Tholkappia poonga tickets: If you’re looking for a peaceful escape filled with lush greenery and biodiversity, Tholkappia Poonga in Chennai is the perfect destination. Officially known as the Adyar Eco Park, this green haven attracts nature lovers, students, and families who wish to explore Chennai’s natural ecosystem. Here’s everything you need to know about Tholkappia Poonga tickets, timings, and booking details.
About Tholkappia Poonga
Tholkappia Poonga is an ecological park situated in Adyar, Chennai. It spans over 58 acres of restored wetlands and forests. The park was established to conserve the Adyar estuary ecosystem and promote environmental education among visitors. Managed by the Department of Environment, it serves as a vital lung space for the city and showcases the beauty of nature through guided tours and educational programs.
Tholkappia Poonga (Adyar Eco-Park) Ticket & Visitor Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 6/103, Dr. D. G. S. Dinakaran Salai, Raja Annamalaipuram, Chennai – 600028 |
| Managed by | Chennai Rivers Restoration Trust (CRRT) |
| Contact Number | +91 44 2461 4523 |
| Official Website for Booking | www.crrt.tn.gov.in |
| Total Area | 58 acres (Adyar Estuary Zone) |
| Attractions | Elevated Skywalk, Viewing Deck, Butterfly Garden, Birdwatching Zone, Educational Trails |
| Best For | Nature walks, eco-tours, school trips, birdwatching |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair-friendly, limited parking available |
| Nearest Metro Station | Greenways Road Metro Station |
Ticket Prices for Tholkappia Poonga
Tholkappia Poonga (Adyar Eco-Park) – Revised Walking Pass Fees (Effective Feb 1, 2026)
| Pass Type | New Fee (₹) | Previous Fee (₹) | Price Reduction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Pass | 250 | 500 | 50% |
| 3-Month Pass | 750 | 1,500 | 50% |
| 6-Month Pass | 1,250 | 2,500 | 50% |
| Annual Pass | 2,500 | 5,000 | 50% |
| Individual Entry | 20 | 20 | No change |
Key Operational Changes at Tholkappia Poonga (2026 Update)
| Category | Updated Details |
|---|---|
| Daily Walking Capacity | Increased from 500 to 3,000 walkers |
| Slot Availability | High-demand slots eased due to capacity expansion |
| Usage Frequency Rule | Entry limited to 3 days per week per cardholder |
| ID Card System | Color-coded walking passes introduced |
| Booking Mode | Online booking only via CRRT website |
| Walking Timings | Morning: 6:30 AM – 8:00 AM Evening: 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM |
Ticket site
Visit the official website.
Timings
| Category | Days | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Walk | All days | 6:30 AM – 8:00 AM |
| Evening Walk | All days | 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM |
| Guided Tours | Monday to Sunday (Excl. Thursday & Public Holidays) | 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM |
| Reporting Time (Guided Tours) | – | 2:30 PM sharp |
Booking Rules & Guidelines
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Booking | Only through official website; walk-ins not allowed |
| Visitors Limit | 100 people per slot |
| ID Requirement | Must carry valid ID or e-pass for entry |
| Refund Policy | No refunds once payment is made |
| Age Restriction (Walkers) | Below 18 years not allowed during walking hours |
| Parking | Limited space near the main entrance |
| Late Entry | Late arrivals after 2:30 PM for guided tours not allowed |
How to Book Tholkappia Poonga Tickets Online
Currently, Tholkappia Poonga does not offer online ticket booking through official websites. Entry can be arranged by contacting the park office in advance or through school/institutional group registrations.
Booking Options:
- Contact the Tholkappia Poonga Office, Adyar, Chennai.
- Submit a group request or visitor form.
- Wait for confirmation from the park authorities.
For individuals, entry is granted only on selected days through guided batches.
Top Attractions Inside Tholkappia Poonga
Tholkappia Poonga offers several attractions for visitors interested in ecology, botany, and environmental conservation.
1. Nature Trails and Walkways
Explore eco-friendly pathways surrounded by native trees, wetland vegetation, and mangrove habitats.
2. Birdwatching Zones
Spot resident and migratory birds such as herons, kingfishers, and egrets. It’s a paradise for bird photographers and nature enthusiasts.
3. Butterfly Garden
The park hosts several butterfly species attracted by flowering plants and nectar gardens.
4. Medicinal Plant Garden
Learn about indigenous herbal and medicinal plants used in traditional Tamil medicine.
