Mount Harriet

Mount Harriet National Park is located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, covering 46.62 square kilometers of tropical evergreen forest on South Andaman Island. Established as a national park in 1987, it reaches an elevation of 365 meters at Mount Harriet, the third-highest peak in the archipelago. The park protects pristine island ecosystems characterized by dense rainforest canopy, endemic species, and unique wildlife adapted to island isolation. Notable species include the Andaman wild pig, saltwater crocodile, and numerous endemic birds such as the Andaman woodpecker and imperial pigeon. The park offers spectacular views of the surrounding islands and ocean, with Mount Harriet providing panoramic vistas across the archipelago. Its proximity to Port Blair makes it one of the most accessible protected areas in the Andaman Islands.

Mount Harriet National Park is home to diverse wildlife including several endemic species. Notable mammals include the Andaman wild pig, spotted deer, and various species of bats. The park is particularly famous for its rich bird life, hosting endemic species like the Andaman woodpecker, Andaman cuckoo dove, and Andaman drongo. Reptiles are well-represented with species like the water monitor lizard and various snakes. The park also harbors numerous butterfly species, including some that are unique to the Andaman Islands.

The park showcases a rich tropical evergreen forest ecosystem with over 1,300 species of plants. The vegetation includes towering hardwood trees like Gurjan, Padauk, and White Chuglam, alongside various species of orchids, ferns, and climbers. The forest canopy reaches heights of up to 30-40 meters, creating distinct vegetation layers. Mangrove forests occur in the coastal areas, while the higher elevations feature unique hill forest species adapted to the local conditions.

The park is centered around Mount Harriet, which at 383 meters is the third-highest peak in the Andaman Islands. The terrain consists of sedimentary rock formations dating back millions of years, with steep hills and deep valleys carved by erosion over time. The geological structure includes sandstone and limestone formations, creating diverse topographical features including natural springs, rocky outcrops, and unique soil compositions that support the park's rich biodiversity.

Mount Harriet National Park experiences a tropical monsoon climate typical of the Andaman Islands. The park receives an average annual rainfall of 3000mm, with the southwest monsoon occurring from May to September and the northeast monsoon from October to December. Temperatures remain fairly constant throughout the year, ranging from 23°C to 30°C. The best time to visit is between December and March when the weather is relatively dry and pleasant, offering optimal conditions for hiking and wildlife viewing.

Mount Harriet National Park was established in 1969 and named after Harriet Tytler, wife of a British colonial administrator. The park holds historical significance as it was once the summer headquarters of the Chief Commissioner during British colonial rule. The location was chosen for its strategic viewpoint and pleasant climate. The image of this landscape was formerly featured on the back of the Indian twenty rupee note, highlighting its national importance. During World War II, the area served as a significant observation post for the British forces.

The area now comprising Mount Harriet National Park has a complex history intertwined with colonial administration and indigenous communities. During British rule, Mount Harriet served as the summer headquarters for the Chief Commissioner, with a mansion built at the summit in the 1880s. The area was named after Harriet Tytler, wife of Robert Christopher Tytler, a British army officer and ornithologist who documented the island's birdlife. Following Indian independence, recognition of the Andamans' unique biodiversity led to the park's establishment in 1987. The indigenous Jarawa and Great Andamanese peoples have historical connections to these forests, though their traditional territories have been significantly reduced. Conservation designation aimed to protect the island's endemic species from logging and habitat destruction that threatened other parts of the archipelago.

The park's most distinctive feature is its panoramic viewpoint atop Mount Harriet, offering spectacular views of Port Blair, Ross Island, and the surrounding sea. A historic trail known as 'Madhuban' leads through pristine forest to the summit. The park contains several freshwater streams and natural springs, adding to its ecological importance. A unique feature is the Kala Pani view point, which offers a historical perspective of the infamous Cellular Jail. The park also includes nature interpretation centers and well-marked hiking trails that facilitate eco-tourism and environmental education.

Mount Harriet is accessible via ferry from Port Blair to Bamboo Flat, followed by a 15-kilometer road journey to the park entrance. Regular buses and taxis operate on this route, making it convenient for day visits. The park features well-maintained trekking trails, including the popular route connecting Mount Harriet to Madhuban, offering hikers spectacular forest and ocean views. A viewing tower at the summit provides 360-degree panoramas of the surrounding islands and channels. Basic facilities include information centers and rest areas, though overnight accommodation is limited to Port Blair, located approximately 20 kilometers away. The best visiting period is November through April when weather conditions are favorable and trails are less muddy. The park can be visited year-round, though the monsoon season (May-September) brings heavy rainfall and potential trail closures.

Conservation at Mount Harriet focuses on protecting island ecosystems particularly vulnerable to invasive species and habitat fragmentation. The park's isolation makes it a critical refuge for endemic species found nowhere else on Earth, requiring specialized protection strategies. Forest restoration programs work to remove invasive plant species that threaten native vegetation, while monitoring programs track populations of endemic birds and mammals. The park faces challenges from tourism pressure, with careful management needed to prevent trail erosion and disturbance to wildlife. Marine conservation extends to coastal areas, protecting coral reefs and mangrove ecosystems adjacent to the park. Climate change poses unique threats to island ecosystems, with rising sea levels and changing rainfall patterns monitored through ongoing research. Community engagement involves local residents in conservation through employment in eco-tourism and environmental education programs that highlight the islands' unique natural heritage.