A lesson in kitsch art and wasted money best describes the Thread Garden of Ooty, Tamil Nadu. It’s location is choice, opposite Reflections Lake on the outskirts of town. Before arriving I knew, based on my guide books, that a visit here was to be entered upon with low expectations. Part of me thought maybe I would be wowed much like the Rock Garden of Chandigarh. Initial impressions were positive. A rather uninspired building sits perched over the road accessed by steep steps covered with promotion for the garden.

Upstairs, tourists can browse (free of charge) a small, but nicely maintained nursery to the right of the Thread Garden. Behind and to the side of the main attraction lies a food stall for hungry guests. I paid my entry fee and turned the corner ready to be dazzled thanks to the descriptive directional signs. Hmm…well….the guide books didn’t exaggerate. The 150 species of worldwide plants are made of hand-wound thread using a technique perfected by Anthony Joseph. This Keralan artist and 50 craftspeople spent 12 years completing the exhibit. Too bad it only held my attention for a few minutes.

To recommend skipping this venue wouldn’t be right. The staff is not overly enthusiastic and there were only two other visitors during my brief stay. But, entrance signs sell the Thread Garden as “First Time in the World”, so why not take a chance to see if it connects with you. Replicas of the thread plants are available for sale as you exit the building. Afterward, walk across the street to the boat launch, grab some food and watch families enjoying the lake. Keep your expectations low, very very low.