A day at a theme park demands a rare trifecta: perfect weather, stamina of a pro athlete, and a pair of comfortable shoes. And somehow, the opening week of Wonderla Chennai landed on a day when all three lined up, as if the universe finally decided to reward the city for its patience.
“We signed an MOU with the Tamil Nadu government almost ten years ago, and it’s been a long journey getting here. But we didn’t want to bring just any amusement park — we wanted to bring the best, with rides and facilities that are second to none. This will be the most premium park we’ve built to date,” said Arun K Chittilappilly, Executive Chairman and Managing Director, Wonderla Holidays, at the opening of the park.
Spread across 64.3 acres along Old Mahabalipuram Road, Wonderla Chennai is a city-sized playground of thrill. Visitors can tackle 43 rides ranging from high-adrenaline coasters and spinning attractions to gentle kids’ rides and sprawling water slides. The Tanjora, India’s first Bolliger & Mabillard inverted roller coaster, twists through the air with multiple inversions, while Spin Mill: the country’s tallest spinning ride at 50 meters which flings riders through vertical loops and 4.5G forces.
Wonderla Chennai
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Special Arrangement
For those who want a slower pace, the Sky Rail, a 540-meter elevated monorail, winds above the park in Viking-inspired golden gondolas, offering panoramic views of the entire park. Even with a few rides still under construction and final testing, and patches of fresh landscaping awaiting their full bloom, the park is buzzing with excitement.
Reaching the park, too, is set to get easier. Wonderla Chennai sits in Illalur, a little over an hour from the city, but the team has been working with the government to streamline access. Arun says that they are in talks to introduce public bus routes from multiple parts of Chennai, so visitors can arrive without the stress of long drives and parking queues. Plans also include discounted tickets for those who take these buses — a move aimed at keeping the park accessible to families, students, and budget travellers.
Wonderla Chennai
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Special Arrangement
Speaking about safety concerns, Arun says “We’ve been running amusement parks for 25 years. We understand how the rides work, the water systems, and the safety measures. Every ride, every system, is internationally certified. Guests should only feel butterflies in their stomachs, not fear, because everything else has been built to global standards.” The water flows through a three-stage purification process meeting below-drinking-water standards, and each ride has been through thousands of test rides and tuned to give visitors the perfect experience.
The park will also have shaded pathways and climate-responsive layouts in the next couple of months will offer respite from Chennai’s midday sun. Kids’ zones, wheelchair access, and shaded rest areas for seniors ensure the park is welcoming for families and visitors of all abilities.
Beyond the thrill, Wonderla Chennai has eight themed dining venues serving local specialities alongside international favourites. Retail spaces showcase Thanjavur and Marapachi dolls, along with park merchandise. Lockers are provided, so guests can stow valuables and enjoy the rides without worrying.
Arun K Chittilappilly
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Special Arrangement
“We look at what’s happening in parks around the world, figure out what’s new and trending, and then we decide what will resonate here. Some rides, like Spin Mill, I first saw in Munich and thought, Chennai deserves this too,” Arun said. “This is just the beginning. We’ll keep adding new rides and experiences, so the park grows with its visitors.”
Wonderla Chennai is located at 45/1F, OMR Road, Post, Thiruporur, Illalur, Tamil Nadu. Tickets are available on wonderla.com starting at ₹1,508 for adults, 1,205 for children and 1,130 for senior citizens. The park is open from 11am to 6pm on weekdays and 11am to 7pm on weekends.
Published – December 01, 2025 07:04 pm IST
