T.N.’s first glow garden opens at Mamallapuram

The State’s first glow garden, a day-and-night entertainment hub, has opened on East Raja Street in Mamallapuram.

Spread across one lakh sq. ft with indoor and outdoor facilities, the garden was inaugurated by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin recently.

An amphitheatre, food kiosks, selfie points, walkways lined with artificial trees, plants and flowers, and seats that light up are among the features of the garden that has come up on land belonging to the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation.

It has been developed by Sunvin Mamallapuram Glow Garden LLP, which will also operate and maintain the facilities.

S. Rajesh, a resident of Oorapakkam, said the sights and sounds were wonderful. “I have come here with my family. My son Hridhayan says he doesn’t want to leave the place,” he added.

S. Kanniappan, a tour guide, said, “When tourists come here, they don’t have anything to do after dark as the monuments close by sundown. This will be a major attraction for residents of nearby villages, too. TTDC should, perhaps, consider operating battery cars and even a train/tram around the monuments.”

Entry fee

Visitors have to pay ₹100 to visit the glow garden, located inside Maragatha Poonga, between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., and ₹200 to enjoy the toy train ride, joker toy ride, bee carousel, and crazy roller.

Other rides inside the park include bungee trampoline, human gyro, 360-degree cycle, and boating for children, for which separate tickets have to be purchased.