Poor turnout of tourists to Kodaikanal flower show; ticket fee in Bryant Park hiked

The 61st Flower Show and Kodai Vizha in Kodaikanal with various events, but low turnout due to e-pass system.

The 61st Flower Show and the annual Kodai Vizha was inaugurated in Kodaikanal at the Bryant Park on Friday, May 17, 2024.

Tamil Nadu Government Principal Secretary Apoorva, Horticulture Director P. Kumaravel Pandian, Dindigul District Collector M.N. Poongodi, Superintendent of Police A. Pradeep and senior officers from the departments of horticulture, tourism and revenue participated.

The officials said that they have displayed five lakh flowers and among them, 42 varieties were brought in from various cities. The department of horticulture has organised the Flower Show and 42 stalls have been put up by government and private sector.

The Flower show would conclude on May 26.

As a part of the Kodai Vizha festival, the tourism department officials have organised a boat race at the Kodaikanal Lake. A dog show would be conducted during the period among other competitions. During the celebration, they have planned folk arts and traditional music daily to encourage local artists. Sports events are also being held for the participants.

The Flower Show and Kodai Vizha usually attracts a huge turnout as tourists from far and wide would be present to witness the flower arrangements. However, this season, there were very little visitors and the tourist operators attributed multiple reasons for the less patronage.

The first and foremost reason was the introduction of e-pass system, which had discouraged many people from visiting the hill station, tourist operators said.