The coastal village of Baruva in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district is waking up to a tide of transformation. Once known only to a few off-the-grid travellers, this town is in the spotlight with the recent visit of Union Minister of Civil Aviation K Rammohan Naidu who unveiled plans to turn it in to a tourism hub.

During the recently-concluded Baruva Beach Festival, Naidu announced a slew of initiatives that promise to reshape the region’s identity and open up new horizons for tourism and livelihood. “We are working towards making Baruva a mini Goa,” the Minister says. “Youth will be trained in scuba diving, guiding and event management, creating local employment opportunities rooted in this region’s natural strengths.”

Participants at the Baruva Beach Festival.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

The announcement has infused hope in the fishing village, which is located near Sompeta and cradles centuries of untapped stories. Among its intriguing features is a British-era wreck of ship SS Chilka, lying on the sea floor, a relic that could soon draw scuba diving enthusiasts from across the country.

Forgotten history

The shipwreck was first discovered by a team of scuba divers from Livein Adventures, a Visakhapatnam-based scuba diving institute, in 2020. The SS Chilka, said to be operated by the British India Steam Navigation Company, was en route to Rangoon (now Yangon) when that sank in 1917, reportedly after a devastating fire. At that time, the ship was carrying 1,600 passengers on board. Around 80 crew and passengers perished, making this a tragic footnote of World War I-era maritime history.

Baruva has an interesting maritime history. Once a minor port town under the British, it was used for exporting commodities like rice and coconut. The presence of a lighthouse stands testament to its navigational importance during colonial times.

Old news clippings of the SS Chilka incident were shared by John Castellas, a fifth generation Anglo-Indian who was born and brought up in Visakhapatnam and is currently based in Australia. John has been doing extensive research on the region’s history and heritage. According to him, as there were no harbours with berths during the time, it was fishermen who used their masula boats to ferry cargo and passengers to steamers. They also carried out the dramatic rescue of the 1600 passengers onboard the SS Chilka at Baruva on that fateful day. 

Though largely forgotten, the ship has lived on in local lore, resurfacing now in the conversations of marine enthusiasts, heritage conservationists and adventure tourism operators. The recent buzz around Baruva has brought the spotlight back on this region, which adventure tourism organisations feel has the potential to become Andhra Pradesh’s first dedicated wreck diving destination. The 150-metre-long ship rests just six metres below the surface, making it perfect for beginner divers.

People kayaking at Baruva beach.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

“Wreck diving is one of the most thrilling underwater experiences. It blends exploration, history, and the unexpected,” says Balaram Naidu, founder of Livein Adventures, one of Andhra Pradesh’s leading scuba diving organisations. “Baruva’s shipwreck site is a gem. It’s got everything; a compelling backstory, accessible depths and thriving marine life. With the right support, it can put Baruva on the national diving map.”

The shallow shipwrecks act as natural artificial reefs, fostering biodiversity and offering opportunities for marine photography. Divers and snorkellers frequently encounter lionfish, groupers and bannerfish weaving through the beams, while moray eels, nudibranchs and octopuses tuck themselves into hidden crevices. Brightly coloured parrotfish and spiny sea urchins can also be spotted in this underwater landscape.

Permanent dive base

Livein Adventures is setting up a permanent dive base at Baruva to promote marine heritage, including access to shallow shipwreck located just five to seven metres below the surface. “Its location makes it ideal even for non-swimmers and first-time divers to explore,” adds Balaram, a retired Indian Navy submariner and certified scuba diving instructor.

Livein Adventures is organising guided underwater discovery trails of the shipwrecks, short ‘Try Dive’ programmes with underwater photos and videos, training of local youth as certified dive guides and lifeguards, community-led marine clean-ups and underwater awareness drives. At present, Baruva beach is equipped with six operational kayaks and two all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) for visitor use. The best time to experience Baruva’s marine beauty is from October to April, when ocean visibility improves and wave conditions are calm.

Getting There

Baruva is located in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, around 120 km from Visakhapatnam.

By road: Well connected by NH-16; private taxis and buses ply regularly from Visakhapatnam.

By train: The nearest railway station is Palasa (about 20 km away).

Best Time to Dive

October to April offer the calmest sea conditions and the best visibility.

Avoid monsoon months (June–September) due to rough seas and poor visibility.

At Yas Island, ride in a Ferrari, click selfies with flamingos, freefall into a gravity defying tunnel, feed a cute harbour seal, or say hello to a superhero! Built as one of Abu Dhabi’s largest tourism projects in 2009, the island houses some of the world’s most opulent entertainment arenas, an F1 racetrack, a golf course, and luxury hotels. Everything on Yas Island looks shiny new; the island itself is built like a giant amusement park; with dramatic buildings set against exceptionally bright skies. 

