Vandalur: Animal Worlds at Arignar Anna Zoological Park

The Arignar Anna Zoological Park is located in Vandalur and brings together a range of animal-related attractions and visitor facilities. Named areas include a walk-through aviary, two bird aviaries, an aquarium and a reptile area. There is also a lion and deer safari, a play area, and a programme for schoolchildren and students. When planning your visit, it is worth noting the differences: some attractions focus on particular animal groups, while others offer a walk-through experience or focus on lessons and camps.

Bird Areas and Walk-Through Aviary

The Walk Through Aviary, also known as the Bio Centre, opened in 2010 and covers 1.5 acres. Visitors can walk through the enclosure and observe the birds. Its walk-through design sets this area apart from the park’s two other named bird aviaries: the Point Calimere Bird Aviary and the Vedantangal Bird Aviary. These feature around 25 species of wetland birds. Visitors especially interested in birds therefore have two different options: observing birds inside a walk-through enclosure, and visiting aviaries focused on wetland birds. Check the zoo’s latest guidance before your visit.

Aquarium, Reptiles and Other Attractions

The aquarium is designed in the shape of a shark and is located beside a pond. It houses 31 species of ornamental fish; the design of the entrances and exits also draws on the theme, as they are modelled on shark gills. The shark motif is reflected both in the aquarium’s design and at its entrances and exits. If you would like to focus your visit on different animal groups, you can consider this area alongside the bird aviaries and the reptile area.

The route through the reptile area covers all five reptile groups. It starts with tortoises and ends with crocodiles—a clear sequence that guides visitors through this area. The park also offers visitors a lion and deer safari. For children, there is the child-friendly Children's Park play area.

The Park’s Programme and History

The Zoo Ambassador Programme is for schoolchildren and students. Lessons cover mammals, birds, reptiles, fish and butterflies. Summer camps last three days, while winter camps last two days. If you plan to include this educational offering in your trip, check the registration details directly with the park. This will help you distinguish the listed topics and camp durations from the registration information required at the time.

The zoo’s history is also linked to Vandalur: Arignar Anna Zoo Park was moved to Vandalur in 1976 and reopened to the public there in 1985. These two dates mark the relocation and the reopening at that time.

Getting to Vandalur

Vandalur station on the Chennai Suburban Railway is northwest of the main entrance to Arignar Anna Zoological Park, around one kilometre away. This is an approximate distance; it may vary depending on the entrance and the station routes in use. If you are planning to travel by train, check the appropriate connection and the route to the park in advance. This makes the station’s location and estimated distance a useful guide, without assuming a specific walking time.

Discover more destinations: Singaperumal Koil, Perur, Sriperumbudur, Thiruporur, Vattambakkam R.F., Mahabalipuram, Padapai, Kelambakkam.

For the broader travel overview: Kanchipuram.