Semmozhi Poonga Botanical Garden

Semmozhi Poonga is a 20-acre botanical garden on Cathedral Road in Teynampet, in the middle of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. It opened in 2010 on land that was previously part of the Cathedral Road area, and it gives the city a landscaped green space close to some of its busiest streets. The name means classical language garden, a reference to Tamil's classical status.

The garden is arranged as a series of themed sections, linked by paved paths, lawns and water features. Visitors can see collections of rare and ornamental plants, a medicinal garden with labelled herbs, rose and cactus areas, palm and bamboo groves, and a mist-house with shade-loving plants. A children's play area gives families a reason to stay longer, and shaded seating and open lawns make it easy to rest between sections. Flower shows are held at certain times of year and draw more visitors, with higher ticket prices than ordinary days. Sculptures and small landscaped features add visual variety, and the contrast with the traffic outside is part of the appeal.

A typical visit takes one to one and a half hours. The garden is open daily from about 10:00AM to 7:30PM, although some sources list a Tuesday closure, so checking before going is wise. Entry is about 15 to 25 rupees for adults and about 10 rupees for children. Late afternoon from November to February is the most pleasant time, when temperatures are lower and the light softens. Weekdays are usually quiet, while weekends and school holidays draw more families.

The garden is within about 1.5 kilometres of Chennai Metro Teynampet and Thousand Lights stations, and app cabs from Alwarpet are inexpensive. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, carry water and sun protection, and follow garden rules about not picking plants or walking on lawns where signs prohibit it. It combines well with Valluvar Kottam and the Egmore museum area.