Arignar Anna Zoological Park (Vandalur Zoo)

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Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600048, India. Edit

Detail InformationEdit

Arignar Anna Zoological Park is a zoo as well as a wildlife sanctuary and a rehabilitation centre for rescued wild animals, the Arinagar Anna Zoological Park conducts a range of ex-situ research, conservation and management measures aimed at the spread of conservation awareness and appreciation of wildlife among the general public.Much of the zoo exhibits are spread along the three inner roads where you can spot tiger, panther, wolf, different species of deer and monkeys, elephants and many more animals, more than 170 species of reptiles, mammals and birds. The free range zone is where the animals are free to roam in peace. The Lion, Elephant, Gaur and Deer safari are the perfect opportunity to get a glimpse of these beautiful and fascinating animals in their near-natural habitat. There are two sanctuary aviaries and a walk-through aviary within the zoo complex. Covered with a blue nylon and steel net and landscaped with Korean grass to maintain internal humidity, the walk-through aviary takes you through a cacophony and twitter filled fascinating walk with around 150 different species of birds peeking at you from the deciduous trees. Other equally fascinating features of the zoo are the Butterfly house, Reptile house, Amphibian House, Primate house, Crocodile enclosure and the shark-shaped aquarium.

Arignar Anna Zoological Park (Vandalur Zoo)

HistoryEdit

Arignar Anna Zoological Park, established in 1885, is also one of the largest zoo in India. Here you will come across 1,500 different species of wild animals, 46 of which are presently endangered. A zoo that began with the Nawab of Carnatic’s personal animal collection on the persuasion of Edward Green Balfour, it was thrown open to the public for free in 1861. Over the years as its repository of mammals, birds, reptiles and fishes expanded, the zoo changed its location thrice when it was finally moved to Vandalur Reserve Forest on the outskirts of the city away from the urban noise.

Must SeeEdit

Popular

Visiting TimeEdit

9.00 am to 8.00 pm

Closed OnEdit

Tuesdays

Best Season to VisitEdit

November to February.

Best Time To VisitEdit

Morning, Afternoon, Evening, Night.

Time Required for SightseeingEdit

Around 3 to 4 hours.

Ticket Required : Yes Edit

Individual National Adult Rs. : Rs.15/-

Kids Rs. : Children – below 5 years – no fee Children – 5 to 12 years – Rs.10/- School children(Govt. Schools) – Rs.2/-

Individual Foreigner Adult Rs. : Rs.15/-

Kids Rs. : Children – below 5 years – no fee Children – 5 to 12 years – Rs.10/- School children(Govt. Schools) – Rs.2/-

Still Photo Camera Rs. : Rs.25/-

Video Camera Rs. : Video cameras not allowed.

Guide Required : No Edit

Approximate cost: N.A.

Dress Code (If Any) : No Edit

Dress Require: N.A.

Restaurants NearbyAdd / Edit

How to ReachEdit

Taxi : Taxis (locally called “call-taxis” since they must be pre-arranged) are available by phone. Since there are so many listed in thr phone book already and they are mostly reliable we don’t list any. They can be ordered air-conditioned and have digital fare meters, although time-based hire is also possible with some companies. Most companies charge a minimum fare of Indian rupee 100/-(Non-AC)/150/-(AC), which is for 4km (2.4 mile) and for every subsequent kilometre they charge Indian rupee 12/- or 13/-.

Bus : One of Asia’s largest bus stations is in Chennai, the CMBT. There are seven different state owned corporations which drive buses to and from various destinations within South India. There are hourly buses for places like Tirupati, Pondicherry, Coimbatore, Tirunelveli etc. Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) buses ply throughout the city accessing areas which are not accessed by the suburban trains. These are Government-run and extremely cheap. Chennai has few major termini from where the majority of the buses ply towards the rest of the city. Normally Bus Fare in MTC range from Indian rupee 4 – Indian rupee 50.

Train : Chennai Central (code MAS) and Chennai Egmore (code MS) are the two main long distance train stations. There are daily trains from Chennai to Bengaluru, Mumbai, Coimbatore, Delhi, Cochin, Hyderabad Kolkata and most of the big cities of India. The Egmore station covers most of the places in Tamil Nadu and a few important places outside it. The long trains to Egmore stop at Tambaram and some at Perambur. These two stations serve the suburban areas of Chennai. Prepaid taxis, cabs auto rickshaws are available for hire just outside the station.

Air : The third busiest airport of India is the Chennai International Airport which is located at a distance of 7 km from the main city. Both, international and domestic flights land at different terminals: the international flights arrive at the Anna Terminal whereas the domestic flights at Kamaraj Terminal. These two terminals are located at a distance of only 150 metres from each other. Both the terminals are well connected to the major cities of India and the world, respectively. Within a few rupees you can reach the city, but if you have rather bulky luggage look for other options like the pre-paid taxi booth.

Others : Auto-rickshaw/Tuk-tuk drivers in Chennai do not use meters; some try to overcharge and often drive rashly, but that’s part of the fun of being in Chennai. Share autos have emerged in the recent years as an alternative mode of transport in Chennai. There are four wheelers known as meter taxis, which don’t have a meter and are not taxis. They supplement the existing bus services and sometimes operate on routes based on Must See demand.

Things to CarryEdit

The backpack must contain water bottles and juices. Hats, scarves, sun- screen lotion, umbrellas and sun glasses are a must, when traveling in the city.
Carrying medicines for fever, dysentery and diarrhea is advisable.
Camera and video-cam are the must carry things.