India’s Biggest Urban Park Will Be Thrown Open To Visitors For Just Rs 20
If you are looking for a place to relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect with nature, you might want to check out the Namo Grand Central Park in Thane, Mumbai. This park is not only the first of its kind in Maharashtra, but also one of the biggest urban parks in India. Spread over 20 acres, and hosting more than 3,500 trees, this park is a green oasis in the midst of the concrete jungle.
The park was Inaugurated by the state’s Chief Minister EknathShinde on February 8, 2024, following a request by BJP MLA Sanjay Kelkar. The park is named in honour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is known for his vision of sustainable development and environmental conservation.
What to Expect at the Park
The park offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Here are some of the highlights:
Theme-based gardens: The park has four gardens with different themes, such as the Butterfly Garden, the Bamboo Garden, the Medicinal Garden, and the Fragrance Garden. Each garden showcases a range of plants and flowers that suit the theme, and also provides information panels and QR codes for visitors to learn more about them.
Fitness and play zone: The park has a dedicated area for fitness enthusiasts and children, where they can enjoy various equipment and games. There is a jogging track, a cycling track, a skating park, a yoga deck, a gym, a rock climbing wall, a trampoline, and a playground. The park also has a large amphitheatre that can host 400 people, where cultural events and performances can be held.
Lakefront and promenade: The park has a beautiful lake that covers 2.5 acres, and a 750-metre-long promenade that runs along it. Visitors can stroll, sit, or picnic by the lake, and enjoy the scenic views and the soothing sounds of water. The lake also has a fountain show that lights up at night, creating a spectacular sight.
Future plans: The park is not yet fully completed, and there are more exciting features that are planned to be added soon. These include replicas of the seven wonders of the world, a snow park, a bird aviary, a musical garden, and a maze. These attractions will make the park even more appealing and diverse, and attract more visitors from near and far.
Timings, Ticket Price, and Other Rules
The park is open to visitors from 6:00 am to 11:00 am and 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm every day, except Mondays. The park is free for children below the age of 15, and senior citizens have to pay Rs 15. Adults have to pay Rs 20 on weekdays and Rs 30 on weekends and public holidays. Cyclists have to pay Rs 20 as well. The park also has a nominal parking fee for vehicles.
The park has some rules and regulations that visitors have to follow, such as:
No littering, smoking, drinking, or spitting in the park
No plucking of flowers or damaging of plants
No feeding of birds or animals
No playing of loud music or using of speakers
No entry of pets or outside food
No photography or videography without permission
The park authorities have installed CCTV cameras and security guards to ensure the safety and cleanliness of the park. Visitors who violate the rules will be fined or asked to leave the park.
Why You Should Visit the Park
The Namo Grand Central Park is a remarkable achievement that showcases the potential of urban green spaces. The park is not only a recreational and educational destination, but also a source of environmental and social benefits. The park generates about 8.8 lakh pounds of oxygen annually, and helps reduce air pollution, noise pollution, and urban heat island effect. The park also provides a habitat for various species of birds, butterflies, and insects, and enhances the biodiversity of the city. The park also fosters a sense of community and culture, by providing a space for people to interact, socialize, and celebrate.
The park is a testament to the vision and efforts of the state government, the civic corporation, and the Kalpataru Group, which constructed and maintains the park in lieu of transfer of development rights. The park is a gift to the citizens of Thane and Mumbai, and a model for other cities to emulate.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your friends and family, and head to the Namo Grand Central Park for a fun-filled and refreshing experience. You will not regret it!
Recent comments(0)