Islands
Understanding the marine terrain, coastal islands, and regional scope in Tamil Nadu
Detailed Geographic Profile and Mapped Boundaries of Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park
This geographic profile covers the technical distribution and environmental characteristics of Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park. Data includes mapped boundaries, regional coordinates, and a breakdown of the constituent islands and reef structures contained within the park perimeter across the tropical coastal landscape.
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India's largest marine protected area spanning 21 islands with rich coral reefs and biodiversity
Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park
Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is a protected coastal and marine area in southeastern India, encompassing 21 small islands and their surrounding coral reefs in the Gulf of Mannar along the Tamil Nadu coastline. The park stretches approximately 160 kilometers between Thoothukudi and Dhanushkodi, lying one to ten kilometers offshore in the Indian Ocean. Established as a National Park in 1980 and formally notified in 1986, it serves as the core zone of the larger Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, which includes a ten-kilometer buffer zone encompassing populated coastal areas. The park protects a remarkable diversity of marine, intertidal, and near-shore habitats, making it one of India's most biologically rich marine protected areas. Its islands vary dramatically in size from less than one hectare to over 130 hectares, and support ecosystems including coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangrove forests, and seaweed communities.
- Location
- India
- Park type
- National park
- Established
- 1986
- Area
- 560 km²
Regional mapping of coastal, island, and marine zones in Tamil Nadu
Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park Geographic Overview
- Countries
- India
- Regions
- Tamil Nadu
- Primary location
- Tamil Nadu
- Geographic setting
- Coastal · Island · Marine
Spatial footprint and coordinate span across 560 square kilometers
Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park Boundary Map and Spatial Limits
- Boundary area
- 476.7 km²
- Boundary perimeter
- 228.9 km
- Northernmost point
- 9.2565° N
- Southernmost point
- 8.8167° N
- Easternmost point
- 79.2415° E
- Westernmost point
- 78.1917° E
- Geographic centre
- 9.0955° N, 78.6971° E
- North–south span
- 48.6 km
- East–west span
- 115.4 km
Stored lowland classifications and recorded natural features
Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park Terrain and Named Natural Features
Selected named natural features
Islands
Hare Island
Forests
Kurusadai
Islands
Uppu Thanni
Islands
Nalla Thanni Theevu
Islands
Kariya Challi
Marine, coastal, and tropical classifications defining the protected geography
Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park Environmental Settings and Landscape Classifications
- Relief
- Lowland
- Climate
- Tropical
- Water
- Water-dominated
- Forest cover
- No forest cover
Landscape features
Islands · Coast · Reefs
Habitat types
Marine habitat · Coastal habitat
Browse India's marine protected areas and coastal conservation landscapes across the surrounding region, mapping similar ecosystems.
Explore Other National Parks Near Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park and Coastal Tamil Nadu
Southeast
Adam's Bridge Marine National Park: Protected Coastal Landscape and Geographic Significance
Mapped marine geography and protected island ecosystems.
Adam's Bridge Marine National Park is a protected national park in Sri Lanka's Northern Province, notable for encompassing the legendary Adam's Bridge. This marine protected area safeguards critical shallow-water habitats, including seagrass meadows and sand dunes, which are vital for migratory birds, dugongs, and sea turtles. The park's unique geographic identity as a chain of limestone shoals and islands offers a distinct landscape for atlas-based discovery and understanding of coastal conservation significance.
- Area
- 190 km²
- Established
- 2015
- IUCN
- II
- Relief
- Lowland
Northeast
Delft National Park: Exploring Its Protected Landscape and Geographic Setting in Northern Province
Mapped boundaries and regional atlas context for this national park.
Delft National Park is a protected natural area situated in Sri Lanka's Northern Province, designated as a national park. This page offers an atlas-focused view of its protected boundaries, helping to contextualize its geographic setting and landscape character. Understanding Delft National Park involves exploring its specific location within the Northern Province and its role as a distinct entity in the study of mapped natural environments and regional geography.
