10 Wildlife Parks Near Chennai You Cannot Miss

Its summer and you feel like you need a break from the continuous cacophony of life. However, are you tired of the usual beach holiday, or the mountain excursion? Perhaps now you should take a turn towards the wild side – quite literally. One of Tamil Nadu's prized possessions is its assorted flora and many different species of wildlife. As a natural corollary to this, some of the country's leading wildlife sanctuaries are in this state and they’re all a hop, skip and a jump away from Chennai. So here are the top wildlife getaways from Chennai to visit this summer.

1. Annamalai/Indira Gandhi Wildlife sanctuary

Situated in the Western Ghats, the Annamalai Sanctuary is surrounded by various other wildlife sanctuaries such as the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Eravikulam National Park and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (more on these later). Perched 1400 metres above sea level ensures that this is quite literally is a sanctuary for people to come and rest and rejuvenate among the lush and peaceful surroundings. Don’t be surprised if you come across an elephant wandering in the vicinity. However you could voluntarily choose to see one during an elephant safari into the forest, that’s available twice a day. The park closes down from February 15 to April 15, so plan your holiday accordingly. The traveller can feast his eyes upon many scenic waterfalls, tea estates and reservoirs in the national park as well. It’s a day trip from Coimbatore or Topslip and you definitely should make it.  

How To Get There:  The best gateway for the Sanctuary is Topslip (70 Kms from Coimbatore). Other gateways are Amaravathi (90 Kms from Coimbatore), Sethumadai (5 Kms before Top Slip) and Valparai (92 Kms from Coimbatore). There are plenty of trains and flights to Coimbatore from Chennai after which all the gates to the park are a short drive away.

Where To Stay:  The park has a large tourist complex at Top Slip that houses many cottages, rooms, and dormitories for visitors. Visitors can get around the park by trekking and a safari van. Cotsvilla Resort at Top slip is available to guests at 3000 rupees per night or you could choose to stay at Coimbatore (Hotel Apple Park, Hotel prince Gardens or the Gokulam Park).

2. Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary

By the time you may choose to visit, Parambikulam could have been declared as A World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This is a close neighbour of the India Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and is one of the only sanctuaries that allow trekking within the park boundaries (with prior permission of course). Parambikulam’s wealth is great when it comes to its rich biodiversity, replete with Wild Boar, Sambar, Gaur, Crocodiles, Tigers and Panthers. Elephants roam about in great numbers that has led to the park’s image as ‘The abode of elephants’. For a vantage point with a great view, there  a tree-house in the Reserve Forest area in Parambikulam (these need to be booked in advance), or you could also observe wildlife from the watch towers that are available at Anappadi & Zungam (5 Kms from Thunakadavu).

How To Get There: Located 96 Kms from Coimbatore, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Palakkad district of Kerala. Anappadi is the entry point to Sanctuary (all bookings have to be made here). The headquarters of the Sanctuary is Thunakadavu (8 Kms from Anappadi & 9 Kms from Parambikulam Dam).

Where To Stay:  There are enough hotels available in the Palakkad district to ensure that you do not need to travel far to reach the National Park. Gopalpuram International, Nakshatra Regency and Nila Residency provide all facilities to guests with various budgets.

3. Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Spread over a rambling 510 hectares the Arignar Anna Zoological Park is one of the largest and the finest in South East Asia. Unlike other National Parks, this park is surrounded by dry forests which serve as ideal breeding grounds for animals and have led to the abundancy of wildlife like Tigers, Jaguars, Lions, Panther, Elephants, Sambar, Giraffes and many more. Elephant safaris are also available inside the park. Wildlife enthusiasts, this is the place to be, which is comparatively closer to the main city. Next time when you have the urge to escape to a sanctuary, keep Arignar Anna Zoological Park in mind.

How To Get There: The closest railway station is Chennai which is 38kms away (we weren’t joking about the proximity). There are many state run buses that you can take from Chennai to the Zoological Park.

Where To Stay: Timing of the park is from 9AM-8PM, so make it a day trip from Vandalur. The region has many hotels one of the best of which is Kalyan Hometel, Vandalur which offers a comfortable stay.

4. Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

A bird watchers paradise, some of the species you can spot here include Peacock, Grey Jungle Fowl, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Large Racket-tailed Dronge, Shama, Magpie-robin, Hawks and many others. Mudumalai is situated on the western side of the Nilgiri Hills, which provides excellent views of these legendary blue hills. The area is also known as the Madumalai Tiger Reserve because of the presence of around 48 tigers in the reserve.  Surrounded on all sides by wildlife sanctuaries, Mudumalai is an important wildlife habitat due to its strategic position as a Wildlife corridor between several other protected areas making it an essential part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The park is perennially open so be sure to include it in your itinerary for this year!

How To Get There: The Nearest railway station to reach Madumalai is Udagamadalam station (Ooty) in the Nilgiri Mountain Railway service, which is nearly 64 km away. Taxi services are available from Ooty to Mudumalai to directly reach at the sanctuary. The distance, from Chennai to Ooty is about 545kms by road. It’s a long ride but the wildlife sanctuary is worth a visit.

Where To Stay: You could stay at Masinagudi, that’s closer to the park. A viable stay option would be the Jungle Hut Resort. Or you could choose to stay a little further away at Gudalur which has more options for stay at the Sree kripas Farmstay or the Sasthapuri Hotels. Hint- The drive from Gudalur to Mudumalai is absolutely beautiful.

5. ​Guindy National Park

Upon reaching Guindy, you might be under the impression that it’s quite small. That’s because it’s the 8^th smallest national park in the country. Another unique factor is that it’s located right inside Chennai. So for all those who need a quick break from the monotony of the working week in the peaceful environs of a jungle, Guindy National Park is the place to go. The park is home to plenty of fauna such as blackbuck, chital or spotted deer, jackal, small Indian civet, common palm civet, bonnet macaque, hyena, pangolin and hedgehogs . The park is a huge tourist attraction in Chennai, visited every year by around 700,000 people. Be sure to be one of them this year!

How To Get There: The park is situated opposite IIT Madras, perhaps once you’re in the city, taking your own conveyance till the park would be the best idea.

Where To Stay: Finding a place to stay near the park is an added convenience. Hotels like The Checkers Hotel, The Royal Regency, Zone by the Park, Orange Inn Guindy and Le Royal Meridien are all hotels which cater to traveller with different budgets. All are equipped with the best facilities and even free WiFi.

6. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary

Vedanthangal is the oldest bird sanctuary in the country. Vedanthangal literally means ‘hamlet of the hunter’, because this area, with its multiple lakes and vegetation, attracts a lot of migratory birds. Unfortunately these birds used to fall prey to the local landlords who hunted in these lands. The safety of the birds is top priority and serious steps have been taken to prevent poaching. The best time to visit this sanctuary is from November to March. During this time, birds are seen busy building and maintaining their nests which is a unique sight. Start planning your visit to the sanctuary today!

How To Get There: Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is a short 2 hour drive from Chennai via NH45. In case you don’t have your own conveyance, there are various State Tourist buses that operate from Chennai to the Bird Sanctuary.

Where To Stay: The nearest city to Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is Chennai. However you can choose to live in Mahabalipuram because that could shorten your commute to the Sanctuary. Silversands Beach Resort, Shelter Beach Resorts, Golden Sun Hotel Beach Resort and The Ayur Resort are hotels which allow you to enjoy the sun, sand and surf and the wildlife of Vedanthangal. 

7. Viralimalai Wildlife Sanctuary

This town is more popular for the Lord Shanmuganathar Temple situated atop a granite hill. The Viramalai Wildlife sanctuary is predominantly known as a Peacock sanctuary, since these majestic birds are the pride of the sanctuary. The reserve provides refuge to several varieties of wild Peacocks, each equally exotic. The Palawan Peacock Pheasant, strolling around the Murugan temple has an enchanting charm that captivates tourists. This Wildlife Sanctuary is frequented by tourists during the period of October to April. If you have never seen a Peacock dance in the rain, this is the place to go, you just might see more than one!

