Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Oct 1: If the current plans go ahead as per schedule, soon Kaup beach will get scuba diving facility. Kaup beach, which was hitherto known because of its light house built during the British era, will soon provide facility for visitors to view the aqua life by going deep under water. Kaup will be the first beach in Karnataka coast to have this facility.

The department of tourism plans to introduce scuba diving at Kaup by the end of October this year. This has opened up possibility of this beach attracting larger number of tourists.

Scuba diving enables people to view for themselves the functioning of multifarious vegetation, aqua life, coral reefs etc. In addition, it will also help researchers undertaking study of variety of life forms thriving under water.

It is gathered that experts who examined the possibility of introducing scuba diving here, have given green signal for the same. Scuba diving facility is already in operation in Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar, Lakshadweep and Goa. Although Malpe too is suitable for scuba diving, tourists will have to reach a minimum of 30 metres inside the sea to dive deep into the water. Therefore, Kaup has got first priority, officials explained.

West Coast company has already evinced interest in operating this facility and has submitted tender, it is learnt. The department is interested in giving the contract to this company. Assistant director for tourism in the district, Anita, said that scuba diving facility will be unveiled at Kaup for the first time in Karnataka coast by October end.