Madras Crocodile Bank Trust
A vital reptile conservation center and zoo, home to diverse crocodiles, snakes, and turtles, offering educational experiences and a thrilling night s...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Feeding sessions & VR shows
Madras Crocodile Bank Trust
Best Time
Feeding sessions & VR shows

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vital reptile conservation center and zoo, home to diverse crocodiles, snakes, and turtles, offering educational experiences and a thrilling night safari.
"A worthwhile and educational destination for wildlife and conservation enthusiasts, especially families."
🎯 Book Night Safari Tickets
The night safari is popular! Book tickets in advance, especially on weekends, to avoid disappointment.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking around the park. Comfortable footwear is a must!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gharial Underwater Exhibit
Underwater enclosure
Witness the majestic gharial glide effortlessly in its naturalistic underwater habitat.
Night Safari Thrills
Various enclosures
Experience the nocturnal world of reptiles, spotting glowing eyes in the dark.
Snake Venom Extraction Demo
Demonstration area
Learn how venom is collected for life-saving anti-venom by the skilled Irula tribe.
Feeding Sessions
Crocodile enclosures
Watch 'Jaws III', one of India's largest saltwater crocodiles, during its Sunday feeding.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Reptile Encounters
Plan Your ECR Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Night Safari Tickets
The night safari is popular! Book tickets in advance, especially on weekends, to avoid disappointment.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking around the park. Comfortable footwear is a must!
💧 Stay Hydrated
It can get humid. Carry water or purchase refreshments from the canteen.
📸 Capture the Moment
Bring your camera or phone to snap photos of the incredible reptiles.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Night Safari Tickets
The night safari is popular! Book tickets in advance, especially on weekends, to avoid disappointment.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking around the park. Comfortable footwear is a must!
💧 Stay Hydrated
It can get humid. Carry water or purchase refreshments from the canteen.
📸 Capture the Moment
Bring your camera or phone to snap photos of the incredible reptiles.
⏰ Check Feeding Schedules
Plan your visit around feeding times for a more exciting experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Madras Crocodile Bank for its extensive reptile collection and crucial conservation work. It's a highly recommended educational stop, especially for families, offering unique experiences like the night safari and venom extraction demonstrations. While some find the visit relatively short for the price, the overall consensus is positive, highlighting the well-maintained enclosures and informative staff.
"For those with an interest in wildlife and conservation, the Madras Crocodile Bank is a worthwhile and educational destination. It offers a unique opportunity to see a wide array of reptile species, learn about important conservation efforts, and enjoy engaging activities like the night safari. While not a full-day commitment, it is an excellent stop for families traveling along the ECR, especially when combined with other nearby attractions like Mahabalipuram.
Highlights and attractions
Vast reptile collection: The park houses a large collection of reptiles, including over 15 species of crocodiles and alligators from around the world. You can see endangered species like the saltwater crocodile and gharial.
Other species: Beyond the crocodilians, the park features a variety of snakes, turtles, tortoises, and lizards. A separate area is dedicated to snakes, including venomous and non-venomous types.
Underwater gharial exhibit: A unique feature allows visitors to see a magnificent gharial swimming effortlessly in a large underwater enclosure with other fish and turtles.
Feeding sessions: The park offers feeding demonstrations. On Sunday afternoons, you can witness the feeding of "Jaws III," one of the largest saltwater crocodiles in India.
Night safari: For a thrilling experience, the night safari on weekends lets you see the reptiles when they are most active. You are given torches to spot the hundreds of glowing red eyes in the dark.
Snake venom extraction: This process is demonstrated by the Irula tribe, providing insight into how venom is collected for producing anti-venom medicines.
Guided tours: Knowledgeable guides share interesting stories and facts about the reptiles.
Virtual Reality (VR) shows: On weekends and holidays, you can experience VR movies that transport you to the natural habitats of reptiles around the world.
Ideal for children: The Croc Bank is particularly popular with families and school groups, as kids enjoy seeing the reptiles up close in a safe environment.
Good for short trips: While some reviewers feel the entry price is high for a relatively short visit, most agree it's a good place to spend an hour or two.
Well-maintained enclosures: The enclosures are designed to mimic the animals' natural habitats, allowing for safe and close-up viewing.
Amenities: The facility includes a canteen for refreshments, a gift shop for souvenirs, and clean washrooms. However, some older reviews noted that toilets were not well-maintained.
Accessibility: Located on the ECR, the park is easily accessible by car, bus, or auto-rickshaw. Paid parking is available."
Vel Murugan
"A fantastic place to visit in Chennai.
The team at snake park does a good explanation about the different types of snakes . The team also did a splendid job in explaining the reason the do and donts of how to handle snake in your vicinity.
There are variety of crocodile 🐊 in the park . They are kept cool by sprinkling water on them .
The park is well organised and well shaded .
It’s a good evening get away for the kids . Overall a great experience."
