Landfall Island Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1987 by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration and is situated on the northernmost island of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This area is home to the indigenous aka-chari tribe. This Sanctuary spreads across 29.28 square kilometers and houses a plentitude of wildlife peculiar to this area. This Sanctuary provides the traveller with an opportunity to observe animals in their natural habitat, which is an educational experience and also, provides a welcome change from the hustle-bustle of the city life, which is almost therapeutic. Between beautiful blue lagoons and clear sandy beaches the Landfall Island Wildlife Sanctuary promises to satisfy every nature lover’s travel cravings.
Climatic Conditions
The climatic conditions at the Landfall Island Wildlife Sanctuary are hot and humid due to its tropical location and proximity to the sea. This area experiences monsoon and summer but not winter. The afternoons are relatively hotter whereas the evenings are pleasant.
Best Time to Visit
Landfall Island Wildlife Sanctuary is open for visitation throughout the year. The climate is balmy and conducive to travel. Travellers can commute to and from the Sanctuary via ferries available to and from Port Blair.
Wildlife at Landfall Island Wildlife Sanctuary
The Landfall Island Wildlife Sanctuary is a tropical paradise the vegetation peculiar to this region is tropical rain forests, which mainly include Pandanus andamanensium and P. tectorius etc. species of trees. The Island accommodates multiple ecosystems including wetlands, creeks, mangroves and beaches. Thus the area has a rich ecology and is biologically diverse.
Animals
Amongst other rare and exotic species the Landfall Island Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricate), Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas), Andaman Water Monitor (Varanus salvator andamanensis).
Birds
The Landfall Island Wildlife Sanctuary is frequented by Ornithologists as it houses quite a few ‘Restricted Range’ species of avians. The species that are peculiar to Landfall Island are Andaman Crake (Rallina canningi), White-headed Starling (Sturnus erythropygius), Serpent-eagle (Spilornis elgini), Andaman Drongo (Dicrurus andamanensis), Andaman Coucal (Centropus andamanensis) most of which are classified as near-threatened species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The Marine Ecosystem of the surrounding waters is one of the most well preserved ecosystems, which has a variety of fish and corals, snorkeling and swimming in these waters is the kind of adventure that satiates wanderlust.
Distance from Nearby and Major Cities
The nearest city to Landfall Island Wildlife Sanctuary is Port Blair, and is easily accessible from there. The approximate distance from the nearby towns and cities are:
Port Blair – 228 km
Chennai – 1,379 km
Visakhapatnam – 1,139 km
Nearest Airports
The nearest airports are in Port Blair in Andaman and Nicobar Islands which is 228 km away, Chennai in Tamil Nadu which is 1,379 km away and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh which is 1,139 km away.
Nearest Railway Station
There is no railway station on Landfall Island, the closest Railway station is at Chennai in Tamil Nadu which is 1,379 km away.
Road Accessibility
The Landfall Island Wildlife Sanctuary is not connected via roads. Travellers can travel to and from the Sanctuary through ferries provided by authorities from and to Port Blair. Port Blair is around 228 km away from Landfall Island Wildlife Sanctuary.
Accommodation Facilities
Information regarding accommodation is easily available with the authorities of the Landfall Island Wildlife Sanctuary. Alternate and affordable accommodation is available at Port Blair.
Entry Fee
Information regarding the entry fee is easily available with the authorities of the Landfall Island Wildlife Sanctuary.
Contact Details
Directorate of Tourism
Incharge (Tourism Information)
Andaman & Nicobar Administration
Kamaraj Road, Port Blair – 744101
Phone: 03192-232 694, 232 642
Fax: 03192-232 747, 230 933
E-Mail id: accomodation6@gmail.com
