Campbell Bay National Park

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, one of the Union territories of India, consist of around 572 islands. Collectively there are 96 sanctuaries present there. Instituted as a national park of India in 1992, Campbell Bay National park is one of the well-known wildlife sanctuaries in the Great Nicobar district of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It spans an area covering 426.23 km² and finds its parts in the Biosphere reserve of Nicobar Island. Surrounding it is the Galathea National Park, a vast forest area 12 Km from the Campbell Bay National Park. The beautiful views attract photographers, nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Campbell Bay National Park

Campbell Bay National Park is rich in aquatic life, varieties of floral vegetation, forest areas, and unique ecosystems. Activities like grazing, poaching, cultivation and hunting are prohibited in Campbell Bay National Park. It supports the enrichment of biodiversity and wildlife ecosystems. Circumscribed and well-marked boundaries make the park safe and secure to visit.

Available Transportation 

Campbell Bay National Park is maintained by the Indian Government and can be reached by water and air transportation. Pawan Hans and Veer Savarkar International Airport are the air services available from the capital city of Port Blair. Boat service is also available in Port Blair. Ship services can be taken from Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam. 

Floral Ecosystem 

The  National Park has an exquisite variety of orchids like bravura. It also consists of trees like ferns, evergreen forests, mangrove forests and other flowering plants. Plant species like Rhizophora, Ipomea, Elaeocarpus ganitrus, Arundinaria gigantea (cane), Nypa fruticans (nipa palm), Canarium euphyllum, Pandanus tinctoria Ficus, Ceriops tagal, and Sterculia are also found in the park.

Wildlife

Campbell Bay National Park is home to various turtle species like Hawksbill, Olive Ridley, Leatherback, Malayan box and Giant leatherback. Eagle species of Nicobar serpent eagle and white-bellied sea eagle are found in this park. There are a variety of crab-eating macaque, megapode, crocodiles, deer, wild pig and bat. Different species of snakes like reticulated pythons can be seen in the wildlife of this park. 

Climatic conditions

Campbell Bay National Park has a humid and moderate temperature throughout the year. The average temperature ranges between 20°C in winter and  31°C in summer. The summer season starts in January and ends in June. Rainfall is common in the winter season in this area. Lightweight clothes of cotton fabric are worn by the people living there to put up with the torrid weather conditions in summer. 

Additional attractions

The Campbell Bay National Park consists of many photographic spots, which attract visitors. Visitors can also enjoy unique experiences like camping, elephant rides, boat rides, safari, swimming, trekking and scuba diving. Coral viewing is also an important attraction of the park. Swiftlet caves are found throughout the park. However, a concentration of these birds is found in the centre of the archipelago.

At Campbell Bay National Park, there is one lighthouse, which is the best spot for bird watchers. Apart from bird watching, it provides a beautiful view of the bay and the beach, which is a treat for the eyes. The islands like Barren, Havelock, Ross and Smith are found nearby Campbell Bay National Park. Mahatma Gandhi National park, Saddle peak national park, Mount Harriet national park and Cellular jails are also located there. 

Accommodation 

The visitors can stay back in resorts  like Digilpur’s Turtle resort, Oyster bay resort and Havelock Islands resort. These resorts are budget-friendly and have an amazing view of the pristine beach. 

Conclusion

Campbell Bay National Park is a great place for nature lovers. A wide species of flora and fauna are found to exist in this beautiful place. The wildlife has a rare reserve of birds and animals. Exquisite flowers like orchids are also an attraction for visitors. It is one of the most secluded national parks found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Apart from the flora and fauna, it is rich in aquatic life. Activities like bird watching attract bird lovers. The scenic beauty is a paradise for photographers and explorers.