How To Get There: Viralimalai Wildlife sanctuary is around 6 hours (360kms) away from Chennai via NH45 through Tiruchirapalli. A scenic drive down to Viralimalai is a perfect way to begin your getaway.

Where To Stay: SRM Hotel, Breeze Residency and Hotel King Paradise are hotels that provide all basic amenities and have acquired good reviews by travellers in the past, ensuring you have a relaxing weekend.

8. Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary

This sanctuary was created with the sole purpose of conserving the endangered Black Antelope. Point Calimere or Kodiyakarai has a history that precedes the establishment of the National park in 1967. The National park has a lot to offer in terms of sightseeing. There are multiple shrines to be visited along with Lighthouses standing at awe-inspiring heights allowing the public views of the Bay of Bengal. The sanctuary’s proximity to such a huge water body has ensured the presence of various marine animals and water birds as well. It’s one of those few places in India where you can meet an Olive Ridley turtle, sight dolphins and threatened species of water birds such as the Spot-billed Pelican, Nordmann's Greenshank, Spoonbill Sandpiper and Black-Necked Stork. A weekend getaway here is sure to rejuvenate you.

How To Get There: The nearest railway station is Nagapattinam (60 km) and nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli (150 km) to Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary.  Point Calimere is 360kms from Chennai, and is a popular road trip because of the view on the road.

Where To Stay: We suggest you stay at Nagapattinam and make a day trip from there to the wildlife reserve. Hotel New Tamil Nadu, Hotel Sri Ramathirivathi and Subam Lodge are viable options for travellers who would really like to visit Point Calimere Wildlife sanctuary.

9. Periyar National Park

Periyar is one of the most sought after wildlife getaways because of its rich biodiversity and scenic charm. Periyar is located high in the Cardamom and Pandalum Hills which allow for spectacular views of the verdant valleys below which are filled with rare and endangered flora and fauna. Periyar, predominantly known as an elephant and tiger reserve forms the major watershed of two important rivers of Kerala, the Periyar and Pamba. Periyar. The sanctuary is surrounded by Periyar Lake and The Periyar River meanders through the reserve as well, both of which serve as sources of water for the local wildlife. Periyar is definitely a must if you’re a nature and wildlife lover.

How To Get There: Kottayam at 114-kms is the nearest railhead from Periyar. Kumily, the nearest town from Periyar is well served by both state and private buses from Kottayam, Ernakulam and Madurai in Tamil Nadu. When travelling from Chennai then your best option is Trivandrum Mail, leaving Chennai at 19:45 hrs and reaching Kottayam at 7:30 hrs next day.

Where To Stay: Periyar’s popularity has led to the development of multiple hotels in the region. Aranya Nivas, Poetree Sarovar Portico and Kerala House are hotels which are geared to deal with travellers all around the year.

10. Nagarhole/Rajiv Gandhi National Park

Under consideration by UNESCO to become a World Heritage Site, Nagarhole National Park is located in Kodagu District and Mysore district of Karnataka. Nagarhole is a part of Project Tiger that is an initiative to preserve the condition and number of tigers that are fast dwindling in India. Nagarhole is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve that ensures that you’ll be greeted with beautiful lush surroundings and a promising respite from the din of city life. Some majestic big cats you’ll spot here are Bengal Tigers and Leopards. Nagarhole should definitely be a wildlife sanctuary you visit this year.  

How To Get There:  A lot of buses operate on this route at various price ranges making it very convenient for travellers.   Or you could board train from Chennai to Nagarhole, a journey of about 9 hours. Krishnarajanagara is the nearest railway station. It is about 42 kms from Nagarhole. Nagarhole is situated at a distance of 546 km from Chennai, if you wish to drive; you could take your own conveyance or hire a taxi available from INR 5 per kilometer (depending upon the type of car).

Where To Stay: Hotel Punchwati and Hotel Machaan are some of the popular hotels of Nagarhole National park and have obtained great reviews from travellers who visit all around the year.

A wildlife sanctuary quite literally provides a sanctuary for you to explore and enjoy, far from the maddening crowd. It’s time to pack those bags and move out of the concrete jungle to the real thing.