Guindy National Park: Chennai's Urban Oasis
Discover Chennai's hidden gem: A compact national park with surprising biodiversity and a tranquil escape from city life.
Guindy National Park, located in the heart of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is a unique and valuable green space. Spanning just 2.7 square kilometers (1.04 sq mi), it stands as one of India's smallest national parks and one of the few situated within a metropolitan area. This compact park provides a vital sanctuary for diverse flora and fauna, offering a refreshing escape from the urban sprawl. Originally a game reserve in the early 17th century, part of the Guindy Lodge estate, the park's history is intertwined with the colonial era. The Guindy Lodge served as the residence for the Governor of Madras. In 1977, the Tamil Nadu government declared the area a national park to protect its unique ecosystem. The park's landscape encompasses forests, scrublands, lakes, and streams, supporting a variety of plant and animal life. Visitors can observe diverse wildlife, including blackbucks, spotted deer, jackals, various snake species, over 130 species of birds, and numerous butterflies and spiders. The park also houses a specimen of Tyrannosaurus that dates back over 20 million years. The vegetation consists mainly of tropical dry evergreen forest, interspersed with grasslands and water bodies. Guindy National Park also includes the Guindy Snake Park and a Children's Park. The Snake Park is home to a variety of reptiles, including king cobras, pythons, and vipers. The Children's Park offers recreational and educational opportunities for young visitors. The park is open every day, except Tuesday, from 9 am to 5:30 pm.
Local tips
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, as exploring the park involves a fair amount of walking.
- Carry water and light snacks, but avoid littering and remember that plastics are not allowed.
- Bring binoculars for enhanced birdwatching.
- Respect the wildlife by observing them quietly and not encroaching on their habitat.
- Visit nearby attractions like the Anna Centenary Library and the Birla Planetarium.
A brief summary to Guindy National Park
- Rangeguindy, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600025, IN
- +914429505150
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Friday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Saturday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Sunday 9 am-5:30 pm
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Chennai Central Railway Station, take the Chennai Metro Blue Line to Little Mount. From Little Mount, it's approximately a 20-minute walk or a short auto-rickshaw ride to Guindy National Park. Alternatively, several MTC buses (e.g., 119, 570) connect Chennai's major transport hubs to Guindy National Park. Alight at Guindy Race Course bus stop. From there, it is a short walk to the park entrance. MTC bus fares range from ₹7 to ₹30 depending on the type of bus.
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Taxi
Taxis and ride-sharing services (Uber/Ola) are readily available throughout Chennai. A taxi ride from Chennai International Airport to Guindy National Park typically costs between ₹420 and ₹500 and takes approximately 18 minutes. From Chennai Central Railway Station, a taxi ride to the park will cost approximately the same and take about 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxi fares in Chennai generally start at ₹11.40 per kilometer.
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Walking
From Guindy Railway Station, Guindy National Park is about a 17-minute walk. Exit the station and head south towards the park. The route is straightforward and well-signed. There are no specific access fees for walking.
