Guindy National Park, Chennai - Timings, Safari Cost, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 13 km from Chennai Central Railway Station, Guindy National Park is a protected area located on Sardar Patel Road in Chennai. It is the 8th smallest national park in India, and among the very few national parks situated inside a city.

Set up in 1976, the park spread over an area of 2.70 sq. km and is maintained by the Ministry of Environment and Forests. Before the park came into existence, this space was considered as an extended part of the Guindy Lodge which is presently referred to as the Raj Bhavan, the Governor of Tamil Nadu's official home. It is one of the popular Chennai places to visit.

There are over 14 species of mammals including blackbuck, chital or spotted deer, jackal, small Indian civet, common palm civet, bonnet macaque, hyena, pangolin, hedgehog, common mongoose, and three-striped palm squirrel. The park also has a black-naped hare and several species of bats and rodents.

Guindy Snake Park, formerly the location of Madras Crocodile Bank Trust, is situated next to the Guindy National Park. It houses some of the unique species of the reptiles such as viper, python, King Cobra, fascinating sea snakes, and turtles. Another popular attraction here is the Children's Park that is spread over 22 acres. There are a wide array of birds and animals on display to amuse the curious minds of children whereas the Tyrannosaurus statue at the entrance of the Park is considered to be the most famous backdrop choice for photographs.

Timings: 9 AM - 5. 30 PM, Closed on Tuesdays

Entry Fee: Rs. 20 for Adults, Rs. 5 for Children, Rs. 25 for Camera & Rs. 150 for Video