Galathea National Park, located on Great Nicobar Island in the Andaman & Nicobar archipelago, is one of India’s most beautiful and ecologically rich national parks. Established in 1992, it forms an important part of the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve and is known for its lush tropical rainforests, mangroves, sparkling coastal stretches, and diverse marine habitats. Its natural beauty, greenery, and peaceful surroundings make it a wonderful destination for wildlife lovers and nature-focused travelers.
The park is especially famous for being a major nesting ground of the Giant Leatherback Turtle, along with housing rare and unique species such as saltwater crocodiles, water monitor lizards, Nicobar birds, and several endemic plants and animals. With its unspoiled landscapes and rich biodiversity, Galathea National Park offers visitors a chance to experience nature in its purest form, making it one of the most captivating attractions in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
1. Biodiversity & Endemism: Galathea National Park is known for its exceptionally rich biodiversity, with one of the best-preserved tropical rainforests in the world. It hosts around 648 species of flora, including many rare and endemic plants, and supports more than 1,800 animal species within the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve.
2. Flagship and Rare Wildlife: The park is a key nesting site for the Giant Leatherback Turtle, one of the rarest marine turtles. It is also home to saltwater crocodiles, water monitor lizards, Nicobar pigeon, Nicobar megapode, white-bellied sea eagle, and mammals like the Nicobar macaque, tree shrew, coconut crab, and Nicobar flying fox.
3. Diverse Ecosystems & Habitats: Galathea National Park features a wide range of habitats, including mangroves, littoral forests, evergreen forests, coral reefs, and seagrass beds. The Galathea River, a perennial stream, flows through the park and supports rich estuarine biodiversity.
4. Cultural & Conservation Importance: The area is part of the traditional lands of the Shompen and Nicobarese tribes. Ongoing development proposals, such as a planned transshipment port, have raised conservation concerns due to potential impacts on turtle nesting beaches and endemic wildlife.
5. Climate & Geography: The park experiences a tropical monsoon climate with very high rainfall of around 3,000–3,800 mm annually. Its landscape includes coastal plains, dense forests, and gentle hills.
6. Accessibility & Travel Information: Travelers reach the park via Campbell Bay, with further access to Great Nicobar. Special entry permits are required due to its ecological sensitivity. The best time to visit is from November to April, ideal for wildlife viewing and outdoor experiences.
Here is the guide to reaching this beautiful national park located on Great Nicobar Island:
1. By Flight – Reach Port Blair First
Start your journey by flying to Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair, the only major airport in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. It is well-connected to cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Bangalore. From here, you’ll continue your trip toward Great Nicobar.
2. By Ship – Sail to Campbell Bay
From Port Blair, board a government-operated passenger ship heading to Campbell Bay, the main entry point to Great Nicobar Island. These ships operate every 7–10 days and offer a long sea journey with basic cabins, meal services, and comfortable seating to make the voyage pleasant for travelers.
3. By Road – Travel Within Great Nicobar
Once you reach Campbell Bay, obtain the mandatory Special Entry Permit required to access the biosphere reserve. After permit clearance, you can travel to Galathea National Park via local forest-linked and coastal routes that connect Campbell Bay with the park’s visiting zones.
Accommodation around Galathea National Park is limited, so advance planning is important. Small hotels and rest houses are available near Campbell Bay, with the PWD Guest House being the most commonly used option for visitors. It offers clean rooms and basic amenities for a comfortable stay. Travelers are advised to make prior bookings through the authorities in Port Blair or Campbell Bay, as availability can be limited during busy months.
Galathea National Park welcomes visitors all year, but the most rewarding time to explore it is from October to April. During these months, the weather stays pleasant, the skies are clearer, and the forest trails are easier to navigate. Wildlife sightings also become more frequent, making it an ideal season for nature walks, photography, and discovering the region’s rich biodiversity.
Note: Visitors are advised to get in touch with officials of the sanctuary for complete information on live aboard ship packages, scuba diving facilities, entry timings, fees etc.
Yes, permits are mandatory for entry into Galathea National Park because of its ecological sensitivity and proximity to protected tribal reserves.
Accommodation options around Galathea National Park include government lodges, PWD guesthouses, and limited local stays near Campbell Bay, all requiring advance booking.
A duration of 1–2 days is generally sufficient to explore key areas of Galathea National Park, depending on weather conditions and travel schedules.
Popular activities include wildlife spotting, birdwatching, exploring mangrove belts, and taking guided walks through the rainforest. These activities allow visitors to experience the park’s rich natural environment in permitted areas.
Yes, Galathea National Park is generally safe as long as visitors follow the official guidelines, stay within permitted zones, and respect wildlife and forest regulations. Guided access is recommended in sensitive areas for a secure and smooth experience.
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Please inform me what will be the total cost for 6 adults and one child of 8 years for 6 night 7 days andaman holiday package . dates from 07.01.2017 to 13.01.2017. please give details of specifc hotels in all the places , havelock, neil and portblair
I am interested in the above package. Can we discuss telephonically.