Amaravathi Crocodile Farm, also known as Amaravathi Sagar Crocodile Farm, is one of India’s oldest and most interesting crocodile sanctuaries. Located near Amaravathi Dam in Tirupur district, this park is a family-friendly wildlife destination that makes for a perfect weekend trip from Coimbatore or Pollachi. With more than 100 crocodiles, this farm is a dedicated conservation center under the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, making it both educational and exciting, especially for children and wildlife enthusiasts.
📍 Where is Amaravathi Crocodile Farm?
The farm is located inside the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary near the Amaravathi Reservoir in the Anamalai hills of Tirupur district, Tamil Nadu. It’s one of the top crocodile sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu, often visited alongside Amaravathi Dam and nearby forest viewpoints.
🕐Amaravathi Crocodile Farm Timings, Entry Fee, and Contact Details
Opening Time: 9:00 AM
Closing Time: 5:00 PM
Opening Days: All days (including weekends); closed on national holidays
Entry Fee: ₹10 per person (₹5 for children)
Crocodile Feeding Show (if available): Usually between 11 AM – 1 PM (check with local authorities)
Contact Number: Forest Range Office – Udumalpet Division Phone: +91 4252 260233. Best Time to Call: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Monday to Saturday)
✅ Hidden Tip: Visit on weekdays between 9–11 AM to avoid crowds and watch crocodiles sunbathing.
🚗 How to Reach Amaravathi Crocodile Farm
From Coimbatore: 110 km – approx. 3 hours
From Pollachi: 45 km – 1.5 hours
From Udumalpet: 25 km – 45 minutes
By Bus: Buses from Udumalpet to Amaravathi Dam (limited frequency, check locally)
By Car/Bike: Best way to reach the park; scenic drive through farmlands and forest roads
🚌 Government Bus Tip: Take buses towards Amaravathi Dam from Udumalpet Bus Stand; last return bus leaves by 6:00 PM.
🐊 Things to Do at Amaravathi Crocodile Farm
Visiting Amaravathi Crocodile Farm is a unique experience, especially if you’re curious about wildlife or want to show your kids real conservation in action. As a traveler, this is not just about seeing crocodiles behind fences; it’s about spending a peaceful half-day in nature, learning, exploring, and soaking in the serenity of the Western Ghats foothills.
Here’s how to spend your time at the farm
🐊 Watch Crocodiles in Their Habitat (Main Enclosure)
As soon as you enter, you’ll be greeted by rows of secured concrete ponds and water bodies where mugger crocodiles (native to India) bask under the sun. Some are huge, over 10 feet long! You can observe them from a safe distance, lying motionless or gently sliding into the water.
👉 Travel Tip: Visit between 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM, that’s when they’re most active during sunbathing or feeding sessions (if lucky!).
📚 Learn About Crocodile Conservation
The farm has educational boards with info on crocodile species, their behavior, and the role of this breeding centre. It’s surprisingly informative, especially if you’re traveling with school-age kids or are a wildlife enthusiast.
👉 Good For: Educational family trips, nature students, and slow travel explorers who love stories behind places.
📸 Photography and Bird Spotting
Don’t forget your camera! Besides the crocodiles, the park is surrounded by quiet forest trails and water channels where you might spot kingfishers, egrets, herons, and peacocks. The rustic fences, quiet ambiance, and lazy crocodiles make for great close-up nature shots.
👉 Pro Tip: Use a zoom lens for sharp croc shots and bring binoculars for spotting birds near the dam edge.
🌿 Take a Calm Walk Around the Park
Though small, the park has a looping path around the enclosures. It’s shaded with trees and has benches where you can sit, listen to forest sounds, and feel disconnected from the city. The scent of earth and silence of the hills makes it ideal for short meditation breaks too.
👉 Hidden Spot: The back trail near the forest fencing offers a mini “jungle feel.”
🧒 Let Kids Explore the Mini Park
There’s a basic children’s play area with swings and slides just outside the crocodile farm, a nice bonus for families. Kids often find the trip memorable not just for the reptiles, but also for the playtime and snacks you pack along.
👉 Snack Tip: There are no restaurants inside, so bring your own light picnic.
