About Vandalur Zoo Chennai
Vandalur Zoo, officially known as Arignar Anna Zoological Park (AAZP), is a popular Zoological Park situated in Vandalur, in the outskirts of Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Established in 1855, it is one of the oldest and largest Zoos of the country spreading across 602 hectares of land. The Zoo is named after Tamil Politician Annadurai, popularly known as Aringar Annadurai.
The Vandalur Zoo is home to a diverse range of species, including mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Some of the famous animals are Bengal Tiger, Indian Elephant, Lion-Tailed Macaque, Gaur and Spotted Deer. The Zoo also houses several endangered species, like the Nilgiri langur and the Indian rhinoceros. The Zoo provides bicycles for rent or ride in coaches for those who don’t prefer walking. It also has exciting Lion Safari, Deer Safari and Elephant Safari.
Vandalur Zoo is committed to wildlife research and rehabilitation efforts. The zoo has a veterinary hospital and rescue centre which provide medical care and rehabilitation to injured and orphaned wildlife, with the ultimate goal of releasing them back into the wild. The park is actively involved in breeding programs for endangered species, aiming to protect these animals from extinction. They also conduct research on animal behaviour to gain a deeper understanding of their needs and ensure their well-being in the zoo’s care.
Overall, Vandalur Zoo is an ideal destination for families, photographers, students and nature enthusiasts alike, as the Zoo offers a relaxing environment along with a serene ambiance to tourists of all ages.
History Of Vandalur Zoo Chennai
In 1854, the zoo started in the Pantheon complex with just a cheetah and a tiger. Then Edward Green Balfour, who was in charge of the Government Central Museum in Madras at that time, convinced the Nawab of the Carnatic to donate all his animals to the museum. Due to this various people started visiting the zoo and it became the beginning of the Madras Zoo, which officially began in 1855. Although Balfour started the zoo in the museum, within a year, it had over 300 animals, including mammals, birds and reptiles.
Later, in 1861, the zoo was moved to People’s Park near Chennai Central railway station in Park Town as it was growing. The zoo was part of the park and entry to it was free.
By 1975, the Zoo Authority decided to move out of the city because of the traffic noise and space expansion issue in the city. Therefore, in 1976, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department gave 1,265 acres of land in the Vandalur Reserve Forest on the outskirts of the city to build the new zoo. The Zoo’s work was started in 1979 at the cost of Rs 75 Million and was finally opened on 24 July 1985 for the public.
In 2001, 92.45 hectares of land situated next to the park was also acquired by the Zoo for building a rescue and rehabilitation centre for helping rescued and abandoned wild animals.
Animals List At Vandalur Zoo Chennai
The Vandalur Zoo of Chennai has wide variety of Animals. Following are the List of Animals at Vandalur Zoo Chennai:
Safari
- Lion Safari
- Deer Safari
- Elephant Safari
Birds
- White ibis
- Painted Stork
- Night Heron
- Grey Heron
- Alexandrine Parakeet
- Rose-ringed Parakeet
- Blue Rock Pigeon
- Common Myna
- Indian Koel
- Common Babbler
- White-Browed Bulbul
- Francolin
- Red-Vented Bulbul
- Red-Whiskered Bulbul
- Wagtail
- Pipit
- Orange-headed Thrush
- Red-Wattled Lapwing
- Little Brown Dove
- Spotted Dove
Butterfly
- Common Mormon
- Crimson Rose
- Mottled Emigrant
- Blue Tiger
- Evening Brown
- Lime Butterfly
Snakes
- Indian Rock Python
- King Cobra
Amphibian
- Indian Tree Frog
- Common Indian Toad
- Indian Bull Frog
- Indian Cricket Frog
- Indian Pond Frog
Crocodile
- The Gharial
- The Mugger Crocodile
- The Saltwater Crocodile
- The Spectacled Caiman
Primate
- Lion-Tailed Macaque
- Nilgiri Langur
- Chimpanzee
Fishes
- Angel Fish
- Black Ghost
- Electric Yellow Lab
- Glass Fish
- Giant Catfish
- Oscar Fish
- Tiger Barb
- Rykin Gold Fish
- Neon Tetra
- Zebra Danio
Vandalur Zoo Chennai Live
The Vandalur Zoo of Chennai offers live streaming of Various Animals including Royal Bengal Tiger, Lion Tailed Macaque, Bear, White Tiger, Leopard, Lion, Chimpanzee & Hippopotamus. You can watch the animals’s live Stream of Vandalur Zoo at here.
