From Tanjora to Spin Mill: Inside Wonderla Chennai’s first big theme park debut

Chennai: Wonderla Holidays will open its first amusement park in Tamil Nadu on 2 December, marking the company’s entry into the state with a major project developed at Illalur village along Old Mahabalipuram Road. The park will be inaugurated on 1 December by Chief Minister M. K. Stalin. Built with an investment of more than ₹611 crore, the 64.30-acre site has 37 acres ready in its first phase of development. Wonderla said the park’s design combines futuristic concepts with elements inspired by traditional Tamil architecture.

Wonderla Chennai features 43 rides across thrill, family, kids and water categories, and can host up to 6,500 visitors a day. Ticket rates start at ₹1,489, with online bookings receiving a 10 per cent discount and college students eligible for a 20 per cent concession on valid identification. The park’s highlight attraction is Tanjora, described as India’s first and largest Bolliger & Mabillard inverted roller coaster, incorporating multiple inversions, zero-G rolls and a floorless configuration. Other key rides include Spin Mill, promoted as India’s tallest spinning thrill ride at 50 metres, and Sky Rail, a 540-metre monorail offering elevated views from Viking-themed gondolas.

The park’s layout transitions from zones inspired by stone-carved heritage motifs to futuristic ride areas. Sustainability features include a rainwater harvesting tank with a 3.75 crore-litre capacity, the planned installation of a 1,000 kW solar plant in the next phase and more than 32,000 sq. m of green cover supported by 1,000 indigenous trees. All ride and water systems comply with EN 13814, IS 3328 and IS 10500 standards.

Wonderla Chennai also offers eight themed dining venues with 1,384 seats, serving regional dishes such as Dindigul biryani, Chettinad chicken and Chennai-style seafood, alongside international options. Food will be prepared under the company’s “Make-Ready-Discard” system to ensure freshness. Retail spaces will feature Tamil cinema-inspired merchandise and locally crafted products, including Thanjavur and Marapachi dolls.

Facilities for visitors include changing rooms, lockers, first-aid and paramedic centres, baby-care rooms, accessible pathways and a 1,500-seat multipurpose conference hall. An 8,500 sq. ft. open-air event area will host corporate and community gatherings. The project is expected to generate more than 1,000 direct and indirect jobs and has been supported by the Tamil Nadu Industrial Guidance & Export Promotion Bureau.