Guindy National Park is a protected area of Tamil Nadu, located in Chennai, India. It is the 8th smallest national park in India and one of the very few national parks situated inside a city. The park is an extension of the tropical dry evergreen forest of the Coromandel Coast, which once covered the entire city. The park is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including blackbucks, spotted deers, jackals, snakes, geckos, tortoises and over 130 species of birds.
The park also houses various attractions, such as the Children’s Park, the Snake Park and the Butterfly Park. Visit during Chennai One day tour Package By cab
Location of Guindy National Park
Guindy National Park is located at Rangeguindy, Opp IIT Madras, Guindy National Park, Guindy, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600025, India. It is about 10 km (6.2 miles) from the city center and 15 km (9.3 miles) from the airport. The park is easily accessible by road, rail and metro from different parts of the city.
Timing/Entry Fees Guindy National Park
Guindy National Park is open to the public daily, including Sundays (excluding public holidays) between 09:00 am and 05:30 pm for the National Park and the Snake Park and between 09:00 am and 06:00 pm for the Children’s Park. The Children’s Park remains closed on Tuesdays. There is an entry fee for visiting the park, which is 20 per person for adults and 5 per person for children above 10 years of age for the National Park and the Snake Park and 2 per person for school children between 5 to 12 years of age for the Children’s Park. There is also a fee for still camera (10) and video camera (75).
How to Reach Guindy National Park
There are many ways to reach Guindy National Park from different parts of Chennai and nearby areas. Some of the common modes of transport are:
- By Road: Guindy National Park is well-connected by road with various parts of the city and nearby towns. There are many buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws that ply to and from the park. The park road, also known as Sardar Patel Road or Raj Bhavan Road, runs parallel to the Adyar River and has signboards indicating the direction to the park.
- By Rail: Guindy National Park can be reached by train from various railway stations in Chennai and nearby areas. The nearest railway station is Guindy, which is about 2 km (1.2 miles) away from the park. Other nearby railway stations are Saidapet, Mambalam and Tirusulam. From these stations, one can walk or take an auto-rickshaw or cycle-rickshaw to reach the park.
- By Metro: Guindy National Park can also be reached by metro from various metro stations in Chennai. The nearest metro station is Guindy, which is about 2 km (1.2 miles) away from the park. Other nearby metro stations are Little Mount, Saidapet and Nandanam. From these stations, one can walk or take an auto-rickshaw or cycle-rickshaw to reach the park.
Things to Do/Must See Guindy National Park
Guindy National Park offers a green oasis for visitors who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy nature and wildlife. Some of the things to do and see at the park are:
- Exploring the forest trails: Guindy National Park has various forest trails that lead to different parts of the park where visitors can observe the flora and fauna of the park. The trails are marked with signboards and information boards that provide details about the plants and animals found in the park. The trails are suitable for walking, cycling and birdwatching.
- Visiting the Children’s Park: Guindy National Park has a Children’s Park that provides a recreational and educational experience for children. The park has various exhibits and models that demonstrate various scientific principles and concepts in a fun and engaging way. The park also has a mini zoo that houses various animals such as deer, monkeys, crocodiles, etc.
- Visiting the Snake Park: Guindy National Park has a Snake Park that showcases various species of snakes found in India. The park has various enclosures that display venomous and non-venomous snakes such as cobras, pythons, vipers, etc. The park also has a museum that displays snake skins, skeletons, eggs, etc.
- Visiting the Butterfly Park: Guindy National Park has a Butterfly Park that displays various species of butterflies found in India. The park has a dome-shaped structure that simulates the natural habitat of butterflies. The park also has a museum that displays butterfly specimens, life cycle, etc.
Significance of Guindy National Park
Guindy National Park is not only a tourist attraction but also a significant place for Chennai and India. Some of the reasons why Guindy National Park is important are:
- It is a natural heritage site that showcases the biodiversity and ecology of the coastal region. It is one of the last remnants of the tropical dry evergreen forest of the Coromandel Coast, which is a rare and endangered ecosystem. It is home to many species of plants, animals and birds, some of which are endemic or threatened.
- It is a cultural heritage site that reflects the history and identity of Chennai and India. It is a place where people can enjoy the traditional and modern aspects of entertainment and leisure. It is also a place where people can learn about the wildlife and conservation efforts.
- It is a social hub that brings together people from different backgrounds and walks of life. It is a place where people can interact, communicate, share and learn from each other. It is also a place where people can express their opinions, voice their concerns and celebrate their achievements.
FAQ’s
Q: Is photography allowed at Guindy National Park?
A: Yes, photography is allowed at Guindy National Park for personal use only. However, visitors are requested to be respectful and discreet while taking photographs and not to disturb or offend anyone.
Q: Are there any facilities or amenities at Guindy National Park?
A: Yes, there are some facilities and amenities at Guindy National Park, such as toilets, drinking water, benches, parking, etc. There is also a resident manager who lives within the park premises and can assist visitors with any queries or issues.
Q: Are there any other attractions or places near Guindy National Park?
A: Yes, there are some other attractions or places near Guindy National Park, such as Raj Bhavan, which is the official residence of the governor of Tamil Nadu; IIT Madras, which is one of the premier engineering institutes in India; Gandhi Mandapam, which is a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi; Phoenix Marketcity, which is a shopping mall with many shops, restaurants, cinemas, etc.
Conclusion
Guindy National Park is one of the very few national parks situated inside a city. It offers a green oasis for visitors who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy nature and wildlife. It also houses various attractions, such as the Children’s Park, the Snake Park and the Butterfly Park. Guindy National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the charm and diversity of Chennai.