Vandalur Zoo Chennai Ticket Prices/Entry Fees
The ticket price of Vandalur Zoo Chennai for Adults is Rs 200 and for children (5-12 Yrs) is Rs 50. The entry of Children (below 5 yrs) and Differently abled is totally free at Chennai Zoo. The ticket price of Vandalur Zoo for Government school students & teachers are Rs 20.
| Category | Entry Fees |
|---|---|
| Adult | Rs 200 |
| Children (5-12 Yrs) | Rs 50 |
| Children below 5 Yrs | Free |
| Differently Abled | Free |
| Students | Rs 20 |
| Teachers | Rs 20 |
The charges for Zoo Round Vehicles of Vandalur Zoo for Adults is Rs 150 and for Child (5-12 Yrs) is Rs 50. The Charges for Lion & Deer Safari Vehicle at Vandalur Zoo is Rs 150 for Adults & Rs 30 for Children (5-12 Yrs).
| Category | Adults | Children (5-12 Yrs) |
|---|---|---|
| Zoo Round Vehicles | Rs 150 | Rs 50 |
| Safari Round | Rs 150 | Rs 30 |
The Rent of Cycle at Vandalur Zoo is Rs 30/hr and electric Cycle is Rs 90/hr.
| Type Of Cycle | Cycle Rent |
|---|---|
| Cycle | Rs 30/hr |
| Electric Cycle | Rs 90/hr |
The charges for Mobile Camera is Rs 20, Handy Camera (Camera, SLR/DSLR) is Rs 350 and for Video Camera is Rs 750 at Vandalur Zoo.
| Camera | Charges |
|---|---|
| Mobile Camera | Rs 20 |
| Handy Camera (Camera, SLR/DSLR) | Rs 350 |
| Video Camera | Rs 750 |
Vandalur Zoo Chennai Online Ticket Booking
The ticket of Vandalur Zoo Chennai can be booked online through its official website.
Vandalur Zoo Chennai Timings
The Vandalur Zoo is open all days of the week (except Tuesday). The timings of Vandalur Zoo are from 9 AM to 5 PM. The opening time of Vandalur Zoo is 9 AM and its closing time is 5 PM.
Best Time To Visit Vandalur Zoo Chennai
The best time to visit Vandalur Zoo in Chennai is during the cooler months, from November to February. During this time, the weather is more pleasant making it more comfortable to explore the zoo on foot. Additionally, It’s the winter season in Chennai, there is less chance of rainfall, allowing for uninterrupted outdoor activities and animal viewing. You can also visit during weekdays, especially in the mornings to avoid large crowds and long queues at ticket counters. It’s also advisable to plan your visit early in the day when animals are generally more active and easier to spot.
Vandalur Zoo Chennai Photos/Images
Facilities Available At Vandalur Zoo Chennai
- Parking
- Restrooms
- Canteen and Restaurant
- Wheelchair Accessibility
- Cloakroom
- Guide Map
- Battery Operated Vehicles
- Virtual Zoo Experience
- Souvenir Shop
Things To Know Before Visiting Vandalur Zoo Chennai
- Do not feed the animal of Zoo as overfeeding can spoil their health.
- Do not tease the animals or cross the barriers. You can get seriously Injured.
- Do not Pluck any flowers, trees or damage the lawns.
- Do not play radio, tape recorder or musical instruments as animals do not like to be disturbed.
- Do not bring packets or polythene in the park.
- Do not carry outside foods.
- Please put all your garbage in the dustbin.
- Please do not bring pets, Firearms and weapons of any kind in the park.
