Vandalur Zoo is one of Chennai’s best full-day outdoor experiences, especially if you want something that works for kids, parents, and groups. Officially called Arignar Anna Zoological Park, it is a massive green campus spread over 602 hectares (1,490 acres) and is home to 2,300+ animals across 172 species.
Hidden Tip: Start early and treat this like a mini nature trip, not a quick city visit. The zoo is huge, and you will enjoy it only if you plan for walking, breaks, and a slow pace.
Where is Vandalur Zoo?
The zoo is located on GST Road, near Vandalur in Chennai. The zoo’s own distance guidance mentions it is about 6 km from Tambaram and about 15 km from Chennai Airport, making it easy for travellers coming from most parts of Chennai.
How travellers usually reach:
By car/taxi: Easiest if you’re with kids or elders.
By local train: Many visitors get down at nearby stations (like Tambaram/Vandalur area) and take a short ride onward.
By bus: GST Road has strong connectivity.
Hidden Tip: If you are coming on a weekend, reach the parking gate before 9:30 AM. It saves time and gives you cooler walking weather for the first 2 hours.
Vandalur Zoo Timings, Vandalur Zoo is open today?
Open: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed: Tuesday
Ticket booking closes: 4:30 PM
Hidden Tip: Enter as close to 9:00 AM as possible. You will see more animal activity in the morning and you will finish without feeling rushed.
Vandalur Zoo Contact Number
Vandalur Zoo (Arignar Anna Zoological Park) contact number:
044-29542301
Also listed on the zoo contact page:
WhatsApp: 9940127177
How much time you need at Vandalur Zoo?
If you explore properly, plan your time like this:
Quick visit: 3 hours (not recommended if you want safari, aquarium, butterfly park)
Comfortable visit: 4 to 5 hours
Full experience: Half-day to near full-day (ideal for families)
The zoo itself advises average visitors to plan around 4 to 5 hours.
Hidden Tip: If you are travelling with kids, do not try to “see everything”. Pick a simple loop: safari + reptiles + aquarium + butterfly park, and you will actually enjoy the day.
Vandalur Zoo Entry Fees, Safari, Parking
Fees below are from the zoo’s official tariff listing.
🎟️ Vandalur Zoo Ticket Price: Entry, Safari, Zoo Round, Camera, Parking
Hidden Tip: If you are visiting with elders, kids, or anyone who struggles with long walks, the Zoo Round (battery vehicle) is the single best add-on. It prevents fatigue early and helps you enjoy the rest of the zoo calmly.
What to see inside Vandalur Zoo (chennai zoo, the “don’t miss” list)
This zoo is big, so it helps to group attractions into “must-do experiences” that most travellers love:
1) Safari (Lion and Deer)
The zoo is known for its Lion Safari and Deer Safari, which many families consider the highlight of the visit.
Hidden Tip: Do the safari either early morning or after your first short walking loop. If you delay it to late afternoon, you may feel rushed near closing time.
2) Walk-through Aviary (free-flight bird zone)
The zoo has a well-known walk-through aviary, designed so visitors can watch birds in a natural-feeling space.
Hidden Tip: Move slowly and keep your voice low here. The calmer you are, the more birds you will see close to the path.
3) Reptile and crocodile sections
The reptile zone is a major crowd-puller. The zoo describes features like a serpentarium and crocodilian viewing, including an underwater gharial viewing concept mentioned in their attraction descriptions.
Hidden Tip: This is one of the best mid-day zones because it keeps kids engaged even when the sun is strong outside.
4) Aquarium (indoor, cool break)
The zoo’s aquarium is described as a themed building housing 31 species of ornamental fishes.
Hidden Tip: Save the aquarium for the hottest part of the day. It works like a natural “AC break” during your walk.
5) Butterfly Park
The zoo describes a butterfly park spread over 2.7 hectares with host plants and nectar plants designed for butterfly conservation and viewing.
Hidden Tip: Do not rush for photos here. Stand still near flowering plants for 2 to 3 minutes and butterflies usually come closer on their own.
6) Nocturnal Animal House
The zoo highlights nocturnal exhibits like Slender Loris, porcupines, civet cats, and owls.
Hidden Tip: Kids who “get bored of animals behind fences” often love this section because it feels different from typical zoo viewing.
