Mount Harriet National Park is among the most scenic and ancient natural sites in Andaman Islands. This protected forest is now known as Mount Manipur Andaman, and it is only a few minutes away from Port Blair and presents an ideal combination of biodiversity, panoramic views and colonial history. The park is a serene retreat of the hectic town life of popular knowledge among the travelers as Mount Harriet Andaman.

Mount Harriet in Port Blair is also a spot that must appear in your itinerary in case you want to have a nature-themed venture.

Introduction to Mount Harriet National Park

Previously called Mount Harriet, the park was renamed in 1995 as the main haribit of the Andaman Islands and was called Mount Manipur in tribute to the freedom fighters of Manipur who were linked with the freedom movement in the Andaman Islands. Nonetheless, better known as Mount Harriet National Park, most visitors continue to refer to it as such.

Located within the green tropical trees, the third highest mountain in South Andaman region is Mount Harriet Port Blair which is accompanied by the stunning views of the nearby islands, shore, and the evergreen trees and vegetation.

Where is Mount Harriet Located?

Mount Harriet in Port Blair is located some 15 kilometres south of the city centre. The park is accessible through a brief road journey together with a ferry journey across the Chatham or Phoenix Bay jetty. Mount Harriet Andaman is a site that is mostly incorporated into half-day sightseeing tours due to its convenient position.

Mount Harriet Port Blair is a favourite to both the tourists and the native people because the place is very peaceful, has a cool breeze and is surrounded by green nature.

Why Mount Harriet is Now Known as Mount Manipur

In honor of the historic sacrifice of the Manipuri freedom fighters who were locked up in the Cellular Jail, the Indian government named mount harriet as Mount Manipur. Both the names are used widely nowadays and visitors are likely to hear the destination referred to as Mount Manipur Andaman and also to Mount Harriet.

This transformation has brought an extra historical essence to the site such that Mount Manipur is no longer a scenic attraction but a cultural one as well.

Natural Beauty and Biodiversity

Bio-diversity in the Mount Harriet National Park is one of the greatest attractions therein. The park is home to:

• Colourful butterflies
  
  

• Rare orchids
  
  

• Tropical birds
  
  

• Thick evergreen forests and semi-evergreen forests.

The eco-tourists will have the opportunity to walk leisurely along the trails of the forests where birds and insects will overtake the quiet. The pristine nature of the ecosystem of Mount Harriet Andaman makes it the best place to go on eco-tourism and photography.

Mount Manipur can provide a pleasant replacement to overcrowded tourist destinations to wildlife enthusiasts.

The Famous Viewpoint of Mount Harriet

The scenic viewpoint is the most common attraction within the park. Here onwards, the viewers are left to enjoy a spectacular view of North bay Island, Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep) and open sea.

It is quite fascinating to note that the design that was printed on the 20 INR note by the Indians was inspired by what is seen on the mount Harriet National park. This just makes Mount Harriet in Port Blair a special tourist destination.

Activities to Enjoy at Mount Harriet National Park

Mount Harriet Port Blair is not a place to see in a visit that has any adventure sports or private entertainments. Instead it provides relaxing and significant activities like:

• Light Trekking and short nature walks.
  
  

• Butterfly watching and a bird watch.
  
  

• Photography of landscapes and forests
  
  

• Relaxing at the viewpoint
  
  

In the event that you are a slow traveller who loves scenic touring, then Mount Harriet Andaman is the ideal spot to have a few hours of peaceful stay.

Best Time to Visit Mount Harriet

Mount Harriet National Park is best visited during the months of between October and April. The months are good and favorable to walking and sightseeing.

Though the park is open all year round, during monsoon seasons visiting Mount Manipur Andaman there can be slippery footpaths and poor visibility with the heavy downpour.

Entry Timings and Practical Information

Mount Harriet in Port Blair is usually open through the day. Tourists will need to buy entry tickets during the park gate. One should bring water, wear comfortable shoes and not disturb the natural environment.

As the added case of Mount Harriet Port Blair is located in a guarded forest, the use of plastics and loud activities are highly discouraged to balance the ecology.

How to Reach Mount Harriet from Port Blair

Travelers often arrive at the opposite side of the Island using a ferry to reach Mount Harriet National Park. There are also a large number of local tour operators that offer scheduled sightseeing tours to Mount Harriet Andaman.

Mount Harriet in Port Blair is within easy reach of other nearby destinations like the Chidiya Tapu and the Corbyns cove beach.

Final Thoughts

Mount Harriet Andaman is a perfect location to visit when one wants to view natural scenery and shows interest in other cultures and lifestyles of others. Mount Manipur is a place that is relatively unknown but can offer great satisfaction with its picturesque vistas, forest patṣhways and historical sites, making it one of the best underestimated attractions to see in the Andaman Islands.

You are planning your Andaman holiday and have to ensure the travel plan includes the visits to the Mount Harriet National Park so that you can really experience something worth remembering.

Source: andamantourtravelpackage