Soak in the mystic biosphere in the Gulf of Mannar

THE DEEP WATERS

Region: Gulf of Mannar, Tamil Nadu

The Gulf of Mannar is a bay forming part of the Laccadive Sea in the Indian Ocean. This quaint bay lies between the southeastern tip of India and the west coast of Sri Lanka.

MARINE PARK:

The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is spread across 560 sq.kms from Rameswaram to Thoothukudi lying within the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve covering an area of 10,500 sq kms. on the south-east coast of India. This Gulf covers the coast of Rameswaram, Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari.

It is one of the world’s richest regions from marine bio diversity perspective and the first marine Biosphere Reserve in Southeast Asia. The reserve comprises 21 islands with estuaries, mudflats, beaches, forests of the near shore environment, including marine components like algae, sea grasses, coral reefs, salt marshes and mangroves.

PAMBAN COAST:

The inhabitants are principally engaged in fishing. There are about 125 villages along the coastal part of the biosphere reserve. Most tourists go fishing and snorkelling in these beautiful coral islands.

WOW factor!

The Gulf of Mannar is known for its pearl banks for at least two thousand years. Experts praised the pearl fishery of the gulf as most productive in the world.