7) Forest Museum (nice exit-side finish)
The zoo describes a forest museum with displays like herbarium/insectarium themes and natural history exhibits.
Hidden Tip: Keep this for your last hour. It is a calmer wrap-up and helps kids cool down before leaving.
Vandalur Zoo Safari (Two rides people confuse)
1) Safari Round (Lion Safari + Deer Safari ride)
This is the actual “safari” inside Vandalur Zoo. You board the zoo’s safari vehicle and ride along the safari route through the Lion Safari and Deer Safari areas. It feels like a mini wildlife experience inside the zoo campus, and it is usually the most exciting part for first-time visitors.
Who should take it
First-time visitors
Families with kids
Anyone coming specifically to see the lion and deer safari zones
Ticket (separate from entry)
Adult: ₹150
Child (5 to below 12): ₹30
What to expect
Group vehicle ride on a fixed route
Sightings vary depending on where the animals are at that time
Waiting time can happen on weekends and holidays
Hidden Tip: Do the Safari Round in the first half of your visit. If you keep it for the last hour, queues plus closing time pressure can ruin the best experience of the day.
2) Zoo Round (Battery Vehicle) also called the buggy ride
This is not the safari. This is the internal battery-operated ride that helps you cover more of the zoo with less walking. Think of it as a comfort ride and time-saver, especially useful because the zoo is huge.
Who should take it
Families with elders or small kids
Anyone who does not want long walking
Visitors who want to cover maximum zones in limited time
Ticket (separate add-on)
Adult: ₹150
Child (5 to below 12): ₹50
What to expect
A loop-style ride that helps you move across key areas faster
Great to reduce fatigue, but you still need short walks at many spots for viewing
Hidden Tip: If you are visiting with family, the best combo is: Safari Round for the experience + Zoo Round to save energy. If you must choose only one, pick Safari Round for thrill, pick Zoo Round for comfort.
Vandalur Zoo Animals
Instead of listing hundreds of species, here’s what matters for trip planning: this zoo maintains large collections across mammals, birds, and reptiles. In the zoo’s published animal stock summary, totals include:
Mammals: 44 species, 534 animals
Birds: 88 species, 1,118 animals
Reptiles: 38 species, 327 animals
Hidden Tip: If your family’s “must-see” list includes lions, deer safari, reptiles, aquarium, and butterflies, you already have a complete and satisfying Vandalur Zoo day without needing to chase every enclosure.
Vandalur Zoo Map
Adventure Activities at Vandalur Zoo
This is not an extreme adventure park, but Vandalur Zoo offers experiences that feel adventurous and memorable:
Safari round (most thrilling for families)
Zoo Round (battery vehicle) for covering long distances quickly
Cycle option inside the zoo (a fun way to explore for adults and older kids)
The zoo’s own time guidance suggests:
Walking: 3 to 4 hours
Cycle: 2 to 3 hours
Battery vehicle: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Hidden Tip: If you take cycles, do it in the morning only. Mid-day cycling in Chennai heat drains energy fast, and your family may lose interest in the rest of the zoo.
Food Facilities at Vandalur Zoo
Food outlets exist inside the campus, and the zoo notes multiple operators such as TTDC, Aavin, and TANTEA.
Very important rules:
Cooked food items are not allowed inside the zoo premises
Homemade food can be eaten in the dining area near parking
Packed food in polythene covers should not be brought inside
Hidden Tip: If you want to carry food, pack simple items that do not violate the “no cooked food inside” rule and plan to eat at the dining area near parking. This avoids being stopped at entry and avoids stress with kids.
Vandalur Zoo Parking Facilities
Parking is available with official rates listed (for example, two-wheeler ₹40, car/jeep ₹150, bus ₹200).
Hidden Tip: Keep small cash ready even if you paid tickets online. Parking and quick purchases inside are faster when you do not depend on UPI during peak crowd times.
Restrooms, drinking water, and comfort facilities
For visitor comfort, the zoo provides:
RO drinking water points (refill your bottle)
Toilets and general visitor amenities listed by the zoo
Hidden Tip: Carry a refillable bottle and refill from RO points instead of buying multiple bottles. It saves money and avoids the hassle of carrying plastic waste all day.