📍 Extend Your Visit to Amaravathi Dam
Right next to the farm is the Amaravathi Dam. Climb to the viewpoint for panoramic views of the reservoir and mountains beyond. Sit by the quiet waters, listen to the breeze, and unwind, especially if you’ve come in a group or couple.
👉 Ideal Combo: Spend 1–1.5 hours at the Crocodile Farm → then walk or drive to the dam for views and chill time.
🧭 In Summary Your Experience as a Visitor
🕐 Time to Spend: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
👨👩👧👦 Best For: Families, photographers, school trips, nature lovers
🎒 Carry With You: Water bottles, light snacks, cap/sunglasses, camera/binoculars
🚫 What Not to Expect: Luxury, cafés, or high-end tourist facilities, it’s raw, simple, and peaceful.
🎯 For Kids: The park is one of the top crocodile parks for kids in Tamil Nadu due to its education + entertainment combo.
📅 Best Time to Visit Amaravathi Crocodile Farm
October to March – Cool and pleasant weather
Avoid: April–June (hot) and peak monsoon (July–August) due to slippery terrain
✅ Hidden Tip: Visit during December or January, you’ll see more crocodiles basking in the sun and chances of seeing forest birds increase.
🌄 Other Tourist Places Near Amaravathi Crocodile Farm
Amaravathi Dam – Boating (seasonal), birdwatching, sunset views
Thirumoorthy Hills & Falls – Waterfall + temple (35 km)
Aliyar Dam + Monkey Falls – Scenic spot en route to Valparai (65 km)
Topslip / Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary – Full-day trip for wildlife safari (80 km)
Vaidehi Waterfalls, Coimbatore – Best for trekkers and nature lovers
✅ Additional Tips for Visitors to Amaravathi Crocodile Farm
🔦 Start Early for a Full Experience
Plan to arrive by 9:00 AM. This gives you time to:
Watch crocs basking in the morning sun (they’re more visible!)
Avoid harsh afternoon heat
Combine with Amaravathi Dam and nearby nature spots
🍱 Carry Your Own Food and Water
There are no full-scale restaurants inside or near the park. Bring:
Reusable water bottles
Light snacks or packed lunch
Trash bags to take your waste back (no bins available in forest areas)
🧭 Combine with Nearby Attractions for a Day Trip
To make the most of your journey, club your visit with:
Amaravathi Dam Viewpoint
Thirumoorthy Hills & Falls
Aliyar Dam or Monkey Falls (if you’re going further)
This makes it a well-rounded nature + wildlife day trip.
🧥 Dress Light but Protective
The weather can swing between sunny and breezy. Recommended:
Hat or cap
Sunglasses
Comfortable walking shoes (pathways are earthy)
Sunscreen & insect repellent
🪧 Respect Wildlife Rules
Do not throw stones or food at the crocodiles
Stay behind the barriers at all times
Don’t play loud music or make sudden noises, it’s a wildlife zone
🚫 Avoid Late Evening Visits
The approach road is remote, and there are no streetlights. It’s safest to:
Exit the area before 5:30 PM
Avoid monsoon-season evening drives (muddy slopes, low visibility)
🐊 Be Realistic About What to Expect
It’s a quiet, educational stop, not a full-blown zoo. The beauty lies in its simplicity and closeness to nature. Visitors who come expecting this enjoy it more than those looking for entertainment or modern tourism facilities.
🤔Amaravathi Crocodile Farm Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Amaravathi Crocodile Farm safe for children?
Yes, it is safe. The crocodiles are kept in securely fenced enclosures and the area is patrolled. However, children should always be supervised.
2. How much time should I spend at the crocodile farm?
You can comfortably explore the park in 1 to 1.5 hours. If you plan to visit the nearby dam and spend time photographing or birdwatching, add another hour.
3. Are there any guides or tours available inside?
There are no formal guides, but the staff may answer questions. The boards inside provide useful information about crocodile species and conservation.
4. Is there parking available?
Yes, there is a basic parking area near the entrance of Amaravathi Dam. Parking is free.
5. Is food available inside the crocodile farm?
No. There are no restaurants inside. Only small tea/snack stalls are found near the dam entrance. Carry water and light snacks with you.
