Vandalur: Aviaries, Aquarium and Safari

The Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Vandalur gives a stay a clear focus on animal watching: the Walk Through Aviary, bird aviaries, aquarium, reptile section and safari each offer different themes. You can choose what to see based on whether you want to watch birds in a walk-through or one of the named aviaries, discover ornamental fish and aquarium design, visit the reptile section or plan a safari. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Vandalur, this is a tangible starting point: consider whether the zoo will be the main reason for your stay and whether travelling by train is relevant to your plans.

Two ways to watch birds

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 watch birds. Alongside it, the Point Calimere Bird Aviary and the Vedantangal Bird Aviary display around 25 species of wetland birds. This means there are two distinct ways to explore the birdlife: walking through an enclosure and observing the species in two named bird aviaries. If the walk-through aviary is the deciding factor for your visit, check the zoo’s latest information before travelling.

Aquarium, reptiles and safari

The park’s aquarium is designed in the shape of a shark and is located beside a pond. It houses 31 species of ornamental fish; its entrances and exits are designed to look like shark gills. The shape of the building and the details of its entrances are therefore part of the experience in this exhibition area. The reptile section offers a different focus: it displays all five reptile groups, and the tour begins with turtles and ends with crocodiles. The park also offers a lion and deer safari. A child-friendly play area called Children’s Park is also part of the attractions.

An educational programme at the zoo

The Zoo Ambassador Programme is aimed at school pupils and university students. It includes lessons at the zoo on mammals, birds, reptiles, fish and butterflies. The summer camps last three days and the winter camps two days. If this programme is relevant to your travel plans, confirm the registration details directly with the park.

History and travel

The Arignar Anna Zoo Park was relocated to Vandalur in 1976 and reopened to the public there in 1985. The two dates mark the zoo’s change of location and its later reopening.

Vandalur railway station on the Chennai Suburban Railway is northwest of the main entrance to Arignar Anna Zoological Park and about one kilometre away. This is an approximate guide to the main entrance. If you are travelling by train, check your connection and the precise route to the park entrance in advance.

If the zoo is the main focus of your stay, you could consider Vandalur as a search area for a holiday rental. Compare specific options based on which location suits your travel arrangements and plans.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Perungalathur, Perur, Vattambakkam R.F., Sriperumbudur, Kelambakkam, Mevalurkuppam, Thiruporur, Pallāvaram.

Back to the overview of the region: Kanchipuram.