If it is Scuba Diving on your mind.. Read on for everything about Tarkarli Beach and Malvan underwaters
Scuba or Under water diving was introduced to a much larger scale of audience by the famous ZNMD movie. Much of us common people did not really know or bother about this breath-taking and incredible experience. Katrina and Hrithik played it so well and looked so refreshing that I guess, every person who watched it.. must have had an instant and strong impulse to go scuba diving. Well… we did!!
‘We’, is me with my crazy bunch of cousins who were so inspired that we planned the next suitable trip to go Scuba diving!! Expecting something of a bit similar to what Hrithik had, my cousins — a gang of fourteen members decided to unlock a life-changing experience for us too!
So we set off to this tiny village called Tarkarli close to the Malvan area of Maharashtra, India. It is alongside the Arabian sea and a river called Karli and is famous for its pristine clear waters and long coast line. It is said that on a clear day, one can see the sea bed up to the depth of 20 ft. Tarkarli is also called as the coral beach and is gaining popularity as a tourist destination. Tarkarli is around 500kms from Mumbai or Mangalore and is around 150kms from Goa. Dabolim airport being the closest. There are also regular and daily buses or trains to and from this place.
In India, Scuba is offered at other places like Goa or Pondicherry. You can read about each of them and decide what suits you the best. Tarkarli fit the bill for us as we had planned our on wards to Goa after the Scuba. We set off on a night journey and reached here early the next day morning. We had pre-booked our stay and the scuba diving arrangements. There are many local vendors who offer Scuba to travellers, but it is advisable to do a thorough check on the safety, previous track record and authenticity of these vendors. The rack rate is about 1500 per person (in 2012) and you can negotiate your way to it.
While this is no closer to what professional or an actual scuba experience is, it is good for an amateurish expedition before you get onto a real deep and worthy diving adventure. This place is advisable for an introductory scuba experience as it is blessed with plentiful of colorful coral reefs and crystal clear waters. You can expect to get glimpses of star fishes and sea urchins on your underwater exploration. The instructors are well trained and speak manageable English and Hindi, Marathi. There is a short training session while you are on your way towards the diving spot from the shore. The instructors professionally explain you the do’s and dont’s of the diving procedures. While there isnt much to worry about, one just has to bear in mind the instructions.
We started off early the next day morning for your Scuba experience with butterflies in our stomach. Most of us are non-swimmers and the thought of getting down in the waters itself was scary enough. The instructors will ask you to come during a specific time looking at the weather conditions and tides. We were all briefed about the dive and given handy tips. You are given your scuba gear which is a diving suit of your size, scuba apparatus, mask, fins, etc. Each person is accompanied with an instructor who will take you down and show you around. We were went up to 15 ft down and saw an amazing collection of beautiful corals, shrubs, tiny fishes floating by. They allow you to touch and take pictures for you while you there. While the experience in itself was fulfilling and much refreshing, if you have done Scuba dive anywhere earlier then you would not enjoy this one. Like I mentioned, it is amateurish and good for the beginners.
We are the Captains!! Pic is of Harsh Unadkat[/caption]
There are other water sport activities in Tarkarli like Jet skiing, Banana rides, Kayaking, Dolphin spotting, Similar to Goa, you can hire two-wheelers here and explore the village. Spotting local fishermen going about their daily routine of spreading their nets, anchoring and offloading is common. There are also many rare sea birds that you can see. Another interesting option would be to club your Scuba with a trip to the nearby Sindhudurg Fort. With legendary and humble roots, this magnificent structure holds a sacred place in the history of Maharashtra.
While the Scuba, water sports, fort trip can all be good; for me personally an evening walk on the beach was worth it. With white sands, turquoise blue waters and a panoramic view. Listening to the conquering roar of the waves that hit the shore… they kind of remind you of the miles and miles that you have journeyed to where you want to reach or be. It somewhere can just calm you down and refresh your soul.
If you are a Fish person, consider you have landed to heaven. This place is like the mining ground for crabs, lobsters, squids and other fishes! Malvani food is one amongst the best cuisines of India with mouth-watering flavors, spices and fiery curries. You must try some of the local cuisine here, visit any of the Malvani joints and ask for prawn masala or pomfret masalas. Also do try some Solkadi which is a refreshing Malvani drink made from Kokum and cononut milk and is known to cool down the digestive system after spicy food. It is a natural digestive and is supposed to be an excellent antidote for acidity.
I would not recommend going to Tarkarli especially for Scuba, but if you are passing by from this place then can be worth a short visit.
If you have been to Tarkarli or are planning to go there, do write about your experience in the comment box below.
Well, that was all about my first Scuba experience. I shall wait for something like ZNMD to happen to me :P
Till next time.. just travel!
Cheers!
Sandy
