The world’s very first oceanarium was built in Singapore. The state government of Kerala is planning to establish the country’s first oceanarium in Vypeen, Cochin. Work on the structure will start by the end of this year.
It will span over 40 acres in the Puthuvype area, and have a 300-m tunnel through which you can watch the ‘ocean’ and the creatures in it. There will be sharks, rays, corals, variety of fishes and other sea animals and plants. Along with this there will be a convention centre, an amphitheatre and a museum.
The idea of the oceanarium was conceived by the Fisheries Department, and will be a public-private enterprise jointly supported by the Kerala State Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KSIIDC) and an investment advisory group, IL&FS. The authorities are planning to build it on par with the ones in the US, UK, Europe and East Asia.
A research centre which will also come up nearby will help scientists and students to study underwater and sea life. Once it is ready, this structure will be a major attraction in the country, and will definitely attract a large number of tourists.