Neendakara Port

Neendakara Port, nestled within the embrace of Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam, Kerala, wears two hats: a bustling fishing harbour and a historical whisperer. Its name, meaning "long bank" in Malayalam, hints at its geographical stretch, but its heart beats for the sea and the lives it sustains.

Fishing Haven: Over 500 fishing boats find safe haven within the sheltered confines of the port, returning daily with bountiful catches of sardines, mackerel, and prawns. The lively auction floor hums with the energy of bargain hunters and seasoned vendors, a symphony of commerce against the rhythmic clatter of fish.

Golden Era: History whispers through the port's past, tracing back to the 16th century when Portuguese ships navigated the Neendakara bar, now replaced by the imposing bridge. It once thrived as a cargo port, handling raw cashew and Ilmenite, but the sands of time have shifted its focus towards the bounty of the sea.

Legacy Lives On: Though its cargo handling days are numbered, Neendakara's legacy lives on through the Indo-Norwegian Fisheries Community Project. Here, a Fishermen Training Institute equips generations with the skills to navigate the waves, while boat building yards and a refrigerator plant sustain the lifeblood of the community.

Tranquil Escape: Beyond the bustle, Neendakara offers a moment of respite. From the Neendakara Bridge, the Ashtamudi Lake meets the vast expanse of the Arabian Sea, painting a breathtaking canvas. Chinese fishing nets stand like silent sentinels, waiting for the sun to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the water.

Neendakara Port might not be a behemoth of global trade, but it pulsates with the rhythm of a community thriving on the sea's bounty. It's a testament to resilience, a whisper of history, and a canvas painted with the vibrant strokes of life and livelihood.