The headline underscores a growing sentiment around the once-popular amusement parks in India, such as Appu Ghar, EsselWorld, and Nicco Park. These locations formed an integral part of childhood experiences for many, serving as destinations for families to save for, travel to, and share stories about afterward. The thrill of the rides, including cable cars and pendulums, created an atmosphere filled with excitement, making them memorable outings for kids during the 1980s and 1990s.

Appu Ghar, inaugurated in Delhi in 1984, was amongst the pioneers. It became renowned until its closure in 2008, following the expiration of its land lease, which was subsequently designated for the Supreme Court complex and Delhi Metro expansions. Although a second iteration appeared in Gurugram in 2014 as Oysters, it too became non-operational due to financial difficulties.

EsselWorld in Mumbai, another hallmark, opened in 1989 and became a symbol of adventure and fun. However, similar to its predecessors, the ride on the crest of admiration has waned, leading many to ponder the underlying reasons for this shift.

Changing Aspirations and Competition

Interviews with locals reveal a consensus: amusement parks no longer hold the same allure as they once did. Several factors have contributed to this change. Increased disposable income among families has led many to prefer foreign travel over local amusement parks, with destinations like Dubai or Singapore now within reach. The ease of access to international amusement parks has transformed preferences, leading to social media branding them as desirable holiday spots.

Moreover, the entertainment landscape has diversified. Alternatively, consumers can enjoy experience zones in malls, including gaming facilities, trampoline parks, and virtual reality venues. These options have replaced the traditional concept of a day at an amusement park, marking a shift in cultural outings.

Many older parks are struggling due to a lack of investment in new rides and maintenance. Their appearance has become outdated compared to newly established entertainment centres elsewhere. This neglect not only affects visitors’ experiences but also reduces the parks’ appeal over time.

Industry Resilience and Future Prospects

However, industry leaders assert that the sector is not declining but undergoing a transformation. Experts describe the current state as an ‘inflexion point’, noting the influx of capital into the amusement park industry. Notable investments include Wonderla’s ₹600-crore Chennai expansion and Imagicaaworld’s ₹1,650-crore plans for its Khopoli site.

Land costs significantly influence the development of new parks, particularly in Northern India, where prime real estate is prohibitively expensive. Industry leaders emphasise that new avenues must be explored, including smaller indoor facilities to improve accessibility for families. Similar sentiments resonate experts who points out that existing parks still attract substantial annual visitors.

Despite projections of declining interest, both Wonderla Holidays and Imagicaaworld report rising footfall numbers. Wonderla experienced an increase of 30 per cent in visitor numbers in the fourth quarter of FY26, while Imagicaaworld also saw a significant 22 per cent growth in the same period. This indicates a pivotal shift, with companies focusing more on creating premium experiences rather than merely increasing visitor volumes.

In essence, while the iconic amusement parks of the past may have faded, the industry is adapting to new consumer preferences. The challenge remains in creating a modern iteration that resonates as deeply with the current generation as Appu Ghar and EsselWorld once did.

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