Tree Park Manipal | Salu Marada Thimmakka Tree Park

Hey, Dendrophile, are you planning a visit to Tree Park? The Tree Park Manipal is the main attraction for you. This tree park is named after Salumarada Thimmaka and is a large natural forest area with some displays, attractions, and information. Recently, I visited the tree park and found it well worth the trip. You will find detailed information about what to expect at Tree Park Manipal in this post.

Tree Park Manipal Salumarada Overview

• • Location: Badagabettu, Udupi, Karnataka, India
  • Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM
  • Entry Fee: Rs. 10 for adults and Rs. 5 for children
  • Amenities: Trails, children’s play area, medicinal herbarium, educational displays, canteen, clean toilets
  • Things to Do: Walk on the trails, learn about medicinal herbs, relax amidst nature, have a picnic (with outside food)

• Total Budget: Rs. 160 per person.

Map

Tree Park Manipal Timing, Fee, Budget

The trip cost depends on your age, how you get there, and whether you buy food in the park. Here’s what’s included:

• • Entry fees:
    • Adults: Rs. 10
    • Children: Rs. 5
  • Food:
    • The park has a canteen, but no information is available on food costs. Here are some options.
      • A simple canteen meal costs Rs. 50 – Rs. 100 per person.
      • If you prefer to save money, pack your food and drinks and picnic in the park.
  • Transport:
    • Transport costs depend on your location and mode of travel. Here are some estimates.
      • Public transport (bus, rickshaw) costs Rs. 50 – Rs. 100 per person (one way), depending on the distance.
      • Taxi fares are more expensive, depending on your location and distance. You can use a ride-hailing app or hire a taxi to get an estimate.

Total Budget:

• • To get a rough idea, consider an adult entry fee (Rs. 10) + mid-range canteen meal (Rs. 75) + one-way public transport (Rs. 75) = Rs. 160 per person.
  • This is just an estimate, and the actual cost will vary depending on your choices.

Tips for Saving Money:

• • Pack food and drinks.
  • Use public transportation if it’s convenient.
  • Look for discounts or coupons on entry fees (if available).
  • Share a taxi with others.

Attractions at Salumarada Timmakka Tree Park Manipal

It’s a large natural forest area enhanced with educational displays, attractions and plenty of places to relax amidst the trees. Here are some of the things you can see and do there:

• • Tree Houses: There are two tree houses that you can climb up to via ladders for a unique view of the park.
  • Adventure Zone: This zone is perfect for kids below 14 years old. They can try rope walking, slides, and even a mini zipline (although it may not be operational yet).
  • Elevated Walkway: This walkway allows you to stroll through the trees and get a closer look at the flora and fauna.
  • Exhibits: There are exhibits showcasing regional specialities like Kambala (a traditional buffalo race), Huli Vesha (a folk dance with tiger masks), birds, insects, and animals.
  • Relaxation and Play: There are lots of trees, rest areas, and swings to sit on, perfect for relaxation and spending time with friends and family.
  • Mini Nursery: You can buy saplings from the mini nursery to plant your tree at home and contribute to environmental preservation efforts.
  • Informative Displays: There are information displays throughout the park that provide interesting facts about the wildlife and plants found there.
  • Amphitheatre: An amphitheatre is available for hosting events and programmes.
  • Herbal Garden: Learn about medicinal plants in the park’s herbal garden.
  • Cafe Verde: Cafe Verde provides food and drinks for visitors.
  • Bird Feeding Spots: While there may not be a lot of birds yet, there are designated feeding spots to help attract them.

Best Time To Visit Tree Park Manipal 

• • Salumarada Thimmakka Tree Park is a beautiful place to visit year-round, but the best time to go is during the monsoon season, from June to September. During this time, the park is lush and green, and the waterfalls are flowing. 
  • If you are looking for a more crowded experience, you can visit the park during the summer months, from March to May. The weather is hot and sunny during this time, and the park is full of people enjoying the outdoors.
  • The winter months, from October to February, are a good time to visit if you are looking for a peaceful experience. The weather is cool and dry during this time, and the park is less crowded. However, it is important to note that some of the trees may be bare during this time.

1 Day at Tree Park Manipal Salumarada

Morning: 

• • Arrive at the park around 10:00 AM (opening time) and explore the walking trails. Admire various trees, especially the famous banyan trees with intertwined branches.
  • 11:00 AM: Visit the medicinal herbarium to learn about medicinal plants used in traditional Indian medicine.

Afternoon:

• • Noon: Enjoy a picnic lunch in the designated areas.
  • 1:00 PM: When you are travelling with children, head to the children’s play area for fun.
  • 2:00 PM: Explore the educational displays to learn more about trees and the environment.

3:00 PM: Wrap up your visit and return to Manipal.

How To Reach Tree Park Manipal Salumarada

By Auto Rickshaw

This is the most convenient way to get to the park from Manipal town. You can hail an auto rickshaw from anywhere in Manipal and ask the driver to take you to Salu Marada Thimmakka Tree Park. The fare will typically be around ₹100 – ₹150 depending on your location in Manipal.

By Bus

You can take a bus from Manipal to Udupi and then get down at the Ajjarkad bus stop. From there, you can take an auto-rickshaw to the park. The bus fare will be around ₹20 – ₹30, and the auto-rickshaw fare will be around ₹50.

By Taxi

You can also hire a taxi from Manipal to take you directly to the park. The fare will depend on the distance and the type of taxi you hire. Expect to pay around ₹200 – ₹300.

Tips for Tree Park Manipal Salumarada Visittors

• • There are a few different things to see and do in the park, including tree houses, an adventure zone, an elevated walkway, exhibits showcasing regional specialities, a mini nursery, a mini waterfall, an amphitheatre, water feeding spots for birds, a herbal garden, and a cafe.
  • The park is named after Saalumarada Thimmakka, a lady credited with planting 385 banyan trees along a small stretch of road between Hulikal (in Shivamogga district) and Kadur.
  • The park is a great place to relax and enjoy nature. There are many different types of trees and plants to see, as well as a variety of birds and other wildlife.
  • There is a cafe on site, but it is always a smart idea to bring your water bottle, especially on a hot day.
  • The entrance fee is nominal, but it is always an excellent idea to have cash on hand for any other purchases you may want to make. This includes food or souvenirs.

FAQ’S Of Tree Park Manipal Salumarada

Is the park fully developed? 

Some features, like the mini waterfall and adventure zone (including the zipline), might still be under development

What kind of activities can I do at the park?

The park is ideal for nature walks on the trails, relaxing under the trees, and learning about medicinal herbs in the herbarium.

Is it allowed to bring food from outside?

Information on bringing outside food is currently unavailable. It’s best to check with the park authorities directly.

What is the best time to visit the park?

Mornings and evenings offer pleasant weather for a stroll through the park.