'' The national park is located in the Jamnagar district of Gujarat. Duiring 1980, an area covering 270 sqkm was declared as Marine Sanctuary but a little later in 1982, another main area covering 110 sqkm was declared Marine National Park according to the provisions made in Wildlife (protection) Act 1972. Initially the area from Okha to Jodiya was preserved. This park is the first Indian Marine National Park. Jamnagar district of Gujarat has small or big islands at its coastal line towards Okha and Porbandar.
The Marine National Park consists of an archipelago of 42 islands. Some of the best known islands are Pirotan, Karubhar, Narara, Poshitra.
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Marine National Park and Sanctuary falls in the inter-tidal zone along the Jamnagar coasts and islands in the Gulf of Kachchh. Blessed with a great diversity of habitats, its coral reefs and mangroves and the series of 42 islands form a unique, though fragile, eco-system, which supports an amazing marine life and biodiversity.
Attractions in Marine National Park
Flora : The vast coastal line provides a beautiful scenic view of sea and its species. Perhaps this is the only place in world where one can view the reefs without diving into the water. Just after the tide goes back, a normal walk in 1ft or 2 ft water will give you the experience of viewing the reefs around your feet.
Founa : Colourful sponges and corals including 42 hard coral and 10 soft coral species, sea anemones, jelly fishes, sea horse, octopus, pearl oyster, sabela, portugese- man-of-war, starfish, bonellia, sepia, lobster, crabs, prawns, sea turtles, dolphin, dugong, porpoise, shark etc.
Best Time to Visit Marine National Park
This national park can be visited throughout the year. No winter season hampers the visit.
How to Reach there
Air: The nearest airport is at Jamnagar (33 Kilometers).
Rail: The nearest railway stations is Jamnagar.
Road: The nearest bus stand is located at Jamnagar.