Anna Tower — Attraction in Zone 8 Anna Nagar

Anna Nagar Tower Park, Chennai

Anna Nagar Tower Park, officially known as Dr. Visveswaraya Tower Park, is an urban park in the suburb of Anna Nagar, Chennai. It is the tallest park tower in Chennai. The soaring 12-storey tower in the heart of the park punctuates the skyline and gives the park its popular name. The tower has been closed for the public. However, the park is still open. The park extends over an area of over 15 acres. Tower Park attracts scores of local residents and even people from other areas of Chennai because it has plenty to offer apart from its leafy greenery. There is a lake, an Amphitheatre, a bird-watching deck, badminton courts, play area for kids and a skating rink. Visvesvaraya Park is maintained by the Chennai Corporation.

History

Anna Nagar Tower Park was built in 1968 as part of the World Trade Fair. The park was built by B. S. Abdur Rahman and was inaugurated by former Vice-President V. V. Giri in the presence of the then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu C. N. Annadurai. The park was renovated at a cost of Rs 62 million and reopened in 2010.

The Park

The park covers an area of 15.35 acres and is one of the few remaining lung spaces in the city. The main component of the park is the 135-foot-tall, 12-storied tower located at the centre of the park. The tower has cyclic ramp spiraling to the top. The tower also has an elevator at the centre. The park, along with the tower, is maintained by the Chennai Corporation. The park has an Amphitheatre, a bird-watching deck, badminton courts, play area for kids, a skating rink, a lake, and convenience facilities for the visitors. The park has a variety of activities to offer for various enthusiasts like Silambattam, Karate, Yoga, Parkour.

After the December 2015 rains, the Lake area is full of large fishes, Birds and Turtles and has become a major attraction for the locals. Since the local police are not able to effectively manage the tower, entry to the tower has been banned since 2011 due in part to instances of suicides and scribblers, thereby depriving the city of a valuable tourist location. It is popular with morning walkers and joggers, and with families and young people in the evenings to play and relax.

Park Opening Time

The Park opens from 04.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and 03.00 p.m to 9.00 p.m.

Connectivity

Anna Nagar Tower Park is located near the chief roundabout of the neighbourhood (known as the Anna Nagar Roundana) and the Ayyappan Temple. The main entrance of Anna Nagar Tower Park is located on the 3rd Main Road next to the Tower Club. The second entrance lies near the Ayyappan Temple on the 6th Main road. The Park is situated besides Anna Nagar Ayyappan Koil Bus Stop. The Park is located at about 500 meters from Anna Nagar Tower Metro Station, 600 meters from Anna Nagar East Metro Station, 2 Kms from Thirumangalam Metro Station, 2 Kms from Thirumangalam Junction Bus Stop, 4 Kms from Koyambedu Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus, 8 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 9 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station and 21 Kms from Chennai Airport. The Park can be easily reached easily either by public transport or by auto rickshaw/taxi, as the temple is located in a prime location of Chennai.

My review : Excellent place to...

Anna Nagar Tower, located within the expansive Anna Nagar Tower Park in Chennai, stands as a testament to the city's architectural and cultural heritage. Erected in 1968 for the World Trade Fair by B. S. Abdur Rahman, the tower rises to a height of 138 feet, making it a prominent landmark in the area.

The park itself is a verdant oasis amidst the urban landscape, offering a variety of amenities for visitors. Well-maintained pathways cater to joggers and walkers, while designated play areas equipped with swings, see-saws, and slides provide entertainment for children. The abundance of trees offers ample shade, making the park a pleasant retreat even during Chennai's hotter days.

In addition to its natural beauty, the park features a skating rink and a meditation zone, catering to both recreational and contemplative pursuits. Regular practice sessions of Silambattam, an ancient Tamil martial art, can also be observed, adding a cultural dimension to the visitor experience.

Historically, the tower offered panoramic views of Chennai, accessible via a spiral staircase for a nominal fee. However, due to safety concerns and past incidents, public access to the tower's summit has been restricted in recent years. Despite this, the surrounding park remains a vibrant community hub, attracting families, fitness enthusiasts, and tourists alike.

The park's strategic location in Anna Nagar makes it easily accessible, and its diverse facilities ensure that it caters to a wide audience. Whether one seeks a place for physical activity, a playground for children, or a serene environment for relaxation, Anna Nagar Tower Park offers a harmonious blend of nature and urban amenities.

In summary, while the Anna Nagar Tower itself no longer permits public ascents, the encompassing park continues to serve as a cherished recreational space in Chennai, reflecting the city's commitment to preserving green areas amidst urban...

Anna tower

This is a must visit place if you are in Anna nagar, Chennai. It is located at the very prime location in Anna nagar. The park has two entrances. The first entrance is located near the Ayyappan temple and the second entrance is at 3rd main road. It is the tallest park tower in Chennai.

The tower is 12 storied and 135 foot tall located at the middle of the park. It has the ramp spiraling to the top. Surrounded by many fountains. The fountains look great during the night time because of their attractive lightings. The park along with the tower is maintained by Chennai corporation.

The tower is recently opened for the visitors after long years, the timings are 7AM to 10 AM & 3PM to 6 PM. One can go at the top and experience the scenic view of the city.

The park has dedicated children’s play areas (at 3 different locations), lakes, amphitheatre, skating rink etc. surrounded by so many trees. The places are well maintained. You will find so many people walking throughout the park on walking tracks.

Many activities for kids can be seen inside the park such as dance practice, boxing, different martial arts including karate and regional sport like Silambam etc.

I was impressed by the skating rink. So many small children’s taking training about the skating. You can seat an enjoy watching them learning skating. (Skating sessions may be held on weekends).

The place is mostly crowded on weekends, difficult to find parking for 4 wheelers. 2 wheelers can be parked near to the park. The authorities have to look after for proper parking arrangements.

You will find many fast food operators nearby, just...