Home › Destinations › Tamil Nadu › Ooty › VOC Park

VOC Park, Ooty

Overview

•VOC Park and Zoo, officially V.O.
•Chidambaranar Park and Zoo, is a compact zoological garden and amusement park in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, about 54 km from Ooty.
•Managed by the Coimbatore City Corporation, it offers a pleasant green respite with a modest collection of animals and recreational rides, making it a convenient stop for families traveling between Ooty and the plains.

Highlights

Over 890 animals including birds, mammals, and reptiles
Amusement rides for children and families
Shaded walking paths amidst urban greenery
Convenient location near Coimbatore Junction

Religious Significance

Named after the freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaram Pillai, the park holds local historical importance as a public recreational space managed by the city corporation. It serves as a small-scale conservation and education center, housing around 890 animals as of 2013, including birds, mammals, and reptiles. For visitors from Ooty, it provides a glimpse into urban wildlife management in the region.

Facilities

The park includes basic amenities such as restrooms, benches, and a small amusement area with rides for children. Food stalls may be available, but it's advisable to carry your own snacks.

History

•The park has been a longstanding recreational facility in Coimbatore, though specific founding dates are not well-documented.
•It was renamed to honor V.O.
•Chidambaram Pillai, a prominent Indian freedom fighter from the region.
•As of 2013, it was reported to house approximately 890 animals, reflecting its role as a municipal zoo.

Travel Tips

Start your journey from Ooty early in the morning to avoid traffic and have ample time at the park.
Combine the visit with other Coimbatore attractions like the Marudamalai Temple or Gedee Car Museum if you want a fuller day.
On weekends, the park can be crowded; plan for a weekday visit for a more relaxed experience.

Location

•VOC Park and Zoo is situated in the heart of Coimbatore city, on Dr.
•Balasundaram Road, near the Coimbatore Junction railway station.
•It lies roughly 54 km from Ooty town center, at a significantly lower elevation in the plains.

How to Reach

•From Ooty, take the NH181 (Mettupalayam Road) downhill for about 54 km to Coimbatore; the journey takes roughly 2 hours by car or bus.
•The park is a short auto-rickshaw ride from Coimbatore Junction or the central bus stand.

Things to Do

Explore the Zoo

1-2 hours

Walk through the enclosures to observe a variety of birds, mammals, and reptiles. The zoo is compact, making it easy to see everything without fatigue.

SightseeingEasy

Enjoy the Amusement Rides

1 hour

Let children enjoy the small amusement park area, which includes gentle rides and a toy train. It's a fun break for families.

Family FunEasy

Do's and Don'ts

•Do carry water and wear comfortable walking shoes, as the park requires strolling.
•Do not feed the animals or tease them, as it can be harmful.
•Avoid littering; use designated bins to keep the park clean.

Photography Rules

•Photography is generally allowed in the park, but please refrain from using flash near animal enclosures to avoid startling the animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it's feasible as a day trip since it's about 54 km from Ooty, roughly a 2-hour drive. However, the park itself is small and may only require 2-3 hours to explore, so you can combine it with other Coimbatore sights or return to Ooty the same day.

The park typically opens from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, but hours can vary seasonally. Entry fees are nominal, with separate charges for the zoo and amusement rides. It's best to check with the Coimbatore City Corporation for current rates.

While outside food is generally allowed for visitors, feeding animals is strictly prohibited. You can carry snacks for yourself, but ensure you dispose of wrappers properly. Some areas may have restrictions, so look for signage.