When picturing Pondicherry, first things that come to our mind are: tropical beaches, the local cuisine, and churches with an edge of French Architecture. But, apparently, there’s so much more to see besides the shoreline as well: a whole underwater museum. Located off the Puducherry coast, this destination is one of its kinds in India.
What to expect out of the Underwater Museum?
Conceived by the Indian Navy to support tourism, INS Cuddalore, the decomposed ship, will be sunk in the ocean at a distance of 7km from the Pondicherry shore. With the establishment of this underwater museum in Pondicherry, the demand for underwater activities like scuba diving and snorkeling are expected to increase.
Besides tourism, the whole venture is also envisioned with a perspective of glorifying the marine biodiversity. In addition, a few doors of the ship will be removed to enable tourists to swim in and out.
Activities to perform at the Underwater Museum
Barnacles and algae will play the main role in persuading the marine creatures to make a home at this 60m long vessel. As a result of this, all you adventure seekers will get to witness a marine museum through snorkeling.
Hoping to see the breeding of turtles and fishes around the ship, this venture is going to be a paradise for adventurous souls and mainly scuba divers. So divers, set yourself up for a legendary dive and little indulgence in other underwater activities.
Other popular activities to do
Popularly known for its urban structural design, French architectures, and calmness all around, Pondicherry offers serenity and sanctity in real sense. For people who are fascinated to float and feel the wind via mighty waves, surfing in Pondicherry seems like the perfect choice for you. Besides this, here’s a list of activities to do in Pondicherry:
1. Scuba diving - Go on an underwater date with eye-catching colourful corals
2. Experience Kayaking, Backwater sailing, Boating, and Jet Skiing at Karaikal beach
3. Take a bicycle tour to witness the pastel town
4. Take a feel of the nightlife in French style
5. Tantalize your taste buds by indulging in some mouth-watering local foods
6. Go on a retail therapy to pick some local handicrafts, souvenirs, mementos, incense sticks, cotton dresses, and essentials oils
7. Learn Surfing and other water-sports activities at Kallialay School
When to do it
October to February constitute the winter season and is considered the best time to sightsee, with slight temperatures making it more welcoming. Pondicherry being a coastal town, the climate is usually hot, sticky, and humid. However, during the day, you can cool off and engage in some water sports at the beaches.
How to reach
Air
Pondicherry Airport is well connected with major cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai. People who plan to travel from other cities need to connect through the Chennai airport.
Railway
The nearest railway station to Pondicherry is Villupuram Railway Station which is well connected to major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Chennai.
Road
The city is well-connected by road to all major cities like Chennai, Madurai, Trichy, Kanyakumari, Chidambaran.