Pondicherry Scuba Diving
At the eastern coast of India, Pondicherry Scuba diving is probably the best ride to adventure that one can get. Scuba diving in Pondicherry has gained a lot of popularity over the years as this place is the home to a lot of underwater experiences that one cannot find even in the west coast counterparts of this town. With the corals untouched and the marine life friendly to whoever enters this world, beaches in Pondicherry is a pristine option when it comes to exploring it all, and even learning to do so if you are a beginner. The experience of diving and seeing the creatures of the sea at work is something you will have a hard time forgetting. The cardinal fishes swimming in a school as if it’s choreographed dance and the jellyfishes floating past you in stealth mode, all of it is possible somewhere as serene as Pondicherry.Heaven for professional divers, Pondicherry is not going to be a disappointment for people looking for a place to begin a new chapter of diving sports in their life. There are many schools in and around the town where one can get a break from all the sightseeing and visits to the Auroville for a to peek into the world beyond the beaches of Pondicherry, literally. These schools teach you everything from a beginners course to an advanced course in Scuba diving. You can even go for a one-dive experience in the Bay of Bengal including the basics of breathing and use of the proper equipment required for scuba dives.
One of the best experiences in Pondicherry is the feeling of being in the midst of the fishes and the leaving and breathing corals in the see. You can even get the rare experience of seeing Olive ridley turtles that nest in the coasts of Pondicherry. Apart from these, you can even spot lionfish, kingfish, moray eels, manta rays, and crustaceans from behind the diving mask, up close and personal. Scuba diving is the one thing you would regret not taking up in Pondicherry, and would not regret at all once you have got the experience of floating in the seas with the groupers and other fishes.
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Aurobindo Ashram or the Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a spiritual group (ashram) situated in the union territory of Pondicherry. The ashram was a small community that expanded over some time as more and more disciples of Aurobindo Ghose gathered around to seek spirituality. Aurobindo Ghose founded this ashram after he left his political career and aspired to inherit spiritualism in his life. A few followers of Aurobindo joined him in the ashram with the same aim of seeking spirituality. Located in eastern Pondicherry, Sri Aurobindo Ashram has become a hub of tourists who are inclined towards divinity and simplicity in their lifestyle. The ashram is popular not only in India but also in other countries because of the work put forth by the community towards the healing of humanity. The ashram in its initial days only had a few buildings but later, as more and more people joined, the ashram grew bigger and presently, it consists of many small buildings that are adjacent to each other. The ashram provides all the basic needs of its members for living a healthy and simple life. There is a library in the ashram where members can read and learn about the history and teachings of the place. Also, there are various cultural facilities like dance, theatre, music, arts, and sports for the all-round development of the members. The ashram is managed by a board of five trustees who make sure that the legacy and vision of Aurobindo Ghose remains in the ashram.History of Aurobindo Ashram:After quitting politics, Aurobindo Ghose spent most of his time writing and meditating in the ashram. From 1910 to 1920, the ashram had a few members alongside Aurobindo who all lived a simple life involving reading, writing and doing their daily chores. In 1920, Mirra Alfassa or “The Mother” who was regarded as the “spiritual collaborator” of Aurobindo returned to Pondicherry and lived in the ashram. Soon, more and more people came in the ashram and it gradually became a community under the umbrella of Aurobindo and the Mother. In 1926, the formal foundation of the ashram was done and this resulted in more and more people coming to the ashram. From just 24 people in 1927 to 150 in 1934, the ashram started to grow like a community. Over the years, as the ashram grew in numbers more and more departments were formed and the sadhaks looked after the departments as a part of their sadhana. Today, the ashram is spread throughout the town in around 400 buildings and houses more than 2000 sadhaks. Highlights of Aurobindo Ashram:-Aurobindo Ghose founded the ashram in 1926 after quitting his career in politics -Mother (Mirra Alfassa) companion of Aurobindo carried on the legacy of the ashram after Aurobindo’s death in 1950.-One of the biggest Ashrams in India, Aurobindo Ashram housing more than 2000 people living and serving each other. -Auroville, the city of dawn was the brainchild of Mother. Auroville is associated with the ashram in its ideological structure and well-being.-Aurobindo Ashram publishes many periodicals about the essence of spirituality and peace in life-It takes around 2-3 hours to see the entire ashram
