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If you’re going to Tamil Nadu, you should definitely go to the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, which is also known as Vandalur Zoo. This large wildlife refuge is a great place for family trips, school trips, or even a relaxed weekend getaway. It offers a memorable experience for people of all ages with its exciting safaris, interesting animal displays, and environmentally friendly facilities.
From the park’s past and ticket prices to the best time to go and must-see sights, this blog will tell you everything you need to know about it.
Overview of Arignar Anna Zoological Park
One of the biggest and best known zoos in India is Arignar Anna Zoological Park, which is also known as Vandalur Zoo. The park is a big draw for both locals and tourists in Vandalur, a neighborhood in the south of Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Here is a summary:
- Established: 1855 (originally in Chennai city), relocated to Vandalur in 1985.
- Area: Spread across 602 hectares (1,490 acres), making it one of the largest zoos in Southeast Asia.
- Managed by: Tamil Nadu Forest Department.
- Location: Around 32 km from Chennai city center.
History of The Arignar Anna Zoological Park
It was the first public zoo in India and has a long history that goes back to 1855. It was first put in Chennai, but in 1985 it was moved to Vandalur to give the animals a more natural environment. The park has become one of the most famous zoos in the country by adding many features over the years, such as a reptile house and safari rides.
Rides & Activities: Arignar Anna Zoological Park
There are many fun things to do in the park that will make your visit unforgettable:
- Deer Safari and Lion Safari: On an organized safari, you can see beautiful deer and lions in their natural environment.
- Battery-Operated Vehicles: Take these eco-friendly rides to get around the zoo in comfort.
- Cycling: You can rent a bike and ride it through beautiful areas.
- Nature Walks: Take in the peaceful atmosphere and look for strange animals and birds.
Restaurants At Arignar Anna Zoological Park
After all that exploring, are you hungry? You can get a quick bite to eat at one of the park’s food bars or cafeterias. In the area around Vandalur, there are places that serve tasty South Indian food if you’re hungry. Don’t forget to try the highlights of Tamil Nadu!
Arignar Anna Zoological Park Ticket Price Today
Here’s the latest information on the entry fees:
- Adults: ₹50
- Children (5–12 years): ₹20
- Safari Ride: ₹100 per person
- Battery-Operated Vehicle: ₹60 per ride
Best Time to Visit the Arignar Anna Zoological Park
Between November and February is the best time to visit the park because the weather is nice and great for doing things outside. You’ll have the best time if you go early in the morning, when the animals are most busy.
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How To Reach Arignar Anna Zoological Park
These are the best ways to get to Vandalur Zoo and Arignar Anna Zoological Park:
1. By Road:
- Private Vehicles: The zoo is easy to get to by car, cab, or auto-rickshaw because it is close to many roads. The zoo is in Vandalur, on the GST Road (Grand Southern Trunk Road). It is about 35 km from the center of Chennai.
- Public Transport:
- Buses: From many places in Chennai, you can take a bus. The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) runs a number of buses from Chennai Central, Koyambedu, and other important spots to Vandalur. Find cars that are going to Vandalur or Tambaram.
- Auto-Rickshaws: You can get an auto-rickshaw from places like Tambaram and Guduvanchery that are close to the zoo.
2. By Train:
- Vandalur Railway Station: There is a train station called Vandalur Railway Station that is only 3–4 km away from the zoo. Uber or a taxi can get you to the zoo from the stop.
- Tambaram Railway Station: Another choice is the Tambaram Railway Station, which is about 8 km from the zoo. To get to the zoo, you can take a cab, an auto-rickshaw, or bus from this spot.
3. By Metro:
- The Koyambedu subway station is about 25 km away from the zoo. You can take a bus or a cab to get to the zoo from there.
4. By Air:
- Chennai International Airport: Tamil Nadu International Airport is the closest airport, only 20 to 25 km away from the zoo. To get to the zoo from the airport, you can take a taxi, an app-based cab, or your own car.
