A wonderful island located in Pakistan
Introduction
Astola Island on the coast of Pakistan is a wonderful place for those who love to do ecotourism in unusual and unknown places. The name of the island in Urdu, the official language of the country, is Jezira Haft Talar which means "the island of the seven hills", referring to the forms of its relief. Reaching it requires a boat trip through the Arabic Sea, to travel the 35 kilometers that separate it from Pasni, a fishing port of the Gwadar district, in the province of Baluchistan, on which the island depends administratively. It is undoubtedly a territory that attracts for its natural beauty, it is a magical place where peace reigns in a particular landscape surrounded by incredible pristine.
Developing
What is Astola Island? Astola island has 6.7 kilometers long and 2.3 kilometers in its widest part. Its relief is shaped like a inclined plateau that rises to the north, where it ends abrupt in a cliff coast. The southern face descends gently towards the sea forming beautiful sandy beaches. The isolation of the place favored the existence of endemic species such as Astola viper, in addition to the green turtle and the caretuga that choose their beaches for nesting. There are also a variety of sea birds such as seagulls, zarapitos and chorlitos, among others. In its adjacent waters there are 25 species of coral, in addition to a wide variety of fish, cetaceans, lobsters and oysters.
As for vegetation there are only some shrubs and perennial herbs adapted to the arid soil. The island does not have its own fresh water and plants depend exclusively on rainwater. Winter is the best time to visit the island. In summer it is impossible to access the place, since it is the time of the monzones and there are great swells and storms. Constructions to see on the island. While Astola island is uninhabited, handmade fishermen use it as a base during the capture season, from September to May. In a tour of the place you can see the remains of a Hindu temple of the goddess Kali and a small mosque that fishermen use to make their prayers.
The most modern construction of the island is a lighthouse that works at solar energy, located to provide security to maritime traffic. ASTOLA ISLAND: A protected and limited tourism area. As a space with a high ecological value, in 2001 Astola island was listed as a Ramsar site. "It is the only important island on the high seas along the north coast of the Arabic sea and, as such, maintains the genetic and ecological diversity of the area" Ramsar.org. Site 1063 – Appointment date: May 10, 2001. Subsequently, in 2017 and with the aim of protecting the humpback whales of the Arabic Sea, Pakistan declared the Astola Island area as its first protected marine area (AMP).
According to International Union for the Conservation of UICN nature, in this space there is a potential for the development of ecological tourism oriented to preservation, under the management and control of the Baluchistan government. Thus, always with the commitment of conservation in the AMP area, fishermen could have another source of resources and they could be sustained over time. A plan just for adventurers. The island attracts tourists who value the possibility of having a unique experience. The place lacks tourism services and there is the magic and the special value of the site by allowing direct contact with nature without any human intervention.
conclusion
The waters surrounding the island are of an impressive turquoise color and crystalline features. In them you can practice snorkeling and diving and admiring the colored fish of the immense underwater landscape. A tourism plan on Astola island is enjoyed by its simplicity. As a visitor you find on the beaches a clean and safe space for camping. A tour of the hills at sunset can return the mirage of an unforgettable sunset in this section and lonely place. In perspective, being on Astola island makes you seem that you are alone in the world. A feeling that few places allow you to experience. Enjoy it to the max!
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