Are you looking for a fun and educational way to spend a day in Chennai? Do you want to see some of the most amazing and diverse animals in India and the world? If yes, then you should definitely visit the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, also known as the Chennai Zoo or the Vandalur Zoo. This is one of the largest and oldest zoos in India and Asia, with over 2500 animals and 170 species.
Whether you want to go on a safari, see the nocturnal animals, admire the reptiles and butterflies, or learn about conservation and education, this zoo has something for everyone. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know before you go to the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, including its history, location, timings, entry fee, attractions, facilities, how to reach, and tips. Read on to discover why this zoo is one of the best things to do in Chennai.
History
The Arignar Anna Zoological Park has a long and rich history that dates back to 1855, when it was established as the Madras Zoo by Edward Green Balfour, the then director of the Government Central Museum. It was the first public zoo in India and the fifth oldest zoo in the world. The zoo was initially located near the Central Railway Station and had only a few animals, such as deer, monkeys, and birds. Over the years, the zoo expanded and acquired more animals, such as lions, tigers, elephants, and bears. The zoo also became a center for research, education, and conservation, and achieved many milestones, such as the first lion safari in India, the first successful breeding of white tigers, the first zoo hospital, and the first zoo museum.
In 1979, the zoo was relocated to a larger and more natural site in Vandalur, about 30 km from the city center, and was renamed as the Vandalur Zoo. The new zoo was designed as a modern and scientific zoological park, with spacious and landscaped enclosures for the animals, and various facilities and amenities for the visitors.
The zoo was further expanded and improved in the following years, and added more attractions and exhibits, such as the safari, the nocturnal house, the reptile house, the butterfly house, the aquarium, and the conservation and education programs. In 1990, the zoo was renamed again as the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, in honor of the former chief minister of Tamil Nadu, C. N. Annadurai, who was popularly known as Arignar Anna.
Some of the interesting facts and trivia about the zoo and its animals are:
The zoo covers an area of 602 hectares, making it the largest zoological park in India and one of the largest in Asia.
The zoo has over 2500 animals, representing 170 species, including 81 species of mammals, 63 species of birds, and 26 species of reptiles. Some of the animals are endemic to India, such as the Bengal tiger, the Asiatic lion, the Indian elephant, and the Indian rhinoceros. Some of the animals are exotic and rare, such as the jaguar, the giraffe, the zebra, and the hippopotamus.
The zoo has the largest collection of white tigers in India, with 15 individuals. The first white tiger was born in the zoo in 1980, as a result of a genetic mutation. The zoo also has the largest collection of lion-tailed macaques in India, with 75 individuals. The lion-tailed macaque is an endangered primate that is endemic to the Western Ghats of India.
The oldest animal in the zoo is a female chimpanzee named Suzi, who is 57 years old. She was brought to the zoo in 1960, when she was only 2 years old. She is the only chimpanzee in the zoo, and is very popular among the visitors. She is also very intelligent and can communicate with the zoo staff using sign language.
The rarest animal in the zoo is a male snow leopard named Himanshu, who is 12 years old. He was brought to the zoo in 2014, from the Kufri Zoo in Himachal Pradesh. He is the only snow leopard in the zoo, and one of the few in India. He is also very elusive and shy, and is rarely seen by the visitors.
The most popular animal in the zoo is a male elephant named Chandra, who is 32 years old. He was brought to the zoo in 1995, from the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. He is the largest and most dominant elephant in the zoo, and is very friendly and playful. He is also very talented and can paint, play football, and perform tricks.
The most endangered animal in the zoo is a female gharial named Ganga, who is 25 years old. She was brought to the zoo in 2008, from the National Chambal Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh. She is the only gharial in the zoo, and one of the few in India. She is also very sensitive and shy, and prefers to stay in the water. The gharial is a critically endangered crocodilian that is endemic to the Indian subcontinent.
Location
The Arignar Anna Zoological Park is located at GST Road, Vandalur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The zoo is situated in a scenic and serene environment, surrounded by hills, forests, and lakes. The zoo is divided into two parts: the zoo complex and the safari park. The zoo complex covers an area of 92 hectares, and houses the main entrance, the ticket counter, the administrative office, the zoo hospital, the zoo museum, the nocturnal house, the reptile house, the butterfly house, the aquarium, and the conservation and education center. The safari park covers an area of 510 hectares, and houses the lion safari, the tiger safari, the deer safari, the elephant safari, and the bear safari.
