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Introduction
Marine National Park (Gulf of Kutch) in Gujarat is one of India’s most celebrated national parks. Located in the Jamnagar & Devbhumi Dwarka district, Marine National Park in the Gulf of Kutch is India’s very first marine national park, where visitors can walk on intertidal coral reefs during low tide without diving!
Quick Facts
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| State | Gujarat |
| Districts | Jamnagar & Devbhumi Dwarka |
| Year of Notification | 1982 (India’s First Marine National Park) |
| Total Area | 162.89 sq km |
| Landscape | Intertidal coral reefs, mangrove forests, mudflats, and 42 tropical islands. |
| Nearest Airport | Jamnagar Airport (JGA) – 30 km / Rajkot Airport – 110 km |
| Nearest Railway Station | Jamnagar Railway Station (JAM) – 25 km |
| Best Time to Visit | November to March |
Location
The national park lies in the Jamnagar & Devbhumi Dwarka region of Gujarat. Drive to Narara reef gate (30 km from Jamnagar) or boat from Bedi port to Pirotan Island.
History
Declared a Marine Sanctuary in 1980 and upgraded to India’s 1st Marine National Park in July 1982.
Landscape, Geography & Habitat
Covering an expansive area of 162.89 sq km, the park’s terrain features Intertidal coral reefs, mangrove forests, mudflats, and 42 tropical islands.
Flora
Dominant vegetation and floral species include: Intertidal coral reefs, mangrove forests, mudflats, and 42 tropical islands.
Fauna
Primary Mammals & Key Species: Coral Reefs (52 coral species), Sea Anemone, Sponge, Dugong (Sea Cow), Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin, Green Turtle, Octopus, Pufferfish, and Giant Crab.
Other Wild Animals & Wildlife
Avifauna & Bird Species: Painted Stork, Flamingo, Pelican, Crab Plover, Eurasian Spoonbill, Avocet, Oystercatcher, Tern, and Gull.
Rivers & Water Bodies
The lifeline of Marine National Park (Gulf of Kutch) is sustained by: Gulf of Kutch intertidal marine waters and coral reef lagoons.
Other Attractions
Major nearby tourist attractions: Narara Reef Coral Walk (30 km), Pirotan Island (boat trip), Lakhota Fort Jamnagar (25 km), Dwarka (120 km).
Weather & Climate
Coastal semi-arid climate (15°C to 38°C).
How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Jamnagar Airport (JGA) – 30 km / Rajkot Airport – 110 km
- Nearest Railway Station: Jamnagar Railway Station (JAM) – 25 km
- Road Connectivity: Drive to Narara reef gate (30 km from Jamnagar) or boat from Bedi port to Pirotan Island.
Best Time to Visit
The optimal tourism season is from November to March (Low tide coral walking).
Accommodation
Hotels in Jamnagar city. Advance booking through official State Tourism or Forest Department portals is highly recommended.
Conservation Highlights
Pioneered coastal mangrove and intertidal coral reef marine conservation in India.
Visitor Tips
Check local tide timetables; coral walking at Narara reef is possible only during low tide window.
Did You Know?
- India’s FIRST Marine National Park, established in 1982.
- Allows visitors to walk directly on exposed living coral reefs during low tide.
- Protects 52 species of coral and 42 islands in the Gulf of Kutch.
Last Updated: August 2026