Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is a beautiful place, located in the Ramanathpuram & Tuticorin districts of the state of Tamil Nadu. The park is the core area of the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve. This is the first marine Biosphere Reserve in India. It was established in the year of 1980. Total area of the park is 6.23 Km 2. The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is a protected area of India consisting of 21 small islands (islets) and adjacent coral reefs in the Gulf of Mannar in the Indian Ocean. It lies 1 to 10 km away from the east coast of Tamil Nadu, India for 160 km between Thoothukudi (Tuticorin) and Dhanushkodi. The Gulf of Mannar (/ m ə ˈ n ɑːr / mə- NAR) is a large shallow bay forming part of the Laccadive Sea in the Indian Ocean. It lies between the west coast of Sri Lanka and the southeastern tip of India, in the Coromandel Coast region. The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park (GOM MNP) comprises of 21 islands surrounded by coral reef areas along with shallow water habitat of unique marine biodiversity. Sea horse, Sea Cow, Dolphins, sea cucumbers etc. are seen here. 9.267°N 77.433°E / 9.267; 77.433 Ramanathapuram District is an administrative district of Tamil Nadu state in southern India. The town of Ramanathapuram is the district headquarters. Ramanthapuram District has an area of 4123 km 2.