Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inaugurates renovated Tholkappia Poonga

The 58-acre Tholkappia Poonga at Raja Annamalai Puram, upgraded with additional amenities and features such as a flyover, is now open to trekkers and visitors. Prime Minister MK Stalin inaugurated the renovated park on Friday. Trekkers and visitors can get their passes/tickets by making online payment at www.crrt.tn.gov.in.

Hikers (up to 100 people in a given slot) can visit the park with a pass/ticket from 6.30am to 8am and 4.30pm to 6pm on all days. Between 14.30 and 16.30 (except Thursdays and public holidays), guided tours are organized for those who register online (with a maximum of 100 participants).

Trekkers can purchase single-visit (₹20), monthly (₹500), three-month (₹1,500), six-month (₹2,500) and annual (₹5,000) passes online. | Photo Credit: Special editing

Eco-tours for students and teachers (maximum of 100 participants) will be offered between 9.30am and 12.30pm, excluding Thursdays and public holidays, an official statement said. Greater Chennai Corporation-run schools are reserved on Tuesdays and Saturdays, while government and State-aided schools can visit on Fridays. Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays were reserved for visits to private schools.

Trekkers can purchase single-visit (₹20), monthly (₹500), three-month (₹1,500), six-month (₹2,500) and annual (₹5,000) passes online and choose their slots. The entry fee for students and teachers is ₹10 per person, while the entrance fee for guided tours for the general public is ₹20 per person.

The park was renovated by the Chennai Rivers Restoration Trust under the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department at a cost of ₹42.45 crore.

Deputy Prime Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, Ministers KN Nehru, Ma. Subramanian and PK Sekarbabu; Chennai Mayor R. Priya; MPs TR Baalu ​​​​and Thamizhachi Thangapandian; legislators Dha. Velu and J. Karunanithi; Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam and senior officials were also present at the meeting.