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If you are travelling across South India, you must visit the tiny island located off the coast of Karnataka.

With a mesmerizing view of the Western Ghats as the backdrop, idyllic and cerulean waters of the Arabian Sea and silvery sand lining the shores - you are bound to fall in love with the place. After all, Netrani Island (or 'Pigeon Island') appears to be in the shape of a heart!

Being more than just an island, Netrani in Murudeshwara is a famous tourist spot, a popular pilgrimage town and one of the best sites for scuba diving in India.

Come face to face with breath-taking marine life and underwater structures.

Netrani Island is known for its scuba diving escapades. From beginners to advanced divers, anyone can go scuba diving in Netrani and indulge in the experience of a lifetime!

The crystal-clear water of Netrani is undoubtedly the finest diving site on the western coast of India and is often called as ‘heart of India’s diving’. Located just 19 km from the temple town of Murudeshwara, in Uttara Kannada district of coastal Karnataka, Netrani is the place for Scuba diving.

Explore the fascinating life of coral reefs, flora and fauna, and much more of the marine world. Scuba diving in Netrani, Karnataka is one of the safest and most exciting places to experience the underwater world.

The Island has many scuba diving operators who offer personalized dives either for individual dives or certification courses.

• Popular Diving Spots: Pebble Beach, Grand Central, The Trawler, Dive Godde, The Nursery, The Abyss, Dini’s Delight, Cul de Sac and Aladdin’s Cave.
• Attractions: Napoleon wrasse, cobia, stonefish, black tip sharks, great barracuda, turtles, stingrays, butterfly fish, trigger fish, parrot fish, shrimps, sea snakes, eels, whales, orcas and varieties of corals.
• Depth: 10m - 30m
• Costs: Individual dives - ₹1,000 - ₹8,000 & Courses - ₹13,000 - ₹28,000

November to January is the best time to visit Netrani Island for scuba diving. The temperatures are cool with calm waters giving clear visibility of the wonders below.

Netrani Island is also a pilgrimage destination. The months from October to May are peak tourist season as many important festivals like Maha Shivaratri are celebrated with grand fervour.

Before you go scuba diving in Netrani Island, be sure to carry these essential items:

• Valid ID proof with address is a must.
• A medical certificate stating good health is required.
• Swimwear, dry bag and towels
• Hats, sunglasses and sunblock
• First aid kit

Scuba diving operators will provide you with efficient equipment. Be sure to check your equipment before you're in the water to avoid malfunctions.

• Before visiting your destination, you must re-confirm the availability of scuba diving with your operator and dive only in designated areas.
• Always pay attention to your instructor and follow the guidelines that they have set down.
• Wait for at least 2 hours after eating before you go scuba diving.
• Avoid diving under the influence of substances or if advised against by a medical practitioner.
• There should be a time gap of at least 24 hours between flying and going scuba diving.
• Never hold your breath underwater when scuba diving.

Netrani Island in South India is a beautiful and brimming scuba diving destination offering all adventurers a thrilling and memorable experience. The waters are pristine, calm and deep. The island is also a blissful haven making it the perfect getaway in Karnataka

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