Semmozhi Poonga -the first botanical garden at Chennai

 

Semmozhi poonga (Classical language pa

rk )in Chennai

Woodlands Drive –in- Restaurant has been a place of fond food memories for thousands of people who have lived in or visited Madras. They have memories of a  meal in the car or business discussions, chat on  movies or  the children’s park  near the drive-in. This place is a nostalgic memory for many . In that place, now  thousands of people walk, rest and enjoy, that is Semmozhi poonga. The park is located near the American Consulate at the Cathedral Road- Annasalai Junction in Theyampet. This beautiful garden is 500 meters away from AG-DMS (Accountant General Office and Directorate of Medical Services) metro station.

 The park is spread over twenty acres in attractive designs. It was designed and built by Chennai-based architecture group Rajendra Associates. Decorated with thousands of plants, including plants from foreign countries like China and Thailand, and trees over a hundred years old, the garden awaits visitors with small ponds, seating areas and playgrounds for children. This place provides a great respite from the heat and hustle and bustle of the city.

A monthly pass of 150 rupees is provided here for morning walkers. They are allotted time from 6 am to 8 am. The ticket price is Rs 15 for visitors above 10 years of age. Visiting hours are from 10 am to 7.30 pm. Semmozhi  Poonga is the first botanical park built in Chennai. It was named after the classical Tamil conference held in 2010. The park  was inaugurated by the then Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. At that time, the price of the land was estimated to be Rs.1,000 crores. The land was owned by the Agri-Horti Society. In 1962, they leased eighteen acres of land to Woodlands owner  K. Krishnarao. He started Chennai's first drive-in restaurant there. In 1989, the government decided to reclaim this land. The ensuing legal battle lasted 20 years. In 2008, the Supreme Court gave permission to start the botanical garden. No doubt, Semmozhi  poonga is a favorite oxygen hub for city dwellers🥳🙏🏿