Arignar Anna Zoological Park

This man-made Zoological Park situated on the outskirts of Chennai Metropolitan was created out of the Reserved Forests of Vandalur. The forests are of dry deciduous and dry evergreen scrub type. It was in the year 1855 the first Zoo in India was established in Chennai; later in 1979 shifted to this 510 Ha. Sprawling complex. This Zoological park is said to be one of the biggest in South East Asia. The wild life population are exhibited in a large open moated island type enclosures with simulated natural environment. More than 170 species of Mammals, Aviaries and reptiles are exhibited. Lion safari vehicle, Elephant Ride, Battery operated vehicles are some of the facilities available inside this park.

Crocodile Bank

This Crocodile Bank has been established with an aim to protected and conserve the endangered reptiles such as crocodiles, Alligators etc. Situated 14 kms from Mamallapuram, this Trust now houses more than six species of crocodiles.arrangements; 7.Located 42-km from Chennai (Madras) is a farm where several species of Indian and African crocodiles and alligators are bred in captivity. This crocodile bank is on the way to Mahabalipuram and is run by Romulve Whittaker. About 5,000 species are kept in their natural surroundings in open pools. They can be viewed from a safe distance.

The Crocodile Bank occupies an area of 3.2 hectares and has been established with an aim to protect and conserve the endangered reptile s such as Crocodiles, Alligators, etc. Tourists in large numbers visit the crocodile bank to see a variety of reptiles, all in one place.

Guindy National Park
Situated in Chennai. Compositions of animals Black Buck, Chital, Jackal, Pangolin and a variety of Avi fauna. Guindy National Park is one of the prime visiting spots for those who come to Chennai during vacation period. It attracts visitors over three lakhs during a season. A recommended picnic spot for the entire family to spend a day amidst nature and return home joyfully in the evening. This park boasts of over 24 varieties of trees, for example, Amona Squamosa, Atlanta Monoplylla, Feronia Limonia, Azadirachta India, etc. to mention a few. Also more than 14 varieties of shrubs, over 14 types of mammals like elephant, antilope, spotted dear, jungle cat, toddy cat, Indian civet, etc. The park also accounts for over 37 varieties of birds, like black chested, black winged kite, honey buzzard, pariah kite, and so on. There are also many kinds of amphibians and snakes to add to the variety that is already available.

Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park

This is a marine bio Sphere, running along the coasts of Ramanathapuram and Tuthukudi (Tuticorin) Districts. The entire Gulf of Mannar abounds in distinguished marine life covering, 21 Islands and 623 ha. This National Park is full of coral reefs, Dugong, Turtles, Dolphins and Balano-glossus. Kurasadai Islands, off mandapam, Boasts of a vast expanse of shallow waters. The presence of coral reef, flora and fauna here are in their virgin form.

Dolphins could create euphoria to the tourists. Other details: 1. Annual Rainfall: 900 mm; 2. Air port: Madurai- 150 kms; 3. Rain: Mandapam/ Toothukudi; 4. Accommodation: Hotel at Mandapam: 5. Other facilities; Boats available; 6. Authority: The Wild Life Warden, Gulf of Mannar, Marine National Park, 76/1. Madurai Road, Mandapam, Ramanathapuram District - 623 50.

Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park

Spread over 9.58 Sq.kms., this sanctuary can be reached through Topslip in Anamalai Hills on the Western Ghats. An Ecological Paradise, this sanctuary encompasses a National Park with an Orea of 108 Sq.km. Abutting Kerala on the West, this hill forest boasts of thick growth of trees, folds of terrains with evergreen sholas. About 800 species of South Indian flora are distributed here.

Some of the many rare and endangered species of flora are:
1. Combretum Ovalifolium, 2. Dispyros nilagrica, 3. Gymnopteris Contaimirans (Fern), 4. Habebarai reriflora (Orchid), 5. Polypodum pleroupus, 6. Alsophila sp, 7. Bulbophyllum sp., 8. Lasianthus uenuloses, 9. Angiopterris Erectra, 10. Gnetum Ula, 11. Impaliens Elegans, 12. Lycopodium cernum, 13. Ranunculus reniformis and Osmunda Regulis.

This sanctuary nurtures Arboreal animals like lion tailed macaque, bonnet macaque, Common Langur, Nilgiris Langur, Malabar Giant squirrel and Grizzled giant Squirrel. The ground animals listed are: Tiger, Panther, Elephant, Gaur, Pangolin, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Wild Boar, Dhole, Sloth Bear, Porcupine, Nilgiris Tahr, Civet Cat and Toddy Cat. The Avifauna includes Racket Tailed Drongo, Black Headed Oriole, Paradise Flycatcher, Whistling Thrust, Emerald Dove, Green Pigeon, Tickell's Flower Pecker, Rufus Wood Pecker, Rose Ringed Parakeet, Black Eagle, Great Indian Malabar pied Horn Bill, Fiary Blue Bird and green Billed Malkhoha etc.