Scuba Diving in India

Owing to an expansive coastline measuring roughly 7517 km in length, there are numerous locations and opportunities for you to relish scuba diving in India. India is bordered by the Arabian Sea in the west, the Bay of Bengal in the east and the Indian Ocean in the south. These three water bodies are rich in marine life, with each of them having some distinct species and features of its own. There are several seaside cities and towns in the country that have been popular around the world as beach and summer holiday destinations. At such places, institutes and travel companies organise diving excursions, and you should give it a try if holidaying there.

About Scuba Diving

In the simplest sense, the sport involves venturing into the seawaters, armed with Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA). The most important component of the equipment is the storage tank, which contains a mixture of gases. A face mask, which serves a dual purpose, is also part of the apparatus. Firstly, it prevents anything from entering your mouth and eyes, and secondly, it allows you to breathe underwater. The breathable air is supplied from the tank via a pipe, attached to the mouthpiece of your mask. This tube has a gauge, showing you the pressure of the gas you are breathing, and a valve for changing its amount. A second pipe fixed to the mouthpiece takes away the harmful Carbon Dioxide that you exhale and disperses it into the sea.

Scuba diving is different from other forms of underwater activities as it lets you stay in the water for long periods. As you will have a continuous supply of air, you will not have to venture out of the water like a whale to breathe again and again. The excitement will reach its zenith when you will see the beauty of what the seas and oceans hide within them. You may get a chance to see colourful corals and marine animals, along with underwater vegetation like seaweeds. It is a nice leisurely engagement, which you can enjoy while leaving the noise and pollution of the cities behind for a while. You will be away from the cacophony of city life while being deep inside the water. The only sound that you will hear will be when you inhale or exhale, and those of marine creatures.

Scuba Diving Locations in India

Scuba diving in India can be done at a number of sites, both within the mainland and at islands. Some of the most famous sites and regions in the country are as under:

• Andaman and Nicobar Islands: This cluster of 572 islands lies in the Bay of Bengal, and is a famous beach destination. Port Blair, the capital of the archipelago, can be reached by flights from a number of locations within the Indian Mainland, and from the former, ferries ply to other islands. Know more about scuba diving in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

• Lakshadweep Islands: Lakshadweep consists of 36 islands, and theentire group lies off the Malabar Coast of India in the Arabian Sea. You will absolutely love the sight of sparkling blue lagoons, surrounded with white sandy beaches. You may reach Agatti Isle of the archipelago by taking flights or ferries from Cochin in Mainland India, and then travel on ferries deeper in the region.

• Netrani Island: This heart-shaped isle is located near the seaside town of Murudeshwar in the state of Karnataka. While in the sea off Netrani, keep an eye out for sperm whales, sharks, eels and corals as they inhabit the waters in plenty.

• Goa: For ages, Goa has been a paradise for those, who have wanted to visit the long-hidden secrets of the vast ocean. Goa International Airport can be reached from a number of international destinations like Moscow,Middle East, Helsinki, London, Manchester, Kiev and many others, apart from major Indian cities.