The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology, founded in 1976 by Romulus Whitaker, is one of India's leading reptile conservation and research institutions. Its open-air enclosures hold thousands of crocodiles, alligators and gharials across many species, alongside snakes, turtles and lizards.
The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology, founded in 1976 by Romulus Whitaker, is one of India's leading reptile conservation and research institutions. Its open-air enclosures hold thousands of crocodiles, alligators and gharials across many species, alongside snakes, turtles and lizards.
Beyond a visitor park, it runs serious conservation and research work, including a snake venom-extraction programme carried out in partnership with the Irula tribal cooperative, whose members are renowned snake-catchers.
Entry: A modest ticket for adults with a lower rate for children, plus separate charges for extras like night safari (indicative)
Getting there: On the East Coast Road about 14 km north of Mamallapuram and roughly 40 km south of Chennai; reachable by bus, taxi or auto along the ECR (indicative)
Time your visit around the posted crocodile-feeding demonstration and check the day's schedule at the entrance.
Road km to Chengalpattu; ghat roads and traffic vary — allow extra.
Late afternoon is good for catching a feeding session, and the cooler months are more comfortable for walking.
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Late afternoon is good for catching a feeding session, and the cooler months are more comfortable for walking.
Entry: A modest ticket for adults with a lower rate for children, plus separate charges for extras like night safari (indicative). Timings: Open most days from morning to evening, commonly closed one day a week (indicative). Fees and timings are indicative — confirm on site before you travel.
Reach the park off the ECR by bus, taxi or auto and buy your ticket at the gate. Check the feeding and demonstration schedule on arrival and plan your walk around it. Follow the pathways past the enclosures, then look for any guided talks or the reptile house.
Allow about 2-3 hours to cover the enclosures and a demonstration.
Nearby you can pair Covelong Beach (5.0 km), Muttukadu Boat House (7.0 km), DakshinaChitra (8.8 km), Krishna's Butterball (14.8 km).
Stay behind the barriers and keep children close, as the enclosures hold live crocodiles and venomous snakes.
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