Adyar Eco Park

Adyar Eco Park, also known as Tholkappia Poonga, is a restored ecological park located at the Adyar estuary in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Spread over about 358 acres, it was developed by the Chennai Rivers Restoration Trust to restore the degraded estuarine ecosystem. The park features freshwater ponds, mangroves, and native vegetation, serving as an urban biodiversity reserve and environmental education centre showcasing coastal wetland restoration in the heart of Chennai.

Visitors can expect a restored coastal wetland landscape with freshwater ponds, brackish water channels, mangroves, reed beds and native plant species. Elevated wooden walkways and earthen trails lead through different ecological zones with interpretation boards. The park is quiet and managed for conservation, offering opportunities to observe birds, butterflies and small fauna. Access is regulated and visits are typically guided, with an interpretation centre explaining the estuary restoration.

Adyar Eco Park was developed as an ecological restoration project by the Government of Tamil Nadu through the Chennai Rivers Restoration Trust (CRRT). The project aimed to restore the degraded Adyar estuary and creek, which had been affected by encroachment and pollution. Restoration work began in the late 2000s and the park was inaugurated in 2011, converting the area into a protected urban eco-park to revive native biodiversity and demonstrate wetland restoration.

The park is named after the ancient Tamil poet Tholkappiar and serves as a centre for environmental awareness and education. It represents Chennai's efforts in urban ecological conservation and is used for educational visits by students and nature enthusiasts to learn about coastal ecosystems, native flora and sustainable restoration practices.