Trichy's Butterfly Park gets Rs 1 crore makeover after a decade
Trichy: The Butterfly Park near Srirangam, officially known as the
Tropical Butterfly Conservatory
, has undergone a major facelift after nearly a decade of neglect. The forest department has renovated the park at a cost of ₹1 crore, aiming to restore its visual appeal and revive tourist interest.
"Infrastructure had been left unattended for over nine years. A proposal was made, and ₹1 crore was sanctioned. Renovation work began in Dec, 2024, and is now complete," said district forest officer (DFO) S Krithiga.
First announced in 2012 and inaugurated in Novr 2015, the park spans 25 acres in the Upper Anaicut Reserve Forest near Melur. Built at an initial cost of ₹8 crore, it quickly became a key tourist attraction in Trichy, known for housing over a hundred butterfly species in its natural habitat.
Over the years, however, the park fell into disrepair, worsened by the impact of Cyclone Gaja in 2018. Damaged infrastructure, faded facilities, and general wear and tear led to a drop in visitor enthusiasm.
Recognising the need for restoration, the forest department began a comprehensive upgrade late last year. The entrance arch and damaged pavements have been refurbished, and interactive information boards have been installed to enhance the visitor experience.
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Key features such as the amphitheatre, indoor conservatory, breeding lab, and restrooms have also been renovated.
"We are introducing new host and nectar plants to support butterfly breeding. New play equipment has been added to the children's park, and additional recreational activities are being planned to attract more visitors," said Krithiga.
The park includes attractions like Nakshatravanam, Raasi Vanam, Caterpillar Walk, an Eco Shop, and a resource garden—offering both educational and recreational experiences for families and tourists alike.
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