Tropical butterfly conservatory, Trichy
Tropical butterfly conservatory, Tiruchirappalli is located in Srirangam area of Trichy district. Tropical Butterfly Conservatory is located in the Upper Anaicut reserve Forests in Srirangam with an extent of 25 acres. The area falls in river Cauvery and Kollidam drainage basin. Tropical butterfly conservatory consist of Butterfly park and Nakshatravanam (star forest) also. The conservatory falls under Tiruchirappalli Forest Division.[1]
Development
Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu announced on 15.09.2012 the establishment of Butterfly with financial outlay of Rs. 7.35 crore at Srirangam. The Park was inaugurated by the then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Ms. J. Jayalalitha on 13.11.2015[1] through video conferencing from Chennai.[2] The final cost of construction of the park is said to be 8.67 crores.[2] Of the sum, Rs. 1 crore has been sanctioned by the State-owned Tamil Nadu Forest Corporation Ltd. under its corporate social responsibility initiative.[3]
Conservatory
This park has an outer conservatory area to provide and facilitate an enabling environment for butterflies to breed, procreate and complete its lifecycle on a perpetual basis under near natural conditions. During summer the humidity may become relatively less. Since it may cause discomfort to the plants, butterflies and visitors, artificial lake was created. The indoor conservatories will be having Air conditioners and green houses for the butterflies to reproduce in a suitable manner.[2] To maintain a natural atmosphere, lighting has been carefully provided to attract butterflies.[3]
Butterfly park
Well laid out lawn, floral patches with children play equipments is the recreational centre of the tropical butterfly conservatory. Boating facility for kids in the artificial pond is arranged. An amphitheatre and additional irrigation systems are made from the additional Rs. 3.3 crore funds allocated by the State Tourism Department.[3] This park has garden, fountain, large butterfly glass house, fountain and hut to take rest and have food. The Park also had a 1.2 km walkway for the visitors. The garden is full of nectar flowers and host plants to attract butterflies. A big blue tiger butterfly sculpture can be seen at entrance in the lawn. The garden has fountains, artificial pounds, suspended bridges, butterfly houses, sculptures of caterpillars, butterflies to attract visitors.[4]
Nakshatravanam
The Nakshatravanam is a part of the park. It has 27 number of trees / plants species corresponding to 27 stars and 12 trees / plants of corresponding 12 zodiac signs of Indian astrology.[1] The idea was to encourage people to grow a tree associated to their star, near their homes.[5]
Parking lots for four- and two-wheelers have been provided outside. Many schools are arranging organised tours to the butterfly park for educational and recreative purpose.[6]
Gallery
- Waterfall near the entrance
- Hanging bridge and artificial channel
- Boating for kids
- Children's play area
- Cave with paintings of wildlife inside
- Inside garden
- Entrance
- Parking area and shade to take rest
References
- "TRICHY CIRCLE" (PDF). Retrieved 16 August 2018.
- Murali, Harish (16 November 2015). "Butterfly park opened in Trichy". The Times of India.
- R., Rajaram (31 October 2015). "Butterfly conservatory at Srirangam". The Hindu.
- "Tiruchirapalli - A city of rock fort". Tamil Nadu Tourism. Retrieved 25 August 2020.
- Ashok, Sudharshan (22 June 2013). "A butterfly park for Trichy". The Times of India.
- "Educational trip to butterfly park".