About Semmozhi Poonga Chennai
Semmozhi Poonga, also known as “Classical Language Park” is the first botanical garden of Chennai. It was jointly set up by the Government of Tamil Nadu with the help of the Horticulture and Agricultural Engineering department and opened to the public in 2010. The garden spreads over an area of 20 acres, featuring more than 500 species of plants and was built at a cost of ₹ 80 million.
Semmozhi Poonga botanical garden also offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The Garden was designed to house indigenous and foreign plants. It is divided into 8 sub-gardens, it showcases various varieties of plants such as bonsai, herbal and exotic. The garden also features a wide variety of rare and exotic plant species, such as medicinal plants, aromatic herbs, bonsai trees and palms. Some of which are brought from countries like China and Thailand.
Semmozhi Poonga botanical garden also features a canteen that serves delicious refreshments and an artificial duck pond. The garden also has an open seating area that can be booked for events. The garden also has a variety of swings and see-saws in the park for kids and a lake with crystalline water offering a mesmerising view.
Semmozhi Poonga serves not only as a green lung for the residents of Chennai but also as a cultural and educational hub. The garden regularly hosts events, workshops and exhibitions related to botany, horticulture and environmental conservation. It also serves as a popular venue for photography enthusiasts, who want to capture the garden’s beauty. Semmozhi Poonga offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, cultural significance and recreational opportunities, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and tourists exploring Chennai’s attractions.
History Of Semmozhi Poonga Chennai
Semmozhi Poonga was inaugurated on November 24, 2010 by the then Chief Minister, Dr. M. Karunanidhi.The Garden is spread over an area of 20 acres and was built at the cost of Rs 80 Million. The Garden has more than 80 trees since its existence with some of them being more than hundred years old.
The land was originally leased by the Agri-Horticultural society who sub-leased it to the hotelier K. Krishna Rau. Before its transformation into a botanical garden, the land was home to the iconic Woodlands Drive-In restaurant, which was Chennai’s first drive-in restaurant. The restaurant operated for nearly two decades until it ceased its operations on April 12, 2008, after legal battles. Eventually, through a High Court order, the land was handed over to the government for the creation of Semmozhi Poonga.
The garden’s name, Semmozhi Poonga, pays homage to the Classical Tamil Conference held earlier in 2010. It serves as a testament to Chennai’s commitment to preserving green spaces and celebrating the richness of its classical heritage.
Things To Do At Semmozhi Poonga Chennai
- Stroll Through Gardens: Explore the eight sub-gardens featuring unique plant varieties like bonsai, herbal, and exotic plants.
- Admire Plant Diversity: Marvel at over 500 species of plants, including rare and indigenous varieties, carefully curated to showcase nature’s beauty.
- Relax by the Lake: Unwind by the crystalline lake, soaking in the serene ambiance and picturesque views.
- Visit the Canteen: Grab a bite at the canteen, offering delicious refreshments amidst the verdant surroundings.
- Capture Memories: Bring your camera and capture the garden’s natural beauty, perfect for photography enthusiasts.
- Romantic Retreat for Couples: Semmozhi Poonga provides a serene and romantic atmosphere, ideal for couples to enjoy a leisurely stroll hand-in-hand amidst the blooming flowers and tranquil surroundings.
- Enjoy Recreational Activities: Let kids have fun on swings and see-saws, while families can picnic in designated areas.
- Learn about Exotic Plants: Semmozhi Poonga houses a wide variety of exotic plant species from around the world. Learn about different plant species, their medicinal properties and their importance to the environment.
- Enjoy a Family Outing: The park is a great place for a family outing.
Semmozhi Poonga Chennai Ticket Prices/Entry Fees
The ticket prices of Semmozhi Poonga is Rs 25 for Adults & Rs 10 for Child. The Walker Pass for Semmozhi Poonga Chennai is Rs 200 per month valid from 6 AM to 5 PM. You can also have a photoshoot, TV Serial Shoot & Film Shoot at Semmozhi Poonga by giving some charges. The charges for Camera is Rs 25 and charges for Handycam is Rs 50.
| Category | Tickets Price |
|---|---|
| Adults | Rs 25 |
| Child | Rs 10 |
| Walker Pass | Rs 200 |
Semmozhi Poonga Chennai Timings
Semmozhi Poonga Botanical Garden of Chennai is open all days of the week (except Tuesday). The timings of Semmozhi Poonga are from 10 AM to 7:30 PM. The opening time of Semmozhi Poonga is 10 AM and its closing time is 7:30 PM.
Best Time To Visit Semmozhi Poonga Chennai
The best time to visit Semmozhi Poonga in Chennai is during the cooler months, from November to February. During this time, the weather is more pleasant with lower temperatures and reduced humidity, making it comfortable to explore the botanical garden. Additionally, it’s the post-monsoon season when the garden is full of lush greenery and colourful blooming flowers.
