Pirotan Island
Marine Ecosystem: Pirotan Island is the most famous of the 42 islands in the Marine National Park, known for its relatively pristine coral reefs, rich mangrove patches, and extensive intertidal zones. It is a strictly protected area, and access is tightly regulated. Historical Landmark: The island i s home to a historical Lighthouse, built first in 1898 and replaced in 1958, which serves as a navigational aid in the Gulf of Kutch. The island's name may derive from the ancient city of Pirotan Patan near Bedi Port. Biodiversity: It offers a phenomenal opportunity to view marine life, including diverse corals, sponges, sea anemones, crabs (Ghost, King, Hermit), sea slugs, and various sea birds, particularly during the low tide. Pilgrimage Site: It also hosts a small, sacred shrine (Durgah) of the holy saint Khwaja Khizer R.A., which is a destination for local pilgrims.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
Full DayPlace Type:
Island/Marine ReserveEntry Fees:
Island Entry: Covered by the mandatory Marine National Park permit/fee (see Narara).
Boat Hire:
Significant Cost: Requires hiring a private boat (no scheduled ferry), often costing Rs.3,000 to Rs.8,000+ for a day...Island Entry: Covered by the mandatory Marine National Park permit/fee (see Narara).
Boat Hire:
Significant Cost: Requires hiring a private boat (no scheduled ferry), often costing Rs.3,000 to Rs.8,000+ for a day trip, depending on the boat size and negotiation.
Guide Fee: Mandatory, separate from the boat cost (typically Rs.1,000 to Rs.1,500).
Lighthouse Access: Climbing the lighthouse may require a separate, special permission from the Lighthouse Authority.Timing:
Regular Timings: Tide-Dependent. The trip is a full-day commitment, starting with a high-tide departure from Bedi Port (1. 5 hours one way) and a high-tide return.
Ideal Visit Time: October to March is the only safe and practical window. T...Regular Timings: Tide-Dependent. The trip is a full-day commitment, starting with a high-tide departure from Bedi Port (1. 5 hours one way) and a high-tide return.
Ideal Visit Time: October to March is the only safe and practical window. The best days are those with a very large tidal range, allowing for maximum seabed exposure.Special Events:
International Coastal Cleanup Day (September) Occasional organized clean-up drives focused on removing marine debris, sometimes involving small groups on the island. World Wetlands Day (February 2) Events highlighting the importance of the island's mangrove and intertidal ecosystems, sometimes orga...International Coastal Cleanup Day (September) Occasional organized clean-up drives focused on removing marine debris, sometimes involving small groups on the island. World Wetlands Day (February 2) Events highlighting the importance of the island's mangrove and intertidal ecosystems, sometimes organized by the Forest Department.Best Photo Spots:
The Lighthouse Silhouette: A dramatic shot of the tall Lighthouse against the dawn or dusk sky, captured from a distance on the island's low-tide shore.
Macro Coral: Extreme close-up photography of soft or hard corals, showing their intricat...The Lighthouse Silhouette: A dramatic shot of the tall Lighthouse against the dawn or dusk sky, captured from a distance on the island's low-tide shore.
Macro Coral: Extreme close-up photography of soft or hard corals, showing their intricate details (taken carefully without touching or disturbing the reef).
Seabed Landscape: Shots of the vast, exposed seabed with a line of distant mangroves, conveying the isolation and scale of the marine park.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Permit Procurement:
Crucial: Spend time in Jamnagar obtaining the necessary permits from the Forest Department, Customs, and Port authorities (requires planning days in advance).
Intertidal Walk: Explore the exposed seabed at low tide with a certified guide to observe the marine life, ensuring you do not step on or touch the fragile corals.
Lighthouse Visit: If permission is granted, climb the Lighthouse for breathtaking views.
Bird Watching: Look for specialized sea birds like the Crab Plover, various species of Gulls, and Pelicans on the exposed mudflats.
Coral Observation: Use a clear bucket (often provided by the guide) to view the coral and marine life clearly when the water is slightly deepe...
Information
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Why Famous:
Exclusive Access: It is famous precisely because it is difficult to reach, requiring multiple permits, which ensures its marine ecosystem remains one of the best preserved in the Gulf of Kutch.
Pristine Coral: It is renowned among divers and...Exclusive Access: It is famous precisely because it is difficult to reach, requiring multiple permits, which ensures its marine ecosystem remains one of the best preserved in the Gulf of Kutch.
Pristine Coral: It is renowned among divers and marine enthusiasts for having the most vibrant and accessible coral formations of the park's islands, especially visible at low tide.
Lighthouse View: The Lighthouse itself is an iconic image, offering a panoramic view of the marine park and the mainland coast (permission required to climb). -
Architecture:
Lighthouse Structure: The most prominent architectural feature is the cylindrical, 18-meter-high Lighthouse, constructed of stone (current structure from 1958), with a balcony and lantern room, a crucial piece of maritime engineering.
Natural La...Lighthouse Structure: The most prominent architectural feature is the cylindrical, 18-meter-high Lighthouse, constructed of stone (current structure from 1958), with a balcony and lantern room, a crucial piece of maritime engineering.
Natural Landforms: The surrounding "architecture" is the natural, fragile structure of fringing and patch coral reefs, which are the biological foundation of the island. The dense mangrove thickets that protect the coast are also a key structural element.
The Durgah: The small, simple shrine of Khwaja Khizer R. A. is a modest religious structure contrasting with the island's natural wildness.
Island Dimension: The island is relatively small, with an area of about 3 square kilometers, with a low profile, surrounded by a vast intertidal zone that is exposed during low tide. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Nearest is Jamnagar Airport (JGA). Take a taxi to Bedi Port.
By Train: Nearest is Jamnagar Railway Station (JAM). Take an auto-rickshaw or taxi to Bedi Port.
By Road: Travel to Bedi Port (approx. ... -
Near Tourist Places:
Bedi Port (12 NM), Narara Island (20 KMS by sea), Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary (18 KMS from Bedi Port), Ranjitsagar Dam (22 KMS from Bedi Port), Lakhota Lake / Ranmal Lake (15 KMS from Bedi Port), Khambhalia Gate (17 KMS from Bedi Port), Bala Hanuman Temple (17 KMS from Bedi Port), Dabdaba Island (Requires permit) (Near by), Dwarka (150 KMS from Bedi Port), Ghumli (130 KMS from Bedi Port).
Tourism Tips
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Health & safety: Sea Safety is Paramount. Book a reliable, authorized boat. Carry motion sickness medicine for the 1. 5-hour boat ride. Use strong sunscreen and a hat on the island.
Packing: Carry your Permits (must-have). Bring plenty o...
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Information about New and Updated Locations(862+) of Gujarat Has Been Added :-
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Bhujia FortBhujodi Handicraft VillageChhatardi Great Rann of KutchHiralaxmi Memorial Craft ParkKalo Dungar Lakhpat FortMandvi BeachMata No Madh TempleNarayan Sarovar Wildlife SanctuaryNirona VillageVande Mataram MemorialVijay Vilas PalaceKuber Bhandari TempleMaharaja Fateh Singh MuseumMaharaja Sayajirao University Makarpura PalaceMandvi GateMore PlacesNote:-
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