Chennai Snake Park — Attraction in Zone 13 Adyar

I recently visited the Chennai Snake Park, and it turned out to be a truly fascinating and educational experience. Located within the Guindy National Park premises, this park is a must-visit for anyone interested in reptiles, wildlife conservation, or simply exploring something unique in Chennai.

The first thing that struck me was the peaceful and natural environment of the park. Surrounded by greenery, the place was well-maintained and clean, providing a refreshing escape from the city's hustle and bustle. The layout of the park was simple yet informative, making it easy to explore at a comfortable pace.

The park houses a wide variety of snake species, including both venomous and non-venomous types. From cobras, vipers, and kraits to pythons and rat snakes, the diversity was impressive. Each enclosure had detailed boards providing information about the species, their habitat, behavior, and importance in the ecosystem. It was quite educational and made the visit even more meaningful.

In addition to snakes, the park also features other reptiles such as crocodiles, lizards, and turtles, making it a complete reptile-focused experience. The enclosures were thoughtfully designed, allowing visitors to observe the animals safely and clearly.

One of the highlights was the live snake handling show and awareness session conducted by the staff. It was informative and helped dispel common myths and fears about snakes. The handlers demonstrated how snakes are rescued and explained the importance of their role in nature.

The staff at the park were friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to answer questions or guide visitors. I appreciated their efforts in promoting wildlife awareness and conservation.

Overall, my visit to Chennai Snake Park was both enjoyable and enlightening. It’s a great spot for families, students, nature lovers, or anyone curious about the reptile world. I would highly recommend visiting this park if you're in Chennai — it’s a rare experience that’s both fun and...

5 Star | A Fascinating Experience for Reptile Enthusiasts

Entry Fee (Feb 2025):

Snake Park: ₹30 per person

Camera/Mobile Phone Charge: ₹20 (only for Snake Park)

Iguana Interaction Zone: ₹10 per person

Parking: Charged separately

The Chennai Snake Park, established in 1972 by renowned herpetologist Romulus Whitaker, is a unique attraction in Chennai, offering visitors an up-close look at a diverse collection of reptiles.

Pros:

✅ Diverse Reptile Collection – The park houses not only various snakes (including King Cobras, pythons, and vipers) but also crocodiles, turtles, and iguanas. ✅ Interactive Iguana Exhibit – Inside the park, there's a special iguana enclosure where visitors can touch and interact with the iguanas for an additional ₹10. ✅ Shaded Environment – Unlike many outdoor attractions in Chennai, this park is well-covered with trees, making it comfortable to visit even in summer. ✅ Adjacent to Guindy Children's Park – Since it's right next to Guindy Children’s Park, you can extend your visit if you're with family or kids. ✅ Washrooms Available – Basic facilities like washrooms are present inside the park.

Cons:

❌ Short Visit Duration – The park can be explored in 1.5 to 2 hours max, so it's not an all-day attraction. ❌ Less Crowd, Limited Buzz – While this ensures a peaceful visit, those expecting a bustling environment might find it a bit quiet.

Overall:

The Chennai Snake Park is highly recommended for snake and nature lovers, families, and those looking for an educational yet exciting experience. The well-shaded surroundings make it a good place to visit even in summer. While it’s not a full-day attraction, it’s definitely worth a visit if you're in Chennai!

Would I recommend it?...

The Chennai Snake Park, also known as the Guindy Snake Park, is India's first reptile park, established in 1972 by renowned herpetologist Romulus Whitaker. Located adjacent to Guindy National Park on Sardar Patel Road in Chennai, the park spans approximately one acre and is managed by the Chennai Snake Park Trust, a non-profit organization dedicated to reptile conservation, education, and research.

Exhibits and Attractions

The park houses over 35 species of reptiles, including:

Snakes: King cobras, pythons, vipers, adders, and sand boas, displayed in glass-fronted enclosures.

Crocodilians: Indian crocodiles, Gangetic gharials, and exotic species like the Nile and Siamese crocodiles, kept in open-air enclosures.

Lizards and Turtles: Indian monitor lizards, iguanas, Indian black turtles, and flapshell turtles.

Aquatic Species: Water snakes and turtles housed in aquariums.

A notable feature is the Walk-Through Iguana Garden, where visitors can observe and feed iguanas and star tortoises in a naturalistic setting.

Educational and Conservation Efforts

The park actively engages in:

Captive Breeding: Programs for endangered species like the Indian rock python and Gangetic gharial.

Research: Studies on reptile behavior and conservation, including projects funded by organizations like the DRDO.

Public Education: Awareness programs, especially targeting school children, to dispel myths about reptiles and promote conservation.

Visitor Information

Timings: Open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, closed on Tuesdays.

Entry Fees: Adults ₹15, Children ₹5; Camera charges apply.

Facilities: Educational signage in Tamil and English, a museum with preserved specimens, and a library on...