What a great place in the heart of the city. Go in the early morning so there isn't much noise. I wish I had gone sooner! It's a lovely place to spend your weekend mornings. Lots of restrooms but I didn't use them and I guess pets are not allowed.

A Hidden heaven at the heart of the city, Adyar❣️An amazing place in Chennai for nature lovers famous for the breathtaking views of the lake, tree huts, mosaic paintings, animal carvings and the greenery. Online Bookings are recommended as the visit is based on slots. They have 2 slots per day with a limited capacity of people. Only 60 people are allowed per session. The timings to visit are : Morning slot: 11.00 AM - 12.30 PM Evening slot: 1.00PM - 2.30 PM The tour inside the Eco park will be a guided tour. A guide will come along with all the visitors to guide you through the pathways since there are many snakes inside the park. So for safety reasons, a guide will accompany you when you walk along the park. Beautiful lanes and views. If you wish to walk along and enjoy with your friends and family under the mother nature's lap, then this is the right place for you. Hats off to the maintenance. The pathways inside the park are just mesmerizing which will give you perfect travel vibes. The park has a wide variety of trees and Birds like Banyan Trees,White swans and much more..This place is perfect for photogenic people, wildlife photographers, tourists and Instagram Influencers since it is a picture perfect place. If you plan to visit the place, book tickets online through their website prior to your visit. The entrance fee is Rs.20/- per person which is super worthy for its naturalistic views and maintenance. If you plan to travel by public transport board 21G and head to Mylapore tank, then shift the opposite bus stop and take bus number 1 and head to Music college. The destination is 2 mins away from Music College. Loved the place to the core💫 A place to be cherished 🌈✨ A must visit place to spend your quality weekends with a pleasing atmosphere.

A apt place for a morning walk that too between 6am - 7am is ultimate. You can feel the freshness and energy when compared to your walk inside the city. The entry for adults is Rs.20, securities will guide you the way and also present at few places. Early morning walk will give an opportunity to watch small birds, insects, snails, strokes, spoon bills, fish on the water ways etc. Be gentle not to disturb those species and let them exist in their habitat. The walking path was clearly marked, laid down, direction boards, restricted way board, restrooms, seating area, watching area and also alert signs guide you everywhere. The stone art gives you a stunning view to believe and biological boards give a knowledge of flora species native to our geographical area. Separate parking for 2 wheeler and 4 wheeler available inside the main gate.

Fantastic peaceful and calm place to visit. Very useful for morning and evening walking, students. Unbelievable that it is located in the city middle, in between Adyar-mandaveli-attinapakkam. Timings are open in Tuesdays and Thursdays, entry only through online booking. Carry your camera and binoculars for a better experience and you can spend 2-3 hours inside the forest in between the city. They have a bulk bookings for school and college students. The best time to visit is Tuesdays 2.30 entry time, no plastic bags allowed. Be careful while walking inside as you can easily notice snakes and a number of insects, i have seen several birds, mongoose, insects and different plants and they have labelled the plants clearly. Enjoy visiting the place. Best place for photo shoot and nature walking. Apart from that daily walking options are also there, everything should be booked and paid online.

Lush Green place amidst all the chaos. A long walking space full of greenery and a cute lake. Would recommend for everyone to visit this to connect with mother nature.

It’s one of the hidden gems for explorers in Chennai. A well maintained and great park to get close with Mother Nature. A good place to hang out with family and friends, they provided guided tours at just ₹20/- entry fees. A total of 3.2km walk but in guided tour you’re just allowed to walk for around 1.8km. There is man made resting areas and seats to sit and have conversations with loved ones.

The place can be visited with family and friends, can spend time in the greens with peace, out of the busy routine. It should be visited in particular seasons when there will be many birds and flowers will be blooming. Limited slots only and per head price is Rs. 20/-. It can be booked through online. Parking facility is available and they will not allow inside before the timing. Not even 10mins before they are not allowing. Additional price for cameras. We can take water bottles to hydrate and restrooms are available. One good place to visit to spend peacefully amidst the city.