Map Of Vandalur Zoo Chennai
Address Of Vandalur Zoo Chennai
Vandalur Zoo is situated on Grand Southern Trunk Rd, Vandalur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
How To Reach Vandalur Zoo Chennai
Vandalur Zoo is situated on Grand Southern Trunk Rd, Vandalur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Vandalur Zoo is 35 Km away from Chennai City and is easily accessible from all parts of Chennai by both public and private modes of transportation. Following are the modes of transportation through which you can reach Vandalur Zoo in Chennai:
By Rail: The Nearest Railway Station to Vandalur Zoo is Vandalur Railway Station which is 1.7 Km away from the Zoo. It is well connected to Chennai Central and other major railway stations in Chennai. From there, you can take rickshaw or cab to reach the Zoo.
By Bus: The Nearest Bus Stop to Vandalur Zoo is Vandalur Zoo Bus Stop which is 100m away from the Zoo. You can take bus no. 55M, 66K, 70F, 79V, 95G, 104C, 118, 206, 500 & G18 to reach the Bus Stop.
By Cab/Auto: You can easily book a cab or Auto Rickshaw to the Chennai Zoo.
By Personal Vehicle: You can easily reach to the Chennai Zoo by your personal Vehicle.
Parking Facility Available At Vandalur Zoo Chennai
Paid Parking Facility is available at Vandalur Zoo in Chennai. The Charges for Parking at Vandalur Zoo is Rs 40 for 2 Wheelers, Rs 50 for 3 Wheelers and Rs 150 for Car and Jeep.
Website Of Vandalur Zoo Chennai
The official website of Vandalur Zoo in Chennai is https://www.aazp.in/
Contact Number Of Vandalur Zoo Chennai
You can Contact Vandalur Zoo of Chennai at 044-29542301 & 044-22750741 or mail them at support@aazp.in
Places To Visit Near Vandalur Zoo Chennai
Top attractions to visit near Vandalur Zoo are:
- Shri Lakshmi Kuberar Temple (7 Km)
- Vengadamangalam Perumal Temple (9.9 Km)
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Location Map For Vandalur Zoo Chennai
FAQs
Is Vandalur Zoo Open Today?
Yes, Vandalur Zoo is open all days of the week, except Tuesday.
What are the Charges of Renting cycle at Vandalur Zoo?
The charges for Renting Cycle at Vandalur Zoo of Chennai is Rs 30/hr and for electric cycle is Rs 90/hr.
What are the working days at Vandalur Zoo?
The working days of Vandalur Zoo are from Wednesday to Monday and its closed on Tuesday.
What is the price of Vandalur Zoo ticket?
The tickets prices of Vandalur Zoo is Rs 200 for Adults & Rs 50 for Children (5-12 yrs).
Can we take food inside Vandalur Zoo?
No, Outside Food is not allowed inside Vandalur Zoo of Chennai.
Which is the best time to visit Vandalur Zoo?
The best time to visit Vandalur Zoo is during the cooler months, from November to February.
What are the timings and entry fees at Vandalur Zoo?
The timings of Vandalur Zoo are from 9 AM to 5 PM and its entry fees is Rs 200 for Adults & Rs 50 for Children (5-12 Yrs).
What is the ticket price of Foreigners at Vandalur Zoo?
The ticket price of Foreigners at Vandalur Zoo in Chennai is Rs 500 per person.
Is Water bottle allowed in Vandalur Zoo?
Yes, water bottles are allowed to carry inside the Vandalur Zoo.
How long will it take to cover Vandalur Zoo?
It might take around 4-5 hours to cover the Vandalur Zoo by walking and if you’re planning to visit Vandalur Zoo of Chennai by cycling, it will take you around 2 hours to visit it completely.
Is battery car available in Vandalur Zoo?
Yes, battery cars are available for rent at Vandalur Zoo or Arignar Anna Zoological Park. It charges are Rs 150 for Adults and Rs 50 for Child (5-12 Yrs).
Is Vandalur Zoo good place for Couples?
Vandalur Zoo can be a pleasant destination for couples to spend quality time together amidst nature and wildlife. The serene ambiance and picturesque surroundings of the Zoo offer a romantic atmosphere for leisurely strolls and shared experiences.
