Guindy National Park

The Children's Park here has playgrounds, swings, mini-railway, elephant and pony rides (weekends) etc for the kids. There is also a mini zoo with a sizeable collection of birds, deer's, peacocks etc. which gained statutory recognition as a medium zoo from the Central Zoo Authority in 1995. In addition there is a Snake Park established in 1972 with king cobras, pythons, vipers etc. Apart from snakes, certain species of tortoise and turtles- especially the endangered star turtle can be found here. There are also lizards, geckos, chameleons and the common Indian monitor lizard, as well as a large variety of insects and butterflies.  Raj Bhavan, the Governor's residence occupies one of the corners of the park. The beautiful forest area continues to the adjacent campus of the famous Indian Institute of Technology.

Surrounding the park there are several other famous institutes such as the Anna University of Technology, Central Leather Research Institute, Cancer Institute and the Chennai race course. There are also memorials to India's great leaders, Mahatma Gandhi, K.Kamaraj and C.Rajagopalachari, Bakthavatchalam in the vicinity. The park organizes Lecture-demonstrations regularly in languages like Tamil, Hindi and English. Though the park itself offers nothing much for a real wildlife enthusiast, the Snake Park is interesting. The park sums up a favourite picnic destination for the entire family especially school going children. Timings: 9.00 am, to 5.30 p.m. Holiday: Tuesday. 

Entry Fee :Below 10 years - Free, 11 to above Rs.5/-, School Children (Age 5 to 12 years) from Government and aided Schools - Rs.2.00, School Children from Private Schools (Age 5 to 12 years) - Rs.10.00. Adult : 15.00.

Still Camera: Rs.10, Handy Camera / Video Camera - Rs.75, Charges for documentary educational films using Handy camera and Video Camera - Rs.2000.,
In Snake Park Still -Rs. 25/-, Movie - 150/-

Parking vehicle charges : Heavy vehicle : 50/-, Motor car/van Rs. 15/-; Motor Cycle : Rs. 5/-.