My visit to Marine World Public Aquarium in Chavakad during the peak holiday season of Dussehra left me with mixed feelings. The first thing that struck me was the massive crowd, which was to be expected during the holidays. However, there were some aspects of the experience that could have been improved.

Surprisingly, they had a separate, shorter queue for cash payments, while digital payment queues were longer. The entrance charges of 400 INR for adults and 280 INR for kids seemed quite high considering the variety of fish and aquarium displays on offer. Unfortunately, the bird sanctuary didn't live up to its promise, and I'd advise against spending money on it.

The free fish spa at the end of the aquarium journey wasn't particularly hygienic, and it felt like a "use at your own risk" situation. Security personnel were present to ensure visitors didn't use flash photography or pose a risk to themselves or the aquatic life.

One unique feature was the dome for watching fish, where a deep-sea diver in costume swam with the fishes. This was a big attraction for many visitors. However, the dim lighting throughout most of the facility, coupled with the less than pleasant smell of a mix of sweat and air conditioning, created a somewhat nauseating atmosphere.

There wasn't much open space in the building, and I was surprised by the high ratings I'd seen before my visit. Crowd management and hygiene could have been handled better. Soft background music could have enhanced the overall ambiance and the essence of being in an aquarium.

Additionally, the prices for other activities, such as the 80 INR charge for a 5-minute bumper car ride, felt a bit steep. If you have a generous budget and are looking for some time-pass, this place might suit you. However, in hindsight, I would have chosen to take the kids to the beach behind the aquarium instead. It's clear that there is room for improvement in the management of this facility.