Guindy National Park, a well-established forest reserve in Chennai, is a protected habitat for housing rare and endangered wildlife species that are bred, cared for, and sustained from becoming extinct. Situated against the backdrop of an industrial district, the park is worth the visit for tourists and wildlife enthusiasts, and most likely frequented by locals to experience a slice of nature amidst the chaos of the city life.
For the first-time visitor, the park unveils its beautiful forests, vegetation zones, lakes, streams, and a variety of flora and fauna, a truly visual delight for the eyes. Housing over 350 species of plants, the park is a thriving ecosystem for the migratory birds, wild animals, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, spiders and invertebrates. There is more than what your eyes can behold, you could spot the coveted Blackbuck, Spotted Deer, Star Tortoise, Storks, Monitor Lizard and many other migratory birds from other parts of the world.
The park is a huge den for shutterbug enthusiasts, and children to learn about preserving the ecosystem, besides the elephant and pony rides, visiting the snake park, children’s park and the mini-zoo within the park grounds. Other attractions at the park are a series of memorial structures of eminent Indian leaders, a public library and a photo gallery. Recommended duration for a tourist to tour the entire park would be around 3 hours, and in addition don’t miss the planetarium shows, a huge hit with the children.
Also, it is a highly recommended day trip by many travelers exploring Chennai, and even a stroll in the park is a perfect way to escape the scorching heat of the summer. About 8kms from the park is the Chennai International Airport, and the metro station is a kilometer away, with well-connected roads. Commuting is much easier, with a cheaper fare for convenient transportations such as a bus ride, metros, or even to book a cab online.
The park is open all round the year between 9am- 5:30pm, and is closed on Tuesdays for the public. Many visit the park, between October and May, to spot a variety of wildlife species, animals, migratory birds, and butterflies, and also the temperature is less humid and pleasant for uninterrupted day detours around the park.
Entry fee for adults is Rs 15 and for children Rs 10 and is between Rs 75 to 150 for camera/handy-cam, and parking charges are Rs 50 for tourist bus and Rs 15 for cars. For more information, about the timings and tickets, contact the information office at Range Guindy, Chennai. Other places of attraction worth adding to your itinerary include the Marina Beach, Fort St George, Elliot’s Beach, Royapuram Fishing Harbour and San Thome Church.
Address
259, Anna Salai, DMS Compound,
IV Floor, Teynampet, Chennai 600006
Directions: Google Maps
Phone: 044-22301328