5. Eco-Education Center
Educational exhibits and workshops help visitors understand wetland conservation, biodiversity, and climate impact.
Events and Programs at Tholkappia Poonga
The park regularly conducts environmental programs and educational events to promote ecological awareness among students and the public.
- Environmental Awareness Workshops – for schools and colleges.
- Nature Walks & Birdwatching Tours – conducted by trained ecologists.
- World Wetlands Day & Earth Day Events – celebrated with interactive sessions and eco-activities.
- Photography Contests & Eco-Camps – for young explorers and nature photographers.
These events are usually announced by the Department of Environment, Tamil Nadu, and bookings can be made through official channels.
Future Developments and Plans
Tholkappia Poonga is part of Chennai’s broader Adyar Creek Restoration Project, and several eco-friendly initiatives are planned for the future, including:
- Expansion of the eco-education programs for schools.
- Introduction of online booking for individuals and families.
- Creation of digital learning kiosks to provide information on flora, fauna, and conservation.
- Enhanced visitor amenities such as seating areas, water stations, and guided eco-tours in English and Tamil.
These efforts aim to transform Tholkappia Poonga into one of India’s top urban ecological parks.
Location and How to Reach
Address:
Tholkappia Poonga, Greenways Road, Adyar, Chennai – 600028, Tamil Nadu, India.
How to Reach:
- By Metro: Nearest metro station – Greenways Road Metro Station.
- By Bus: Adyar Bus Depot is the closest stop.
- By Car: Easily accessible via Greenways Road with limited parking available nearby.
Visitor Guidelines
- Entry is only allowed with prior booking.
- Plastic items and food are not permitted inside.
- Photography is allowed in designated areas only.
- Maintain silence to avoid disturbing the flora and fauna.
- Wear comfortable shoes and carry water bottles.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Tholkappia Poonga is between November and February, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for nature walks. Avoid visiting during the monsoon months as entry may be restricted due to wet pathways.
Nearby Attractions
If you’re planning a day out, you can also explore nearby attractions such as:
- Adyar Theosophical Society
- Elliot’s Beach (Besant Nagar)
- Broken Bridge
- Anna University Campus
Do’s and Don’ts Inside Tholkappia Poonga
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Maintain silence and stay on walking trails | Do not litter or throw objects into water |
| Carry your ID card or e-pass | Do not pluck leaves or flowers |
| Follow instructions of Poonga staff | No smoking or alcohol inside |
| Respect wildlife and park property | Pets not allowed |
| Keep mobile phones on silent mode | Don’t play music or use loudspeakers |
FAQs
1) What is the new walking pass fee at Tholkappia Poonga from February 1, 2026?
From February 1, 2026, the Tamil Nadu government has reduced the walking pass fees by 50%. The monthly pass now costs ₹250, while the annual pass costs ₹2,500, making the eco-park more accessible to the public.
2) What are the updated walking pass prices?
The revised fees are ₹250 for a monthly pass, ₹750 for a three-month pass, ₹1,250 for a six-month pass, and ₹2,500 for an annual pass. Individual entry tickets remain priced at ₹20 per person.
3) Why were the walking pass fees reduced?
The fee reduction was announced after reports highlighted restricted access due to walking slots being fully booked months in advance. The move aims to ensure wider public access to Tholkappia Poonga.
4) Has the daily walking capacity increased?
Yes. The daily walking capacity has been increased from 500 to 3,000 walkers, helping ease congestion and improve slot availability.
5) How often can pass holders visit the park now?
To prevent a small group from monopolizing access, pass holders are allowed to enter the park only three times a week. Walking ID cards are now color-coded to regulate usage.
6) What are the walking timings at Tholkappia Poonga?
Walking slots are available in two daily sessions: from 6:30 AM to 8:00 AM in the morning and from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM in the evening.
7) How can I book tickets or passes for Tholkappia Poonga?
All tickets and walking passes must be booked online through the official Chennai Rivers Restoration Trust (CRRT) website. Offline booking is not permitted.
8) Are walk-in entries allowed at Tholkappia Poonga?
Walk-in entries are generally not allowed. Visitors must reserve their slots online in advance due to controlled daily capacity.
9) Is Tholkappia Poonga open every day?
The eco-park is open on most days, subject to official schedules and slot availability. Visitors are advised to check availability while booking online.
10) Is Tholkappia Poonga suitable for families and children?
Yes. Tholkappia Poonga is ideal for families, nature enthusiasts, and regular walkers, though advance booking is mandatory due to regulated entry.
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