Arignar Anna Zoological Park Vandalur Zoo
India's first public zoo, a vast sanctuary housing diverse wildlife and a key center for conservation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Animals are active, cooler weather
Arignar Anna Zoological Park Vandalur Zoo
Best Time
Animals are active, cooler weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
India's first public zoo, a vast sanctuary housing diverse wildlife and a key center for conservation.
"A must-visit for animal lovers, offering a glimpse into India's rich zoological heritage."
🎯 Rent a Cycle!
The zoo is huge! Renting a cycle is essential to cover ground comfortably. :athletic_shoe:
💰 Carry Cash
Some vendors and rentals might not accept digital payments. Be prepared with cash. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Majestic Lion Safari
Safari Zone
Experience the thrill of seeing lions up close from the safety of a safari vehicle. A must-do for an unforgettable encounter.
Diverse Animal Enclosures
Various Habitats
Explore a wide array of animals, from majestic tigers and elephants to playful primates and colorful birds.
Historic Significance
Zoo Entrance/Information Centers
Discover India's first public zoo, established in 1855, and its role in conservation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Essential Items to Pack
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Rent a Cycle!
The zoo is huge! Renting a cycle is essential to cover ground comfortably.
:athletic_shoe:💰 Carry Cash
Some vendors and rentals might not accept digital payments. Be prepared with cash.
:moneybag:💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. It's a long walk!
:droplet:🦁 Safari Bookings
The lion safari is popular. Queues move quickly, but booking entry tickets beforehand is wise.
:ticket:Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Rent a Cycle!
The zoo is huge! Renting a cycle is essential to cover ground comfortably.
:athletic_shoe:💰 Carry Cash
Some vendors and rentals might not accept digital payments. Be prepared with cash.
:moneybag:💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. It's a long walk!
:droplet:🦁 Safari Bookings
The lion safari is popular. Queues move quickly, but booking entry tickets beforehand is wise.
:ticket:⏰ Arrive Early
Beat the heat and crowds by arriving right at opening time.
:clock1:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Arignar Anna Zoological Park for its extensive collection of animals and its historical significance as India's first zoo. The Lion Safari is a major highlight. However, some find the park's vastness challenging to navigate on foot, and food options can be limited.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Arignar Anna Zoological Park (Vandalur Zoo) is easily accessible by public transport. You can take local buses that frequently ply the route or opt for the suburban train to Vandalur station, followed by a short auto-rickshaw ride. Car and two-wheeler parking is available.
Vandalur Zoo is located about 31 kilometers from Chennai Central and 15 kilometers from Chennai Airport, making it a manageable trip from the city.
Yes, Vandalur Zoo offers parking facilities for both cars and two-wheelers.
Yes, ride-sharing apps like Ola and Uber are readily available in Chennai and can be used to reach Vandalur Zoo.
Given the vast area of the zoo, renting a cycle is highly recommended to explore efficiently. Walking the entire park can be very tiring.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry ticket for adults is ₹200, and for children aged 5-12 years, it's ₹50. Extra charges apply for cameras and handy cams.
While online booking for general entry tickets isn't explicitly mentioned, it's always a good idea to check the official zoo website or inquire locally for the most up-to-date information on booking options.
The zoo is typically open from 9 AM to 5 PM. It is closed on Tuesdays.
Yes, a zoo entry ticket is mandatory to enter the Safari. The safari vehicle itself may have a separate charge.
Yes, children between 5 and 12 years old have a reduced entry fee of ₹50.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
To fully explore the zoo and see most of the animals, plan for at least 3-4 hours. If you intend to rent a cycle or take the safari, allocate more time.
Don't miss the majestic lions on safari, the diverse collection of primates, the large cats like tigers, and the impressive elephant enclosure.
The zoo is spread over a large area (602 hectares), so while it's walkable, renting a cycle or using internal transport is highly recommended to avoid exhaustion.
Yes, the zoo offers various vehicle rental options, including bicycles, electric bicycles, and potentially battery-operated cars for hire.
Animals are often most active in the cooler parts of the day, so early mornings and late afternoons are generally the best times to spot them.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Food options inside the zoo can be limited and may not be the highlight of the visit. It's advisable to carry your own snacks and water.
Yes, visitors are generally allowed to bring their own food and beverages into the zoo. This is a good way to save money and ensure you have preferred snacks.
There are food stalls and eateries within the zoo premises, but the variety and quality can vary.
Expect typical snack items and some basic meal options at the food stalls within the zoo.
Given the potential limitations of food inside, eating before or after your visit, or packing a picnic, is often a better strategy.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside Vandalur Zoo, but there might be extra charges for cameras and handy cams.
The Lion Safari enclosure offers dramatic shots, and the diverse animal habitats provide ample opportunities for capturing wildlife. The lush greenery also makes for scenic photos.
While general photography is permitted, flash photography might be discouraged or prohibited in certain enclosures to avoid disturbing the animals. Always check for specific signage.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in zoological parks and public spaces due to privacy and safety concerns. It's best to assume drones are not allowed.
A telephoto lens is useful for capturing animals from a distance. A wide-angle lens can be good for the overall park scenery. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Vast Arignar Anna Zoological Park
Navigating such an extensive area requires a strategy. Visitors often find it challenging to cover the entire park on foot, especially during the warmer months. To make the most of your visit, renting a cycle is a popular and highly recommended option. This allows you to cover more ground at your own pace and avoid the fatigue of extensive walking. The zoo also offers other internal transport options like electric bicycles, which can be a convenient alternative for those who prefer not to cycle themselves.
The Lion Safari is a major draw, offering an exhilarating experience where visitors can see lions up close from the safety of a specially designed vehicle. Beyond the safari, the zoo features numerous enclosures designed to mimic natural habitats, housing a wide array of animals including tigers, elephants, various primates, reptiles, and a rich variety of bird species. The elephant enclosure, in particular, is noted as the largest within the zoo.
Planning Your Vandalur Zoo Visit: Practicalities and Tips
Essential items to pack include plenty of water, as staying hydrated is crucial, especially during warmer months. Carrying snacks is also advisable, as the food options inside the zoo can be limited and may not cater to everyone's preferences. A significant tip from visitors is to carry sufficient cash, as not all vendors or rental services might accept digital payment methods like GPay. This ensures you're prepared for cycle rentals, small purchases, or any unexpected needs.
For those interested in photography, remember that while generally allowed, there might be extra charges for cameras and handy cams. It's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography within animal enclosures to avoid disturbing the wildlife. The zoo's historical significance as India's first public zoo adds another layer of interest for visitors, making it a destination that combines education, conservation, and recreation.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit