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Chennai is home to one of India’s most impressive zoos, offering a range of attractions for wildlife enthusiasts and families alike. The zoos in Chennai, are sprawling sanctuaries for a wide variety of animals, birds, and reptiles. The zoo is a significant conservation hub, and visitors can explore beautiful landscapes while learning about wildlife preservation. Chennai’s vibrant animal parks, including mini zoos and reserves, provide visitors with unique opportunities to experience nature up close. Whether you’re a nature lover, the zoo in Chennai offers an enriching experience.
10 Best Zoos In Chennai
Here is a list of the best 10 zoos in Chennai that are a must-visit and are a major natural attraction:
1. Arignar Anna Zoological Park
Photo: Yakshitha / Wikimedia Commons
Arignar Anna Zoological Park is located about 31 km south of Chennai. It is a popular zoo in Chennai. It is one of the largest zoos in South Asia and, on its sprawling 1,490 acres, accommodates over 2,600 animals of around 170 species. This park harbours tigers, elephants, lions, and several varieties of exotic birds, among others. This park allows visitors to explore its numerous naturalistic enclosures by walkways as well as a zoo safari. The zoo is an establishment that is focused mainly on wildlife conservation, education, and research.
Location: Vandalur, Chennai
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Entry Fee: ₹50 (Adults), ₹20 (Children)
2. Guindy National Park
Photo: Shankaran Murugan / Wikimedia Commons
Guindy National Park, situated in the heart of Chennai, is a small yet significant wildlife reserve covering 2.7 square kilometres. It is one of the few national parks within a city and serves as a green lung for Chennai’s urban sprawl. The park is home to blackbucks, spotted deer, jackals, and over 130 bird species. It also features a children’s park and a snake park, offering educational and recreational opportunities. With its easy accessibility and rich biodiversity, Guindy National Park is a perfect spot for nature lovers and families seeking a tranquil escape within the city.
Location: Sardar Patel Road, Chennai
Timings: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹15 (Adults), ₹5 (Children)
3. Madras Crocodile Bank Trust
Photo: Tejalshah1998 / Wikimedia Commons
The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust, founded in 1976 is located near the edge of Chennai by the East Coast Road. It serves as a leading conservation and research centre for reptiles. Dedicated to the breeding and preservation of endangered species, including crocodiles, alligators, and various other reptiles. Over 2,400 reptiles call the facility home-including some three hundred species of snakes, four-hundred turtles, and approximately five-hundred species of crocodilians. Live feeding sessions are performed and information about the conservation of reptiles is passed on to visitors through interactive exhibits. The Crocodile Bank even offers night safaris and guided tours.
Location: Vadanemmeli, Chennai
Timings: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹60 (Adults), ₹30 (Children)
4. Children’s Park & Snake Park
Photo: mark broadhurst / Pexels / Image For Representation
The Children’s Park and Snake Park are Located within Guindy National Park. They offer educational and recreational experiences. The Children’s Park features a variety of animal enclosures, including deer, peacocks, and monkeys, alongside play areas designed for kids. The adjoining Snake Park houses a diverse collection of snakes, including cobras, pythons, and vipers, as well as lizards and turtles. With its focus on educating visitors about reptiles, the Snake Park holds regular demonstrations and shows. This combined space is ideal for families, offering a mix of fun, learning, and wildlife exploration for children and adults alike.
Location: Sardar Patel Road, Chennai
Timings: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹15 (Adults), ₹5 (Children)
5. Vandalur Zoo Safari
Photo: Rasnaboy / Wikimedia Commons
The Vandalur Zoo Safari offers the wild in a thrilling way to observe animals up close. It is amongst the best zoos in Chennai and offers guided visitors through safe zones where animals roam free in natural habitats. The safari includes enclosures for lions, tigers, and herbivores; one really gets a chance to see such magnificent animals up close. Much more than an experience, it is a mode of education about the conservation of animals, their behaviour in the wild, and their surrounding habitats. It is well-suited for wildlife enthusiasts as an exciting addition to their trips.
