Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park

Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is a protected marine park off the coast of Mandapam in Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu. Established in 1986, it covers about 560 sq km and comprises 21 uninhabited islands with fringing coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves. It forms the core zone of the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, India's first marine biosphere reserve, and is noted for rich marine biodiversity including corals, dugongs, sea turtles, dolphins and migratory birds.

Visitors can expect a strictly protected marine environment where direct access to the 21 islands is restricted and requires forest department permission. The main visitor experience is based at Mandapam, with a marine interpretation centre and aquarium, and regulated glass-bottom boat rides to view coral reefs and seagrass beds without entering the water. The surroundings include shallow coastal waters, sandy islets, and views of Pamban and Rameswaram coastline. Activities are nature-oriented and guided by forest staff.