Discover Baruva: Andhra Pradesh’s Thrilling New Diving Paradise with a Historic British Shipwreck Adventure!
The coastal village of Baruva, nestled in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district, is on the brink of a transformative journey. Once a hidden gem known only to intrepid travelers, Baruva has captured the attention of Union Minister of Civil Aviation K Rammohan Naidu, who recently unveiled ambitious plans to develop the area into a vibrant tourism hub.
At the recent Baruva Beach Festival, Naidu announced a series of initiatives aimed at reshaping the region’s identity while opening new avenues for tourism and employment. “We are working towards making Baruva a mini Goa,” he remarked, highlighting plans to train local youth in scuba diving, guiding, and event management, thereby creating job opportunities rooted in the area’s natural assets.
This announcement has sparked hope in the fishing village, located near Sompeta, which holds centuries of untapped maritime history. One of its most intriguing features is the British-era shipwreck of the SS Chilka, lying beneath the waves and poised to attract scuba diving enthusiasts. Discovered in 2020 by divers from the Visakhapatnam-based Livein Adventures, the SS Chilka met a tragic end in 1917 during a journey to Rangoon (now Yangon), after a devastating fire claimed the lives of around 80 crew members and passengers. Once a minor port town, Baruva was integral to maritime trade under British rule, exporting rice and coconut, with a lighthouse signifying its navigational prowess.
John Castellas, a fifth-generation Anglo-Indian based in Australia, has conducted extensive research on the area’s heritage. He notes that due to a lack of harbors at the time, local fishermen used their traditional masula boats to transport passengers and cargo, even rescuing many from the SS Chilka wreck. Although largely forgotten, this shipwreck has recently resurfaced in discussions among marine enthusiasts and adventure tourism operators, sparking interest in Baruva as Andhra Pradesh’s first dedicated wreck diving destination. The SS Chilka lies just six meters below the surface, making it accessible for beginner divers.
“Wreck diving is one of the most thrilling underwater experiences, blending exploration, history, and the unexpected,” stated Balaram Naidu, founder of Livein Adventures. He described the shipwreck as a gem, rich with a compelling backstory and thriving marine life. “With the right support, Baruva can find its place on the national diving map,” he asserted.
The shipwreck serves as a natural artificial reef, fostering biodiversity and offering opportunities for marine photography. Divers can expect to encounter vibrant marine species like lionfish, groupers, and octopuses in this underwater landscape. Livein Adventures is establishing a permanent dive base to promote marine heritage, facilitating access to the shipwreck and catered experiences for both seasoned divers and novices.
Currently, Baruva Beach is equipped with six kayaks and two all-terrain vehicles for visitor use. The ideal time to experience Baruva’s underwater wonders is from October to April, when sea conditions are calm, and visibility is at its best. For those looking to visit, Baruva is approximately 120 km from Visakhapatnam, accessible via NH-16 by road or the nearest railway station, Palasa, located about 20 km away.
As Baruva steps into the spotlight, it holds the promise of becoming a significant player in the adventure tourism landscape of Andhra Pradesh, inviting travelers to dive into its rich history and natural beauty.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/travel/andhra-pradeshs-baruva-a-new-diving-hotspot-with-british-era-shipwreck-and-marine-adventure/article69552123.ece
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Publish Date: 2025-05-15 17:10:00
