Arignar Anna Zoological Park, or Vandalur Zoo, is a popular wildlife sanctuary in Vandalur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Established in 1855, it is one of India's oldest and largest zoological parks, covering an area of over 1,265 acres. The park is home to over 138 species of animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish, and attracts visitors from all over the world.
The park is named after Arignar Anna, the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, who played a key role in establishing and developing the zoo. The park is a great place to learn about wildlife conservation and biodiversity and offers several educational programs for visitors of all ages.
One of the zoo's main attractions is the Safari Park, which offers visitors the opportunity to see animals like tigers, lions, and bears in their natural habitat. The park also has a Butterfly Park, where visitors can learn about the lifecycle of butterflies and witness different species up close. The aquarium is another popular attraction in the park, featuring a variety of fish, marine animals, and coral reefs.
The park has several enclosures and exhibits where visitors can see animals like elephants, zebras, giraffes, chimpanzees and reptiles like snakes, crocodiles, and turtles. The park also has a separate bird section, including parrots, eagles, owls, and flamingos.
The park offers several facilities and amenities for visitors, including food stalls, souvenir shops, and rest areas. The park also conducts several educational programs and interactive sessions for school groups and other visitors to learn about wildlife conservation and ecology.
Places To Visit Near Arignar Anna Zoological Park:
Guindy National Park -
Located just 14 km from the zoo, Guindy National Park is a protected forest and wildlife area home to several species of birds, mammals, and reptiles. The park also has a children's playground, snake and butterfly garden.
Kishkinta Theme Park -
Kishkinta Theme Park is an amusement park located about 5 km away from the zoo. It features a variety of thrilling rides, water slides, and other attractions for visitors of all ages.
Mahabalipuram is a historic town located about 37 km away from the zoo. It is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Site monuments, including the Shore Temple, Arjuna's Penance, and the Five Rathas.
The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology is a reptile zoo located about 16 km away from the zoo. It is home to several species of crocodiles, turtles, and snakes and offers educational programs and research opportunities.
VGP Universal Kingdom -
The VGP Universal Kingdom is an amusement park located about 18 km away from the zoo. It features a variety of rides, water attractions, and entertainment options for visitors of all ages.
DakshinaChitra is a living museum located about 22 km away from the zoo. It showcases the lifestyle, art, and culture of the South Indian states and features traditional houses, artefacts, and exhibitions.
Things To Do In Arignar Anna Zoological Park:
Wildlife Safari -
Visitors can take a Safari tour to see animals such as tigers, lions, bears, and elephants in their natural habitat.
Butterfly Park -
The Butterfly Park is an interesting attraction where visitors can learn about the lifecycle of butterflies and see different species up close.
Aquarium -
The aquarium is home to various fish, marine animals, and coral reefs, and visitors can explore the underwater world and learn about marine life.
Bird Watching -
The park has a separate section for birds, and visitors can spot various bird species, such as parrots, eagles, owls, and flamingos.
Animal Exhibits -
The park has several enclosures and exhibits where visitors can see animals such as chimpanzees, zebras, giraffes and reptiles like snakes, crocodiles, and turtles.
Educational Programs -
The park offers several educational programs and interactive sessions for school groups and other visitors to learn about wildlife conservation and ecology.
Picnic -
The park has several picnic areas and rest areas where visitors can relax and enjoy a picnic with family and friends.
Food and Shopping -
The park has several food stalls and souvenir shops where visitors can buy refreshments and souvenirs.