Discover the wonders of the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, a breathtaking marine reserve that covers an area of 560 square kilometres. Learn about its rich history, flora &amp; fauna, and other important details such as location, timings, entry fees, and so on. Visitors can also explore nearby places like the Tuticorin Port and the Kattabomman Memorial Fort. Spend some time reading through the specifics.

Adam's Bridge, also known as Rama Setu, is a natural bridge of sandbanks and shoals that connects the Pamban Island of Tamil Nadu with Mannar Island of Sri Lanka. According to Hindu mythology, the bridge was built by Lord Rama and his army of monkeys to reach Sri Lanka and rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana. Adam's Bridge is also an important marine biosphere reserve that serves as a breeding ground for various marine species. Visitors can take a boat ride to explore the bridge and the surrounding areas. The site also has religious significance and is considered a pilgrimage site for Hindus.

Location: Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu
Timings: Open 24 hours
Distance from Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park: 12 KM&nbsp;

Located just 30 km from the national park, Krusadai Island is a small and picturesque island that is known for its beautiful coral reefs and marine life. Visitors can take a boat ride to the island and explore the coral reefs and mangrove forests. The island is also home to a variety of bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatching.

Location: Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 7:00 am to 2:00 pm
Distance from Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park: 30 KM&nbsp;

Situated about 327 km from the national park, Vattakottai Fort is an ancient fort that dates back to the 18th century. The fort is situated on a hill overlooking the sea and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can explore the fort and enjoy the scenic beauty of the area.

Location: Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 10:00 am to 4:30 pm
Distance from Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park: 343 km

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Located around 248 km from the national park, Thiruchendur Murugan Temple is a famous Hindu temple that is dedicated to Lord Murugan. The temple is one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan and is visited by thousands of devotees every year. The temple is situated on the shores of the Bay of Bengal and offers stunning views of the sea.

Location: Thiruchendur, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 5:00 am to 9:00 pm
Distance from Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park: 248 KM&nbsp;

Situated around 348 km from the national park, Kanyakumari Beach is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tamil Nadu. The beach is famous for its stunning sunrises and sunsets and offers panoramic views of the sea. Visitors can take a dip in the sea or relax on the beach and enjoy the scenic beauty of the area.

Location: Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Distance from Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park: 348 KM

Situated on a rocky island off the coast of Kanyakumari, around 381 km from the national park, Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a popular tourist attraction that is dedicated to Swami Vivekananda. The memorial is built in memory of the great Indian philosopher and offers stunning views of the sea. Visitors can explore the memorial and enjoy the scenic beauty of the area.

Location: Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Distance from Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park: 381 KM

By Air:
<ul>
<li>The nearest airport to reach the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is Tuticorin Airport, which is located 35 kilometres away. From the airport, take a taxi or hire a private vehicle to reach the park.</li>
</ul>

By Road:
<ul>
<li>The park is well-connected by road to major cities in Tamil Nadu. One can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach the park.</li>
</ul>

By Rail:
<ul>
<li>The nearest railway station to reach the park is Rameswaram Railway Station, which is located 28 kilometres away. From the station, take a taxi or hire a private vehicle to reach the park.</li>
</ul>

The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the diverse marine life and ecosystems of India. From the stunning coral reefs to the exotic flora and fauna, this park has something for everyone. With a range of nearby places to visit, it is an ideal spot for nature lovers, and families alike. Plan your visit today and experience the beauty of this remarkable park for yourself.

The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is located in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and was established in 1980. It is a biosphere reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is home to several species of marine life, including coral reefs, dolphins, sea turtles, and dugongs. It covers an area of 560 square kilometres and is located in the Gulf of Mannar, between India and Sri Lanka. The park comprises 21 small islands and is known for its rich marine biodiversity.

The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, boasting a stunning variety of marine life, birds, and mangrove vegetation. The park is home to over 3,600 species of flora and fauna, including endangered species like the sea cow or dugong, olive ridley turtle, and the whale shark. The coral reefs, sea-grass beds, and mangrove forests provide shelter and breeding grounds for a plethora of marine animals like dolphins, whales, and various fish species. The park's avian population includes migratory and resident bird species like the black-necked stork, the little cormorant, and the pied kingfisher. Visitors can also explore the park's unique mangrove ecosystem, which supports several species of plants and animals. The park's diverse flora and fauna make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

Location: Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, Tamil Nadu, India.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fees: INR 25 for Indians and INR 500 for foreigners
Distance from Chennai: Approximately 582 kilometres

Dhanushkodi Beach is a beautiful beach located in the southernmost tip of Rameswaram Island, Tamil Nadu. It is known for its natural beauty and serene environment, making it a popular tourist destination. The beach is surrounded by the Bay of Bengal on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other, providing visitors with a breathtaking view of the sea. The beach is also known for its clear waters, making it an ideal spot for swimming and other water activities. Dhanushkodi Beach is a must-visit destination for those looking to relax and soak up the natural beauty of the region.

Location: Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 6:00 am to 5:00 pm
Distance from Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park: 12 KM&nbsp;

A Guide to the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park

India > Tamil Nadu

19 Feb 2026

Explore in Tamil Nadu

Table of Content

A Guide to ​​the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park

India > Tamil Nadu

19 Feb 2026

Explore in Tamil Nadu

Table of Content

A Guide to the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park