Diving in the Blues: India's First Underwater Museum in Pondicherry

India's first underwater museum is truly a testament to its uniqueness and a step towards discovering the rich marine life of India. Let's look into it on the occasion of International Museum Day.

Pondicherry or Puducherry never disappoints with its picturesque beauty. The French Riviera of the Indian coast has some exquisite beaches and a beautiful coastline sharing the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. These water bodies are home to various floras and faunas, and to witness them, Indian Government has opened India's first underwater museum.

A decommissioned minesweeper, INS Cuddalore, has been turned into an underwater museum in collaboration with the National Institute of Oceanography and PondyCan (NGO). The museum is 7 km away from the Pondicherry shore and 26 meters deep inside the water. The INS Cuddalore is 60 meters long and 12 meters wide and was originally commissioned to serve the Indian Navy at the Eastern Naval Command in Vishakapatnam. The minesweeper was then converted into an underwater museum in 2018.

This is one of a kind museum in India and aims to not only attract tourists and boost the economy but also glorify the marine biodiversity. The ship is designed in such a way that algae, barnacles, and fungi will be seen hovering over it to attract various marine animals for visitors to experience. The doors in the ship allow the participants to swim in and out of the museum.

Also Read: These unique museums in India will blow your mind with their peculiarity!

In addition to the marine show, there are numerous water activities available to enjoy. Delve into the wonders of the ocean through scuba diving and snorkeling, immersing yourself in its breathtaking splendor. While swimming in the sea, fortunate individuals may encounter the frequent sights of turtles and fish, particularly near the museum.

This museum is truly a work of art and unique in its kind that enhances the beauty of Pondicherry. We are adding this straight to the list of unusual museums of India and hope you are ready to dive into the blues to experience the tropical marine life of the city on the occasion of International Museum Day.

Where: Pondicherry Shore Beach, Beach Rd, White Town, Puducherry, 605001.

Cost: On Arrival

Also Read: Indian Air Force Museum in Delhi is a way to behold the rich history of Indian aviation; here’s how!

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