Why Ooty’s Thread Garden is a major tourist attraction

Last update:November 13, 2024, 10:55 am IST

The garden is home to 350 types of artificial flowers, all carefully crafted using a rare “four-dimensional hand embroidery” technique.

The Thread Garden in Ooty, located opposite the famous Boat House in the Nilgiri district, is a unique and captivating tourist attraction, famous for its extraordinary collection of handcrafted artificial flowers and plants closely resembling real life botanicals . This impressive garden is the result of almost two decades of meticulous work, initiated by Professor Antony Joseph in 1988. Joseph, alongside a dedicated team of 50 female artisans, created each element (flower, leaf and plant) entirely by hand. Remarkably, no machines or needles were used in the creation process, highlighting the exceptional craftsmanship and dedication in this endeavor.

The garden is home to 350 artificial flowers, all carefully designed using a rare “four-dimensional hand embroidery” technique. This complex method involved weaving embroidery thread using only the artists’ bare hands, a process that required an incredible 6 crore (60 million) meters. of wire to complete the vibrant garden display. Materials such as cardboard, steel and copper wire were used as support structures, with wire of different colors wound to create petal shapes and vibrant hues, resulting in lifelike replicas that amaze visitors with their realism.

The Thread Garden was originally located in Malampuzha, Kerala. In 2002, it was moved to its current picturesque setting by Ooty’s Boat House, making it more accessible to tourists from the Nilgiri Hills. This unique work of art has gained national and international recognition, securing its place in the Indian Book of Records, the Tamil Nadu Book of Records and the Unique World Records. The garden not only provides a visual treat, but also a source of handicrafts that visitors can purchase as souvenirs.

Pradeep, a representative working at the Thread Garden, highlighted the significant efforts and dedication of the team, explaining that the project took 12 years of intensive work from the 50 women artisans to bring this extraordinary vision to life. Entrance to this unique garden costs a modest Rs. 9,999. 30 for adults and Rs. 20 for children, allowing tourists of all ages to enjoy this impressive display of expertise.