Netrani Island is locally known as Netragudo. The tiny uninhabited Island of Netrani lies 10 nautical miles off the coastal light house of Bhatkal (A port town in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India). Also known as Pigeon Island, besides pigeons, the inhabitants of the island are wild goats. The island also has a temple, church and a mosque each. It also houses nation’s best beaches. A coral island, it is very suitable for snorkeling and scuba diving activities. With depths ranging from 6 to 40 meters, and visibility between 15 to 30 meters, Netrani Island offers excellent diving suitable for certified divers of all experience levels. The clear waters and rich marine life around the island makes diving and snorkeling, a superlative experience. The dive sites are 10 to 30 metre deep, and comprise coral reefs on the eastern side of the island and rock walls on the west and north western side of the island. Netrani Island is not only home to the great diversity of fish life common to Goa and the Arabian Sea, it is also well known for regular sightings of Turtles, Napoleon Wrasse, Great Barracuda, Cobia, White and Black Tip Sharks, Stingrays and Stone-fish.
The island and surrounding sea is home for endangered coral reef, varieties of coral, shrimps, fishes such as butterfly fish, trigger fish and parrot fish along with eels. There are also reports of divers sighting orcas and whale sharks.
Due to recently imposed security restrictions, official permits need to be arranged for diving at the island. The best time to visit is between December and January. There are snorkeling and scuba diving from June to September as the sea becomes rough. Normally diving or snorkeling is done from a boat anchored close to the island and not from the island due to sharp rocks and steep cliffs.
Murdeshwar is an optional visiting place is located about 16 km from Bhatkal, which is famous for gorgeous Shiva temple and the beautiful sea shore. The Shiva temple, which embodies a Linga, is believed to have erupted when Ravana flung the Atmalinga at Gokarna while lifting it.
Photo Gallery of Netrani Island
Suggested things to carry
— One strong back pack (Preferably water proof)
— Swimming costume
— Extra pair of shorts/t-shirt
— Head-wear (like cap, hat or bandana)
— Slippers/Floaters (Required during water activities)
— Water bottles (At least 2 litres)
— Sunscreen & sunglasses
— Toiletries (Shampoo, Towel, Toothpaste, Tissue paper etc.)
— Allergy medication (if any)
— Energy & refreshing food/drink like chocolate, nutribars, Juice packs, Glucon-D etc. (Suggested)
— Torches with new batteries (suggested)
— Camera (Optional)
BMC Office Address
Phone: 9611102222
401 4th Floor Curzon Square
24 Lady Curzon Road
Bangalore 560001
Email: team@bmcindia.org
Driving Directions to Netrani Island
It is just a kilometre away from Bhatkal and Honnavar national highway and 220 km south of Goa. A half-an-hour boat ride from Murudeshwar will lead you to Netrani Island.
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