National Parks in India -A Visit to Guindy National Park

Guindy National Park is located in Chennai covering a total area of 5 km square. This National Park is ranked as the 8th-smallest National Park in India. Guindy National Park is maintained by the Ministry of Environment and Forests. This park is located inside Chennai city. It was an extended part of Guindy Lodge, presently known as Raj Bhavan (Official home of the Governor of Tamil Nadu) before it came into existence as Guindy National Park.

A Visit to Guindy National Park

Guindy National Park location: Chennai, ‎Tamil Nadu‎, ‎India. This Park was established in 1978, and it, in a protective atmosphere, intends to save the endangered and rare wildlife species. And therefore, any kind of human activity, for instance, hunting or poaching, is strictly prohibited inside the park.

This National Park has well-established boundaries where over 350 species of vegetation, including total birds of more than 150 species and wild animals of more than 14 species. Visitors can also spot more than 60 spider and butterfly species and a large number of reptiles and amphibians. To keep up the natural habitats of these species, various restrictions are made. Visitors love to visit this park to witness different species and take photographs of the same. Nature lovers always love to visit this place for relaxation and peace of mind. Children must visit this National Park to get familiar with various wildlife species. Also, this National Park is established inside the city; hence communication for the visitors is also very easy. Different kinds of eateries are also available for visitors. Guindy National park has all types of facilities, and hence it never disappoints the visitors.

Some of the attractions of Guindy National Park are Children’s Park and Snake Park. The Snake Park was known as Madras Crocodile Bank Trust, where visitors can see a few unique reptile species, for example, python, viper, fascinating sea snakes, King Cobra, and turtles. This Snake Park exists right next to the Guindy National Park. Another very famous attraction of this National Park is its Children’s Park. It covers around 22 acres and is situated in the northeast part of the Guindy National Park. The curious minds of children can also experience a wide variety of birds and animals. There is a Tyrannosaurus statue at the entrance of this National Park, and it is considered the best background choice for the photographers.

Flora and Fauna in Guindy National Park

Guindy National Park consists of an evergreen plethora of trees and a canopy of tall ephemeral trees, for example, Sal (Shorea robusta), Albizia Amara, and Chloroxylon spp. But nowadays, these trees are disappearing as human beings meddle with the forests. There are still a few patches of Sal forest area in this National Park. The important fauna available in this National park is species of Mimusops elengi,  Manilkara hexandra, strychnine tree (Strychnos nux-vomica), Eugenia spp, Flacourtia indica,  Ceylon ebony (Diospyros ebenum) and Drypetes septaria.

A variety of mammals can be seen in its ecoregion, for instance, sloth bear (Ursus ursinus), jackal, dhole (Cuon alpinus),  chital, three-striped palm squirrel,  black-naped hare, spotted deer, blackbuck, common mongoose, small Indian civet,  jackal, hyena, bonnet macaque, Indian spotted chevrotain (Moschiola India) and hedgehog. The different types of fauna in Guindy National Park are reptiles and beautiful birds. Few names of birds available in this National Park are Paradise Fly Catcher, Grey Partridge, Black-winged kite, Parrot,  Crow Pheasant, Golden-backed Woodpecker,  Eagle, Stone Curlew, Tailor Bird, Parakeet, Open-billed Storks, Pochard and  Honey Buzzard. Few reptiles also charm the visitors, for example, Geckos, Fan-throated Lizard, Saw-scaled Viper, Lizards, Star Tortoise, Chameleons, Indian Monitor Lizard, etc.

Perfect Time to Visit

The best time to visit the National Park is between October to May. During this time, visitors can see different animals in their natural habitats. In the initial winter months, there is a mild temperature, and humidity is more minor in the air. Migratory bird species from all around the world also visit during this time.

Places to Stay Near Guindy National Park

Guindy National Park is located inside Chennai city. And hence, accommodation is very convenient for all the visitors. It is located in the southwestern part of the city, which is the gateway of Tamil Nadu state. In the Guindy neighborhood, various hotels are available to stay for the visitors.

Important Information about Guindy National Park

Park Opening Timings: This National Park is open all the week from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.

Entry Ticket:

For Adult: INR 15

Government School Students: INR 2

Private School Students: INR 10

Entry with Still Camera: INR 10

Entry with Video Camera: INR 75

Entry for Documentary film production using Video Camera: INR 2000

For Snake Park

Entry with Still Camera: INR 25

Entry with Video Camera: INR 150

Parking Fees:

Four Wheelers: INR 15

Two Wheelers: INR 5

Heavy Vehicles: INR 50

Conclusion

On a concluding note, we can say that it is a must-visit National Park for all the Nature lovers. Considered the 8th-smallest National Park of India, here children, as well as adults, can have some amazing experience of watching migratory bird species, animal species, and especially various types of reptiles. The best time when visitors can visit this National Park is from October to May.