6. Is Amaravathi Crocodile Park wheelchair accessible?
The paths are flat but not paved, and may not be very convenient for wheelchairs. Elderly visitors should bring support if needed.
7. Can we click photos or videos inside?
Yes! Photography is allowed and encouraged. However, drone flying is not permitted without forest department permission.
8. What is the best time to visit during the day?
Morning (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM) is the best time to visit. The crocodiles are more active and the weather is cooler.
9. Can we feed the crocodiles?
No. Visitors are not allowed to feed or disturb the animals. Some days, you might witness staff feeding the crocodiles (between 11 AM – 1 PM), but it’s not a public event.
10. Are there toilet or restroom facilities?
There are basic toilets near the dam area, but cleanliness and water availability may vary. Carry tissue and hand sanitizer.
11. Is there mobile network coverage?
Limited. BSNL works better in this region, while other networks may be weak or patchy, especially near the dam.
12. Do we need any special permit to enter the crocodile farm?
No permit is needed. Entry is open to the public with a nominal entry fee.
13. What else can we do nearby?
You can visit Amaravathi Dam, go birdwatching, enjoy a picnic, or combine your trip with Thirumoorthy Hills, Aliyar Dam, or Topslip.
14. Is Amaravathi Crocodile Park suitable for solo travelers?
Yes! It’s peaceful, scenic, and great for nature lovers or photographers. Just ensure you return before dark if traveling alone.
15. Is it worth visiting during summer or monsoon?
Avoid peak summer (April–June) due to heat. During monsoon (July–August), the dam is scenic but the paths can be muddy. October to March is ideal.
💬 Amaravathi Crocodile Farm Visitor Reviews
🟢 Positive Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Fantastic place for kids and school trips.”
We brought our students here as part of an educational tour. The kids loved seeing crocodiles so close! The staff even answered a few questions. Safe, quiet, and totally worth it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Hidden wildlife gem near Udumalpet!”
I wasn’t expecting much, but this crocodile park was a surprise. Neatly maintained enclosures and peaceful surroundings. Paired it with Amaravathi Dam and made a beautiful half-day plan.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Clean, quiet and refreshing.”
The whole place is peaceful, not crowded like city zoos. You can walk around, take photos, and enjoy nature. Entry fee is very low. Great value for a relaxed family visit.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Great learning experience.”
My son is obsessed with reptiles, so this was heaven for him! Good information boards, and we even saw a staff member feeding the crocs. He was thrilled!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect for weekend escape.”
We drove down from Coimbatore. Beautiful roads, peaceful vibe, and the crocodile park was a highlight. Also loved the dam nearby. It’s a calm, natural spot, not commercial, which we liked.
🔴 Critical Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Very basic facilities.”
There are no toilets or proper eateries inside. We had to manage with tea and snacks from nearby stalls. Not ideal for elderly visitors or those with toddlers.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Not maintained as expected.”
While the crocodiles are fascinating, some parts of the farm look neglected. Broken signs, faded boards. With a little attention, it could be so much better.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Not a full-day attraction.”
You’ll be done in 30–40 minutes. Don’t expect too many activities or shows. Better if combined with Amaravathi Dam or nearby hill spots.
⭐️⭐️ “Remote and hard to reach without own vehicle.”
The place is difficult to reach if you don’t have a car. Public transport is rare, and there are no signboards on the way. We got lost twice.
⭐️⭐️ “No staff interaction or guides.”
It would have been nice to have someone explain more or give a quick tour. It’s more of a walk-through park. Good for self-visits but not very engaging.
Amaravathi Crocodile Farm is one of the best hidden wildlife attractions in Tamil Nadu, especially for nature lovers, families, and wildlife photographers. If you’re looking for an educational, affordable, and refreshing getaway, this is a must-visit.
Whether you’re planning a weekend trip from Coimbatore, exploring places to visit near Amaravathi Dam, or looking for wild animal parks near Pollachi, this place offers an experience that’s exciting and off the beaten path.
👉 Don’t miss the chance to discover this fascinating crocodile sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, a rare gem for eco-travelers and curious families alike! 🐊🌿