Rock Beach, often referred to as the Promenade Beach or Pondicherry Beach is a beachfront located along the Bay of Bengal. The coastline of this beach is 1.5 km long and starts at the War Memorial built at the beginning of the beach, while ends at the Dupleix Park built at the Goubert Avenue. Unfortunately, this beach is not open for taking dips in the sea or any water sport activities, but many visit the place during sunrise and sunset for walking, jogging or taking a stroll. The beach is clustered with tetrapods along the coastline, while a concrete pathway has been constructed which is flanked with cafes, restaurants and pubs. These restaurants serve various cuisines including French, Indian, Arabic and Chinese. Some of the places have live band performances that attract many tourists. The restaurants and pubs do not allow any customers after midnight and shut down before 1:00 AM.Apart from restaurants, there are shopping boutiques that sell textile materials, home décor and souvenirs for you to take home. The various hotels built around the beach provide several stay-at options for foreigners and local travellers. There are no vehicles allowed on the concrete and paved path, but there is a parking space provided at the entrance where you can give a fee of NR 5 and let the watchman take care of your vehicle.One may encounter various hawkers and vendors selling balloons, neon bands and tiaras whose presence may be vexing. The beach is not as crowded on weekdays as it is on weekends.
The Raj Niwas building is constructed on the foundation of a hotel named Hotel De La Compagnie. This is the government house of the Pondicherry and is a blend of both Indian and French architecture. The previous name of this Raj Niwas is Palais du Government. The Raj Niwas isn’t open to public but it is one of the attractions in Pondicherry. Most of the people who went on a trip to Pondicherry will surely pay a visit to this Raj Niwas to enjoy the Indo-French architecture. The monolithic pillars, fountain are the biggest asset of this Raj Niwas. They enhance the look of the construction as well as add royalty too. The public can go into the Raj Niwas on some special days and occasions only.Location:White TownPondicherry 605001Best Time To Visit:The Best Time To Visit: Raj Niwas will be between 12 pm and 1:30 pm as you will be allowed into the house. The point to remember here is the passes are limited to 40 per day.TimingsThe Raj Niwas will be open between 12pm and 1:30 pmDistance Between Pondicherry Bus stand and Raj NivasThe distance from Pondicherry bus station to Raj Nivas is 2.6 kms which can be travelled in 4-5 mins.Image Credits: thehindu.com
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People Also Ask About Scuba Diving in Pondicherry
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Which are the best places to do scuba diving in Pondicherry?
Pondicherry is the growing favorite of many lovers of scuba diving, both the professionals and the ones willing to learn this adventurous experience of a lifetime. PADI, the international authority that regulates scuba diving in the world has strict rules and regulations for a place to be qualified for recreational diving, and the places in the list of Pondicherry scuba diving that qualify as per them are-
- 4 Corners
- Temple Reef
- Coral Shark Reef
- Aravind’s Wall
- Ravines
- The Hole
- PADI Dive Center
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Which is the best time for scuba diving in Pondicherry?
Although Pondicherry proudly boasts that there is no certain best time to experience scuba diving here, there are many factors that affect the overall experience like calmness of water and visibility etc. The best time for scuba diving in Pondicherry as per that are the months of February to April and September to November with an easy 20 to 30 meters of visibility.
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What is the minimum and maximum age for scuba diving in Pondicherry?
The minimum age for scuba diving in Pondicherry in the sea is 10 years with no maximum age as long as the participant provides all documents required to prove them fit for the strenous activity.
