Tholkappiya Poonga (Adyar Eco Park) is an impressive ecological landmark in Chennai’s heart. This park stands as an icon by offering walking routes, educational tours, and a bioresource center showcasing working models of water collection, conservation, and treatment and energy-efficient alternatives such as solar, wind, and bio-gas for efficient energy usage.
In 2011, the DMK government restored 58 acres of degraded Adyar Creek estuary area through the Chennai Rivers Restoration Trust. It established Eco Park with Pitchandikulam Forest Consultants as lead consultants for its ecological restoration.
About the Park
Adyar Eco Park provides an idyllic place for relaxation amidst the city hustle. A manmade ecological system, it covers over 58 acres and features stone sculptures and rest huts and is well maintained – ideal for spending quality time with your loved ones or nature photographers looking for an Instagram-worthy photo op! Additionally, Instagram Influencers may enjoy taking their shots here, too!
The park is managed by Chennai Rivers Restoration Trust (CRRT), which oversees restoration work on Adyar Creek and Estuary from San Thome Causeway to Thiru Vi Ka bridge. Before restoration efforts were conducted here, this area served as a dump yard for construction debris, garbage, and Prosopis juliflora bushes that prevented free movement for birds, fish, and other animals; its water quality was inferior and was barely suitable for wildlife propagation.
With two years of intensive restoration efforts, water quality in the park was dramatically enhanced, now featuring 91 bird species and 27 reptile species, 20 dragonfly species, and 56 butterfly species. Furthermore, over 160 types of trees and plants now call this park home.
At its base lies an abundance of reptiles, amphibians, and mammals such as saw-scaled vipers, standard Indian bronze backs, grey mongooses, Indian flying foxes, as well as birds like crows, mynahs, blue rock pigeons and blue rock pigeons that often frequent this area – as well as woodpeckers, magpies, and kingfishers! Also present here are Indian flying squirrels and striped ground squirrels!
The park is open to the public at a fee of Rs 20 per person and open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays for general walking sessions; guided tours can also be arranged at an additional cost. Please note: the park closes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and public holidays, as Monday-Wednesday-public Holiday packages can be purchased. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring drinking water.
Walking Track
The park’s walking track encircles several ponds and other water bodies for 3.2 km, featuring benches to rest upon and appreciate its surroundings. It is an excellent spot for bird-watching during monsoon season, mainly due to the abundance of bird life present along its length.
It is well maintained, but for optimal wildlife watching, it is best to walk early morning or after sunset.
You can choose from two routes: the Long Route and the Short Route. The Short Route forms a loop while the Long Route does not. The shorter loop may be better suited to children; if walking with children, however, bring along a stroller or baby carrier for added safety.
Park activities extend beyond its walking track, including an Environmental Education Centre and aquarium. You can rent bicycles, rowboats, and pedal boats at the park; its website provides instructions on reserving them for specific activities.
Visit the Eco Park with friends; individuals are not advised to visit alone. Wear sturdy footwear and bring plenty of water for optimal experience; additionally, don’t forget to bring along a camera, as the scenery here is spectacular!
The eco-park boasts an incredible variety of wildlife, such as birds, insects, and reptiles. Its picturesque scenery draws tourists from all across the nation – it is an absolute must-see for nature enthusiasts looking for respite from city life!
Bird Watching
Adayar Eco Park is an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. Boasting lush greenery and beautifully maintained trails that make the park perfect for strolls, it also hosts ornamental and native trees and various animal species.
The park offers a peaceful environment that’s the perfect spot to unwind after an exhausting day. The friendly and relaxing atmosphere makes it the ideal setting for families and friends to spend quality time together – plus, it attracts tourists and locals looking for outdoor relaxation opportunities!
Adayar Eco Park offers an excellent spot to see migratory and indigenous bird species. Boasting over 160 distinct tree species, Adayar provides an ample bird-watching environment – you may see everything from pelicans and painted storks to other aquatic birds such as pelicans.
In addition to birds, the eco-park also plays host to reptiles and amphibians. The CRRT has taken steps to protect wildlife by eliminating waste dumps, plugging illegal sewer connections, and improving water quality.
This initiative has shown its worth, with wildlife returning to the park, including painted storks that had not been seen in several years. Furthermore, the CRRT is working towards reducing pollution in Adyar Creek by clearing away sludge and debris and blocking drains that bring in untreated sewage.
The Adayar Eco Park is ideal for visitors seeking an escape into nature. It is Well-maintained and welcoming to families and groups alike; its relaxing atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for visiting with loved ones or just passing through. Famed for its biodiversity, this is also an invaluable place to learn about nature – peak seasons offer more chances to spot wildlife! If interested, guided tours provide additional insights into its history and inhabitants.
Visit the Environmental Education Centre
Environmental Education Centre is an institution that fosters teaching and learning about environmentalism and sustainable development through programs, educational visits and training, educational materials, research, communication, and information dissemination. Furthermore, this Centre assists schools with environmental decision-making and provides a resource to local communities for ecological monitoring and assessment activities.
The Centre for Environment Education (CEE) is an independent organization with national and international offices established in 1984 as a Centre of Excellence by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, supported by 41 offices spread throughout India, including regional cells in Bangalore (South), Guwahati (North East), Lucknow (North), Ahmedabad (West) and Pune; state offices in Delhi, Hyderabad Raipur Goa as well as Australia and Sri Lanka – with 41 regional cells covering each.
Tholkappia Poonga, or Adyar Eco Park, situated at the Adyar Creek estuary from Thiru Vi Ka on its eastern side, is an ecological landmark in Chennai city and hosts an abundance of flora and fauna. Over ten years, Tholkappia Poonga will undergo a significant revitalization effort involving nursery activities, repairs to its compound wall, and upgrades of its spillway system.
As part of its redevelopment, Adyar Park will become more accessible to a more significant number of people while increasing access to bird feeders and watering points, providing new facilities such as walkways, and creating a jetty for boating on Adyar River. All this will ensure it can maintain its biodiversity while serving as an educational and recreational attraction in future years.
Learn all about nature at this beautiful park! Spend your day hiking the trail or visiting the Education Centre; feed birds at the feeding station or enjoy peaceful lakefront walking! It’s the ideal environment for reflection.