An ecological park. This project is an example of what a successful wasteland restoration can achieve. With the water body and the riparian edge restored it has become a biodiversity hotspot. Various kinds of rare birds insects and other water based animals thrive over here. In terms of ecological value this is something that every urban area should look into. In terms of spaces for people the design is very carefully thought. A lot of niches and spaces have been crafted out for informal seatings with various kinds of stone sculptures indicating the various kinds of flora and fauna present. Each space has it's own character in terms of spatial arrangement and views provided. For people it's an absolute delight. Educational tours are also organised for children and elders.

A man made ecological system which spans around about 58 acres. The entire tour is about 1.5 Kms around the lake and you would be travelling along with a group of people and a guide. Neatly maintained and very quite in the midst of the city. Do not expect much, as it is just a peaceful walk around a lake and with so many stone sculptures, rest huts etc. They just allow only a max of 40 ppl per session, so do call and book your tickets in advance. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday are open to public as of now. While we have two sessions on Saturday, it's restricted to only one only afternoon session on Tuesday and Thursday.

It was an amazing experience, walking in the midst of the nature. The trees moving slowly, the river gushing silently and the birds relaxing in the shade. It was an awesome spectacle to experience that. Please do visit this place in morning or evening most recommended. Entry is just Rs.20, it was the money for it.

Beautiful spot in the middle of the city to go for a peaceful walk.. Bookings to be made online and it costs just 20rs per head. Mongoose sighting is more probable than snakes and other insects. Try visiting this place if you are around.

Tholkappia Poonga or Adyar Eco Park (also known as Adyar Poonga) is an ecological park set up by the Government of Tamil Nadu in the Adyar estuary area of Chennai, India. According to the government, the project, conceived based on the master plan for the restoration of the vegetation of the freshwater ecosystems of the Coromandel Coast, especially the fragile ecosystem of the Adyar estuary and creek, was expected to cost around ₹ 1,000 million which will include the beautification of 358 acres (1.45 square kilometres) of land. The park's ecosystem consists of tropical dense evergreen forest, predominantly comprising trees and shrubs that have thick dark green foliage throughout the year, with over 160 woody species, and comprises six vegetative elements such as trees, shrubs, lianas, epiphytes, herbs and tuberous species. The park was opened to public by Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi on 22 January 2011 and named after the renowned Tamil scholar Tholkappiar.About 65 percent of the park is covered by water and artefacts and signages.In the first 2 months of its inauguration, nearly 4,000 children from several schools in the city and the nearby Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur districts have visited the park to learn about wetland conservation, eco-restoration and water management.While the first phase of the ecopark covered about 4.16 acres of CRZ-III area, the entire area covered under the second phase falls under this category.

Such an amazing place to visit, I never expect this much of beautiful place it was, no need to go for vacation to hill station and all, this place was covered everything like pure water, medicinal plants and so on. This poonga is working only on Tuesday, Thursday and saturday, for adults 20 rupees entry fee, for child also same fee, for below 5 years means the ticket was free, per day 60 people's only allowed to visit , buy a tickets in the official website of chennai rivers.

Peaceful place to visit. Pets are not allowed. Limited persons will be allowed for a slot. Book your tickets online. Only 20 rupees per person. Seperate charge for car parking.

Nice place to visit. The best eco park in chennai, with a walkway. Most if the chennai people not knowing this eco park location. Situated just opposite to Music college. The trees and plants embrace you on your visit. The staff explains in detail about the plants and it's uses. They are kind enough to walk alongwith you and explain the history on creation of eco park start from beginning. Please pay a visit and enjoy your trip.

Tholkappia poonga also called as Adyar eco park is an eco restoration project. This place is a go to place in Chennai with your family. The place is plastic free and surrounded with lots of flora and fauna with a creek having pelicans and other bird species. They have mentioned that they were able to find 140 species of birds migrating here. They take only 60 persons per slot and they have 2 slots per day from 10.30-12.30 and 2-4.30. there are lots of places in Chennai which are unexplored, do check out this place.

