Do you visit ‘Wonderla’ with family and children? If yes, then the next time you hit the road to the theme park, make sure to drop in at the exotic Kadambrayar, which is a stone’s throw away from the amusement park. A boat ride on the placid waters of Kadambrayar River with a cool breeze rustling your hair can only be an exhilarating experience.
Kadambrayar, which is situated at Kizhakambalam grama panchayat in Ernakulam district, is a sleepy hamlet oozing with the charm of a quintessential Kerala village and is an ideal destination for a one-day hangout. Though the main attraction of this eco-tourism village is boating, there is much in store for visitors who love nature to the core. The vast expanse of paddy fields and swaying coconut palm leaves are soothing to the eyes and the green terrain can provide an ethereal feel to the tourists.
Pollution gnawing river
Though stress is given to tourism and allied activities, Kadambrayar and its surroundings are facing the brunt of rampant pollution. The Brahmapuram waste treatment plant is near the river and facility is also close to water sources such as Chitrapuzha and Manakkathodu canal. Not surprisingly, Kadambrayar River is listed as one of the most polluted rivers in India by the Central Pollution Control Board. The city’s mounting organic and inorganic waste at the treatment plant is posing serious threat to the river and the highly polluted water seeping from tonnes of garbage is slowly but surely killing the water body.
A new lease of life
The Kadambrayar tourism project, which was kick-started in 2010, was in a state of slumber. But now the state government has infused new life into the tourism venture and initiated measures to stem pollution of the river. As part of the rejuvenation steps, the dilapidated pathways and handrails will be refurbished and the river cleared of water hyacinths and other weeds to give a boost nautical tourism in the region. As Kadambrayar is a hotspot for migratory birds, facilities will also be put in place for the benefit of wildlife photographers. Along with the renovation of the walkway meant for people coming from Infopark, boating will be resumed and restaurant reopened. Plans are on the anvil to start boat service from Manakadavu to Infopark. The state government is planning to put in place a cycling track, an angling point and kayaking, and the make river a destination to impart training in water tourism. In a bid to attract new generation, a project will be implemented to promote adventure sports tourism. The state irrigation and tourism departments are piloting the development activities at Kadambrayar. The visitors can go boating between 6am and 6pm.
