Subhasis Banerjee

WANDOOR MARINE PARK Set up in 1983 AD, this Park has a teeming birdlife that includes White Bellied Sea Eagle, Andaman Wood Pigeon and Andaman Teal. Along with the highly endangered Salt Water Crocodile, the Park is the abode of four other highly endangered species of turtles – Green Sea Turtle, Leather-Backed Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle and the Olive Reedley Turtle. Here, one can also enjoy a variety of water sports. Accessibility : Reached by road up to Wandoor sea beach, visitors have to take a boat ride to traverse this sanctuary. It is 29kms away from Port Blair in the south-west. Accommodation : There is no accommodation inside the Park. Accommodation is available at Port Blair. Season : October to March.

BARREN ISLAND About 60kms east of Long Island, this sanctuary around the small Barren Island on the azure expanse of the Andaman Sea was founded in 1977 AD to preserve a variety of aquatic fauna, particularly Dugong and Dolphin. Reaching this destination is quite tedious but the experience is highly adventurous and extremely fascinating. Accessibility : Long Island is around 85kms from Port Blair and is reached by a ferry. It is situated off the south-eastern coast of Middle Andaman. Barren Island is another 60kms east of Long Island and the sanctuary can be approached by boat from here. Port Blair, the capital of the union territory, is very well connected by air and water with Kolkata and Chennai. Accommodation : Forest Rest House at Long Island is the only available accommodation. There is no available accommodation inside the sanctuary. Season : November to March.