Andamans 2015, Day 4, Wandoor, Jolly Buoy, Red Skin

21-October-2015
This was our last day in Port Blair before we move on to Havelock. We had planned on visiting Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park in Wandoor.
MGMNP is located in Bay of Bengal covering approximately 281.5 sq km area. It is about 30 kms from Port Blair, the capital city of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Wandoor is the main entry point into the park which is situated on the park's north western tip.
The lush green mangrove forest alongside the dense tropical rain forests and the enchanting diverse coral reefs with sea grass meadows are a visual treat. The national park harbors the richest coral reefs and associated marine line in the country.
Some important animal species found in the park are

• Estuarine crocodile
• Leatherback sea turtle
• Green turtle
• Olive ridley turtle
• Hawksbill turtle
• Sea cow or Dugong
• Manta Ray
• Common Dolphin
• White bellied sea eagle

Most of the Islands that form  MGMNP are completely protected areas and tourists are allowed only in two islands i.e. Red Skin and Jolly Buoy. These two islands are rotated on six monthly basis. At the time we were there, the island where we were allowed was Red Skin.