Hats off to the government to try and protect and conserve the environment. The guided tour was an absolute waste. Just think of the entry fee as a donation to maintain the park. It is about a km walk. The only thing the guide said was don't wander off there are many snakes. The guide doesn't explain anything. After much persistence this is all he said. "One side is salt water and the other side is fresh rain water. We have snakes and mongoose. Lots of birds in November December. We have many medicinal plants used to make ointments" This is all he had to offer. The guided tour was supposed to be 2 hours. He walked for 15 minutes and spoke for 30 seconds. Would request the government to really work on this aspect. A good guide can spur interest in protecting our natural heritage. A good guide can teach people about the trees, plants and animals. A good guide can create joy during the visit.

Best place for a weekend outing in Chennai. The place is very neat and clean. Permission is allowed only 3 days a week and that too as per scheduled timings. For entry it must be booked prior through online. We could find varieties of birds, turtles, insects, butterflies, snakes, snails etc roaming freely and not in cages.

A paradise on greenways road, this Eco-park is a jewel in the heart of the city. But like any jewel, this one is protected from public and is only allowed for visits with permission. The park offers a sanctuary for a lot of our aviary relatives (birds) and we can witness so many species nesting and finding it a safe sanctum. Children are allowed here on school visits and there are very limited visits available to the public. It would be fantastic if the government created a scheme wherein a membership was created and allowed only members to benefit from the place, so that there could be a limited population only visiting so that the birds would not be disturbed!

This place can give you forest experience. There are two tracks around the water body, one is 1.5kms and the other is 3.2kms. The ticket price is 20rs. Timings: (with guide for 1.5kms track) On Tuesdays and Thursdays 2:30pm to 4:30pm On Saturday 10:30am to 12:30pm and 2:30pm to 4:30pm. No fee is required for guide. On other days walking will be allowed from 4:30pm to 5:30pm. Weird looking insects, snails and snakes can be seen around. Good place to enjoy nature. The people who work in the creative fields like art or literature can sit under the huts provided and work peacefully.

It's a great integrated ecosystem. Its was built up a mix with wetlands and forest systems that's why many flora and fauna are seen naturally. It was amazing if you are interested to love nature please go with your child. Saturday are open for all. But now the corona issue still close but will open soon. Great guys .Thanks

Such a very well kept quaint place in the middle of the city. Went at 6:30am and there were hardly anyone there(maybe due to tickets). Truly an eco park as we saw quite a few snails on the path and such red and black colored bugs along with a mongoose.. beautiful serene place and very well marked on which way to go. Only thing was the trail was not the 4km they mention. The whole trail back and forth was slightly less than 3k. Maybe some parts were blocked off today.

Definitely a testimony to our will to rebuild Chennai into a clean and beautiful city

We traveled nearly an hour to reach this place. It said that the park opens at 2:30 online. We went there around 3 and the security didn't allow us inside. He said that we had to make an online booking to enter into the park! Is this a restaurant to reserve seats? And also... We also checked the notice kept at the gate. It said that tickets has to be booked online or can be bought from the ticket counter. When asked if we could buy tickets from the counter, the security said no and asked us to leave. The government uses so much of money for this park and it's not even open? Even worse when it's open we couldn't go inside! Absolute stupidity! We left completely annoyed!!

Excellent place. Only guided tour is possible. Well maintained and wonder that we have such a place in the heart of the city. Go to such places with children rather hitting play zones and malls.

Such a beautiful place in the mid of the busiest Chennai city and it is quiet amazing piece of nature well maintained. You need to book your entry online as only 40 members are allowed per session, one in the morning and the second by afternoon. We went there in August, so could not spot much birds, but the environment was quiet amazing and peaceful.

It's truly amazing. It gives an entirely different experience than any other gardens in the city. You get to spend a very peaceful time in a forest like atmosphere within Chennai city. It's a very big property and not crowded, so you can have some quality time with your loved ones. It was worth a visit.

An ambitious project executed in the heart of the city. A very serene and wonderful place with a restricted entry for public. The water body is a delight to see but not many migratory pelicans as its not a season for birds to come. A must visit place in Chennai

A must visit, you will wonder about nature, that too well within city

Such a lovely nature place. You can't believe it is a forest amidst busy chennai! Everyone should visit the place at least once. It's worth it. Better to go in the evening time. The sunset will be beautiful with the lake view. They also have restrooms in the pathway. Perfect place to enjoy nature.

Go in the noon. You can book online or take ticket in the counter.They give guided tour of the park. It gives a serine vibe amidst the chaos of the city. If you are a bird watcher this place is ro?ight for you(many birds were there at the time i visited).They have transformed a waste dumping land into a very natural estuary. Kudos to them.Parking is available.

Calm and serene space with lush greenery. You must book online in their website first for the organized tour. The staff walks with you throughout. Would be a good idea to carry water and some snacks.

No one will see such a place in the heart of the city. The place is well maintained. And the way every art in done inside is amazing. More such places should be formed to save nature. And more awareness should be bought to our young generations. A definite visit place with family.

This place is really for nature lovers. Never thought such a pristine ecosystem in heart of city . Excellent floura and fauna. Instead of taking kids to malls, they should be brought here to teach on conserving nature.

Best visiting spot

Hi guys This is one of the beautiful park which is located in the hot of the city. It may not been known. It's located near music college. You can visit along with family and friends. Nice place to go. Cool and fresh. This environment will relax you from all stress. But you should book tickets online in their website. Just booking can be done online and payment can be done in the park entrance. They have rest place to chill out and take some rest. Different types of birds and snakes pictures are been seen in stones along with their names. They have timing to visit only in that particular time only visitors are allowed to visit. Like Tuesday and Thursday only at evening from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. During Saturday morning 8.30am to 10.30am and 2.30pm to 4.30pm. There will be guides to guide you in the park. Entry fees is Rs 5 or Rs 10 for children, Rs 20 for a adult. They have space for parking. They charge for parking also. Atleast once all go visit this park. Mingle with nature and relax yourself.

Obviously this was under the government we can't expect more on maintenance, not only to the visitors, to the workers also need to educate about the nature friendly environment, while walking on the pathway i noticed some plastic plates and food covers been thrown on the way. Nice place at the mid of the town, but can utilize more as botanical garden, even they have few name board for few plants/trees but govt guide will show only the way to enter and exit.

Good City Trekking ! But the Guide is useless here < They have some hidden Spots > Go Explore !

Visited recently after lockdown. Wasn't very crowded. Ample parking space, entry is only Rs.20 per person and same for parking. Place is lush green with a lake in middle. You can see flamingos nesting in trees. They have made sculptures out of ston carvings at spaces.Staf provides guided tour in groups. Carry a water bottle. It's a must visit place.

A calm and a very beautiful place to connect with nature. Once you are into this place you will be mesmerized by it and you forget that your still in the middle of busy city.

Full of trees and a lake with complete calmness. Amidst busy Chennai a really lovely peaceful quiet experience

Nice place within city region. Lot of efforts put in to keep the place near and clean. This is man made, but nature has made the place perfect eco park. Project started during 2004 and now looks awesome. Good explanation by the guide. Must watch for kids to understand about importance of nature and ecosystem.

Best place for friends and families to visit in weekend. More affordable and peaceful place to visit timings 2:30 go there. Pets are not allowed

It is only a seasonal visit. I guess the good season is only November/December. In the summer, the count of birds were less. We can have a good walk with pictures taken. We were taken on a tour with a guard, wherein we couldn't stay long near the lake

Good place for a peaceful evening walk. It's open from 4 30 to 6 in the evening and 6 to 8 in the morning

Amazing place. Open on specific timings like 630 to 8am. Parking facility. Well maintained. 1 km and 4km walking paths. Over 50 acres. Well labelled. No food allowed. Bird and tree sightings. Educational groups allowed during day with prior permission.