Vijay Kalkundri
"The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology is a must visit place near Chennai if you’re interested in wildlife and conservation. The facility is well-maintained and houses a wide variety of crocodiles, alligators, gharials, turtles, snakes, and other reptiles. It’s not just a tourist attraction but also an educational and research center dedicated to preserving endangered species.
The guided tours and interactive sessions are informative, especially the snake and crocodile talks where the staff explain about their habitat, behavior, and conservation efforts. The night safari is also a unique experience. The place is green, peaceful, and provides a natural environment for the animals.
Tickets are reasonably priced, and the money goes towards maintaining the animals and research work. A great spot for families, kids, and anyone curious about reptiles. Highly recommend visiting if you’re in Mahabalipuram or Chennai."
Desireddy Yashwanth Reddy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust is located on the East Coast Road (ECR), about 40 km south of Chennai. It's easily accessible by car, bus, or auto-rickshaw. Paid parking is available on-site.
Yes, it's very close to Mahabalipuram, making it a perfect stop when visiting the ancient town. Many visitors combine the two.
Several local buses ply along the ECR route. Auto-rickshaws are also readily available for hire.
Yes, paid parking is available at the Crocodile Bank.
Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Ola are generally available in the Chennai area and can be used to reach the Crocodile Bank.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry fees are typically around ₹100 for adults and ₹50 for children below 10 years old. Prices may vary slightly.
The park is usually open from 9 AM to 5 PM, with the last ticket sold around 5 PM. It is closed on Mondays.
For regular entry, advance booking is usually not required. However, for special events like the night safari, it's advisable to book ahead.
While not always advertised, school groups often receive special rates. It's best to inquire directly with the park for group or student discounts.
Most visitors find the entry fee reasonable for the experience, especially considering the conservation work the money supports.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find over 15 species of crocodiles, alligators, and gharials, plus various snakes, turtles, and lizards.
Yes, look out for feeding sessions, snake venom extraction demonstrations, and on weekends, VR shows and a thrilling night safari.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic place for children to learn about reptiles in a safe and engaging environment.
Most visitors spend 1-2 hours, but you could easily spend longer if you attend feeding sessions or the night safari.
The park is well-shaded by trees, making it comfortable even on warm days. Enclosures are generally well-maintained and accessible.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a canteen on-site offering refreshments and snacks at decent prices.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally acceptable to bring your own snacks and water, especially for families.
The canteen typically offers basic snacks, beverages, and light meals.
Yes, being on the ECR, there are numerous restaurants and eateries in the vicinity, especially closer to Mahabalipuram.
While not a food destination, the experience of enjoying a snack amidst the natural surroundings adds to the visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed. However, always be mindful of signage and avoid using flash photography that might disturb the animals.
The underwater gharial exhibit, the various crocodile enclosures, and the snake park offer great photo opportunities.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in wildlife parks to avoid disturbing the animals. Check park rules for specifics.
Be respectful of the animals and other visitors. Avoid intrusive photography, especially during feeding times.
Close-ups of reptile eyes, the sheer size of the crocodiles, and the unique underwater views are popular on platforms like Instagram.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as there's a good amount of walking. The park is well-shaded, making it comfortable for a few hours of exploration. Consider visiting on a weekend for the special shows, but be prepared for larger crowds.
🌿 Wildlife Enthusiasts & Conservationists
The opportunity to learn about snake venom extraction and the work of the Irula tribe is particularly noteworthy. The park's dedication to reptile preservation is evident throughout your visit.
📸 Photographers
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer lighting. The night safari, while challenging, can yield dramatic shots of glowing eyes. Remember to be respectful and avoid disturbing the animals with excessive flash.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Conservation Efforts at MCBT
Beyond crocodilians, MCBT is also a significant research hub. They conduct studies on snake venom, which is critical for developing effective anti-venom. This research, often involving the local Irula tribe, contributes to public health and safety across India. Visitors can learn about these efforts through educational talks and demonstrations.
The educational aspect is paramount. MCBT strives to raise awareness about the importance of reptiles and their ecosystems. Through guided tours, interactive sessions, and informative displays, they aim to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for these often-misunderstood creatures.
Experiencing the Night Safari
This experience provides a stark contrast to daytime visits, revealing a different side of the park's inhabitants. It's a thrilling opportunity to observe behaviors that are not visible during daylight hours. The guides often share fascinating insights into the nocturnal habits of the animals.
Due to its popularity, it's highly recommended to book your night safari tickets in advance, especially if you're visiting on a weekend. This ensures you don't miss out on this unforgettable nocturnal exploration.
A Family-Friendly Destination
Interactive elements like feeding demonstrations and the snake venom extraction talks add an exciting educational layer. The park's shaded environment and on-site canteen make it a comfortable place for families to spend a few hours.
It's often recommended as a great stop for kids traveling along the ECR, easily fitting into a day trip that might also include nearby attractions like Mahabalipuram.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit