This national park and the adjoining marine sanctuary encompass the intertidal zone and 42 small islands along some 120km of coast east and west of Jamnagar – an area rich in marine and bird life which faces growing challenges from industrialisation. Coral, octopus, anemones, puffer fish, sea horses, lobsters and crabs are among the marine life you may see in shallow water at low tide. The best time to visit is December to March, when wintering birds are plentiful.
There are two sections of the park: Narada and Poshitra. Narada is more interesting – from the entry gate, you park and hike 2.3km over rock and reef to the Gulf of Kachchh, where you can spot a variety of sea life. (You’ll want to wear footwear with decent soles, as the terrain is sharp.) Narada is best reached from Jamnagar, which is 65km away; hiring a car to get you there and back costs about ₹1800. Poshitra’s main draw is the coral; you won’t see many animate creatures there. Hiring a vehicle from Jamnagar costs ₹4000 whether you go one-way or round-trip; it’s closer to Dwarka, which is a reasonable base to visit from.
Narada and Poshitra are only open during low tide, so the entry schedule shifts daily. To figure out what time to go, phone the Forest Office in Jamnagar, or call Mustak Mepani at Jamnagar’s Hotel President, a terrific resource who specializes in arranging tours and cars and drivers to both Marine National Park and Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary. Before you enter, you’ll have to show your passport and fill out some paperwork.
