Semmozhi Poonga

Semmozhi Poonga is a 20-acre botanical garden located on Cathedral Road in Teynampet, central Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Developed by the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Development Agency and opened in 2010, it houses over 500 species of plants, thematic gardens, an artificial pond and an open-air auditorium. Known for its landscaped lawns, exotic flora and annual horticultural shows, it serves as a major urban green space and leisure destination in Chennai.

Visitors can expect a well-maintained landscaped botanical garden with paved walkways, thematic gardens such as fern, aromatic, bonsai and sunken gardens, a large artificial pond with an arch bridge, fountains, pergolas, and an open-air auditorium. The garden features labelled plant collections, shaded seating areas, lawns, and a children's play area, offering a calm environment for leisurely walks, sightseeing and photography in central Chennai.

Semmozhi Poonga was developed by the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Development Agency on the former Woodlands Drive-In restaurant site and inaugurated on 24 November 2010. The garden was established at a cost of around Rs. 80 crore to create a world-class botanical garden in Chennai and to commemorate the World Classical Tamil Conference held in 2010.

The name Semmozhi means Classical Tamil, reflecting Tamil heritage. The garden showcases Tamil Nadu's horticultural diversity and hosts annual flower shows, horticultural exhibitions and cultural events that attract visitors and promote awareness of plant conservation.