Anna Nagar Tower Park in Chennai
I have a lot of nostalgic memories associated with the Anna Nagar Tower Park, in Anna Nagar, Chennai. This is also called Visveswaraya Tower. I have been to this park many times (right from a very young age till now) and I have always found it refreshing and interesting! The Anna Nagar Tower is near Anna Nagar Roundtana (Actually, Round Turn Over changed in to that easily pronounceable word 🙂 & Ayyappan Temple).
Timings: 5:30 AM to 10:30 AM ; 4 PM to 7 PM
I have never seen the water fountain (in the above picture) with water in the recent years! Actually, this is the first time, I am seeing the park after renovation. But when I was very young (maybe 10 years or even younger), the fountain and the area around it had water and even fishes. There were some big fishes there, and as a kid I was thrilled to see them.
It seems, this (above) tower was built in 1968 for World Trade Fair exhibition. It seems back then, this area was unknown to people. But due to the fast development of the city, now Anna Nagar is a prime area. It was actually built around this park.
As you can see, there is a spiral way (no steps – just plain) to walk up to the top of the tower. I have climbed this one, many times and the view from above is awesome. You can see a large part of the city from there. There was a lift in the center of this tower, that used to take people (who cannot climb) up. But I have never seen people use the lift, but I have heard it was operational in the olden days. I wonder why they are not allowing us to go up (climb the Tower) in the recent times, including today.
The idea of putting a green light around well maintained lawn grass is cool! I have seen this place without any fancy grass – Even then it had its own charm! The tower is very green – with a lot of trees and plants. There is lot to play for the kids – this park is almost made for kids. There were small A, B, C, D character look-alike ladders which the kids could climb and play, back then – it seems I was so afraid to climb them. But now, they are gone and lot of new things have come in.
The roller skating for kids (with instructor), which you can see above is there from the last few years. But the seating arrangement around it, has been constructed during the most recent renovation. There is also a kind of an amphitheater here, where some songs were being played, and kids were dancing. It seems, this is one of the spots in Chennai where artists perform (dance, drama, etc) for Chennai Sangamam festival held during Pongal in January.
I must say, the renovation has been done pretty well with granite/marble stones, lighting effects and all. I had been to this very spot with my friends before a couple of years when they were renovating it – good place to sit and talk for sometime. It has come out rather well!
They have now installed a huge water fountain in this small lake. Earlier, there was boating in this place. There were two boats, and I remember going in one. But for many years afterwards, there was no water! Good to see the water back, and a fountain here. It would be better if boating could be re-introduced. There is no boating spot within Chennai.
There are two entrances to this park. One of them is near the Ayyappan temple on the other side and the other is from the road just behind this fountain. I used to walk on this road daily for one year (to go back home from school), when I was in studying in Sixth Standard. I wanted to go inside the park sometimes, but never did – I had to go back home on time and I was too disciplined to roam around. What I will not give, to go back to those times 🙂
You can read about the History of Annanagar Tower Park from here.
A small video/slide-show of Anna Nagar Tower park:
Destination Infinity
Good tid bits on the park. I have been to the park quite a many times. Memorable ones being the child hood visits. The lush greenery and the ladder games for the kids were enjoyable. Havent visited it now since 2 years. The park looks clean atleast in the photos which you have put up… 🙂
Now they have renovated the park and its being maintained quite very well. This could have been done earlier, but at least, they have done it now – so we need to appreciate the government for that 🙂
Destination Infinity
I have heard about this park. My sister-in-law used to live there nearly 25 years back and I remember seeing the plain tower in those days! The whole park looks so beautiful now!
So, this is a nostalgic post! Yes, most disciplined children might feel like you do, now…my sons too! My younger son was a bit mischievous though!
I think, being disciplined is quite good. We might miss some of the fun, but we’ll handle tough times much better. Younger siblings are always mischievous. Maybe thats because, parents are overly concerned with a first kid (as it is a new experience for them) and when the second kid comes, they get used to it – so, they might allow the second born kids to be slightly mischievous.
Destination Infinity
That is very true, D.I. I too feel like that. I have seen this in many families!
Never been that familiar with Chennai….so this post is alien to me 🙂
Guess I’ll be able to relate to it better if/when I shift that side…
But yes the carefree memories associated with any place…are precious 🙂
I guess, when we are young we are innocent and keep expecting the best. That perhaps contributes to the happy memories. Then we grow up and are exposed to truths. Practically, its better to be knowing what we are getting in to and what to expect from the world/ people. Parents do not guide their children properly – And TV/movies puts a very rosy picture of life ahead – that’s an issue.
Destination Infinity
thanks for giving virtual journey of park
I guess this was like a small teaser!
Destination Infinity
Well, I have been to chennai once. But I never really got a chance to roam about. Even I have memories associated with several parks in my homeland. They are insignificant parts of the city now. But I will always remember them as places where birthdays were celebrated, games were played with friends and boat rides were taken 😀 … I can totally understand your feelings for the park 🙂
Well this is the only park which I frequented and have been to, since childhood. So, this is special for me. Chennai has a very few parks (when compared to Bangalore, for example). Water has been scarce – but fortunately, the trees on the sides of roads (in some places)have been left as such. It seems they have come up with a huge Adyar eco park – need to visit that one.
Destination Infinity
This park looks more inviting than we visited last time, right?? Pics were good.. and I love that fountain structure.. Even I am curious to know why people were not allowed to go top of the tower,,
Must be a great sight from there…
Even last time, when we both went they didn’t allow people to go up. Maybe some people are causing problems. But its a wonderful view from there. After that, they have renovated the park – that’s why it looks more inviting.
Destination Infinity
Interesting! I guess I need to get set about to discover Chennai!
I need to do that too… When I was living here (earlier), I used to hate traveling. But in Coimbatore I picked up this fever of exploring new places on weekends, for this blog. Its logical that it continues in Chennai as well 🙂
Destination Infinity
Chennai has beautiful park. I love the finishing touches. A must visit in the future 🙂
Yeah, after the renovation it looks rather good. But I liked this park even when there was nothing fancy about it.
Destination Infinity
It was not this beautiful when i had visited it ages back but now the parks look so lovely , thanks for sharing …
Bikram’s
Yes, a major renovation work was completed recently – that’s why. Good to know that you had visited this park!
Destination Infinity
have u moved to chennai from coimbatore?
Yes. Before about a month…. Back home!
Destination Infinity
a wonderful park!
Thank you!!
Destination Infinity