Best Time to visit Vandalur Zoo
Best time of day
Best is morning 9:00 AM onward for cooler walking and higher animal activity
Ticket booking closes 4:30 PM, so late starts feel rushed
Best season (comfort-based planning)
The zoo’s own guidance mentions:
Summer (April to June) can be very hot, wear light cotton clothes
Rainy season (August to November): carry rain protection and avoid standing under trees
For most travellers, the easiest months for a relaxed trip are typically the cooler part of the year.
Hidden Tip: If you visit in warmer months, plan your “walking heavy” zones in the first 2 hours, and save indoor or shaded attractions for mid-day.
Vandalur Zoo Itinerary for “first-timer”
9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Main animal viewing loop (fresh, cooler air)
11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Reptiles + aquarium
12:30 PM to 1:15 PM
Lunch break (follow food rules)
1:15 PM to 2:30 PM
Butterfly Park + walk-through aviary
2:30 PM to 4:00 PM
Safari + Children’s Park
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Forest museum and exit
Hidden Tip: Do not leave safari for the last hour. Even if you make it, you will feel hurried, and the best part of the day will become stressful.
Vandalur Zoo Traveller Reviews
🟡 The Good
★★★★★ “Battery car round was worth the money.”
Many visitors say the zoo is very large and the battery vehicle helps you cover more ground without getting tired early. This is especially useful for families with kids and elders, and it makes the visit feel smoother and more relaxed.
★★★★★ “The area is huge, you need a full day.”
Travellers repeatedly mention the zoo’s size and variety. People who plan enough time enjoy it more because they can explore animals, birds, and indoor exhibits without rushing.
★★★★★ “Start early, escape the heat.”
Visitors recommend arriving in the morning so walking feels comfortable and animals are more active. Early entry also gives you buffer time for safari queues and breaks.
★★★★☆ “Great experience with animals, birds, and aquatic life.”
Many reviews highlight that the zoo is not just about big animals. People enjoy the mix of mammals, birds, and fish sections, which keeps the day interesting for both adults and kids.
★★★★☆ “Weekdays are better.”
Several travellers say weekday visits feel calmer with less noise and fewer queues. If you want a peaceful experience and better photos, weekdays come out strongly in visitor feedback.
★★★★☆ “Cycling is a good way to explore.”
Visitors who want an active trip often suggest cycling as a practical way to cover the zoo. It helps you stop where you want, skip long waits for battery cars, and still enjoy the scenery.
❄️ The Not So Good
★★★☆☆ “Never go on a public holiday.”
Real visitors warn that public holidays can get extremely crowded. When the crowd surges, queues for battery cars and safari vehicles become longer, and the experience feels tiring.
★★★☆☆ “Long waiting for the battery vehicle.”
A common complaint is waiting time for battery operated vehicles during peak days. Travellers mention that if you arrive late or go on weekends, you may spend a lot of time just waiting.
★★★☆☆ “Safari vans felt cramped.”
Some visitors like the safari idea but mention the ride can feel tight and crowded, especially when seats fill up. If you prefer comfort, plan the safari when it is less busy.
★★★☆☆ “Avoid weekends.”
Multiple reviews repeat the same point: weekends are noisy and busy. The zoo is still enjoyable, but it becomes less relaxing, and you might not get enough time at popular enclosures.
★★☆☆☆ “Crowds reduce the experience.”
A few travellers feel that the crowd management on peak days makes the visit less satisfying. Their main frustration is not the zoo itself, but the waiting, the noise, and the packed flow.
Hidden Tip: If you want your experience to match the best reviews, go on a weekday morning, do safari early, and keep battery car or cycles as your “energy saver” plan.
Vandalur Zoo is the kind of place that becomes a memorable holiday only when you plan it like a full experience, not a quick stop. Go early, pace your walking, take breaks, and pick a simple route that covers your must-sees like safari, reptiles, aquarium, and butterfly park. If you are travelling with kids or elders, the battery vehicle Zoo Round can completely change the day from tiring to enjoyable. Visit on a weekday if possible, follow the food and litter rules, and you will leave with great photos, calm moments, and the feeling that you spent a day inside a real green forest right next to the city.
Hidden Tip: Before you exit, take 5 minutes to check if everyone has actually seen their favourite animal. That one small “last stop” avoids the classic family regret: “We came all the way and missed it.”