Semmozhi Poonga Chennai Photos/Images
Facilities At Semmozhi Poonga Chennai
- Restrooms
- Food Court
- Children’s Play Area
- Canteen
- Benches and Gazebos
- Parking
Tips For Visiting Semmozhi Poonga Chennai
- Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking around the garden.
- Carry a water bottle to stay hydrated, especially during hot weather.
- Protect yourself from the sun by applying sunscreen before heading out.
- Help maintain the beauty of the garden by not plucking flowers or damaging plants.
- Adhere to the rules and guidelines of the garden, including disposing of waste properly and respecting designated areas.
- Don’t forget your camera or smartphone to capture the scenic beauty of the garden.
- Picnics are not allowed inside the park.
- Drinking water fountains are available throughout the park.
- Photography is allowed, but there may be additional charges for professional cameras.
Address Of Semmozhi Poonga Chennai
Semmozhi Poonga Botanical Garden is situated on Cathedral Rd, opposite American Consulate, Ellaiamman Colony, Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
How To Reach Semmozhi Poonga Chennai
Semmozhi Poonga Botanical Garden is situated on Cathedral Rd, opposite American Consulate, Ellaiamman Colony, Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is easily accessible from all parts of the city. Following are the modes of transportation through which you can reach Semmozhi Poonga Chennai:
By Metro: The Nearest Metro Station to Semmozhi Poonga Botanical Garden is AG DMS Metro Station on Corridor 1 which is 1 Km away from the Garden. From there, you can take a rickshaw/cab or walk to the botanical garden.
By Bus: The Nearest Bus Stop to Semmozhi Poonga Botanical Garden is Cathedral Road Semmozhi Poonga Bus Stop which is 100m away from the Garden. You can take Bus No. 27D, 29C, 29CET, 29CEX, 29ET & T29 to reach the garden.
By Cab/Auto: You can easily book a cab or take a rickshaw to the Semmozhi Poonga Botanical Garden.
By Personal Vehicle: You can easily reach the botanical Garden by your personal Vehicle.
Parking Facility Available At Semmozhi Poonga Chennai
Paid Parking Facility is available at Semmozhi Poonga Botanical Garden. The prices for Paid Parking is Rs 15 for 2 Wheeler and Rs 50 for 4 Wheeler.
Website Of Semmozhi Poonga Chennai
The official website of Semmozhi Poonga botanical garden is https://tnhorticulture.tn.gov.in/parknew/Home
Places To Visit Near Semmozhi Poonga Chennai
Top attractions to visit near Semmozhi Poonga Botanical Garden are:
- Express Avenue Mall (2 Km)
- Spencer Plaza (2.1 Km)
- Sree Ayyappan Guruvayurappan Temple (2.8 Km)
- Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (3 Km)
- Government Museum Chennai (3.1 Km)
- Kapaleeshwarar Temple (3.2 Km)
- Arulmigu Sri Parthasarathy Perumal Temple (3.4 Km)
- Marina Beach (3.5 Km)
- Santhome Cathedral Basilica (3.8 Km)
- Arulmigu Vadapalani Murugan Temple (4.7 Km)
- Nexus Vijaya Mall (4.9 Km)
- Fort St. George Museum (5.1 Km)
- Arulmigu Karaneeswarar Temple (5.2 Km)
- B.M. Birla Planetarium (5.3 Km)
- Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple (5.4 Km)
- Guindy National Park (5.9 Km)
- Madhya Kailash Temple (6 Km)
- Kaalikambal Kamadeswarar Temple (7.1 Km)
- Edward Elliot’s Beach (7.2 Km)
- Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple (8.1 Km)
- Phoenix Marketcity (8.4 Km)
- Chennai Rail Museum (8.5 Km)
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Location Map For Semmozhi Poonga Chennai
FAQs
What is the entry fee for Semmozhi Poonga?
The Entry Fees of Semmozhi Poonga of Chennai are Rs 25 for Adults and Rs 10 for Child.
Which is the first botanical garden in Chennai?
The first botanical garden in Chennai is Semmozhi Poonga, also known as the “Classical Language Park.”
Where is Semmozhi Poonga located?
Semmozhi Poonga Botanical Garden is located opposite American Consulate, Ellaiamman Colony, Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
What are the timings of Semmozhi Poonga Botanical Garden?
The timings of Semmozhi Poonga Garden are from 10 AM to 7:30 PM.
Is Semmozhi Poonga Open Today?
Yes, Semmozhi Poonga Botanical Garden is open all days of the week (Except Tuesday).
Is Camera allowed in Semmozhi Poonga?
Yes, Cameras are allowed in Semmozhi Poonga Botanical Garden. However, the charges of a professional camera is Rs 25.
Which bus number is used in Semmozhi Poonga?
You can take Bus No. 29C, 27D, 29K, 29J & 13 to reach Semmozhi Poonga Botanical Garden.