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What is the duration and average cost of scuba diving in Pondicherry?
With a variety of options available here, the courses range from 1 day to 16 days with a fixed number of dives in each course. The duration for dives ranges from 20 minutes to 2.5 hours. The cost for Pondicherry scuba diving also varies as per the same. Starting from INR 5000/- for a day’s dive excluding training, to INR 82,000/- for a full-fledged 16-day course.
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Can a non-swimmer go for scuba diving in Pondicherry?
Yes, even non swimmers can join in for the fun in Pondicherry scuba diving.
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What precautions should be taken before going for scuba diving in Pondicherry?
When you are diving in Pondicherry, you will be guided by professional experts so nothing goes wrong with you. But there is only so much that they can do and there are a few things that you must take care of on your end. These are-
- Make it a thumb rule to never hold your breath
- Take your ascents in the water slow. Panic can ruin things
- Gear Check
- Always dive within your limits
- Maintain your fitness
- Do not consume alcohol or any other intoxicants before diving. That includes smoking
- Always stick to the plan
- Learn the rule of thirds when it comes to air supply management
- Practice your skills in safe regions
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What are the most common injuries or sickness/diseases/syndromes associated with scuba diving?
Although not openly, but scuba diving is now evolving as an adventure sport. And where there are sports, there is definitely going to be injuries. In such cases, never lose your calm as panic can only elevate situations, not alleviate them. With that said, common injuries and disorders include
- Barotraumas - Pressure related injuries
- Carotid Sinus Syndrome caused by tight suits
- Pressure Immobilization
- Decompression Illness
- Heart Attack
- Cardiac situations when diving after installing a Cardiac Pacemaker
- Heat Injuries
- Carbon Dioxide Toxicity
- Carbon Monoxide Toxicity
- Hypothermia caused Diving in Cold Water
- Immersion Pulmonary Edema meaning Diving with Poor Heart Conditions
- Lung Ruptures caused by extreme pressure changes
- Oxygen Toxicity (CNS)
- Salt Water Aspiration Syndrome
- Sea Sickness and Pelagism
- Shock
- Marine animals bites and stings
- Vertigo brought on by imbalance in the inner ear
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My ears hurt when I dive to the bottom of a pool. Wont they hurt when I dive in the sea?
Yes, because the depths that you will dive to in an open sea, there are definitely chances that your ears will hurt when you go scuba diving. But the smart way here is to involve your professional trainer in the loop as they will give you the correct advice on a small procedure called equalization, to help stop the pain while diving.
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What does the scuba divers Never-to-do checklist look like?
If you wish to embark on a Pondicherry scuba diving expedition, the scuba divers never to do checklist is divided into three parts, namely, before, during and after the dive
Before diving, never-
- Plan to dive without certification
- Dive without a plan and a buddy
- Skip a gear check
- Forget to get a person above water
- Forget to breath
- Drink
- Eat food right before the dive. Keep a gap of at least 2 hours between a dive and a meal
During the dive, never-
- Dive beyond your limits
- Dive if you feel sick
- Hold your breath
- Deviate from the plan
After the dive, never-
- Fly
- Zip Line
- Drink
- Go climbing
- Get a massage
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What are the diving courses available in Pondicherry?
There is a wide variety of options available for scuba diving in Pondicherry. These are
- A couple of hours to a full day for certified divers
- Half day and full day discover scuba courses for non swimmers
- Full day and multiple day courses (2, 3, 4, 6 and 16 days) for beginners including certification
- Speciality courses with specific dives and explorations
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Are there any certifications available for scuba diving in Pondicherry?
Yes, when it comes to diving, especially Pondicherry scuba diving, there are certifications available from PADI, the international authority for scuba diving.
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Which are the reputable scuba diving center in Pondicherry?
With a lot of providers in the area, the two reputable and impeccable providers of scuba diving courses in Pondicherry are-
- Temple Adventures
- Prosbuba
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