The zoo is about 30 km from the city center and 15 km from the airport. The best modes of transportation to reach the zoo are bus, train, taxi, or car. Here are some details:
Bus:
There are many buses that ply from different parts of the city to the zoo. The bus stop is right outside the main entrance of the zoo. The bus fare is around Rs. 20 to Rs. 40, depending on the distance and the type of bus.
Train:
There are two train stations near the zoo: the Vandalur Railway Station and the Urappakkam Railway Station. The Vandalur Railway Station is about 2 km from the zoo, and the Urappakkam Railway Station is about 4 km from the zoo. You can take a train from any of the major railway stations in the city, such as Chennai Central, Chennai Egmore, Tambaram, or Chengalpattu, and get down at either of these stations. The train fare is around Rs. 10 to Rs. 20, depending on the distance and the type of train.
Timings and Entry Fee
The Arignar Anna Zoological Park is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on all days, except Mondays and national holidays. The last entry is at 4:00 pm. The timings may vary slightly depending on the season and the weather conditions. You can check the official website of the zoo for the latest updates.
The entry fee for the zoo is as follows:
Category Fee
Adults Rs. 50
Children (5-12 years) Rs. 20
Senior citizens (above 60 years) Rs. 20
Students (with ID card) Rs. 20
Foreigners Rs. 500
You can pay the entry fee by cash, card, or online. The online payment option is available on the official website of the zoo. You can also book your tickets in advance and avoid the queue at the ticket counter.
The entry fee does not include the charges for the various attractions and facilities in the zoo, such as:
Attraction/Facility Charge
Safari Rs. 100 per person
Battery-operated vehicle Rs. 150 per person
Bicycle Rs. 20 per hour
Camera Rs. 25
Video camera Rs. 150
Locker Rs. 20
You can pay the charges for the attractions and facilities by cash only. You can also rent binoculars, umbrellas, and wheelchairs at the zoo.
Here are some tips and suggestions for saving time and money at the zoo:
The best time to visit the zoo is in the morning or evening, when the animals are more active and the weather is more pleasant.
The online booking option is convenient and cheaper, as you can get a 10% discount on the entry fee and the safari charge.
The zoo offers discounts and offers for various categories of visitors, such as school and college students, corporate groups, and NGOs. You can check the official website of the zoo for more details and eligibility criteria.
The zoo has some free attractions and facilities, such as the zoo museum, the conservation and education center, the drinking water, and the first aid. You can enjoy these without paying any extra charge.
Attractions
The Arignar Anna Zoological Park has a variety of attractions and exhibits that showcase the diversity and beauty of the animal kingdom. You can see the animals in their natural and simulated habitats, and learn about their behavior, diet, lifespan, conservation status, and threats. You can also interact with some of the animals, feed them, and watch them perform tricks. Here are some of the main attractions and exhibits of the zoo:
Safari:
The safari is the most popular and thrilling attraction of the zoo, where you can see the wild animals roaming freely in their large and open enclosures. You can take a bus or a car and drive through the safari park, which covers an area of 510 hectares. You can see the lions, tigers, deer, elephants, and bears in their natural settings, and observe their activities and interactions. The safari is a unique and unforgettable experience that will make you feel like you are in the wild.
Nocturnal House:
The nocturnal house is a special exhibit that houses the animals that are active at night, such as the owls, bats, civets, porcupines, and pangolins. The nocturnal house is designed to create a reverse day-night cycle, where the lights are dimmed during the day and brightened during the night, to match the biological rhythms of the animals. You can see the nocturnal animals in their dark and cozy enclosures, and learn about their adaptations and lifestyles.
Reptile House:
The reptile house is a fascinating exhibit that houses the reptiles, such as the snakes, lizards, crocodiles, and turtles. The reptile house is designed to create a humid and tropical environment, where the reptiles can feel comfortable and healthy. You can see the reptiles in their glass and mesh enclosures, and learn about their characteristics and habits. You can also see the rare and endangered reptiles, such as the gharial, the king cobra, and the Komodo dragon.
Butterfly House:
The butterfly house is a beautiful and colorful exhibit that houses the butterflies, moths, and other insects. The butterfly house is designed to create a lush and floral environment, where the butterflies can flutter and feed. You can see the butterflies in their netted and domed enclosures, and learn about their life cycle and metamorphosis. You can also see the exotic and rare butterflies, such as the blue morpho, the monarch, and the atlas moth.
