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India·Tamil Nadu·Chennai·Chennai·wildlife

Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Arignar Anna Zoological Park, popularly called Vandalur Zoo, is among the largest zoos in South Asia, spread across roughly 602 hectares of dry-evergreen scrub forest at Vandalur, about 30-32 km south-west of central Chennai. Though visited as a day trip from the city, it now lies within Chengalpattu district rather than Chennai city proper.

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Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Chennai
Practical guide

Plan Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Typewildlife
Nearest baseChennai
Best timeNovember to February offers the coolest, most comfortable weather
Time neededAllow 3-4 hours to cover the main enclosures and a safari or aviary section
EntryAdults around INR 200, children (5-12) around INR 50, free for under-5s and differently-abled visitors; lion/deer safari charged separately (~INR 150 adult) (indicative INR)
Nearest town/baseChennai
DistrictChennai
Place typewildlife
Time neededAllow 3-4 hours to cover the main enclosures and a safari or aviary section.

Arignar Anna Zoological Park, popularly called Vandalur Zoo, is among the largest zoos in South Asia, spread across roughly 602 hectares of dry-evergreen scrub forest at Vandalur, about 30-32 km south-west of central Chennai. Though visited as a day trip from the city, it now lies within Chengalpattu district rather than Chennai city proper.

The institution traces its lineage to the Madras Zoo founded by Edward Balfour in 1855 - India's first public zoo - which was relocated and reopened at the current Vandalur site on 24 July 1985 and renamed after former Tamil Nadu chief minister C. N. Annadurai. Today it houses thousands of animals across scores of species and draws around two million visitors a year.

Visiting

Arignar Anna Zoological Park — at a glance

TimingsRoughly 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (some official listings note 8:30 AM start) (indicative - confirm on site)
Best timeNovember to February (cooler, drier weather); arrive at opening to see animals active before midday heat

Entry: Adults around INR 200, children (5-12) around INR 50, free for under-5s and differently-abled visitors; lion/deer safari charged separately (~INR 150 adult) (indicative INR)

Getting there: About 30-32 km SW of central Chennai; reachable by road via GST Road/NH-45 (roughly 60-90 min by car/auto) or by suburban train to Vandalur railway station (Chennai Beach-Chengalpattu line), a short auto ride from the gate

Buy tickets at the counter or online at tickets.aazp.in; safari rides and photography may carry extra charges.

What to expect

Highlights

  • Large-cat safari drives (lion and deer safari) that let visitors view animals in open, semi-natural enclosures from a vehicle (note: safari sections are periodically closed - check availability before visiting)
  • A 1.5-acre walk-through aviary, plus a butterfly park, serpentarium, nocturnal animal house and aquarium among its themed sections
  • Its sheer scale and forested setting, home to native and exotic mammals, birds and reptiles, making it one of the biggest and most visited zoos in the country
Getting there

How to visit

  • Reach Vandalur by car or auto via GST Road/NH-45, or take a suburban train to Vandalur station on the Chennai Beach-Chengalpattu line and a short auto to the gate.
  • Arrive close to the 9:00 AM opening to see animals active and to beat the midday heat and crowds; book tickets online at tickets.aazp.in to skip counter queues.
  • Plan 3-4 hours, wear comfortable walking shoes and a hat, and carry water; use the internal battery-vehicle or safari options to cover the large grounds.

Distance by road

  • Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)55 km
  • Kanchipuram72 km
  • Puducherry150 km
  • Vellore135 km
  • Tirupati135 km

Road km to Chennai; ghat roads and traffic vary — allow extra.

Timing

Best time

November to February offers the coolest, most comfortable weather; early morning is best for active animals.

Weather in Arignar Anna Zoological ParkSeasonal guide

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Visitor notes

  • Closed on Tuesdays for weekly maintenance; confirm current timings, fees and safari availability on the official site (aazp.in) before travelling, as they change periodically.
Safety

Good to know

  • Do not feed or tease animals, stay behind barriers, carry water and sun protection given the large open site, and keep a close watch on children throughout the grounds.
On the map

Where Arignar Anna Zoological Park is

Nearby

What’s near Arignar Anna Zoological Park

churchSt. Thomas Mount17.1 km awayheritageCholamandal Artists' Village17.5 km awayheritageMadras War Cemetery17.9 km awaychurchLittle Mount19.4 km awaywildlifeGuindy National Park19.7 km awayheritageMGR Film City19.7 km away
Good to know

Arignar Anna Zoological Park — frequently asked

When is the best time to visit Arignar Anna Zoological Park?

November to February offers the coolest, most comfortable weather; early morning is best for active animals.

What are the entry fee and timings at Arignar Anna Zoological Park?

Entry: Adults around INR 200, children (5-12) around INR 50, free for under-5s and differently-abled visitors; lion/deer safari charged separately (~INR 150 adult) (indicative INR). Timings: Roughly 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (some official listings note 8:30 AM start) (indicative - confirm on site). Fees and timings are indicative — confirm on site before you travel.

How do I reach Arignar Anna Zoological Park?

Reach Vandalur by car or auto via GST Road/NH-45, or take a suburban train to Vandalur station on the Chennai Beach-Chengalpattu line and a short auto to the gate. Arrive close to the 9:00 AM opening to see animals active and to beat the midday heat and crowds; book tickets online at tickets.aazp.in to skip counter queues. Plan 3-4 hours, wear comfortable walking shoes and a hat, and carry water; use the internal battery-vehicle or safari options to cover the large grounds.

How much time do I need for Arignar Anna Zoological Park?

Allow 3-4 hours to cover the main enclosures and a safari or aviary section.

What else is near Arignar Anna Zoological Park?

Nearby you can pair St. Thomas Mount (17.1 km), Cholamandal Artists' Village (17.5 km), Madras War Cemetery (17.9 km), Little Mount (19.4 km).

What should I know before visiting Arignar Anna Zoological Park?

Do not feed or tease animals, stay behind barriers, carry water and sun protection given the large open site, and keep a close watch on children throughout the grounds.

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Image credits
  • Arignar Anna Zoological Park:Yakshitha · CC BY-SA 4.0