Tholkappia Poonga: Chennai’s 58-Acre Eco-Park Opens for Guided Tours and Nature Walks
Tholkappia Poonga, also known as the Adyar Eco-Park, continues to draw nature lovers with its restored wetlands, lush greenery and environmental education initiatives. Spread across 58 acres in the Adyar estuary, the ecological park is managed by the Chennai Rivers Restoration Trust (CRRT) and serves as a significant green lung for the city.
Located at Dr. D. G. S. Dinakaran Salai in Raja Annamalaipuram, the park features elevated skywalks, viewing decks, a butterfly garden, birdwatching zones and eco-education trails — making it one of Chennai’s most important conservation spaces.
Ticket Rates and Entry Details
Tholkappia Poonga offers affordable ticket options for walkers, students and visitors joining guided tours:
General Walkers:
- Single Visit – ₹20
- Monthly Pass – ₹500
- Quarterly Pass – ₹1,500
- Half-Yearly Pass – ₹2,500
- Yearly Pass – ₹5,000
- Students & Teachers (Eco Tour): ₹10
- Guided Tours (General Public): ₹20
Visitors must book in advance as walk-ins are not permitted. A maximum of 100 people are allowed per slot, and valid ID proof is mandatory for entry. No refunds are provided after payment.
Timings
Morning Walk: 6:30 AM – 8:00 AM (All days)
Evening Walk: 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM (All days)
Guided Tours: 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM (Monday to Sunday, except Thursdays & public holidays)
Reporting Time: 2:30 PM sharp
Children below 18 years are not allowed during walking hours. Late arrivals for guided tours will not be permitted.
Booking Process
Despite earlier announcements, online ticket booking is currently unavailable. Interested visitors must contact the Tholkappia Poonga office directly to arrange entry. Group visits, including school and institutional trips, require prior submission of visitor forms and confirmation from park authorities. Individual visitors are allowed only on selected guided tour days.
How to Reach
Metro: Nearest station – Greenways Road Metro
Bus: Adyar Bus Depot
Car: Accessible via Greenways Road; limited parking available
Visitor Guidelines
- The park enforces strict eco-friendly rules:
- No plastic or food items allowed
- Photography only in designated areas
- Maintain silence; kekeep phones on silent mode
- Do not disturb wildlife or pluck plants
- Pets, smoking and alcohol are prohibited
Best Time to Visit
November to February is considered the ideal period to explore the park, with pleasant weather and increased bird activity. Entry may be restricted during monsoon months due to slippery paths.
Nearby Attractions
- Visitors can also explore:
- Theosophical Society, Adyar
- Elliot’s Beach (Besant Nagar)
- Broken Bridge
- Anna University campus
Tholkappia Poonga continues to play a vital role in urban ecological conservation while providing Chennai residents with a serene natural escape.