True Hidden gem of a spot in chennai! Such peaceful & a pleasant vibe! Backwaters! beach sand!lush green everywhere! But poor maintenance. Limited acces only! Book online and visit!

We made a reservation online only to discover that the park was closed today due to a government holiday (we wanted to go last weekend but the website mentioned it was a holiday! ), but the staff were gracious enough to give us a quick tour. We were alright with it because it was our second visit and it was really hot, and we were pleased that they'd consented to let us in. This park is a hidden gem in the midst of RA Puram that is very stunning.Considering the intense traffic on the surrounding roads, it is difficult to imagine that you are still in the city. I would recommend a visit to everyone - admission is quite inexpensive, but you must reserve in advance online due to visitor numbers being limited.

A heavenly place under the mother nature's lap💚 If you are a nature lover, then this place is just the right place for you. Surrounded by deep banyan trees, bushes and plants, you have a wide variety of things to see. If you want to rejuvenate yourself, here you can unleash yourself and your naturistic side. The bookings are based on slots. Two slots are available per day. Morning slot: 10.30 AM - 12.30 PM Afternoon slot: 2.30 PM - 4.30 PM A tourist guide will accompany the visitors to guide them across the park. A must visit place to visit with your family and friends for peaceful dayouts. The entry fees is Rs.20 per head for adults. The 102 year old Adyar Banyan tree is located nearby and Theosophical society is located near the park which is an added attraction.

Beautiful area on the busy poonamallee high road but very lackluster upkeep.

A large well maintained park near Karpagam Garden and Mandali on Santhome High Road. Large brackish water with a large varies of flora and fauna is worth seeing at the park.

Good place but we want to be careful of some unseen insects.

It's a good place in the city to visit for a day . 55acres of area surrounded only with trees and birds. Have to book online tickets and only 120 people allowed per day

Nice natural environment, it's a pure Oxygen (factory) park you can breath and feel , good mural work on rock, natural lake with Starks and pelicans you watch, you can not walk on your own it's limited in other words guided tour walk, this are all good about park The bad about this park is.Government has not interested in exhibiting to public, it's not open in all days, you had to book your entry in advance- by online only stating number of persons, mostly website won't login & work, But the place is worth to visit, (Rs 20/ per head)

Parking facility is good. I had a memorable time with my family and friends. This is the suitable place for hangouts.

Awesome place to visit in monsoon evening ...Its a big area and guided walking tour .. Didnt like the concept of guided tour when guide just accompanies you and doesn't brief you about the place ? Recommended visit during rainy or cloudy days ..Could spot black winged Stilt, Spot billed duck,Lapwings , Common coot and Jacana..Be sure to carry Water bottles as there is no drinking water facility available inside the facility..

Best place to get lost in greenery. I really enjoyed walking and spending time over here.

Lovey natural place, must vist.

Best place for nature lovers and it's amazing that such a place is located in the heart of the city with natural habitat intact.It is also a good place to capture pictures. For visiting this place pre booking should be done in online by visiting the chennairivers.gov.in website,There are two sessions for visiting this eco park and only limited number of people are allowed inside the park in a session. More info is available in the website.

Nice place to admire nature

nice place to visit...

Real jungle with in the city

A sylvan place along the Adayaru creek in the midst of city. A safe place to go with children as the nature walk is guided. A calm and beautiful place far from the city' s humdrum

Good place to go out with family.

This place is a hidden gem. It's even a greatest place for nature nerds. Always I'll recommend to visit at least once 💜

Old one

Walking area

Hidden treasure in city

Place is good but Security and service peoples are too rude

Good place to visit with friends and family

Eco friendly

ECO friendly

good.

Quite...nice place to visit...on weekends.....such a nature reserved...park .....luvd it.....

Lovely place to visit that is peaceful and refreshing! A must visit for all families!

Well maintained place .. such a beautiful place in city... Kids friendly

Good for elderly people. Not for kids

Green and Cool

My first visit to submit a form for walking membership. Oh wow I was amazed at the green space in the heart of the city. Just got a glimpse while walking to their office. More later.