May Day Park: A Green Oasis in Chennai

4.3 (943)

Discover Chennai's historical May Day Park: A green retreat for recreation, sports, and cultural events in the heart of the city.

Home
India
Chennai
May Day Park

May Day Park, originally Napier Park, is a historical green space in Chennai's Chintadripet area. Opened in 1950, it's a popular spot for recreation, sports, and public gatherings, offering a respite from the city's bustle.

A brief summary to May Day Park

37FF+97H, Dy Mayor Kabalamoorthy Salai, Chennai, Chintadripet, Tamil Nadu, 600002, IN
Click to display

Monday 5 am-8 pm
Tuesday 5 am-8 pm
Wednesday 5 am-8 pm
Thursday 5 am-8 pm
Friday 5 am-8 pm
Saturday 5 am-8 pm
Sunday 5 am-2 pm

Local tips

Visit early in the morning to enjoy the peaceful ambiance and cooler temperatures.
Check local event calendars for any cultural events or festivals happening during your visit.
Wear comfortable shoes, as there are many paths to explore within the park.

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Victoria Public Hall

Victoria Public Hall: A Colonial Landmark

Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station (Chennai)

Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station

Boat Meeting spot

Discover the Charm of Chennai's Boat Meeting Spot

Getting There

Public Transport

From Chennai Central Railway Station, take bus number 5B, 12, or 27 towards Chintadripet. The journey takes approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Alight at the Chintadripet bus stop and walk for 5 minutes down Dy Mayor Kabalamoorthy Salai to reach the park. The bus fare is approximately ₹10-₹20.
Metro

Take the Chennai Metro to the Government Estate Metro Station on the Blue Line, which is 0.52 KM away from May Day Park. Exit the station and walk towards Dy Mayor Kabalamoorthy Salai. The walk is approximately 10 minutes. Metro fares range from ₹10-₹30 depending on the starting station.
Taxi/Auto Rickshaw

From Chennai Central Railway Station, hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw to May Day Park in Chintadripet. The ride takes about 15-20 minutes depending on traffic. Taxi fares range from ₹92-₹164 , while auto-rickshaw fares range from ₹50 to ₹100.
Walking

If you are near Egmore Railway Station, walk towards the western exit and take a left onto Poonamallee High Road. Continue for about 1 kilometer until you reach the intersection with Chintadripet Road. Turn right onto Chintadripet Road and walk for another 500 meters. May Day Park will be on your left at Dy Mayor Kabalamoorthy Salai. The total walking distance is approximately 1.5 kilometers.

Discover more about May Day Park

May Day Park, situated in the heart of Chennai's Chintadripet, offers a refreshing escape from the urban environment. Spanning 14.5 acres, this park provides a green lung for the city, attracting locals and tourists alike. Originally established as Napier Park in 1869 and named after the Governor of Madras, Francis Napier, the park was later renamed May Day Park to commemorate Chennai being the first city in India to celebrate May Day. In 1990, a monument was erected to mark this name change. The park has historical significance, serving as a venue for political rallies and May Day celebrations. It was also the starting point for a student march during the anti-Hindi agitation in 1965. The park is divided into two sections, with dedicated spaces for sports such as cricket, football, volleyball, and badminton. Maintained by Simpson & Co, May Day Park provides a space for relaxation and recreation with lush greenery and walking paths. Visitors can find statues and monuments that reflect the region's history. The park is open to the public from early morning to evening, offering a refreshing start to the day or a peaceful evening retreat.