The largest zoological park in India by area, spread over 602 hectares of protected forest in Vandalur, about 32 km south of Chennai. Home to over 2,500 animals including big cats, elephants, and a dedicated lion safari.
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed Tuesdays)
Adults ₹80, Children ₹30 (Lion Safari and vehicles charged separately)
Highlights
- Largest zoo in India by area (602 hectares, around 1,490 acres)
- Successor to the original Madras Zoo established in 1855, which was India's first public zoo
- Opened at Vandalur in 1985 and named after C.N. Annadurai (Arignar Anna), former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
- Houses around 2,500 animals from roughly 170 species, including Asiatic lions, Bengal tigers, Indian elephants, and one-horned rhinoceros
- Dedicated Lion Safari where visitors travel through an enclosed lion habitat in caged buses
- Butterfly park, nocturnal animal house, and walk-through aviary
- Battery-operated vehicles and a miniature train for visitors covering the large campus
Location
Explore Vandalur
Discover more about the Vandalur neighbourhood, including transport, healthcare, and other attractions.
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Anna Nagar Tower Park
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