Arignar Anna Zoological Park

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Arignar Anna Zoological Park also known as the Vandalur Zoo, is located in Vandalur, a southern suburb 30 kilometers from the city of Chennai, India and 15 kilometers from Chennai Airport on GST Road. Founded in 1855, the Park was the first public zoo in India. Originally called the Madras Zoo, it was situated in People's Park near Park Town. By 1975, the zoo had expanded and had to be moved out of the city. In 1979, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department set aside 1300 acres (5.2 km²) on the outskirts of the city to build the current zoo, which is one of the largest in South Asia. The zoo is believed to house more than 170 species of mammals, birds and reptiles.^[1] The zoo is named after renowned Tamil politician, Arignar Anna.

1 Visitor information
2 How to get there?
3 Gallery
4 See also
5 References
6 External links

[edit] Visitor information

The zoo is open from 7.00am to 8.00pm all days, except Tuesdays. All the animals, especially the big cats are back in their cages after 5.00pm. So, most tourists prefer to visit these before going on to the other exhibits.

One can easily end up walking 10-15 km across the stretch of the park. The battery-operated vehicles are also available for rent. However, there are only 5-7 vehicles. Each vehicle carries approximately 15-20 people.

There is a restaurant, an ice cream parlor and a drinks counter - all situated near the entrance. However, there aren't too many refreshment counters within the zoo.

Elefant safari is introduced in the zoo starting from the summer of 2008. Visitors can travel on elephants for a tour around the zoo.^[2]

[edit] How to get there?

The place is well connected both by road and rail. Public buses 21 G (Vandalur to Braodway), 60 T (Tambaram to chengalpet) are notable route names servicing the visitors of the zoo. Chennai Suburban rail has a convenient stop named "vandalur" in a walkable distance from the zoo. Taxi is a preferred mode of transport for the ones not comfortable with public transport.