Pirotan Island Voyage Tips and guide

Contents

Pirotan Island is the most famous part of the first Marine National Park in India.

Although people have been visiting the island to pay homage at the sacred shrine of Khwaja Khijer Alaihisalaam for over a century, it is only since the late 20th century that it has developed as a tourist destination based on its natural beauty.

This island is fringed by coral reefs and sandy beaches.

The island is home to a wide variety of hard as well as soft corals and marine life like Puffer Fish, Octopus, Star fish, Sea Anemones, etc. In addition, dolphin, sea turtles and sometimes even Dugongs frequent the ocean around the island, while on land the rocky coves offer sanctuary to hundreds of flocks of crab plover.

October to April is the best time to visit the island. Although October is slightly hot

22°35′24″N 69°57′0″E

Map of Pirotan Island

• Passenger boats can be hired at Bedi Port to visit the island - a journey of around 2 hours.

A Forest Department permit & Customs Department endorsements for Indian Nationals and for Non Indians Police Department endorsements are required to visit the island. These can be arranged through Hotel Managements in Jamnagar. One of the hotel which arranges is Hotel President in Jamnagar.

To gain the most from the experience of visiting the island, it is recommended to hire an island guide. The island can only be reached at full tide. One gets to stay there for at least 10 hours per visit.

All food and drink must be carried to the island as there are no facilities or even drinking water there.

It is possible to camp on the island, depending on the permission from the Forest Department

Hotel Managements in Jamnagar can assist with camping arrangements.

Requirements for visiting the island: Sufficient amount of drinking water, thick soled shoes, woolen clothing, sun screen and mosquito repellent.