The New Era of Domestic Travel
Forget predictable itineraries and standard sightseeing. A new wave of tourism is sweeping across India, driven by a desire for authentic and memorable activities. Travellers, particularly the younger generation, are prioritising cultural immersion, adventure,
and unique moments over conventional tourism formats. This has led to a boom in experiential travel, with projections suggesting the market could reach significant heights as people seek more than just a getaway. Instead of just seeing the sights, people want to be part of a story. This trend has paved the way for innovative attractions that offer a fresh perspective on domestic travel, and none are as captivating as those found underwater.
Dine Surrounded by Marine Life
Imagine enjoying a meal as colourful fish and marine species glide past your table. This is the reality at India's first underwater restaurant, The Real Poseidon in Ahmedabad. Located 20 feet below ground level, this 32-seater dining room is encased in an aquarium holding 1,50,000 litres of water and over 4,000 creatures. While the restaurant itself serves an all-vegetarian menu featuring Indian, Thai, Chinese, and Mexican cuisines, the main course is undoubtedly the 360-degree view of aquatic life. This unique concept offers a multisensory experience that transforms a simple meal into an unforgettable event, providing a taste of underwater wonder without ever having to get wet.
Explore a World Beneath the Waves
For the more adventurous, India’s extensive coastline offers world-class scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a premier destination, known for crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine biodiversity. Sites around Havelock and Neil Island are teeming with colourful coral, sea turtles, and even the occasional dugong. Further south, the Lakshadweep archipelago offers pristine lagoons and untouched coral gardens, making it ideal for new and experienced divers alike. Closer to the mainland, Netrani Island in Karnataka, also known as 'Pigeon Island', is a heart-shaped diving hotspot in the Arabian Sea with excellent visibility from October to May. Even Goa, famous for its beaches, offers accessible wreck dives like the historic 'Suzy's Wreck' for beginners. These locations allow travellers to actively engage with marine ecosystems, turning a beach holiday into a genuine exploration.
Journey in a Submarine
The allure of exploring the deep is no longer limited to professional divers. Semi-submarine rides, particularly in the Andaman Islands, offer a dry and comfortable way to witness the beauty of coral reefs. These vessels feature an underwater observation cabin where passengers can sit and watch marine life through large glass windows as the boat cruises on the surface. For a more historical perspective, the INS Kursura Submarine Museum in Visakhapatnam provides a different kind of underwater experience. It is a real decommissioned Indian Navy submarine preserved on RK Beach. Visitors can walk through its narrow passageways, control room, and crew quarters, offering a fascinating glimpse into life aboard a submarine. While not an underwater trip, it connects visitors to the world of deep-sea exploration in a tangible way.
Sleep Among the Fish
The ultimate immersive experience is spending the night underwater. While options globally can be incredibly luxurious and expensive, India is beginning to embrace the concept. VGP Marine Kingdom in Chennai has launched what it calls India's first underwater luxury suite. Located within its large walkthrough aquarium, the suite features large picture windows that look directly into the deep ocean zone, allowing guests to be surrounded by marine life throughout their stay. In Kerala, the Aquatic Island Resort near Kochi offers floating units with bedrooms situated below the water level, providing a view of the backwaters' aquatic life. These unique accommodations go beyond a simple hotel stay, offering a tranquil and mesmerising connection to the underwater environment.
