Madras Crocodile Bank Trust (Crocodile Bank)

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Madras Crocodile Bank Trust is situated 40 kilometres (25 mi) south of Chennai on the East Coast Road at Vadanemmeli near Thiruvidandhai, close to the Bay of Bengal, on the way to Mamallapuram. Edit

Detail InformationEdit

Madras Crocodile Bank Trust (Crocodile Bank) saved several crocodile and alligator species from extinction. It’s a fascinating experience to see the beasts at close quarters. There’s also a snake house here and a stall that sells honey, tribal medicine and an antidote for snakebites. Finally a bank for the reptiles but not the kind that protects their investment rather their species. Shielded by the natural bounty of coastal dune forests, the crocodiles Bank is an ideal sanctuary for not just the crocodiles but also water birds and Olive Ridley Sea turtles. The biggest crocodile sanctuary in India, there are over 2500 animals that one can spot at the crocodiles Bank that includes 14 different species of crocodiles and 10 species of turtles. There’s a Crocshop selling all kinds of books and materials on the bank’s residents, crocodiles and turtles and best of all, crocodile, fish and snake stuff toys and hand puppets, the only time when you will find reptiles cute and less toothy.

Madras Crocodile Bank Trust

HistoryEdit

Madras Crocodile Bank Trust is a unique wildlife park created by the conservationist Romulus Whitaker. The first of its kind in Asia, Madras Crocodile Bank Trust was established in 1976 to save endangered Indian crocodile species, namely Marsh (mugger) crocodile, gharial and salt-water crocodile. The bank has achieved the goals it set out with would be an understatement. When the bank started out crocodiles were approaching extinction at an alarming rate. Over the years over 5,000 crocodiles have been bred. The crocodiles bank undertakes an astonishing array of research and conservation measures. In fact the Green Anacondas from South America, the heaviest snakes on Earth, made their first public appearance on 19th January, 2013 at the Bank. Conducting a number of camps, field trips and training workshops for children, teachers and youth, Rom Whitaker, founder of the bank along with Zai Whitaker, was awarded the Whitley award in 2005, funds from which he used to set up the Agumbe Rainforest Research Station. It is quite a sight to see gharials and crocodiles basking in the sun or taking a swim in the safety of the haven that crocodiles Bank is for them.

Must SeeEdit

Popular

Visiting TimeEdit

N.A.

Closed OnEdit

Monday

Best Season to VisitEdit

November to February.

Best Time To VisitEdit

Morning, Afternoon, Evening.

Time Required for SightseeingEdit

3 to 4 hours

Ticket Required : Yes Edit

Individual National Adult Rs. : Rs 35/ ; Night Safari – Rs. 60/- (Saturday and Sunday only )

Kids Rs. : Rs10/- ; Night Safari – Rs. 20/- (Saturday and Sunday only )

Individual Foreigner Adult Rs. : Rs 35/ ; Night Safari – Rs. 60/- (Saturday and Sunday only )

Kids Rs. : Rs10/- ; Night Safari – Rs. 20/- (Saturday and Sunday only )

Still Photo Camera Rs. : Rs 20/- (includes mobile / cellphone cameras also)

Video Camera Rs. : Rs 100/-

Guide Required : No Edit

Approximate cost: N.A.

Dress Code (If Any) : No Edit

Dress Require: N.A.

Restaurants NearbyAdd / Edit

Escapade ; 361, Shakti Garden Road, Okyampettai, Opp.Cognizant, Thoraipakkam. ; Ph/M – 91-44-32475701, +91-44-24580694, +91-44-24580693, +91-9003125659, +91-9003125659. ; Food Serve – Multi-Cuisine, European, Continental, Indian, North Indian.

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.

Safety / WarningEdit

Keep your valuables safely tucked against your body and avoid flashing money in public .
Before purchasing any product confirm the price from local people.