Njarakkal Aqua Tourism Centre in state of neglect, footfall slumps

Time of India

23-06-2025

Kochi: The Njarakkal Aqua Tourism Centre, once a vibrant destination that drew domestic and international visitors in large numbers with its engaging farm tourism activities and a scenic appeal, is now in a state of neglect.
Abandoned huts, a ruined children's park, deteriorating tin-roofed structures and a defunct Vanchi Island reflect the overall decline, dealing a telling blow to tourism sector in the district. Climatic conditions and govt apathy are pointed out as the main reasons.
Located around 14km from the city centre, Njarakkal Aqua Tourism Centre — set up by Matsyafed in 2010 — was a popular hangout spot for Kochi residents, who enjoyed speedboat rides through fish farms, often witnessing leap of fish close to the boats.
The daily footfall has dipped from 500 to around 50.
At present, the tourism centre mainly offers limited boating facilities — two pedal boats, three rowboats and a solar-powered engine boat. The entry fee is Rs 150, which covers two boat rides and the use of recreational fishing hooks.
Visitors used to enjoy the unique fish-leap experience, which too has lost its charm due to a sharp decline in fish population. Damaged bunds around the farm area have also made it difficult to operate speedboats safely.
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The centre once featured small huts built in the middle of water, where visitors could enjoy food and relax. Today, all four huts are in a dilapidated state and the service has been discontinued. Although a floating hut was introduced a year ago, it too is damaged now.
The children's park is overrun by vegetation. The wooden log bridge connecting the main entrance to the eco-tourism centre is also in a ruined state. The walkway surrounding the farmhouse is no longer usable and visitors are greeted by piles of debris and construction waste left behind following the demolition of small buildings within the centre.
"We used to visit this place often. Today we came with family expecting the same charm, but it turned out to be a huge disappointment — there's nothing left to enjoy. No wonder visitors have stopped coming," said Edavanakkad native Raziya.
A staff member admitted that footfall halved during Covid and has continued to decline. "There is no attraction left for families, especially those with children. Meanwhile, a nearby private facility offering free boat rides and a toddy shop is drawing away visitors," he said.
The food outlet run by Souparnika Swayam Sahaya Sangham is also struggling. "Earlier, over 300 people dined here daily. Now, it's barely 25," said a staff member.
Theft of fish by locals is another concern. The authorities recently lodged a police complaint and a probe is under way. The farm primarily cultivates Poomeen (milkfish), Thirutha (grey mullet) and Karimeen (green chromide). It earned Rs 21 lakh in fish sales last financial year.
Farm authorities attribute the structures' condition to the area's harsh climatic conditions and lack of govt funding. "The huts were damaged due to flooding from high tide. They need to be rebuilt at a higher elevation. Vanchi Island was also destroyed by high tides. The bunds surrounding the farm are collapsing gradually due to weak soil, which also prevents us from operating speedboats at full speed, as it could further damage them.
Reconstructing the bunds alone will require crores," said an official source.
A senior Matsyafed official said a Rs 30-crore project is planned across three aqua tourism centres in the state, including Njarakkal. "With this fund, we expect to fully revamp the facilities there," the official added.