Mount Harriet National Park (Mt. Manipur) in Andaman Islands
Mount Harriet National Park is a national park located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands union territory of India. The park, established in 1969, covers about 4.62 km2 .Mount Harriet (1,257 ft.) which is part of the park, is the third-highest peak in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago next to Saddle Peak (2,402 ft.) in North Andaman and Mount Thullier (1,864 ft.) in Great Nicobar.
Mount Harriet is the height point in South Andaman stands at a height of 365. Mount Harriet in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is located at such an altitude that it provides a fascinating view of the entire cluster of islands.During the British rule in India, Mount Harriet was the summer headquarters for the Chief Commissioner. At Mount Harriet, the National Park, the one can spend time by taking a wildlife tour. The major attraction for tourists visiting Mount Harriet is the natural trek up to Madhuban. Along the trek, the tourist can feast their eyes with the sights of the various birds, animals and butterflies that are found in this region. The walk along the natural trail is one of the most exotic experiences for any traveler coming to tour the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Flora The park has evergreen primary forests, and at Chiriyatapu the forest type is mixed deciduous, a combination of primary and secondary forests. The three types of forests are categorized as tropical evergreen, hilltop tropical evergreen and littoral. Overall 134 plant and tree species are reported, including 74 native and 51 introduced species. Some of the plant species of the tropical variety are:Dipterocarpus gracilis, Dipterocarpus grandiflorus, Dipterocarpus kerrii, Endospermum chinensis, and Hopea odorata including Araucaria columnaris which is a conifer native to Caledonia Islands. Plant species of the hilltop tropical variety are Canarium manii, Cratoxylum formosum, and Dipterocarpus costatus. The littoral forest species are mainly Manilkara littoralis and Moringa citrifolia.
Trekking along the 7-kilometre (4.3 mi) path from Bambooflat to the mountain top at 365 meters (1,198 ft.), trees are seen with hanging vines.
Fauna Introduced species include the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) and chital (Axis axis) apart from ferals. There are 28 reptile species recorded (including 14 species endemic to the Andamans) which are mostly lizards and snakes. The amphibian fauna reported are 6 species; 2 species of Andaman bull frog (Kaloula baleata ghoshi) and Andaman paddy field frog (Limnonectes andamanensis) are endemic.
The land molluscs consist of six species. The invertebrate species reported are 355 which include insects to the extent of 70%. The well-known insect silkmoth, Samia cynthia, has been recorded in the park in lowland forest areas up to 365 metres (1,198 ft.). In addition, larvae of Samia fulva were noted eating the leaves of Zanthoxylum rhetsa (Rutaceae) and Heteropanax fragrans (Araliaceae).
Basic Information
Mount Harriet known for collection and conservation of flora and fauna species, and also it offers some of the most enviable views for miles around, being a mountain peak.
Indians Rs.25/- for Childrens (Indians)Rs.10/- for Students(Indians)Rs.5/- For Foreigners Rs.250/- for Students(Foreigners) Rs.10/- for Camera Rs.25/- for Film Shooting Rs.3000/-(Approx.) Vehicles Fee Rs.10/-
November to March
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
2 hours
Interesting Facts
- Butterfly and Bird Watching It can be reached via bamboo transport, popularly known as the Dunghi.
- There is a very well-known lighthouse nearby.
- This park was built is memory of British Official.
Things to DO
- Picnic
- Trekking
- Photography
- Nature Viewing
- Butterfly and Bird watching
Traveller Tips
- Make sure to get the forest entry permit at the park gate.
- Do not forget to carry your identity proof. At least one member from the group should have it for getting the entry permit.
- Wear trekking shoes or boots to avoid leech bite if you are going up to the Kalapathar view point. It is almost impossible to miss a signboard mentioning “Leech Prone Zone” at the starting point of this nature trail.
How to reach
It is situated 55 km by raod and 15 km by sea from Port Blair. By Road : Travellers can reach Mount Harriet in 2 hours by road with taxi/cab/car from Port Blair via Ferrargunj. The Sea route is from Marine Jetty to Hope Town and from there to Mount Harriet by road.
Nearby Attractions
Dundas Point
Dundas point is village in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands near its capital Port Blair. Majority of the Housees are located beside the Main Road.Geographically Dundas point Important ferry transportation to Port Blair Dundas point is having Horbour vehicle ferry service and it takes about 15 Minits to port Blair.Auto service is Readily available for connecting Boat service to Port Blair. Majority of the People use the Ferry Route to reach Port blair.it is short cut way of National Highway-223.
Cuthbert Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
The Sanctuary comprises about 8 km of sandy beach at the coast of the Middle Andaman Islands and continues for about 600 mt. inside the land from the high tide mark along the coast.One can enjoy the quiet village life and solitude of virgin nature in this part of Middle Andaman Island. You can also breathe unpolluted air, a rare availability for the city dweller. Cutbert Bay is a turtle-nesting ground.
The Fisheries Museum
Located in Port Blair Fisheries Museum is a well-known tourist attraction in the Andaman Islands. This popular sightseeing place of Andaman has a wide range of installations with informative coverage of the islands’ ecosystem, plants, animals, tribal communities and marine life. This museum includes a small aquarium that houses various collections of fishes and corals and shells. This museum is located adjacent to the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sport Complex, Port Blair. And this place exhibits species of marine life endemic to the islands.
Restaurants Facility
- Amaya
- Icy Spicy
- Lighthouse Restaurant
- Annapurna
Places to stay near Mount Harriet National Park
- Seashell, Port Blair
- Keys Select Hotel Aqua Green
- Sinclair Bay View
- J hotel
Frequently Asked Questions
Cuthbert Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
The Fisheries Museum
- Amaya
- Icy Spicy
- Lighthouse Restaurant
- Annapurna