Arignar Anna Zoological Park Chennai History and Timings

A map for guidance in zoo

Arignar Anna Zoological park – History :

Arignar Anna Zoological park is one of the tourist attractions in Chennai. The name Arignar Anna refers to the ex- Chief Minister of Tamilnadu Mr. C.N. Annadurai.  It is popularly referred to as the Vandalur Zoo. The zoo is  spread over an area of 1490 acres. It is the largest zoological garden in India and in the entire South Asia. It was founded in the year 1855. It was the first public zoo of India. The park is of open island type with simulated natural surroundings. It attracts lakhs of visitors each year.

Location of Arignar Anna Zoological Park:

The Arignar Anna Zoological park is located in Vandalur 30 kilometers away from the city. It is located 15 km away from the Chennai Airport and 6km away from Tambaram.  There are a lot of bus services via the park and a railway stop at the entrance of the zoo.

The Vandalur zoo has attractions such as Safari , Walk-Through Aviary, Nocturnal House and an aquarium. The zoo can be visited by walk, battery operated cars, cycles. There are also Elephant rides and Lion Safari through vehicles.

Attractions in the Zoo:

• Deer,


• Tiger ,


• Lion,


• Leopard,


• Elephant,


• Bear,


• Hyena,


• Jackal,


• Macaque,


• Spotted deers,


• Barking deer,


• Sambar,


• Indian Bison,


• Hippopotamus,


• Languar,


• Baboon,


• Chimpanzee 
etc

Reptiles, Snakes, Various  Crocodile Enclosures and birds like pelicans , white bellied eagles etc can also be seen.

White bellied Eagle

A hippopotamus

Arignar Anna Zoological Park Timings: 8.30 a.m to 5.30 p.m (Indian Timings). Tuesday is a holiday. Entry fee: Rs 5 . Separate fee for cameras.

Contact information:

Director, Arignar Anna Zoological Park,

Vandalur, Chennai – 600 048

Phone numbers : 044-2376089 , 044-2376741