Campbell Bay National Park has remained one of the least disturbed and most ecologically diverse protected areas within India. Its location deep within the southern reaches of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands makes it very secluded and is considered part of the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve.
The park features dense tropical forest, unique wildlife, and rugged, dramatic coastal scenery. By avoiding mass market tourism, Campbell Bay provides unparalleled raw experiences of wildness that few places can provide.
You may want to include Campbell Bay in your list of national parks in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands as you consider planning a non-commercial outdoor adventure in this remarkable national park. The park has abundant biodiversity, tranquillity and is home to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world.
About Campbell Bay National Park in Andaman & Nicobar Islands
On Great Nicobar Island can be found Campbell Bay National Park, which represents India’s southernmost island and an essential component of the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve.
Additionally, Campbell Bay National Park qualifies as one of the most biologically significant areas of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands national park network.
Important details include:
- Created in 1992
- Approximately 426square kilometres, or 426000hectares
- In addition to Galathea National Park, it is one piece of the protected biosphere.
- Tropical evergreen forests, mangroves and coastal vegetation are all parts of this area.
Administration for Campbell Bay town serves as Campbell Bay, which is close to Campbell Bay national park. Unlike sites like those near Port Blair, this area remains largely tourist-free because of its isolation from more easily accessible locations.
Wildlife & Biodiversity of Campbell National Park
The biodiversity of Campbell national park is arguably the most well-known feature to visitors. There are countless numbers of animals and plants however some plants and animals within the park are endemic.
Some examples of fauna in Campbell national park are:
- Nicobar megapode (ground-nesting bird)
- Crab-eating macaque
- Saltwater crocodiles
- Andaman wild pig
- Giant robber crabs
- Numerous other snakes and reptiles
- Rich marine biodiversity along the coastline
The dense canopy of trees creates habitat for many species of birds, snakes, reptiles and mammals. The main marine ecosystems also provide rich habitats for coral reefs and coastal animals.
Some examples of flora in Campbell national park are:
- Tropical evergreen forests
- Mangrove swamps
- Littoral forests
- Medicinal plants species with unique properties
- Long (100 ft) dipterocarp trees
As remarkable as Campbell National Park is, this biodiversity makes Campbell National Park the most ecologically significant National Park in both the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Its ecological importance extends well beyond tourism and is also important for climate regulation and conservation of species.
How to Reach Campbell Bay Island
Campbell Bay is difficult to access due to being very far from Port Blair and visiting Campbell Bay means planning ahead.
Port Blair to Campbell Bay Lengths
- Approximate Aerial Distance 540 kms
- Approximate Sea Route Distance 600 kms
- Travel time ships to Campbell Bay 24-30 hours depending on sea conditions.
Some travellers use planes to fly to either or both Campbell Bay and Great Nicobar Island using the small island airstrip for flights into Great Nicobar.
How to Travel to Campbell Bay
- Plane from India mainland into Port Blair.
- Government ship or fly (air) between Campbell Bay and Port Blair (make sure to get all the necessary permits.)
- Before visiting the National Park, visitors must contact local authorities or parks.
- There are no Andaman and Nicobar Railway stations as rail lines do not exist on any of these islands.
All of these forms of travel (air/sea) will require obtaining permits prior to your visit to this National Park located in Andaman because of its restricted access status; therefore it is always advisable for tourists to review the regulations before planning a trip to the National Park.
Best Time to Visit & Travel Tips for This National Park in Andaman Nicobar
Campbell Bay is difficult to access due to being very far from Port Blair and visiting Campbell Bay means planning ahead.
Port Blair to Campbell Bay Lengths
- Approximate Aerial Distance 540 kms
- Approximate Sea Route Distance 600 kms
- Travel time ship to Campbell Bay 24 – 30 hours depending on sea conditions.
Some travellers use planes to fly to either or both Campbell Bay and Great Nicobar Island using the small island airstrip for flights into Great Nicobar.
How to Travel to Campbell Bay
- Plane from India mainland into Port Blair.
- Government ship or fly (air) between Campbell Bay and Port Blair (make sure to get the permits)
- Before visiting the National Park, visitors must contact local authorities or parks.
- There are no Andaman and Nicobar Railway stations as rail lines do not exist on any of these islands.
All of these forms of travel (air/sea) will require obtaining permits prior to your visit to this National Park located in Andaman because of its restricted access status; therefore it is always advisable for tourists to review the regulations before planning a trip to the National Park.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What animals are in the Campbell Bay National Park?
Saltwater crocodiles, Nicobar megapodes, crab-eating macaques, Andaman wild pigs, robber crabs, reptiles, and diverse endemic bird species inhabit the park.
What is Campbell national park best known for?
It is best known for untouched tropical forests, endemic wildlife species, and its role in the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve.
How do I go to Campbell Bay?
Travel to Port Blair first, then take a government ship or flight to Great Nicobar, with required permits.
How far is Andaman from Campbell Bay?
Campbell Bay is around 540 kilometers from Port Blair by air and roughly 600 kilometers by sea.
Are there snakes in Andaman?
Yes, Andaman Islands have various snake species, including non-venomous and venomous varieties within forest and coastal ecosystems.
What is Campbell Bay famous for?
Campbell Bay is famous for its biodiversity, pristine forests, remote location, and protected national park status.
Why Campbell Bay National Park Deserves a Spot on Your Travel List
Campbell Bay National Park is one of the most unique protected areas of any national park on Andaman & Nicobar Islands and has several characteristics that make it a once-in-a-lifetime place to visit.
The park is located in a remote part of the country, has a diverse amount of wildlife and flora and has not been developed in any way. Reaching Campbell Bay National Park has its own difficulties, but those who do make this journey will have a chance to see nature in its truest form.
If you are a traveller and want to experience something different from commercial beaches, then Campbell Bay National Park is the location you will find in Andaman & Nicobar Islands that captures the real spirit, adventure, ecology (as well as) of this island chain nation.