Facilities At Arignar Anna Zoological Park
- Parking Facilities
- Restrooms and Washrooms
- Wheelchair Accessibility
- Drinking Water and Water Fountains
- First Aid and Medical Assistance
- Visitor Information Center
- Audio-Visual Aids
- Picnic Areas
- Souvenir Shops
- Battery-Operated Vehicles
- Food and Beverage Outlets
- Security and Surveillance
- Educational and Interactive Facilities
- Rest Areas
- Safari Experiences and Activity Booking
- Special Programs and Events
- ATM Facilities
- Parking for Buses
Places To Visit Near Arignar Anna Zoological Park
Get the most out of your trip by visiting nearby places:
1. Chennai Crocodile Bank Trust
- Distance: 10 km
- Description: This protection center is close to Vandalur and works to protect crocodiles, alligators, and other reptiles. You can learn about these interesting animals and watch them in their natural environment.
2. Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)
- Distance: 50 km
- Description: A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful beaches and ancient buildings carved out of rock. The Shore Temple, the Pancha Rathas, and Arjuna’s Penance are the main things to see.
3. Theerthamalai Temple
- Distance: 20 km
- Description: This temple is a famous place for pilgrims to visit. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is on a hill with beautiful views of the area.
4. Vandalur Lake
- Distance: 5 km
- Description: A quiet lake close to Vandalur that’s great for getting away from it all. People don’t hang out as much around the lake area, which makes it a great spot for a lunch.
5. Thiruneermalai Temple
- Distance: 10 km
- Description: An old Hindu temple on top of a hill that is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and has both spiritual meaning and beautiful views.
6. Vallakottai Murugan Temple
- Distance: 18 km
- Description: A temple to Lord Murugan that is popular with both devotees and tourists because it is peaceful and has beautiful structure.
7. Tambaram Sanatorium
- Distance: 10 km
- Description: A peaceful place with wildlife trails, great for people who want to see more trees and plants. It is also historically important because it is connected to sanatoriums from the British era.
8. Neelankarai Beach
- Distance: 35 km
- Description: A calm beach in Chennai that not many people know about. You can take a quiet walk along the shore or just chill out and enjoy the sea breeze.
9. Madras War Cemetery
- Distance: 25 km
- Description: This historical spot in Nandambakkam is a memorial to the Commonwealth soldiers who died in World War II. A look into Chennai’s war past can be found in the well-kept cemetery.
10. St. Thomas Mount
- Distance: 25 km
- Description: A very important historical place where it is thought that St. Thomas, one of Jesus Christ’s twelve apostles, was killed for his faith. A lot of people go there to pray and get a great view of the city.
Things To Know Before Visiting Arignar Anna Zoological Park
Keep these things in mind before you go:
- For walking, wear clothes and shoes that are easy on your feet.
- Bring hats, sunscreen, and water bottles with you.
- Follow the park’s rules, which say you can’t feed or bother the animals.
Itinerary Plan
To get the most out of your trip, here’s a plan:
- Morning: Start with the Safari Zone.
- Midday: Explore the Reptile House and Aviaries.
- Afternoon: Relax at the picnic spots and visit the Bird Aviary.
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Conclusion
The Arignar Anna Zoological Park is more than just a zoo; it’s a trip full of fun, educational, and memorable things to do. It’s a must-see for anyone going to Tamil Nadu because of its beautiful natural habitats, exciting safaris, and family-friendly facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Arignar Anna Zoological Park tickets price
The entry fee is ₹50 for adults and ₹20 for children.
Arignar Anna Zoological Park tickets online
You can book tickets online via the official website to save time.
Vandalur Zoo timings and entry fee
The park is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with entry fees starting at ₹50 for adults.
Vandalur Zoo Ticket price online booking
Online booking ensures a seamless experience. Safari rides and other activities may have additional charges.
Vandalur Zoo Ticket online booking
Visit the official zoo website or use online ticketing platforms to book your tickets.
Arignar Anna Zoological Park timings
The park is open daily except Tuesdays, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Vandalur Zoo ticket price for adults
The entry fee for adults is ₹50, with optional safari and vehicle rides available at additional costs.
