Arignar Anna Zoological Park, also known as the Vandalur Zoo, is a zoological garden located in Vandalur, a southern suburb 30 kilometers from the city of Chennai, India and 15 kilometers from Chennai Airport.Spread over an area of 1260 acres, it is the largest zoological garden in India and is believed to house more than 170 species of mammals, birds and reptiles in about 81 enclosures.
The zoo is open from 9.00am to 8.00pm all days, except Tuesdays. All the animals, especially the big cats are back in their cages after 5.00pm. So, most tourists prefer to visit these before going on to the other exhibits.
One can easily end up walking 10-15 km across the stretch of the park. The battery-operated vehicles are also available for rent. Currently, there are about 9 such vehicles apart from 4 battery-operated vans used for lion safari. There are plans to buy 10 more battery-operated vehicles. Each vehicle carries approximately 15-20 people. A trial program of 20 rental bicycles for visitors, including 5 for children, was launched in 2008. The bicycles are an eco-friendly option that it is hoped will reduce the high demand for the battery-operated cars. There is a restaurant, an ice cream parlor and a drinks counter - all situated near the entrance. However, there aren't too many refreshment counters within the zoo.
Elephant safari is introduced in the zoo starting from the summer of 2008. Visitors can travel on elephants for a tour around the zoo.[3] The safari is available between 9.30am and 11.30am and between 4.00pm and 5.00pm.
There are also lion safari park and deer park in the zoo, and visitors could see the animals in their natural habitats. The deer park, inaugurated in September 2008, is spread over 30 hectares (about 75 acres) and has more than 100 animals including sambar and spotted deer. Other exclusive sections in the zoo include the Nocturnal section, Reptile section and aquarium. The zoo also has a library with a collection of wildlife-related books.
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