While Tamil Nadu has thousands of temples, monuments, reserves and natural wonders to enrich your itinerary, its numerous gardens offer a tranquil respite amidst your busy schedule of exploration. These gardens spread all over the many tourist destinations across the State, don’t just boast beautiful landscapes but also unique flora and fauna, which are sure to impress a nature lover.

　　Semmozhi Poonga

　　In the heart of the vibrant city of Chennai, you'll find Semmozhi Poonga, translating to Classical Language Park. Here, amidst the urban hustle and bustle, you'll discover a sanctuary of fresh air, boasting an array of exotic flora and rare plant species, including medicinal and aromatic herbs. The best time to visit is during the Chennai Flower Show, as the whole garden gets covered in various types of colourful blooms.

　　Set up by the Horticulture and Agricultural Engineering Department of the State government on Cathedral Road-Anna Salai junction, the garden is spread across 20 acres and has 500 types of plants and 80 trees, some of which already existed before the garden’s inception and are over a century old.

　　The Government Botanical Garden, Ooty

　　Spread across 55 acres, this garden in Ooty boasts around 600 species of plants, including the unique Cork tree and a 20-million-year-old fossil tree trunk. The gates open as early as 7 am to 6.30 pm, giving you ample time to explore the many exotic plants at your own pace. The best time to visit is in May as it is t this garden hosts a flower show and an exhibition of rare plants.

　　You can spend a full day here admiring the beautiful blooms nurtured inside the conservatory, the 127 species of ferns and orchids inside the glass house, and the lily pond. The beauty of the garden is further enhanced by its stunning location on the slopes of the Dodabetta Peak. Situated in the Vannarapettai area, the garden is just 3.5 km away from the Ooty Bus Stand in Mani Vihar.

　　Deer Park, Ooty

　　Located near Ooty Lake, in the West Mere area, the Deer Park is a must-visit if you love animals. Spread over 22 acres, the park offers ample opportunities to spot deer, particularly chitals and sambars, as you leisurely stroll through its paths. Moreover, the park is a haven for various bird species and is even home to a population of rabbits. The best time to visit this park is between October and June when the weather is pleasant. The visiting hours are from 10 am to 6 pm.

　　Rose Garden, Kodaikanal

　　The Rose Garden in the Dindigul district beckons as a must-visit destination, showcasing a colourful blanket of roses blossoming across 12 acres. Enchanting visitors year-round, this garden hosts nearly 100,000 plants, ensuring a delightful experience for all who wander its paths. However, April’s pleasant weather makes the experience all the more special.

　　The garden is a great spot to visit with your family as it has ample offerings, from a 30-minute tour in battery-operated cars to horse rides and even an outdoor playground. The entry fee is INR 20 for adults and INR 10 for minors and the timings are from 9 am to 5 pm. Located on Observatory Road, the garden is easily accessible from the Kodaikanal Bus Stand which is just 4 km away.

　　Bryant Park, Kodaikanal

　　Within a mere 2 km from the Rose Garden lies Bryant Park on Lower Shola Road, adorned with a kaleidoscope of colours and the sweet fragrance of countless flowers. Carefully arranged the park offers a captivating experience for visitors seeking tranquility amidst nature's splendor.

　　In May, the park also hosts the annual flower show, where unique flower varieties from nearby villages are displayed. Therefore, if you are planning a trip, consider doing so around the time. The garden is easily accessible from the Kodaikanal Bus Stand, which is located just 1 km away.

　　 Mayura Thottam

　　Located 24 km away from Thoothukudi and spread over 55 acres, the garden is home to 200 peacocks and sprawling coconut groves. For the most magical experience, consider visiting between October to November, when the Northwest monsoon creates the perfect setting for the peacocks to display their mesmerising beauty. The garden is open to visitors from 6 am to 8 pm. You can reach Mayura Thottam either by flying into the ThoothukudiAirport or boarding a train till Vanchi Maniyachchi station, located 12 km away. From either, you must cover the journey via road.