Bonsai big draw for tourists at Valparai

“More than 50 bonsai trees from 3 years to 35 years, kept in a separate gallery, attracted the attention of the visitors at the kodai vizha. A ‘sapota’ bearing tree, several years old peepal and a banyan tree in bonsai, several flower yielding miniature trees and others turned out to be a huge attraction,” said A. Ramakrishnan, deputy director, department of horticulture.

A large floral boat, made of over 4,500 red roses drew appreciation from the visitors. Tourists, who thronged the coffee plantation town did not miss a selfie opportunity, near the floral boat.

The flower show by the horticulture department also had a line-up of different varieties of flowers including those brought from Ooty. There were around 500 different varieties of flowers displayed in the show.

Other attractions included vegetable carvings of two peacocks, a white made of cabbage and blue one carved out of brinjal. Vegetable carved birds, tortoise, flower bouquets and flower vases were on display at the show.

Besides cultural performances by students, there was also a play, an orchestra, bharatanatyam and a medical camp on the first day of the three-day show. The expo also had stalls put up by the forest department, transport, Co-Optex and handlooms, photo expo, integrated child development activities, tourism and other schemes. District collector Archana Patnaik and Pollachi MP, C. Mahendran inaugurated the vizha. Tourists visiting the summer festival also enjoyed parasailing.