Cities are called as ‘concrete jungles’ but Chennai is a city with a slight difference, for amidst the concrete buildings, there is actually a small national park. Guindy National Park spread across just 1.04 sq mi or 270 square kilometres is situated in Chennai, actually near Raj Bhavan, the official residence of the Governor of the state of Tamil Nadu.

The 8th smallest national park in the country, Guindy National Park is actually an extension of the ground that surrounds Raj Bhavan and has lush forests, scrub lands and even lakes and small streams. There are also a variety of animal species which includes 60 species of butterflies and spiders, 14 mammal species, and a rich crowd of invertebrates that include earthworms, slugs, ants, millipedes, grasshoppers, scorpions, termites, snails, crabs and more. This is not all. There are also around 2,000 spotted deer, different kinds of snakes, tortoises, geckos and even around 400 blackbucks, 24 types of jackals and 130 species of birds and all this, imagine, amidst the hustle and bustle of Chennai city.

The animals roam around freely without any disturbance in the Guindy National Park. The animals are protected and looked after the way similar to other in-situ conservation parks. The park is hugely popular not just with the local population but also foreign and domestic tourists. It is estimated that more than 700,000 visitors come to the park every year.

History

The history of one of the rarest national parks situated in a city is also quite interesting. Earlier, the area where the national park is located was a sports reserve, owned by a British citizen Gilbert Rodericks. The area was later given away to Forest Department.

There are several famous locations near Guindy National Park, apart from the fact that it is actually an extension of the Raj Bhavan premises. The Rajaji Memorial, the Kamaraj Memorial and Gandhi Mandapam are located near the national park. Even the IIT campus is on the south-eastern borders of the park.

The Inhabitants of Guindy National Park

Though a small national park, Guindy National Park has a wide variety of plants and animals. It is home to more than 30 different tree species and also has several evergreen scrubs, thorny forests and also more than 350 species of different types of climbers, grasses, herbs and more. Some of the tree species present are Neem, Atlantia monophylla, Sugar apple and wood apple amongst others. There are several huge banyan trees too, some of which are believed to be more than centuries old.
Amongst the animal species, what stands out is the vast variety in mammalian species. Visitors can find hyena, fox, jungle cat, black buck, antelope, chital, jackal and river otter among other species. There are also spotted deer, large Indian civet and river otter in the park.

There is a wide variety in the landscape of Guindy National Park and it is such a lush and flourishing landscape that provides blooming environs to the plant and animal species in the park. There are vast grasslands, flowing streams and thick forests that make the perfect home to these species. The national park is also home to more than 37 bird species and there are all types of birds and more.

It is a perfect locale for bird watchers who can get glimpses of exotic birds such as black-winged kite, pariah kite, partridges, quail, paradise flycatcher, honey buzzard and parrots and more. With such enormous and lush greenery, several migrant birds too throng the Guindy National Park during seasonal changes. Some of the migrant birds that come to the park in huge numbers are night herons, pond herons, Medium egrets, large egrets, garganeys, Teals, Asian Open-billed Stork and pochards.
The streams and wet surroundings make the perfect home for several species of amphibians and snakes. Rare star turtle, chameleons, geckos and many other kinds of reptiles, turtles and tortoise can be found in and around the muddy shores. In addition to this variety, there is also a mammoth assortment of insects and butterflies. All in all, the Guindy National Park is a perfect place for nature lovers, animal researchers, ornithologists and wildlife photographers and that too in the midst of the city.

Guindy Snake Park and Children's Park

Other attractions near the Guindy National Park are two more parks, a snake park and a children’s park. Guindy Snake Park is home to several snake species including pythons, vipers, king cobra and other snakes.  The area was formerly the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and it is recognised as a medium zoo by the Central Zoo Authority.

The Children’s Park situated on the northeast corner of Guindy National Park is spread across 22 acres and was given the status of a medium zoo in 1995. Though a children’ park with a play area, the zoo also hosts several animals such as crocodile, grey pelican, rhesus monkey, jackal, mongoose, night heron, python, sambar, porcupine, cormorant, common langur and others. A fossilised tree which is believed to be more than 20 million years old is a major attraction at the Park. Children are also thrilled to see the statue of a Tyrannosaurus welcoming them at the entrance.

Though a part of the Guindy National Park, the snake park and children’s park can only be reached through different entrances. Entry fees too have to be paid separately.

Catering and drinking facility and even vendors are available at the parks. The parks can be reached through the Sardar Patel road adjoining the Adyar Cancer Institute.

Timings and Holidays

Both the Children’s Park and the Snake Park are open on all days except Tuesdays. Visiting time for the former is 9.00 am-6 pm while the snake park is open from 9 am to 5.30 pm.

How to Reach

Air

The only major airport near Guindy National Park is the Chennai airport which has both domestic and international terminals. Chennai airport is interlinked with all major airports in the country and also with the major airports in Singapore, UK, USA and more.

Rail

Apart from the Guindy railway station which is just 1 km away, there are two more railway stations near the Guindy National Park, one being the Chennai Central Station 12 km away and the Chennai Egmore station just 9 kms away. These railway stations can be reached from all major cities and town from across the country.

Road

Guindy National Park can also be approached by road as several private buses and state transport buses have services to Chennai from different parts of the country. Chennai also has good local transportation facilities.

Visitor Information

The Guindy National Park is open for public from 9 am to 5.30 pm. Entry fees vary. Adults are charged Rs. 15. The entry is free for children under five years. Children from 5 years to 12 years are charged Rs. 10 but children from government and aided schools are only charged Rs. 2.

Visitors also can hire equipments for better viewing of animals and birds. Handy camera or video cameras are available for hire at Rs. 150 while a still camera can be got on rent for Rs. 25. Filmmakers interested in making documentaries too can make use of this equipment at a fee of Rs. 2000.

Vehicle parking is too available at the park. Heavy vehicles get free parking while motorcars, vans and other vehicles can be parked in the premises after paying a fee of Rs. 15. The parking fee for motor cycles and bikes is Rs. 5.

Other Attractions

An interpretation centre has been recently opened that gives detailed information about the biodiversity of the park. Since this is a protected park, visitors who wish to enter core protected areas can do so only accompanied by a forest ranger.

There are several famous institutions near the Guindy National Park. The IIT campus lies adjoining the southeast portion of the park, while on the northern border, there is the Anna University, the Adyar Cancer Institute, Kamaraj Memorial and Rajaji Memorial, the Gandhi Mandapam and of course, the magnificent landmark the Raj Bhavan, whose estate extension the Guindy National Park.