If you are an outdoor person who loves traveling and nature or are simply fascinated with animals, Zoos and wildlife sanctuaries certainly hold a special place in your heart. A zoo is an exciting place to observe the animals and learn much about their habitats. Therefore, if you are planning to visit a zoo and admire wild animals, we have come up with an informative blog on the largest zoo in India that is a must-visit for you.

Arignar Anna Zoological Park (Vandalur Zoo), Chennai

Our latest tours and travel recommendations will take you south, but we assure you it is worth it. Arignar Anna Zoological Park of Chennai, also famously known as Vandalur Zoo, hosts more than 2,553 species, including several species of plants and animals that might be new to you. The animal habitat that spans 1,490 acres (602 hectares) is the largest zoo in India and has and houses plants, amphibians, mammals, birds, reptiles, insects and aquatic animals. 

Historical Background

Named after the famous Tamil politician Annadurai, what makes the zoo special is its rich heritage and history. When you start exploring the zoo, you can’t help but feel nostalgic for the places that tell different stories. Established in 1854, the zoo had a humble beginning in the Pantheon (museum) complex. In the beginning, there were only a tiger and a cheetah in the zoo, but that attracted visitors from distant places. Later,  Edward Green Balfour, Director of the Government Central Museum at Madras, convinced Nawab of Carnatic. The Nawab donated his complete animal collection to the museum, boosting the zoo’s popularity. In a year, the total count of species grew to 300.

The zoo was proposed to be moved to the city’s outskirts in 1975, and the state government set aside a portion of Vandalur Reserve Forest land that today houses India’s largest zoo. It also features a rescue and rehabilitation center for the animals.

Location & Commute

Thanks to its proximity to the sprawling metropolitan city of Chennai, reaching the zoo isn’t tricky. The zoo is notably 4 km away from Mudichur in Chennai and 6 kms from Tambaram. The preferred way of getting to the zoo is by flight, as the airport is just 15 kilometers away. Chennai also has busy railway stations with highly connected to all the corners of India. Once you are in Chennai, cabs and public transport will take you to your destination, i.e. the largest zoo in India, in less than an hour.

Species At Zoo

Arignar Anna Zoological Park, the largest zoo in India, has 138 species of plants and 170 species of animals, including birds and reptiles. The park has abundant vegetation that is dense and hosts 56 species of butterflies.

The significant exhibits at Arignar Anna Zoological Park are the butterfly house, serpentarium (reptile house), crocodile enclosure, amphibian house, aquarium, and small mammals house. The park also houses other equally exciting sections, such as prey-predator concept enclosures, a prehistoric animal park, and a rich library. Events like Zoo Club Volunteer Programme and Animal Keepers Training Programme are also worth checking out. 

So there you go, the largest zoo in India in the chain of another spectacular destination for a trip to somewhere exciting. A journey to Arignar Anna Zoological Park is mandatory for outgoing personalities and nature lovers, as it offers incredible views and a chance to admire wildlife in their natural habitat. Relatively nearby to a bustling and highly developed Chennai, it provides all the experiences of forests just 19 km from the city. 

We wish you a safe and thrilling experience at the largest zoo in India. After you finish your trip, don’t forget to share your experience with us! Moreover, visit our website for more explored gems in India’s rich collection of exotic places. Our recommendations of mind-blowing getaways are precisely what you need to forget the hustles of urban life and enjoy a much-needed break.