one direction in which the Lord is not present, so that he can stand there. The angry devotees carried him out of the temple and left him on the south side....more |
Bet Dwarka Beach |
A visit to Beyt Dwarka Beach along with an attendant visit to Tourism of Gujarat, offers information at the disposal of the visiting tourist that the Beyt Dwarka Beach is one of the lesser known beaches in the annual calendar of the travelers. Beyt Dwarka Beach in Gujarat, India, is located in the deeply historical and religiously popular town of Dwarka, in Gujarat, India, which is known to be of immense importance for the tourists visiting the site from various parts of the country. Beyt Dwarka Beach, in Gujarat, India, comprises of an isolated island called Beyt Dwarka, in Dwarka, Gujarat, India, with the people coming to visit from the seafront of Okha. A ferry or a small boat takes around half an hour to reach the Beyt Dwarka seafront with the separation between the Okha land portion and the Beyt Dwarka Island being that of around four kilometers....more |
Lighthouse Dwarka |
Dwarka in Gujarat happens to be an important pilgrimage centre and is famed for the Lord Krishna Temple. The Lighthouse in Dwarka is yet another important landmark in the city and is amongst the treasured historical monuments in Gujarat. A port was built in the 19th century and a flag mast was built at the port to put up a lamp which served the purpose of a lighthouse. Since then the Lighthouse, Dwarka has been figuring in the list of most Gujarat tourist attractions.A square tower was erected at the same site in the year 1866 which was 18 m high. An oil wick lamp was installed on the tower. On November 29th, 1877, Sir Richard Temple, the Governor of Bombay, came to Dwarka by sea route. He visited the lighthouse and ordered modifications.....more |
Sabha Mandapa |
The Sabha Mandapa in Dwarka Gujarat is a multi pillared structure in the ancient temple of Dwarkadish. During your tour to the forts and monuments in Gujarat, this is one attraction which you cannot afford to miss. The temple has been renovated quite a number of times. The intricate work of architecture that is found on the exteriors of the temple dates back to the 16th and 12th century. The Sabha Mandapa, Dwarka leads to a sanctum sanctorum which consists of 60 pillars and has scriptures that are 2500 years old. The entire temple is adorned with fine sculptures and is among the major tourist attractions in Gujarat. The middle part of the stunning Sabha Mandapa houses a small temple of Balramji, which is positioned at a lower level. This temple also houses the idol of Shri Mahaprabhuji. The people behind the construction of the Dwarkadish temple have shown their knowledge and proficiency by placing the deity of elder brother Balramji in the Sabha Mandapa and deity of Mother Devaki facing the Lord Dwarkadhish temple.....more
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Lakhota Palace |
The Lakhota Palace in Jamnagar is one of the major tourist attractions in Gujarat, which you cannot afford to miss while on your tour to the state monuments. It is a small palace located on an island in the midst of the Lakhota Lake. The beautiful Lakhota Palace was once home to the Maharaja of Nawanagar. It was built in the form of a fort with semi-circular bastions, turrets and a pavilion that has guardrooms displaying swords, musket loops and powder flasks.One of the most striking relics of the rich past of regal India, a Tour To Jamnagar is considered to be a definite must have if you are planning a tour itinerary to Gujarat. Almost the entirety of the erstwhile princely state of Jamnagar is still alive, resplendent in the rich glory of the times gone ....more |
Museum Of Antiguities |
One of the most interesting aspects of planning a Tour to Jamnagar is the rich history and heritage of the land, a history, which can be said to be one of the olde3st histories of all the princely states of Saurasthra. Almost the entirety of the city of Jamnagar is dotted with some of the finest Forts and Monuments Of Jamnagar, which are led by, perhaps, the vast storehouse of antiquities as preserved in the Museum of Antiquities, Jamnagar. The Museum of Antiquities in Jamnagar is considered to a definite must include in your tour itinerary if you are planning a visit to the city of Jamnagar. Definitely noticeable as one of the most attractive tourist attractions in Jamnagar, almost the entirety of the complex of the Museum of Antiquities, Jamnagar has some secret or the other to share with the tourists to her land....more |
Khijadia Bird Sanctuary |
Khijadia Bird Sanctuary is around 10 km north east of Jamnagar Gujarat. It represents the combination of seasonal freshwater shallow lake, inter tidal mudflats creeks saltpans saline land and mangrove scrub.It is the known breeding ground of the Great Crested Grebe. Apart from it Little Grebe Purple Moorhen, Coot Black winged Stilt and Pheasant tailed Jacana are also recorded breeding here. Raptors, including harriers eagles hawks and falcons are also spotted here. The sanctuary also shelters migratory birds such as swallows martins wagtails and various waterfowls. It is considered an important site for ecological research and education....more |
Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary |
Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary is located along the coast of Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat. It covers an area of around 332.87hectare and has two plots of terrain, which are divided by wastelands and agricultural lands that falls in between them. The natural vegetation of the sanctuary comprises mostly of grassland along with saline shrubs. There are various rare species of plants that can be found here. Some of the common plants seen here are capparis, salvadora, prosopis juliflora, dichantheum, cyperus, suaeda etc.On the coastal areas of Gulf of Kutch enclosed by high tidal zone in the north and pastoral fields and wastelands on the other verge the Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary in Jamnagar is a secure abode for varied vertebrates and invertebrates....more |
Gomati River |
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