The Vandalur Zoo, also known as the Arignar Anna Zoological Park (AAZP), is one of the largest and most well-maintained zoos in India. Spanning over 602 hectares of land, this vast wildlife sanctuary is situated just a short distance from the heart of Chennai.
Home to a wide variety of animals, including endangered species, Vandalur Zoo provides you with a chance to learn about animal conservation in an interactive and engaging way.
Table of Contents
- What to See at Vandalur Zoo
- Animals You’ll Spot at Vandalur Zoo
- Visitor Amenities at Vandalur Zoo
- Make a Furry Friend for Life: Adopt an Animal
- Wrapping Up
What to See at Vandalur Zoo
Vandalur Zoo is open daily except Tuesday from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM, and ticket booking closes by 04:30 PM. It offers a wide range of attractions that cater to animal lovers, families, and kids.
Here are some of the key highlights:
- Lion and Deer Safari Park: Experience the thrill of observing lions and various deer species in expansive naturalistic habitats. The safari offers a unique opportunity to witness these majestic animals up close in environments designed to mimic their natural surroundings.
- Walk-through Aviary (Bio Centre): Opened in 2010, this 1.5-acre aviary allows you to immerse yourself in a free-light experience with over 50 bird species. The aviary features tall fences and abundant fruit-bearing trees, creating a natural environment where birds can be observed either in flight or nesting.
- Forest Museum: Another attraction, which you can explore easily by booking your taxi from a reliable airport cab app, is the forest museum. This offers educational insights into various aspects of forestry and wildlife. The exhibits include sections on herbarium, insectarium, soil samples, rocks, seeds, and artefacts, providing you with
a comprehensive understanding of forest ecosystems and the importance of conservation.
- Aquarium: Designed in the shape of a shark, this aquarium houses 31 species of ornamental fish. The interior has been renovated to enhance the viewing experience, offering you a glimpse into aquatic life and the diversity of fish species.
- Prehistoric Animal Park: This section of the Vendalur Zoo features life-size models of dinosaurs, offering you a glimpse into the prehistoric era and sparking interest in paleontology and the history of life on Earth.
Booking a car rental in Chennai is a convenient choice to explore the vast zoo grounds and nearby attractions comfortably. It allows you to plan your day flexibly and avoid the hassle of crowded public transport.
Animals You’ll Spot at Vandalur Zoo
The zoo is home to a wide range of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, both native and exotic. Some of the notable species include:
- King Cobra
- Rhino
- Lion Tailed Macaque
- Bear
- Bengal Tiger
- Leopard
- Lion
- Crocodile
- Elephant
- Chimpanzee
- Indian Gaur
- White Tiger
Planning to visit right after landing? Booking a Chennai airport taxi is a great way to head straight to the wild without any travel stress.
Visitor Amenities at Vandalur Zoo
A day at the zoo can be long, but at Vandalur, your comfort is well taken care of. From hydration to mobility, here’s how the zoo ensures your visit is smooth, safe, and enjoyable:
- Stay Hydrated: Thirsty after all the walking? You’ll find RO-filtered drinking water stations at regular intervals throughout the zoo, so you can stay refreshed without having to hunt for a bottle.
- Safe Cloak Room Services: Don’t want to carry your bags around? Store your backpacks safely in the zoo’s secure cloakroom. Lockers are monitored by CCTV, and you get to keep the key for total peace of mind.
- Wheelchair Access: The zoo is designed to be inclusive, with wheelchairs available on-site to support visitors with mobility challenges.
- Cycle Through Nature: Prefer to explore on two wheels? Rent a bicycle right inside the zoo and pedal your way through its lush, green paths.
- Eco-Friendly Battery Vehicles: Hop on a battery-operated vehicle and enjoy a guided zoo tour with zero environmental impact. These quiet, non-polluting rides help protect the animals and the ecosystem while keeping you comfortable.
After a day of fun and exploration, getting back to your hotel is easy with a car rental in Chennai.
Make a Furry Friend for Life: Adopt an Animal
Want to do more than just visit? Join Vandalur Zoo’s Animal Adoption Programme and become a proud supporter of wildlife conservation. By adopting an animal, you’re directly contributing to their care, food, and well-being, and you’ll also enjoy perks like free zoo visits!
And if you’re flying in for the experience, a Chennai airport taxi offers a smooth, hassle-free ride straight to the zoo gates.
Wrapping Up
Vandalur Zoo offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the incredible diversity of wildlife that exists in India and beyond. This zoo is a true wildlife wonderland for rare and endangered species, and more common animals.
So, next time if you are planning to visit, make sure to book a ride with Savaari Car Rentals to make the journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
