Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, Rameswaram: History, highlights and visitor guide

History and context

The story behind Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park

The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park lies off the east coast of Tamil Nadu between Thoothukudi and Dhanushkodi. Wikipedia describes it as made up of 21 islets in four groups, Thoothukudi, Vembar, Kilakarai and Mandapam, a short distance from the shore. It is the core of the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, described by Tamil Nadu Tourism as the first marine biosphere reserve in South Asia.

Coral mining was banned in 2005, after much reef damage had already been done.

Useful facts

Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park facts at a glance

Location

Offshore Tamil Nadu, between Thoothukudi and Dhanushkodi

Area

About 560 sq km, with 21 islands

Experience type

Glass-bottom boat rides over coral reef

Known for

Coral reefs, seagrass beds and the dugong

Best season

October to March

Access

Public access limited to glass-bottom boat rides; island landings restricted

Why it matters

Why Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is worth your time

The Gulf of Mannar is one of the richest marine areas in South Asia. The park covers about 560 square kilometres and holds 21 islands with fringing coral reefs, and it forms the core of the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve. It is home to a wide range of species, including coral, seagrass, seaweed and marine mammals, and the dugong is the flagship mammal.

The reefs have suffered from coral mining, now banned, and from pressure from fishing and warming seas, which is why access is limited. A short, supervised glass-bottom boat trip gives travellers a look at this ecosystem without disturbing it, and it adds a natural-history side to a pilgrimage stay.

Highlights

What not to miss

1. 01

   Glass-bottom boat ride

   The permitted way to see the reef: you look down through a glass panel at coral and fish in shallow water.

2. 02

   Reef and islands

   Twenty-one low islands with fringing reefs make this one of India's key marine protected areas.

3. 03

   Dugong country

   The dugong, a rare marine mammal, is the park's flagship species, though sightings are not something to expect on a short ride.

Plan your visit

How to experience it

Decide first what you actually want to see. The official line is that only glass-bottom boat rides are open to the public, offered from Mandapam and Rameswaram, so this is a viewing trip over shallow reef rather than a day on an island. Ask your hotel or the forest office which jetty is running on your dates, since services can change with weather and season.

Go early, in the calmer months. The boat takes you out over reef flats where you look down through the glass at coral, seagrass and fish. Visibility depends on the sea state and recent weather, so there is no guarantee of clear water. Wear a hat, use sunscreen and carry drinking water, as there are few facilities at the departure points.

Pair the outing with a morning at Rameswaram's temple and tirthas, or with the drive to Dhanushkodi. Do not pay anyone offering unofficial island landings; the islands are protected and most are uninhabited. If the sea is rough or boats are not running, the Gulf is still visible from Rameswaram's shoreline.

Know before you go

Timing, access and comfort

Area

Offshore between Thoothukudi and Dhanushkodi; boat rides are offered from Rameswaram, Mandapam and other coastal points

Time needed

Two to three hours for a boat outing; half a day with transfers

Best time

October to March, when the sea is generally calmer; early morning for the best light and the least wind

Walking level

Easy

Senior comfort

The ride itself is seated, but boarding a small boat from a jetty or beach can be awkward, and the sea may be choppy. Older travellers should check the weather, wear a hat and carry water. There is little shade on the boat.

Tickets and access

Public access inside the park is limited to glass-bottom boat rides. Fees, boat timings and booking arrangements are not published in a fixed schedule; confirm with the Wildlife Warden's office at Mandapam or the tourism desk before travelling. Landing on the islands is restricted.

Plan it with

FAQs