Made to thrill

India's very first amusement park breathes its last

The joyrides have lasted over two decades. The screams of fear mixed with delight, the sense of amazement and happiness and the chatter of the young and old... Appu Ghar has witnessed in its grounds a gamut of emotions that have brought smiles and laughter to everyone's lives.

India's first amusemenet park, it is truly a landmark in Delhi that continues to attract people from all over the country. Only now, its name might find its way into history books.

Inaugurated in November, 1984 by Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi it was formally opened under the aegis of International Amusement Limited in the centre of the capital.

From the cotton candies being sold outside to the fearsome dragon rollercoaster, Appu Ghar forms part of fond memories for every child and parent. The start was humble. A few rides, a bhoot bangla and bumpy cars.

Gradually the amusement park gained such popularity across the country that it became imperative to have something similar in other cities. Then came the Appu Ghar water park "" Oyster. A first in Delhi and quite a rage.

But like everything good, there had to be an end to this too. An end that has begun already as Appu Ghar gets ready to close its doors and open its grounds for the Supreme Court. It leaves the country with invigorating memories of fun-filled rides.

For, very few will be able to forget the joy that the Colombus Ship, Giant Wheel and the Eerie Tunnel brought into their lives.