- Area
- 18.46 km²
- Established
- 2015
- IUCN
- II
- Relief
- Lowland

Southeast
Wilpattu National Park: Sri Lanka's Largest National Park and Unique Willu Landscape
Explore mapped boundaries and high leopard density geography.
Wilpattu National Park, located in Sri Lanka's northwest coastal lowland dry zone, is the country's largest and one of its oldest national parks. Its landscape is defined by a unique system of nearly 106 natural sand-rimmed water basins, or willu, creating a distinctive wetland environment. The park is globally recognized for its substantial leopard population, representing one of the highest densities recorded in Sri Lanka. Discover the mapped terrain and protected area context of this ecologically vital landscape.
- Area
- 1,316.67 km²
- Established
- 1938
- IUCN
- II
- Relief
- Lowland
East
Madhu Road National Park: Sri Lanka's Northern Province Dry Zone National Park
Explore protected landscapes and mapped geography.
Madhu Road National Park, situated in Sri Lanka's Northern Province, is a significant protected area defined by its dry zone ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands. As one of the island's larger national parks, it offers critical habitat for diverse wildlife and represents an important component of northern Sri Lanka's conservation efforts. This page provides detailed atlas-style insights into the park's geography, mapped boundaries, and its ecological context within the region.
- Area
- 631 km²
- Established
- 2015
- IUCN
- II
- Climate
- Tropical
West
Periyar National Park: National Park Protected Area Atlas and Geographic Context
Mapped protected lands and regional landscape exploration in Kerala.
Discover Periyar National Park as a distinct protected landscape offering rich geographic context for atlas exploration. This entry details its mapped boundaries and its significance within the broader regional geography of Kerala. Understand the natural terrain and protected-area distribution that makes Periyar National Park a key element in India's conservation mapping.
- Area
- 350.54 km²
- Established
- 1982
- IUCN
- II
- Visitors
- 754.3K annual

North
Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary: A Coastal Wildlife Reserve in Tamil Nadu
Coastal wetlands, sand dunes, and tidal geography
Located at the tip of the Nagapattinam District, Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary functions as a critical wetland complex along the central Asian flyway. The protected area features a unique intersection of salt swamps, dry evergreen forest fragments, and open coastal horizons. This map-focused profile examines the sanctuary's diverse terrain and its role as a vital sanctuary for blackbuck and thousands of migratory waterbirds.
- Area
- 21.47 km²
- Established
- 1967
- IUCN
- IV
- Relief
- Lowland
East
Chundikkulam National Park: Protected Landscape Identity and Geographic Atlas
Mapped park boundaries within Northern Province's regional geography.
Chundikkulam National Park stands as a protected landscape within Sri Lanka's Northern Province. This atlas entry provides structured details on its protected area status, allowing for a clear understanding of its geographic position and mapped boundaries. Explore the contextual geography and natural landscape features that define this significant national park, offering a factual basis for discovery.
- Area
- 196 km²
- Established
- 2015
- IUCN
- II
- Relief
- Lowland
Northwest
Pampadum Shola National Park: India's Protected Area Landscape Details
Explore mapped terrain and geographic context for this national park.
Gain insight into Pampadum Shola National Park, a key protected area within India's geography. This park detail provides essential information on its designation as a national park, its mapped boundaries, and its contribution to the regional landscape. It serves as a vital point for understanding the distribution and character of protected lands across India, offering a foundation for structured geographic research and atlas-based discovery of natural environments.
Continue Exploring the Geographic Identity of Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park
Deepen your understanding of Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park's protected landscape by examining its island geography, mapped reef systems, and coastal terrain. Investigate its role as a national park within Tamil Nadu's marine atlas and explore how its protected boundaries contribute to regional biodiversity and conservation efforts. This focused exploration offers valuable insights into the park's unique position and significance.
