The Galathea National Park comprises the core area of the southern part of the Biosphere Reserve in Great Nicobar Island and consists of lowland forests which have the greatest abundance of endemic avifauna. It is the prime nesting habitat of the Nicobar Megapode and possibly the area of other endemic species too.
Basic information:
Area of the National Park – 110 Sq. Km.
Distance from Port Blair – 432 Km.
Best season for visiting – November to April
How to reach:
The national Park is accessible by ship which
plies regularly every 7-10 days from Port Blair
to Campbell Bay in Great Nicobar Island.
Accommodation:
There is a PWD Guest House with adequate
accommodation and one is adviced to do
advance booking at Port Blair/Campbell Bay
for the same.
Excursions:
An entry permit is required and is available at Campbell Bay from where one can visit South Bay (Giant Leather Back Turtle nesting ground) and to Indira Point – the southernmost point in India.
Important flora:
The park is endowed with large uninhabited low lying forests containing some rare and endangered plants with rich species content, and is also a rich resource of genetic germplasm.
Important flora:
Leather Back Turtle
The leather back turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is the largest of all the living turtles in the world. It nests in large numbers during the months between December to February at South Bay.
Source: Africa Geographic Magazine
Crab Eating Macaque
This Macaque (Macaca fascicularis) has its habitat as tropical rain forests and is arboreal in habit. It is said to have crabs as food.
Source: Flickr – Rushen
Salt Water Crocodile
The Salt Water Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is the largest of all nesting crocodiles. It is well adapted to a semi-aquatic mode of life and is typically associated with brackish waters, coastal mangrove swamps etc. The mouth of the River has an abundance of this sluggish and lethargic creature.
Source: flickr, Snap
Other important fauna:
Mammals – Andaman Wild Pig. Palm Civet, Fruit Bat.
Birds – Nicobar Pigeon, White Bellied Sea Eagle, Nicobar Serpent Eagle, Parakeets, Nicobar Megapode.
Reptiles – Water Monitor Lizard, Reticulated Python