Aquarium:
The aquarium is a mesmerizing and aquatic exhibit that houses the fish, amphibians, and other aquatic animals. The aquarium is designed to create a marine and freshwater environment, where the aquatic animals can swim and breathe. You can see the aquatic animals in their tanks and pools, and learn about their anatomy and ecology. You can also see the exotic and rare aquatic animals, such as the piranha, the seahorse, and the axolotl.
Conservation and Education Center:
The conservation and education center is an informative and interactive exhibit that houses the displays, models, and activities related to wildlife conservation and education. The conservation and education center is designed to create a fun and engaging environment, where the visitors can learn and participate. You can see the displays and models of the animals and their habitats, and learn about their threats and solutions. You can also participate in the activities and games, such as quizzes, puzzles, and crafts, and win prizes and certificates.
Facilities
The Arignar Anna Zoological Park has a range of facilities and amenities that make the visit comfortable and convenient for the visitors. You can find the following facilities and amenities at the zoo:
Restaurants:
The zoo has two restaurants, one near the main entrance and one near the safari park, where you can enjoy a variety of cuisines, such as Indian, Chinese, and Continental. The restaurants offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, and have a seating capacity of 200 and 100 respectively. The restaurants are open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and the average cost for a meal is around Rs. 100 to Rs. 200 per person.
Shops:
The zoo has two shops, one near the main entrance and one near the safari park, where you can buy souvenirs, gifts, and memorabilia related to the zoo and its animals. The shops offer items such as t-shirts, caps, mugs, keychains, magnets, posters, books, and toys. The shops are open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and the average cost for an item is around Rs. 50 to Rs. 500.
Restrooms:
The zoo has several restrooms, located at various points in the zoo complex and the safari park, where you can use the toilets, wash your hands, and freshen up. The restrooms are clean and well-maintained, and have separate sections for men and women. The restrooms are open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and are free of charge.
Drinking Water:
The zoo has several drinking water stations, located at various points in the zoo complex and the safari park, where you can quench your thirst and refill your bottles. The drinking water stations provide filtered and purified water, and have taps and dispensers. The drinking water stations are open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and are free of charge.
First Aid:
The zoo has a first aid center, located near the main entrance, where you can get medical assistance and treatment in case of any injury or illness. The first aid center has a doctor, a nurse, and a pharmacist, and has basic medicines and equipment. The first aid center is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and is free of charge.
Security:
The zoo has a security team, located at the main entrance, the safari park, and the zoo hospital, where you can report any emergency or complaint, and get help and protection. The security team has guards, CCTV cameras, and walkie-talkies, and has access to the police and fire department. The security team is available 24/7, and is free of charge.
Here are some tips and suggestions for using and enjoying the facilities and amenities at the zoo:
- The best places to eat are the restaurants near the main entrance and the safari park, where you can get a variety of cuisines and dishes, and enjoy the view of the zoo and its animals.
- The best items to buy are the souvenirs, gifts, and memorabilia related to the zoo and its animals, such as the t-shirts, caps, mugs, keychains, magnets, posters, books, and toys, where you can get a souvenir of your visit and support the zoo and its conservation efforts.
- The hygiene and safety measures at the zoo are to wash your hands frequently, use the sanitizer, wear a mask, maintain social distancing, follow the rules and regulations, and avoid touching or feeding the animals.
How to Reach
The Arignar Anna Zoological Park is easily accessible from different locations and by different modes of transportation, such as bus, train, taxi, or car. You can choose the best and cheapest option according to your convenience and budget. Here are some details on how to reach the zoo:
Bus:
The bus is the most common and economical mode of transportation to reach the zoo. There are many buses that ply from different parts of the city to the zoo. The bus stop is right outside the main entrance of the zoo. The bus fare is around Rs. 20 to Rs. 40, depending on the distance and the type of bus. You can check the bus routes and numbers on the official website of the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) or on the Google Maps app.
