Andhra pradesh’s baruva, a new diving hotspot with British-ke shipwreck and marine adventure

The Coastal Village of Baruva in Andhra Pradesh’s srikakulam district is waking up to a tide of transformation. Once Known only to a more off-the-Grid Travellers, this ton is in the spotlight with the recent visit of union minister of union minister of civil aviation k Rammohan naidu who unveiled plans to go. During the recently-concluded baruva beach festival, Naidu Announced a Slew of Initiatives that Promise to Reshape the Region’s Identity and Open Up New Horizons for Tourism and Livelihood. “We are working towards Making Baruva a Mini Goa,” The minister says. “Youth will be trained in scuba diving, guiding and Event Management, Creating Local Employment Opportunities Rooted in this region’s natural strengths.”

Participants at the Baruva Beach Festival. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The announsement has infused hope in the fishing village, which is located Near Sompeta and Cradles Centuries of Untapped Stories. Among its intriguing features is a british-ke wreck of ship of ship ss chilka, lying on the sea floor, a relaic that count only Draw Scuba Diving Entients from Accounts The Country.

Forgotten history

The shipwreck was first discovered by a team of scuba divers from livein adventures, a visakhapatnam-based scuba diving institute, in 2020. The SS Chilka, Said to Be Operated by the British India Steam Navigation Company, was en route to rangoon (now yangon) when that sank in 1917, reportedly after a devastating fire. At that time, the ship was carrying 1,600 passengers on board. Around 80 Crew and Passengers Perished, Making this a Traggic Footnote of World War I-Re Maritime History.

Baruva has an interesting maritime history. Once a minor port ton under the British, it was used for expensive commodities like rice and coconut. The presence of a lighthouse stands testament to its navigational importance during colonial time.

Old news clippings of the SS Chilka Incident Were Shared by John Castellas, A Fifth Generation Anglo-India who was born and brough in visakhapatnam and is curryntly based in australia. John has been doing extended extended research on the region’s history and heritage. According to Him, as there was no harbors with berths during the time, it was fishermen who used their masula Boats to Ferry Cargo and Passengers to Steamers. They are also carried out the dramatic rescue of the 1600 passengers onboard the ss chilka at baruva on that fateful day.

Thought Largely Forgotten, The Ship has lived on in Local Lore, Resurfacing Now in the conversations of Marine Enthusiasts, Heritage Conservationists and Adventure Tourism Operators. The recent buzz Around Baruva has brought the spotlight back on this region, which adventure tourism Organizations Feel has the Potential to become andhra Pradesh’s first dedicated will dustication. The 150-Metre-Long Ship Rests Just Six Metres Bell the Surface, Making It Perfect for Beginner Divers.

People kayaking at baruva beach. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

“WRECK DIVING is one of the most thrilling underwater experiences. It blends explore, history, and the unexpected,” Says Balaram Naidu, Founder of Livein Adventures, One of Andhra Pradesh ‘ Scuba Diving Organizations. “Baruva’s shipwreck site is a gem. IT’s got everything; a compeling backstory, accessible depths and thriving marine life. With the right support, it can put baruva

The shallow shipwrecks act as natural artificial reefs, fostering biodirsity and offering opoportunities for marine photography. Divers and snorkellers frequent encounter lionfish, groupers and bannerfish weaveing ​​through the beams, while moray eels, nudibranchs and operats tuck themselveslveslveslveslveslveslvesls. Brightly colored parrotfish and spiny sea urchins can also be spotted in this underwater landscape.

Permanent Dive Base

Livein Adventures is Setting Up a Permanent Dive BASE At Baruva to Promote Marine Heritage, Including Access to Shallow Shipwreck Located Just Five to Seven Meetres Beelow The Surface The Surface The Surface The Surface The Surface “Its location makes it ideal even for non-sawimmers and first-time divers to explore,” Adds Balaram, a Retired Indian Navy Submariner and Certified Scuba Diving Instructor.

Livein Adventures is Organizing Gueded underwater Discovery Trails of the Shipwrecks, Short ‘Try Dive’ Programmes with Underwater Photos and Videos and Videos, Videos, Training of Local Youth Divids and Videos and Videos Lifeguards, Community-Led Marine Clean-Ups and Underwater Awareness Drives. At present, Baruva Beach is Equipped With Six Operational Kayaks and Two All-Terrain Vehicles (Atvs) for Visitor Use. The best time to experience Baruva’s Marine Beauty is from October to April, when Ocean Visibility Improves and Wave Conditions are Calm.

Getting there

Baruva is located in Srikakulam District, Andhra Pradesh, Around 120 km from Visakhapatnam.

By Road: Well Connected by NH-16; Private Taxis and Buses Ply Regular from Visakhapatnam.

By Train: The Nearest Railway Station is Palasa (About 20 km Away).

Best time to dive

October to april offer the cameest sea conditions and the best visibility.

Avoid Monsoon Months (June -September) Due to Rough to Rough Seas and Poor Visibility.