Galathea National Park In Andaman And Nicobar For Wildlife Enthusiasts

The Galathea National Park is located in Great Nicobar, in the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. With an enormous area covering about 110 square kilometres, the national park was awarded the status of a National Park of India in 1992. This gorgeous location in Galathea falls under the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve, a protected region of flora and fauna endemic to the island. This area also includes the larger Campbell Bay National Park, about 12 km from the Galathea National Park. The Park is famous for its vast variety of rare animal and bird species, some of which can be found only on the Island. For nature and adventure enthusiasts, the Galathea National Park in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a fabulous place to visit during your trip to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Galathea National Park Location

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The Galathea National Park is located in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago. The archipelago comprises over 300 islands, of which many are uninhabited, with only 38 inhabited islands. The park is on the Great Nicobar Island, separated from the Indian mainland by about 1200 km. The Galathea National Park location is out of the way, and more preferred by offbeat travellers. However, the unique serenity and diversity offered by the park ensure a worthwhile experience for your trip to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Galathea River defines the Galathea Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. The river originates from the tallest mountain peak on the island, Mount Thullier, flowing into the sea at the southern bay.

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What Is The Galathea National Park Famous For?

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Galathea National Park is famous for its brilliant variety of rare fauna. This includes the glorious Leatherback Turtle, the most giant turtle in the world. In winter (between December and February), Leatherback Turtles nest in large numbers at South Bay. They have been classified as vulnerable and are protected creatures. The Park is also home to the Crab-Eating Macaque and the Salt-Water Crocodile. The Salt-Water Crocodile, in particular, is the largest of all the nesting crocodiles.

A few other animals famous on the island include the Nicobar Pigeon, Nicobar Cat Snake, Nicobar Shrew, Great Nicobar Crake, Nicobar Frog, Nicobar Serpent Eagle, Nicobar Megapode, Parakeets, White Bellied Sea Eagle, Reticulated Python, Palm Civet, Nicobar Scrub-Fowl. Andaman Wild Pig, Malayan Box Turtles etc. The Great Nicobar Crake belongs to the list of critically endangered species. Some of these species of wildlife are endemic to the land. Galathea National Park is also famous for its flora. Many researchers come to this place to discover new plant species. The unique variety of flora and fauna makes it a perfect place to vacation.

Galathea National Park Facts

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For a place whose allure lies in its mystery, Galathea National Park has several unexpected and delightful stories. Here are some of the Park’s facts.

• The Park is considered a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• The Park is home to multiple forest types and boasts one of the world’s most stunning preserved tropical rainforests.
• The Shompens are the original tribe of this region. They have inhabited the region for at least 2 millennia, and are one of the world’s oldest tribes.
• The Park houses around 2,200 varieties of plants, about 1,300 of which are not found in India. Of these, about 200 are endemic and contain rare medicinal values.
• In December 2004, the third biggest tsunami recorded hit the island, causing major damage. But proving its resilience, the island recovered and now boasts a vigorously and viciously protected habitat, a safe animal space.
• NITI Aayog, an Indian think tank, plans to revitalise the island by introducing better connectivity in the coming years.
• The Park has a long history of being used as a point of control. One of the most famous accounts is when the Marathas used it as a maritime base in the 17th century.

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Best Time To Visit

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The best time of year to visit the park is in winter, from October to April. The climate in winter does not change much; the temperature lowers by a scant few degrees. Overall, the climate is very hot and humid, with moderate to heavy rains, as the area falls in the tropical and subtropical belt. Make sure your attire is water-resistant, or you carry a change of clothes in case of sudden rain spells.

How To Reach

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The nearest airport to Galathea National Park is Port Blair, which is about 523 km away. Due to the 2004 tsunami that ravaged the lands, the area is reachable only via a ship or a ferry from Port Blair. The journey via waterways takes about 50 to 60 hours.

By Ferry:
You can also travel via ferries and ships from Chennai, Kolkata and Vishakapatnam. From Port Blair, you dock at the Campbell Bay region on the island, from where you make your way to the national park. The park is reachable from Indonesia as well. The Park is cut off from civilisation, thus network connectivity here is low and may fluctuate likewise, accessibility to packaged foods and packaged water, toiletries etc might be limited. There is no place to stay at the Park, however, you can stay at overnight hotels in the Campbell Bay region.

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Essential Tips For Galathea National Park In Andaman And Nicobar Islands

• The Galathea National Park, being protected land, is facilitated to the comfort of its inhabitants, the wildlife creatures, before humans.
• Most provisions, such as toiletries, batteries, and torches, must be procured outside and unavailable in the park.
• You can make sure that they are available in the Campbell Bay region. Indian nationals have unrestricted access to the forest. Still, foreign nations need permission to visit the park from the Assistant Commissioner’s office in Port Blair and later the Forest Department officials in Campbell Bay.

Further Read: Ross Island In Andaman

Now that you have a list of the best places in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, plan your trip to Andaman to these fabulous spots for the experience of a lifetime. Don’t miss out on these opportunities and book your tickets now!

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Cover Image Credit: DickDaniels for Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions About Galathea National Park

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