Wandur National Park, also known as Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, comprises of about 12 islands and is located about 30 km southwest of Port Blair. the capital city of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and are also the home to Indias best marine parks.

Most of the islands in the park are densely forested; the open spaces are covered with scrub and creepers. A casual glance around and one can spot brilliant tropical flowers including orchids, broken branches and fallen leaves spread over the jungle pathways. One can also hear the bird calls, but unless in the open, it is difficult to spot the terns, gulls, ospreys, serpent crested eagles, wood pigeons and of course the swifts.

The most striking feature of all these islands is the vegetation. Very dense, it comes right down to the shore, seeming to merge into the sea. Branches and creepers overhang and dip into the seawater.

Climate:
Wandur National Park has a tropical climate. There is medium to heavy rain from May to mid September and November to mid December. There is no extreme climate except rains and tropical storms in late summer, which causes heavy damage.

FLORA AND FAUNA
These island beaches are great nestling place for growth of Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) and Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas). Several hundred Estuarine Crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) can also be found here in densities inversely proportional to human populations. The Coconut Crab (Birgus latro) on the other hand is an important species found mostly on the South Sentinel Island. The Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii) and Black-naped Tern (Sterna sumatrana) nest on the islands in unknown numbers, the Sooty Tern (Sterna fuscata) also breeds here. Molluscus, particularly Tridacna, are also important reef builders.

There are extensive mangrove stands around many islands although many of these have been destroyed in places.

ATTRACTIONS
Jollybuoy
Of all these islands Jollybuoy, which, lies towards the middle of the park, is most famous. The biggest attraction of this island is a sandy beach on its northern end. This beach is encircled by a reef, which is exposed during low tide. Walking carefully over the area one can see the tide pools and in them the sea cucumbers (Holothuroidea. sp), anemones (Heteractis crispa), starfish (Ophioderma), cowries (Cypraeidae), turbots and spider conch (Lambis).

Redskin Island
Redskin Island is another important island, which is inhabited by the deer, which were brought here by the British. Approachable by boats that land in sandy coves on either side of the island, Redskin has a large area with numerous caves along the northern cliffs. The interior is still quite densely wooded with mangrove stands along the eastern and southern creeks. Across the channel is Tarmugli, which has an extensive coral reef on the southwestern side and an idyllic diving cove at the extreme end of the reef. Nearby is Grub Island, a picturesque sand fringed island that is so small, one can walk around it.

At the southern end of the park lie the Twins. Aptly named, the two peaks rise from the deep blue sea, separated by a thin strip clean and clear water.

Mangrove
Another marvel of these islands is the mangrove. This hardy tree has its roots in seawater. The leaves and other debris of the mangrove form a very important source of food to the marine life. Like the reef this tree provides a natural buffer against storm waves.

REACHING THERE:
Regular flights from Port Blair to Calcutta and Chennai are operated by Indian Airlines. One can travel to Wandur, from Port Blair, by road.

For moving inside the park, the forest department runs a launch service, which visits two or three islands daily. More enterprising parties hire motorized canoes from local fishermen and head for the less frequented areas. It is essential to take along the fisherman as a guide for safe trips.

Permits:
Foreigners need a permit to visit the Andaman Islands. This can be obtained on arrival at Port Blair. The permit is valid for about 15 days. Foreigners are not permitted to visit Nicobar and other southern islands. One can apply for a permit from overseas, to the Deputy Secretary, Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs. The Government of India Tourist Office in Port Blair is at Middle Point. The State Government Directorate of Information, Publicity, and Tourism at Port Blair can help the tourist with the relevant information.