"Exploring the Natural Wonders of Mount Harriet National Park: A Journey to Remember"

Mount Harriet National Park is a hidden gem in the Andaman Islands. Established in 1987, it is the third-largest national park in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Located on Mount Harriet, the park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Here's a detailed overview of the park's history, geography, and biodiversity.

1. Location :Ferrargun, Andaman district of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

2. Coverage area : 46.6 sq km

3. Main attraction : flora and fauna

4. Best time to visit :November to May

5. Nearby excursions : Havelock Island, Madhuban Beach, Fisheries Museum, Rajiv Gandhi water activities centre

6. Nearby cities :Port Blair

History:

Mount Harriet National Park is named after the second wife of Robert Christopher Tytler, who was the Superintendent of the Convict Settlement of Port Blair during British rule in India. The park was established in 1987 to protect the endangered Andaman hill myna, which is only found on the Andaman Islands.

Geography:

Mount Harriet National Park covers an area of 47 square kilometers, making it the third-largest national park in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is located on Mount Harriet, which is the highest peak in South Andaman, with an elevation of 1,200 feet above sea level. The park offers panoramic views of the surrounding islands and the Bay of Bengal.

Flora:

The park is home to a variety of vegetation types, including tropical evergreen forests, semi-evergreen forests, and littoral forests. The vegetation is dominated by Dipterocarpaceae, Myristicaceae, Lauraceae, and Palmae species. The park is also home to several species of orchids, ferns, and mosses.

Fauna:

Mount Harriet National Park is home to a diverse range of animal species, including the Andaman wild pig, Andaman hill myna, Andaman imperial pigeon, Andaman serpent eagle, water monitor lizard, saltwater crocodile, and many more. The park is also home to several endemic species, such as the Andaman shama and Andaman crake.

Tourism:

The park offers several trekking routes, including the one to Madhuban, which is a 16-kilometer trek. The park also has a guest house and a camping site for visitors. The best time to visit the park is between December and April when the weather is pleasant.

1. Trekking: Mount Harriet is a popular trekking destination in the Andaman Islands. The trek takes about 2-3 hours and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and forests.

2. Birdwatching: The park is home to a wide variety of birds, including the Andaman woodpecker, Andaman treepie, Andaman drongo, and Andaman crake. Birdwatching enthusiasts can enjoy spotting these unique bird species in their natural habitat.

3. Nature trails: The park offers several nature trails, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty levels. These trails offer an excellent opportunity to explore the flora and fauna of the park and to enjoy the peace and quiet of the forest.

4. Picnicking: The park has several designated picnic spots where visitors can enjoy a relaxed picnic amidst the lush greenery of the park.

5. Accommodation: Visitors can stay in forest rest houses located within the park, which offer basic amenities and a unique experience of living amidst nature.

6. How to reach: The park is located about 20 km from Port Blair and can be reached by road. Visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus from Port Blair to reach the park. The nearest airport and railway station are also located in Port Blair.

7. Entry fees: The entry fee for Mount Harriet National Park is INR 25 for Indian nationals and INR 250 for foreign nationals. Additionally, visitors are required to pay a camera fee of INR 25 for still photography and INR 200 for videography.

8. Best time to visit: The best time to visit Mount Harriet National Park is between November and May when the weather is pleasant and the park is open for visitors. The park is closed during the monsoon season, which usually lasts from June to October.

Fun Facts:

• Mount Harriet National Park was featured on the back of the Indian 20-rupee note until 2016.

• The park is also home to a World War II bunker that was built by the Japanese army.