Just a kilometre away from the bustling Vandalur–Kelambakkam Road, a new green sanctuary has opened its doors, offering Chennai residents and visitors a perfect extension to a zoo outing. The Forest Genetic Resources Tree Park, nestled next to the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, provides a serene, educational escape into nature.
A Lush Escape from the Urban Hustle
Spanning a generous 20 acres of wooded terrain, this park is designed as a calming counterpart to the lively zoo atmosphere. It caters to families and nature enthusiasts of all ages, masterfully blending recreational spaces with crucial ecological education. Visitors can find respite on shaded walking paths, complete with benches placed under the canopy of mature trees.
For younger guests, a dedicated children's play area and a captivating butterfly park offer hours of engagement. The park's core mission is conservation and learning, housing nearly 300 sapling species carefully sourced from the biodiverse Eastern and Western Ghats. This collection serves as a living laboratory for botany students, forestry professionals, and anyone curious about India's rich flora.
Rare Trees and Special Collections
The park is a treasure trove of rare and significant tree species, many of which are vital to the region's ecology and economy. Notable specimens thriving here include:
- Karungali (Diospyros ebenum)
- Neer Marudhu (Terminalia arjuna)
- Sandalwood (Santalum album)
- Semmaram (Pterocarpus santalinus)
- Manjal Kadambu (Adina cordifolia)
- Teak (Tectona grandis)
- Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)
Two specialized gardens further enhance the park's educational value. The Bambusetum displays a diverse range of bamboo species for research and conservation, while the Ficatorium garden is dedicated to ten different varieties of Ficus trees. Both function as mini-arboreta, sparking wonder and facilitating hands-on learning.
Visitor Information and Growing Popularity
The park is open to the public every day except Tuesday. Entry fees are kept highly affordable to encourage visits, priced at ₹20 for adults and ₹5 for children. Children under five years old can enter for free. For those wishing to tour the expansive grounds with ease, battery-operated cars are available at a nominal cost of ₹20 per person.
The park's appeal is evident in its visitor numbers. On regular weekdays, footfall is around 100 people, which swells to over 300 on weekends and public holidays. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Research) I Anwardeen envisions the space as a "forest of the future," stating it is designed to "educate, engage, and energise" all who walk through it. This new green lung not only offers recreation but stands as a vital resource for environmental awareness right on Chennai's doorstep.
