Mount Harriett National Park

Mount Harriett National Park is a protected area in India.

Mount Harriett National Park at a Glance

Location
Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India, South Asia
Coordinates
11.807426, 92.757126
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Moderate
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
October to March (cooler, dry months) for tiger safaris and wildlife.

Getting to Mount Harriett National Park

Nearest airport: Naval Air Station, 18 km away.

Nearest international airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), 19 km away.

Wildlife in Mount Harriett National Park

Home to 67 recorded species including 34 waterbirds, 14 iconic birds, 14 birds of prey, 5 tropical birds.

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Mount Harriett National Park

22 safari lodges available.

Other

luxury

Similar Parks in Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for India

Travel advisory for India

Mount Harriett National Park FAQs

What is the best time of year to visit Mount Harriett National Park for optimal wildlife viewing?

The dry season, typically from October to March, offers the best opportunities for wildlife sightings as animals congregate around dwindling water sources. The weather during these months is also more pleasant, making for comfortable safari experiences within the park.

What specific wildlife can I expect to see during a safari at Mount Harriett National Park, distinguishing it from other Indian parks?

Mount Harriett is renowned for its significant population of Bengal tigers and leopards, alongside sloth bears and wild dogs. Visitors can also spot various deer species like Sambar and Chital, making it a prime location for diverse predator-prey interactions unique to this Indian ecosystem.

What types of safari activities are offered at Mount Harriett National Park, and what is the general cost structure for visitors?

The primary activity is guided jeep safaris, which are essential for navigating the park's terrain and spotting wildlife. While specific costs vary, expect separate fees for park entry, vehicle hire, and a mandatory naturalist guide, typically ranging from moderate to high depending on duration and exclusivity.

Given its moderate malaria risk, what other health and safety precautions should visitors prioritize when exploring Mount Harriett National Park?

Beyond anti-malarial medication and insect repellent, it's crucial to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun, especially during the warmer months. Always follow your guide's instructions regarding wildlife encounters and remain inside your safari vehicle to ensure safety within this protected area.

How does Mount Harriett National Park's unique landscape or conservation efforts contribute to a distinct visitor experience?

Mount Harriett is characterized by its unique blend of dense tropical dry deciduous forests and open grasslands, providing diverse habitats that support a rich biodiversity. The park's dedicated conservation efforts, particularly for its tiger population, ensure a thriving ecosystem and a more authentic, less crowded wildlife encounter.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.