Bonsai Gardens, Fish Pedicure Ponds, Rain Dance and More

Situated in the heart of the city, the Central Park brings that much needed lung-space for the city.

Quiet and pristine amidst the hustle and bustle of a super-busy neighbourhood that includes the APSRTC complex on one side and thoroughfares on the other three, the Central Park is the cynosure for Vizagites eyes. With ample parking spaces that aren’t obtrusive for the city-traffic, this 22 acre stretch is definitely worth a visit.

With its entrance right behind the RTC complex, the first thing that you’d notice about it will be the shade of the green trees. In fact, it has over a 100 trees in its vicinity; no trees were cut down to make the park, except the ones that fell during the Cyclone HudHud. Constructions have happened around the existing greenery, with the result that the region is steeped in different shades of that colour. Many avenue plantations have also been added to the region, and stretches of grass have been laid out to make a trip here an alluring visit.

With five distinct zones, the park offers many attractions. These include a 1.5km long walking track, a maze for children to play in, bonsai garden, a bamboo garden, amphitheatre, an arena for yoga that includes fish pedicure ponds and a cycling track. An animal park which has different animal-shapes made out of wire mesh and covered with plants is another attraction. Internal and external jogging tracks are also present. A huge lawn that can hold up to 500 people, makes it possible to conduct open air events too. Work is also on at the amusement park where a pool is slated to come up along with water slides and facilities for rain dance. Its strongest attraction however is the huge auto-synchronised musical and colourful fountain that has a jet to shoot up water to a height of 40 feet, making it the first such venture of its kind in the city and the third highest in the country.

However, these are just a few of the attractions here. The park that is seeing a footfall of thousands, also accommodates food stalls and promises a wonderful evening spent with the entire family. The entry fee for the park is Rs. 20 while tickets for the musical fountain are priced at Rs. 40. Cyclists can use the track for Rs.50 per hour while walkers need to pay an annual sum or Rs.500 to use the facility.