Vellore Amirthi Zoological Park: A Scenic and Diverse Wildlife Sanctuary

Vellore Amirthi Zoological Park is a zoo and a wildlife sanctuary located in Vellore district in Tamil Nadu. It was opened in 1967 and is about 25 kilometres from the Vellore city. The park covers an area of 25 hectares and is situated under the Javadu Hills of Tellai across Amirthi river. The park has a beautiful waterfall and a variety of flora and fauna. Half of the park is cleared to serve as a tourist spot while the other half is developed as a wildlife sanctuary. The park is a popular picnic spot and attracts many visitors throughout the year. The park is famous tourist attraction in Vellore, Visit during One Day Vellore Local Sightseeing By Private Cab.

Location of Vellore Amirthi Zoological Park

Vellore Amirthi Zoological Park is located on the Vellore-Tiruvannamalai road, which is easily accessible by road from various parts of Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states. The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport, which is about 130 km away from the park. The nearest railway station is Vellore Town Railway Station, which is about 25 km away from the park. There are also regular bus services to Amirthi from Vellore, Tiruvannamalai and other cities.

Timing/Entry Fees Vellore Amirthi Zoological Park

Vellore Amirthi Zoological Park is open for visitors from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm every day except Tuesdays and public holidays. There is an entry fee for visiting the park, which is Rs. 2 per person for adults and Rs. 1 per person for children. There are also charges for photography and videography. The photography charge is Rs. 10 per camera, and the videography charge is Rs. 50 per camera.

How to Reach Vellore Amirthi Zoological Park

Vellore Amirthi Zoological Park can be reached by road from Vellore city or from the nearby towns. There are auto rickshaws and taxis available for hire from the railway station, bus stand and other places. Alternatively, one can walk or cycle to the park from nearby areas.

Things to Do/Must See Vellore Amirthi Zoological Park

There are many things to do and see at Vellore Amirthi Zoological Park, such as:

• Exploring: The main attraction of Vellore Amirthi Zoological Park is exploring its natural beauty and wildlife diversity. The park has a variety of plants, trees, flowers and herbs that provide a green and serene environment. The park also has a seasonal waterfall that cascades from a height of about 15 metres and creates a scenic view. The waterfall can be reached by a trek of about 1 km from the entrance of the park.
• Watching: The park has a number of animals and birds that can be seen in their natural habitat. The park has about 174 animals of 20 species, such as spotted deer, mongoose, hedgehog, foxes, monkeys, parrots, love birds, tortoises, peacock, crocodiles, wild cats, eagles, ducks, pigeons, parrots, rabbits, and pythons. The park also has a diorama showcase that displays the natural habitat of some animals such as hyena and black buck.
• Shopping: Vellore Amirthi Zoological Park is also a good place to shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, books and other products related to nature and wildlife. There are many stalls and shops near the park that sell these items at reasonable prices.

Vellore Amirthi Zoological Park Nearby Tourist Attractions

There are many other tourist attractions near Vellore Amirthi Zoological Park that are worth visiting, such as:

• Vellore Fort: This is a large 16th-century fort built by Vijayanagara kings that houses several monuments of religious and cultural significance, such as the Jalakandeswarar Temple, the St. John’s Church and a Muslim mosque. The fort is known for its grand ramparts, wide moat and robust masonry.
• Sripuram Golden Temple: This is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu and the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The temple is located in Sripuram, a spiritual park in Thirumalaikodi, about 9 km away from the park. The temple is famous for its golden exterior that covers an area of about 1500 kg of gold. The temple also has a star-shaped path that leads to the main shrine, which symbolises the path to enlightenment.
• Vellore Government Museum: This is a museum situated within the premises of the historical Vellore Fort, in the heart of the Vellore city. The museum was established in the year 1985 as the 6th district museum to impart knowledge about the erstwhile North Arcot District and its significance. The museum has a wide range of artifacts of art, archaeology, anthropology, geology, botany and zoology that showcase the rich flora and fauna and cultural heritage of the region. The museum also has a fiberglass model of a 16 ft height life size Tyrannosaurus that attracts visitors at the entrance.

Significance of Vellore Amirthi Zoological Park

Vellore Amirthi Zoological Park is not only a tourist attraction, but also a source of education and awareness for the public. It is a place that imparts knowledge about the natural and wildlife resources of the region and their conservation. It is also a place that provides a recreational and educational experience for the visitors, especially children and students. It is also a place that promotes research and development in the field of zoology and botany.

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Conclusion

Vellore Amirthi Zoological Park is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and wildlife. It is a place where one can explore, admire and learn from various plants, animals and birds that inhabit the park. It is a place where one can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the waterfall and the forest. It is a place where one can experience the glory and spirit of Vellore.