The floral replica of India Gate and rhinoceros, vegetable and fruit carvings of birds and animals and flowers grown in Shevaroyan Hills were the main attractions at the 40th Flower Festival that began at Anna Park in Yercaud on Saturday.
Inaugurated by District Collector K. Maharabushanam in the presence of Superintendent of Police G. Subbulakshmi, Yercaud MLA P. Saroja and other officials, the two-day festival organised by Horticulture Department was a visual treat to the tourists who thronged from nearby districts and other States.
About one tonne of vegetables and fruits have been used at the welcome gallery of the park and over 50 varieties of cut flowers were on display. The replica of India Gate made using 18,000 roses, rhinoceros – 12,000 roses and white crane – 8,000 roses were the cynosure of all eyes. The 150-kg dragon made of vegetables, 100-kg crocodile made of bitter gourd and eight-ft-high parrot made of grass were the other attractions.
Visitors can also buy plant saplings from the stall organised by the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Development Agency.
Preparations for the festival lasted till 11 a.m. on Saturday after which the tourists were allowed inside the park.Special buses
Special buses from Salem and other places helped tourists reach the destination easily. The police patrolled the 22 km Ghat Road from the foothills of Yercaud.
The tourists were disappointed as there was no boat race and other events that were usually organised during the festival. The organisers had also failed to provide protected drinking water and quality food atop the hills that caused inconvenience to the tourists.
