Gorgeous Parks in Chennai for a Day Amidst Nature

Opened in November 2010, Semmozhi Poonga is the first botanical park of Chennai. Boasting of over 500 species of plants, the collection includes herbs and medicinal plants as well. The entire park has been divided into 8 zones with an individual theme. This is one of the most popular parks in Chennai owing to its charm, beauty and bounteous nature.

Timings: 10:00 AM - 7:30 PM (all days of the week)
Entry Fee: INR 15 for Adults and INR 10 for Children

Guindy National Park in Chennai is the dominant factor in contributing to the lush green cover of the city. Known to be the 8th smallest national park in the country, the land is blessed with dense forest area, scrublands, lakes and streams etc. Boating of varied flora and fauna, and rich wildlife, the park receives a large tourist influx throughout the year.

Timings: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Tuesdays closed)
Entry Fee: INR 15 for Adults and INR 10 for Children

Located opposite the Secretariat at Fort St. George near the Chennai Port, Secretariat Park is a beautiful urban park in the city. Initially, an underdeveloped piece of land, the area has now been transformed into a vast green space ideal for morning and evening walks or/and to spend some outdoor time amidst fresh air and lush greenery.


Timings: Open 24 Hours
Entry Fee: No Entry Fee

Arignar Anna Zoological Park aka Vandalur Zoo is a zoological garden located in Vandalur, a suburb in the southwestern part of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, about 31 kms from the city centre and 15 kms from Chennai Airport. It was previously located in 1855 and declared the first public and the largest zoo in India and is affiliated with the Central Zoo Authority of India, spread over an area of 602 hectares, including a rescue and rehabilitation centre. The zoo shelters about 3000 species of flora and fauna across twelve hundred acres including 46 endangered species, in its 160 enclosures.

Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Tuesdays closed)
Entry Fee: INR 50 for Adults and INR 20 for Children

Located in Mylapore in Chennai, Nageswara Rao Park is an urban park spread over 4 acres of land. It has a badminton area and a separate play section for kids. Besides, this park in Chennai also hosts civic forums and musical functions.

Timings: 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM and 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Entry Fee: No Entry Fee

Anna Nagar Tower Park, also known as Dr Visveswaraya Tower Park is an urban park located in the Anna Nagar suburb of Chennai. The highlight of this park in Chennai is the 135 ft tower built at its centre. The tower was constructed in 1968 as part of the World Trade Fair and is still the major attraction of the garden.

Timings: 5:00 AM - 9:30 PM (all days of the week)
Entry Fee: No Entry Fees

Also known as Adyar Poonga or Adyar Eco Park, Tholkappia Poonga is an ecological park established by an initiative of the Tamil Nadu government. Situated in the Adyar estuary, this park in Chennai boasts of 160 species of trees and is visited by tourists and localities alike.

Timings: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM,  2:30 PM - 4:30 PM on Saturdays and 2:30 - 4:30 on Tuesday, Thursday.  
Entry Fee:  INR 60 per Person

Located on the GN Jetty Road, Jeeva Park is a popular green park in Chennai. Especially popular among the joggers and kids, this park in Chennai is also visited by groups of friends and family for a day's picnic or to spend some quality time amidst nature and lush greenery.

Timings: 5:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Entry Fee: No Entry Fee

Originally named as Napier Park and later renamed, May Day Park is located in Chintadripet in Chennai. Opened in 1950, this park in Chennai used to hold political rallies and May Day celebrations. Now it has facilities for sports like cricket, football, volleyball and badminton and is replenished with lush green trees.

Timings: 5:00 AM - 8:00 PM (all days of the week)
Entry Fee: No Entry Fee

Located in T. Nagar in Chennai, Natesan Park sprawls over an area of 4 acres. Maintained by Chennai Corporation, the park has a separate tennis coaching for children. Besides it has a plant propagation centre and a separate play area for kids.

Timings: 5:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Entry Fee:  No Entry Fee

Situated in KK Nagar, Sivan Park is a relatively smaller park in Chennai. Blooming with vibrant flowers and buzzing with activity, the park is a haven for joggers. The park is generously graced with numerous green trees and is visited by friends and family to spend some time in bounteous nature.

Timings: 3:30 AM - 10:00 AM and 3:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Entry Fee: No Entry Fee

The Madras Crocodile Bank is not to be confused with a zoo. Yes, you can certainly take a look at the reptiles in captivity. But unlike a zoo, this has a much more in-depth operation through ex-situ and in-situ conservation. Right now, it is home to around 17 crocodile subspecies and some other reptiles like frogs, lizards, snakes and turtles as well.

Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Mondays closed)
Entry Fee:  INR 60 for Adults, INR 30 for Children and For Night Safari INR 200 for Adults and INR 100 for Children

Built in the 19th century, People's Park is one of the oldest and among the most popular parks in Chennai. Spread over 112 acres of land, the park is home to 12 lakes which also facilitate boating. Laced with shady green trees, the park is ideal for morning and evening walks.

This historic spot spread over 100 hectares lies aloof in the corner of Chennai which is situated between Adyar River and the coast. The society has a huge ground which is full of greenery, is peaceful and pollution-free away from the hustle-bustle of the city life. One can roam around and have a wonderful chit-chat with their partner as well as watch and be a part of the cultural performances which take place there. A banyan tree which is 400 years old too is present here which gives an ancient touch to the place altogether.