Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Arignar Anna Zoological Park, widely called Vandalur Zoo, began in 1855 near Chennai Central station as India's first public zoo, after Edward Green Balfour persuaded the Nawab of the Carnatic to give his animal collection. Rising visitor numbers led to a move to Vandalur in 1976, and the new site opened in 1985. It covers 1,490 acres and is described as the largest zoo in South Asia.

Animals here include white tigers, lions, leopards and elephants. Separate sections hold an amphibian centre, a free-flight aviary, a butterfly park, a serpentarium with pythons and cobras, a crocodile enclosure and a primate house with lion-tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs. The zoo also runs a rescue and rehabilitation centre, keeps a wildlife library of more than 2,500 books and offers battery-powered vehicle tours.