It is situated 10 minutes from the Abu Dhabi International Airport, and 40 minutes from Dubai.

Here’s how to spend three days on Yas Island, a quick trip to adjacent Saadiyat Island included.

Yas Island
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Speed thrills 

If you are an adrenaline junkie, try Turbo Race at Ferrari World. In 30 seconds, it takes you up through the roof only to descend in a heart-stopping vertical drop. If you do not have the heart or the stomach for it, like this writer, choose a quaint ride — such as The Magic of Italy — where you can steer a 1958 Ferrari California 250 miniature through a track built to resemble an Italian landscape, complete with every landmark such as the Colosseum di Roma, Venice and Maranello. It is delightful, calming, and surely memorable.  

One of the earliest theme parks to open here (in 2010), Ferrari World is also for those who love the brand and its iconic cars. You can delve into the history as well, tracing it from the first car built by Enzo Ferrarri in 1940 to being a public company in 1960.

 Walk on air 

Clymb at Yas Island
| Photo Credit:
Naim chidiac

How does it feel to be suspended mid air? Find out at Clymb, Abu Dhabi’s first indoor skydiving centre. All you need to do is wear a flight suit and helmet and step into a bottomless chamber only 104-feet deep and 32-feet wide. Worry not, for you are instantly pulled into the chamber and propped up by a gust of wind and you find yourself bobbing up and down like a weightless being.

The vertical tunnel is fitted with high speed fans that create a strong airflow and this simulates the experience of a freefall. The instructors, who are also in the chamber with you, guide you if you want to change position or even do some mid-air flips. Suitable for both novices and expert flyers, even children as young as three years of age. If you prefer climbing, walls of different heights offer a range of climbing experiences. The tallest is 138-feet. 

Yas Island
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Selfie with a flamingo

I got a selfie with a flamingo! A particularly curious one wandered close enough to the fence and decided to pose for as long as I wanted her to. She shifted from one pink slender leg to another and easily posed with her fans for a number of photos that day. At Sea World, the region’s first marine life theme park, which takes visitors across eight immersive ocean realms, watch marine creatures, feed some of them and click endless selfies with sea lions and puffins. Divided into regions between the poles to the tropics, visitors can spend an entire day here; the larger idea is to inspire people to protect oceans. The Advanced Animal Lighting System used across the ocean realms simulates the natural environment by recreating daily and seasonal light cycles while providing the benefits of full-spectrum light. 

This also maintains the natural circadian rhythm of marine animals, allowing them to thrive in this new habitat.  

Warner Bros.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Warner Bros
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

One with the superheroes

You are catapulted into space and are flying through interstellar landscapes all in a fraction of a second. Just as you are about to encounter pure evil, Green Lantern appears to save you. Green Lantern: Galactic Odyssey, a 360-degree 4D theatre experience, is one of the many rides at Warner Bros. that could leave you spell-bound. Just when you are settling down from the excitement of it, come Scooby Doo posing for pictures near his Mystery Machine. You are very likely to bump into Superman, Batman or Wonder Woman or the entire Justice League. Imagine all those selfies! Warner Bros. is where every childhood fantasy comes alive. You could go for endless rounds on carousels or get on an adventurous ride through Gotham City or just stroll around the plaza, under an LED sky that turns blue, lilac and pink.

Saadiyat Island, the cultural hub

Saadiyat beach
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

If Yas is all about adventure and entertainment, Saadiyat Island, about 20 minutes from Yas, is for art, culture, and unhurried lunches beside the beach.  Spanning 27 square kilometres, the natural island attracts tourists with its iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi. The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi are also set to open here soon. Saadiyat Island also boasts fine dining and luxury hotels, wellness and lifestyle in addition to its cultural experiences.

.

Louvre Abu Dhabi
| Photo Credit:
KARIM SAHIB

Set against the backdrop of a dazzling aquamarine sea, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is a work of art by itself. Inspired by Arabian architecture, the roof is shaped as a dome and built with steel and aluminium interlocking arcs. At the end of the covered gallery is an open space where sunlight rains down in speckles. French architect Jean Nouvel, who built it, is believed to have drawn inspiration from the play of light and shadow under the palm trees when light filters in through the leaves. From Monet to modern art, across 23 permanent gallery spaces, the Louvre offers everything for the art enthusiast. The gallery is a sanctuary of calm where you can steal a few meditative moments with iconic works of art. It is also a journey through the history of mankind’s preoccupation with art.  

