Netrani Island
 Netrani Island | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 14°00′59″N 74°19′33″E / 14.0165°N 74.3259°ECoordinates: 14°00′59″N 74°19′33″E / 14.0165°N 74.3259°E |
| Country | |
|
India | |
| State | Karnataka |
| District | Uttara Kannada |
Netrani (also known as Pigeon Island in old maps) is a tiny island of India located in the Arabian Sea. It is off the coast of Karnataka situated approximately 10 nautical miles (19 km) from the temple town of Murudeshwara. Views from above give this island the appearance of being heart-shaped. Besides pigeons, the other inhabitants of the island are wild goats. This island has some of the best sites for scuba diving easily accessible from Mangalore, Goa, Mumbai or Bangalore. There are many dive shops from Goa that regularly organize diving expeditions to the island.[1]
Attractions
Netrani is a coral island and therefore suitable for snorkelling and diving activities. Many varieties of coral, butterfly fish, trigger fish, parrot fish, eels and shrimps can be seen here. Divers have also reported seeing orcas and whale sharks around the island. Normally diving/snorkelling is done from a boat which is anchored close to the island and usually visitors do not climb on to the island because of the sharp rocks and steep cliffs on the island. The Indian government was using this island for target practice for its armed forces. One can still find craters and unexploded bomb shells in the island. Fish eagles are thriving in this island primarily feeding on sea snakes and fish. A species of mongoose was also spotted in the island confirming mammalian inhabitants apart from bats. Whale sharks were also spotted by snorkellers.
This island offers diving suitable for professionals. The island adjacent to Netrani is used by the Indian navy for target practice. One can see empty shells rusting around Netrani and adjacent island. It is not recommended to visit Netrani without permission.
The best time to visit is between December and January. The resort stops taking tourists for snorkelling and scuba diving during June–September because the sea becomes rough.
References
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