CHENNAI: Want to see wildlife in their natural habitat, but can't tear yourself away from the city? Just drive to the Chetpet Eco Park . In an attempt to help increase footfall, the authorities of the park have launched Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) applications to enhance viewing experience.The live AR segment helps you experience the thrill of standing next to a rabbit, deer, bear, dolphin or a ferocious crocodile , said director of fisheries G S Sameeran.Using one VR application, he said, a visitor can choose a fish from 20 different species on an iPad and paint it with touch inputs that will provide the colours. He/she can then swipe and throw the fish, which will come to life and can be touched and moved.There will be no dearth of excitement, said Sameeran, as visitors can drive right into a jungle in a car, thrill in the sight of various species of animals bounding across their natural habitat, and also learn about as the application includes a voice over acting as a tour guide.Next, get into a speed boat and cruise the oceans as a school of spinner dolphins skims past or a pod of humpback whales passes by, jumping and splashing in the water as you gawk. All this in a two-minute show, said Sameeran.Those keen on snorkelling can indulge themselves too, going under water and standing in the middle of a shark nest as sharks and other aquatic animals swim around. The movement of the visitors will spark reactions among aquatic animals, according them a real-time experience, he said.People interested in Tamil Nadu will not be disappointed either, able to learn more than the usual about the state's fabled shrines, including the Big Temple at Thanjavur and the Meenakshi Temple at Madurai , and monuments throught the app. A click on the interactive icons will take them right into a celebrated monument like the famous shore temple at Mamallapuram where, without the jostling crowds, they can drink in the beauty of the structure and marvel at the technical expertise of its creators. They will also be able to learn about the origins of the ancient Tamil language.]One can also traipse around the world, stopping at the place one chooses and get immersed in its beauty.At the dome projection, a human voice explains scenes depicted in 'Under Water World' and 'Space Odyssey'. Using the seven apps, one can spend at least an hour at the park and come away satisfied, he added.

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