Things To Do: Safari ride, animal spotting, and photography
Location: Vandalur, Chennai
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Entry Fee: ₹100 (Adults), ₹50 (Children)
6. Nanmangalam Reserve Forest
Photo: Johannes Plenio / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Nanmangalam Reserve Forest is situated at the fringe of Chennai. It is a protected area containing around 320 hectares of biodiversity and various species of birds. Its scope makes it one of the finest places both for birding as well as nature walks. Over 80 species of birds have been reported in the region, including some extremely rare and endangered species like the white-spotted woodpecker. The forest is characterised by rocky terrain, dotted with small water bodies that attract diversified flora and fauna. Nanmangalam is a very ideal destination for nature lovers and photographers.
Things To Do: Birdwatching, forest walks, and nature photography
Location: Nanmangalam, Chennai
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free
7. Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary
Photo: Deepak Sundar / Wikimedia Commons
Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary, located on the border of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, is the second-largest brackish water lagoon in India. Spanning around 759 square kilometres, the lake and its surroundings are home to a wide variety of migratory birds, including flamingos, pelicans, and herons. The sanctuary is particularly famous for the annual arrival of flamingos during the winter season. Pulicat Lake is also a vital habitat for several aquatic species. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts flock here to observe its rich avian diversity and enjoy boat rides across the serene, scenic lagoon.
Things To Do: Birdwatching, boating, and nature walks
Location: Pulicat, about 60 km from Chennai
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹30 (Adults), ₹15 (Children)
8. Amirthi Zoological Park
Photo: radeepp24 / Wikimedia Commons
Amirthi Zoological Park is a small wildlife park based near Vellore. This makes it a scenic and peaceful wildlife sanctuary. It spans 25 hectares, housing deer, monkeys, peacocks, and even crocodiles in the safe enclosures. It also hosts picture-perfect waterfalls and attracts many families and nature lovers for picnics. It has a zoo and forest area where one can go trekking. The entire range of diversity in wildlife, picturesque landscapes, and recreational facilities has bestowed on Amirthi the status of an ideal retreat destination for those who feel its bustle is all oppressive.
Location: Vellore, 130 km from Chennai
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹20 (Adults), ₹10 (Children)
9. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
Photo: Phoenix bangalore / Wikimedia Commons
Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, located near Kanchipuram, is one of India’s oldest bird sanctuaries, spanning about 30 hectares. It is renowned for attracting thousands of migratory birds during the winter months, including painted storks, pelicans, egrets, and spoonbills. The sanctuary’s wetlands provide an ideal breeding ground for these birds, making it a hotspot for birdwatchers and nature photographers. Vedanthangal offers birdwatching towers for closer observation and tranquil walking paths around the water bodies.
Location: Vedanthangal, 75 km from Chennai
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹25 (Adults), ₹5 (Children)
10. ISKCON Temple Animal Park
Photo: Matthias Zomer / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The ISKCON Temple Animal Park, located near the ISKCON Temple on East Coast Road, Chennai, is a small, peaceful park dedicated to the preservation of traditional Indian livestock breeds. The park primarily focuses on cows, with an emphasis on sustainable farming and animal welfare, aligned with ISKCON’s teachings on cow protection and vegetarianism. Visitors can learn about the importance of preserving native cattle breeds and experience an astounding environment amidst the temple’s spiritual setting. The park is especially educational for children, offering a glimpse into traditional agricultural practices while promoting ethical treatment of animals.
Location: ISKCON Temple, Sholinganallur, Chennai
Timings: 4:30 AM – 1 PM and 4 PM – 9 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Zoos in Chennai offer diverse wildlife experiences, from its famous zoo to serene reserves and sanctuaries. Whether you’re with family, friends, or exploring solo, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plan your next adventure with TripXL to explore these incredible locations and take advantage of exclusive deals on accommodations and activities. Discover the beauty of nature while enjoying a hassle-free experience with tailored packages for a memorable trip.
Cover Photo: Yakshitha / Wikimedia Commons