The Abrahamic Family House
| Photo Credit:
DROR BALDINGER

A house of faith

A fairly recent addition to Abu Dhabi’s fast growing cultural scene, the Abrahamic Family House, is a place of interest. It pays tribute to the communities and cultures that have settled in the United Arab Emirates as early as the seventh and eighth centuries. Consisting of a mosque, a church and a synagogue, the complex stands for the larger goal of peaceful coexistence. Designed by Ghanaian-British architect David Adjaye, the tall structures in the colour of desert sand let in plenty of air and natural light through their latticed walls and clean geometrical plan. The centre offers workshops and lectures too on subjects related to faith and peace building. 

The writer was at Yas Island and Saadiyat Island on invitation by Miral Destinations, the creators of immersive experiences in Abu Dhabi. 

Crispy hot dosas on your plate are always a delight. Pair it with a breath taking view of the sunrise and that would be bliss. That plateful after an early morning trek is reward in itself and if that is your idea of a fun activity, Bettadmele Breakfast is a half-day trek experience that unfolds at Hulukudibetta, Doddaballapur.

Organised by Suyana, a travel group in the city, trekkers are served hot, crispy dosas with chutney, fruit, jaggery rasayana, and millet malt after the one-hour climb. Suyana was founded in 2019 by Sushma BV, an HR professional, and her husband Sunil S, an UPSC aspirant. In 2022, Sushma quit her job and now curates travel experiences with Sunil. 

The couple organises a trek every weekend throughout the year in two batches — an early morning batch at 5.30, followed by a morning group at 6.30. Those who opt for the early morning trek are instructed to reach the base at Doddaballapur by 5am using their own transport, while those who opt for the morning trek are provided with transport facilities from various points in the city such as JP Nagar, Koramangala, Richmond Circle, Majestic, Mekhri Bus stop, Hebbal and Yelahanka to reach the base by 6.30am.  

View from the hill
| Photo Credit:
Srihari Raman

After a quick briefing session at the base, trek leaders guide the group to the top. Sushma says, “Our trek leaders not only ensure that participants follow the designated trail, but also keep the group engaged with fun activities.” 

Sushma and Sunil do not sleep the night before a trek. “We make all the food at home using fresh organic ingredients. We begin making the chutney, palya and rasayana around eleven, and complete it around two in the morning. Batter is made in the morning after the rice is soaked the previous night.”

Sushma elaborates on their operations. “Our team departs at around three in the morning with these items with traditional cast iron tawas, portable stoves and cans. We do not use non-stick pans and these tawas are quite heavy, so we have a team of about 15 people who work every weekend, carry this up the hill. They include a research scientist from IIST, lawyers, doctors and IT professionals with a common interest in travelling and curating experiences with us.” 

The team dishes out as many as 200-250 dosas atop the hill for breakfast. 

Families, friends and marathon runners as well as fitness and yoga groups are regular participants of this trek experience. “The trek is both age and pet friendly,” adds Sushma. “Anyone from 7 to 70 can join in as it is an easy trek of about 1,000 steps.” 

Dosa being made
| Photo Credit:
Srihari Raman

The initiative is also sustainable. “We ask our participants to carry their own steel or reusable plates and glasses for the trek. A trash bag is also be placed on site to discard waste. We then carry this bag back to Bengaluru and dispose it at the nearest BBMP disposal unit,” says Sushma. 

“As of now, we organise Bettadmele Breakfast only at Hulukudibetta in Doddaballapur, and we chose this specific peak as it’s a lesser-known hill, that is not crowded with tourists. Moreover, the historic Veerabhadra Swamy and Bhadrakali temples are located at the top of the hill, which is an added incentive,” she says.

Meghana Suresh from Hennur, who went on the Bettadmele Breakfast experience in March 2025 with her family that includes her eight-and 12-year-old children, says, “We used our own transport and reached the base at five in the morning after which there was a warmup session. Though we missed the sunrise view since it was cloudy, there were other points to explore once we reached the peak. The highlight of the experience was definitely the breakfast. The ragi malt shake and dosa were excellent.”

Sushma says, “My husband Sunil and I started Suyana in 2019 because we wanted to curate unique travel experiences outside the routine of work. After the pandemic, we initiated more interactive experiences such as the Bettadmele Breakfast to connect people with nature and others.”  

The Suyana group also organises trips to Agumbe, Hampi Kallu and Kumpa Vistara as well as ones to experience the Siddhi tribe culture. While the Agumbe Vismaya package includes both exploring the rainforest, waterfalls, mud caves and local culture as well as learning about the staple food, vegetation, biodiversity, conservation of endangered flora and fauna, a trip to Hampi focuses on a historical view of the place, its architecture, culture, innovation and literature.

The cost for the Bettadmele Breakfast Experience starts at ₹1,101. For more details, contact 7406648322