Train:
The train is another convenient and affordable mode of transportation to reach the zoo. There are two train stations near the zoo: the Vandalur Railway Station and the Urappakkam Railway Station. The Vandalur Railway Station is about 2 km from the zoo, and the Urappakkam Railway Station is about 4 km from the zoo. You can take a train from any of the major railway stations in the city, such as Chennai Central, Chennai Egmore, Tambaram, or Chengalpattu, and get down at either of these stations. The train fare is around Rs. 10 to Rs. 20, depending on the distance and the type of train. You can check the train routes and numbers on the official website of the Southern Railway or on the Google Maps app.
Taxi:
The taxi is a comfortable and fast mode of transportation to reach the zoo. You can book a taxi from any of the online platforms, such as Ola, Uber, or Meru, or from any of the offline operators, such as Fast Track, NTL, or Bharathi. The taxi fare is around Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000, depending on the distance, the type of vehicle, and the traffic conditions. You can also share a taxi with other passengers to reduce the cost. You can check the taxi availability and rates on the respective apps or websites.
Car:
The car is a personal and flexible mode of transportation to reach the zoo. You can drive your own car or rent a car from any of the online platforms, such as Zoomcar, Revv, or Myles, or from any of the offline operators. The car rental fee is around Rs. 1000 to Rs. 2000, depending on the type of vehicle, the duration, and the fuel charges. You can also opt for a self-drive or a chauffeur-driven car. You can check the car availability and rates on the respective apps or websites.
Tips
The Arignar Anna Zoological Park is a wonderful place to visit for anyone who loves wildlife and nature. You can have a fun and educational experience at the zoo, and also support the conservation and welfare of the animals. Here are some tips and suggestions for planning and enjoying your visit to the zoo:
1. The best season to visit the zoo is in the winter, from November to February, when the weather is cool and pleasant, and the animals are more active and visible. You can also visit the zoo in the monsoon, from June to September, when the zoo is lush and green, and the animals are more playful and lively. You should avoid visiting the zoo in the summer, from March to May, when the weather is hot and humid, and the animals are more lethargic and hidden.
2. The best day to visit the zoo is on a weekday, from Tuesday to Friday, when the zoo is less crowded and noisy, and you can enjoy the attractions and facilities more comfortably and peacefully. You should avoid visiting the zoo on a weekend, from Saturday to Sunday, or on a holiday, when the zoo is more crowded and noisy, and you may have to wait in long queues and face traffic jams.
3. The best duration to visit the zoo is for a full day, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, when you can explore the zoo complex and the safari park, and see all the attractions and exhibits, without rushing or missing anything. You can also visit the zoo for a half day, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm or from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, if you have limited time or budget, but you may have to skip some of the attractions and exhibits, or see them briefly.
4. The best itinerary to visit the zoo is to start with the zoo complex, where you can see the nocturnal house, the reptile house, the butterfly house, the aquarium, and the conservation and education center, and then proceed to the safari park, where you can see the lion safari, the tiger safari, the deer safari, the elephant safari, and the bear safari. You can also reverse the order, or customize your itinerary according to your preferences and interests.
5. The best attire and accessories to visit the zoo are comfortable and casual clothes, such as t-shirts, jeans, shorts, or skirts, and sturdy and closed shoes, such as sneakers, boots, or sandals. You should also carry a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a water bottle, to protect yourself from the sun and dehydration. You should also carry a camera, binoculars, and a guidebook, to capture and enhance your zoo experience.
6. The best attractions and activities to visit the zoo are the safari, the nocturnal house, the reptile house, the butterfly house, and the conservation and education center, where you can see the most amazing and diverse animals, and learn about their habitats and conservation. You can also interact with some of the animals, such as feeding the elephants, watching the chimpanzee paint, or playing with the lion-tailed macaques. You can also participate in the activities and games, such as quizzes, puzzles, and crafts, and win prizes and certificates.
7. The dos and donβts at the zoo are to follow the rules and regulations, such as not littering, not smoking, not making loud noises, not teasing or disturbing the animals, not crossing the barriers or fences, and not entering the restricted areas. You should also respect the animals and their habitats, such as not touching or feeding them, not using flash photography, not throwing objects or food at them, and not harming or hurting them.
We hope you enjoyed this article and found it useful and informative. If you are planning to visit the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, we wish you a happy and memorable visit. If you have already visited the zoo, we would love to hear your feedback and suggestions.
Please leave a comment below and share your zoo experience with us. You can also share this article with your friends and family, and invite them to visit the zoo with you. Thank you for reading and happy zoo-ing!
