Coral Reef Locations In India You Must Explore

Before we delve into the different coral reefs, found in India, ever been curious about coral islands, or coral reefs actually are? Coral reefs are incredibly old creatures that have developed into contemporary forms that produce reefs within the last 25 million years. They first appeared in the fossil record more than 400 million years ago. Coral reefs are both exceptional and intricate systems; for example, they are the biggest structures on Earth that have a biological origin. When it comes to the lifespan of their natural communities, well-developed reefs are right up there with old-growth forests. These reefs have been there for thousands of years.

Types of Coral Reefs

Coral reefs may be broadly classified into three types: fringing, barrier, and atoll. Fringing reefs are the most prevalent kind of reef. Straight off the coast, this reef type develops out into the ocean. They encircle the islands and seashore, creating boundaries. A coral atoll forms when a reef grows upward from a volcanic island that has submerged completely. Most atolls have a central open lagoon and are either round or oval.
Like fringing reefs, barrier reefs grow along a coastline; but, unlike fringing reefs, which expand out from the beach, barrier reefs are physically isolated from land by a large body of water. As a result, the area between the reef and the beach becomes a lagoon with open, frequently deep water.

Gulf of Mannar

This park is located on the Mannar Barrier Reef and has an area of 560 square kilometres. This area has twenty-one islands and corals, seaweeds, seagrass, mangroves, and countless more aquatic organisms are part of it. Dugongs, green turtles, dolphins, olive-ringed turtles, Risso dolphins, whales, crabs, prawns, lobsters, and countless other aquatic animals call this place home. One hundred and sixty-six species make up this coral reef's tiny fringe.

Malvan, Maharashtra

In Malvan, you can be lucky enough to spot some breathtaking coral reefs. One great thing about coral reefs is that they aren't far from the shore, and the visibility is just right. There are 367 kinds of marine plants and animals, including around 11 coral species and 73 mollusc types. Scuba diving here is ideal for those who aren't good swimmers, as corals are best viewed via deep-sea diving!

Netrani Islands of Karnataka

In the Arabian Sea, 18 km from Murdeshwar, is the little island of Netrani. Among the West Coast's top dive spots is here. Sea snakes, jacks, cobia, snappers, pufferfish, groupers, Napoleon wrasse, Indian bannerfish, and a plethora of other fish species are all visible. Here you may find over 69 different kinds of corals.

The Coral Reef of the Lakshadweep Islands

A bordering coral reef is famous on the island, and it is quite close to the beach. The island of Lakshadweep is a popular destination for scuba divers and snorkelers. Corals, sea turtles, hawksbill turtles, crabs, bivalves, sea stars, sea cucumbers, urchins, fish, and many more species may all be found here.

The Nicobar and Andaman Islands

The area is teeming with an abundance of rare and beautiful aquatic life. Here you may find around 560 different kinds of corals. Marine life such as dolphins, sea turtles, sea snakes, saltwater crocodiles, whales, and dugongs are all within your viewing range. Not to mention a plethora of other marine organisms, such as red and brown algae, seagrasses, wire and soft corals, and boulder and boomerang corals. India has the biggest coral reef here at these historically significant Islands!

Gulf of Kutch

The island of Pirotan, which is close to Jamnagar, is one of 42 that have been designated as marine reserves. The coral reefs in Ajad, Pirotan, Narala, and Positara are among the best in the world. Protected marine species, including coral reefs, are off-limits for collection and hunting. A wide variety of plants and animals may be observed, including dugongs, leatherback turtles, green sea turtles, hornfish, gangetic dolphins, crabs, rayfish, jellyfish, sea horses, octopuses, starfish, sharks, sea anemones, starfish, and a plethora of beautiful corals.