Madras Crocodile Bank Trust - a large alligator laying on the ground next to a body of water
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Madras Crocodile Bank Trust

4.3
·20k reviews·Mahabalipuram, India

A vital reptile conservation center and zoo, home to diverse crocodiles, snakes, and turtles, offering educational experiences and a thrilling night s...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunday afternoons

Feeding sessions & VR shows

CrowdHigh
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Madras Crocodile Bank Trust - a large alligator laying on the ground next to a body of water

Madras Crocodile Bank Trust

Best Time

Sunday afternoons

Feeding sessions & VR shows

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vital reptile conservation center and zoo, home to diverse crocodiles, snakes, and turtles, offering educational experiences and a thrilling night safari.

4.3
(20k reviews)

"A worthwhile and educational destination for wildlife and conservation enthusiasts, especially families."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Night Safari Tickets

The night safari is popular! Book tickets in advance, especially on weekends, to avoid disappointment.

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a fair bit of walking around the park. Comfortable footwear is a must!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gharial Underwater Exhibit

Gharial Underwater Exhibit

Underwater enclosure

Witness the majestic gharial glide effortlessly in its naturalistic underwater habitat.

Night Safari Thrills

Night Safari Thrills

Various enclosures

Experience the nocturnal world of reptiles, spotting glowing eyes in the dark.

Snake Venom Extraction Demo

Snake Venom Extraction Demo

Demonstration area

Learn how venom is collected for life-saving anti-venom by the skilled Irula tribe.

Feeding Sessions

Feeding Sessions

Crocodile enclosures

Watch 'Jaws III', one of India's largest saltwater crocodiles, during its Sunday feeding.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Reptile Encounters

Visit during feeding sessions or the night safari for the most active reptiles. Weekends offer special VR shows and demonstrations, but expect higher crowds. Check feeding schedules in advance to maximize your viewing opportunities.

Plan Your ECR Adventure

The Madras Crocodile Bank is a great stop along the East Coast Road (ECR), often combined with Mahabalipuram. Allocate 1-2 hours for your visit, but allow extra time if you plan to attend feeding sessions or the night safari.

Best Times

When
Sunday afternoons
Why
Feeding sessions & VR shows
Crowd
High
When
Weekend evenings
Why
Active reptiles on night safari
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Vantara moved HUNDREDS of these mugger crocodiles out of congested zoos in India, and now they live together in this massive exhibit 🐊🌏 #animals #wildlife #nature #conservation #zoo
@forrestgalante
4.1K likes • 66.8K views

🎯 Book Night Safari Tickets

The night safari is popular! Book tickets in advance, especially on weekends, to avoid disappointment. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a fair bit of walking around the park. Comfortable footwear is a must! Instagram

Amma's South Indian Cuisine co-owner Balakrishnan Duraisamy missed the food — and the coffee — his mother made him in South India as a child. At Amma’s, he serves up traditional Madras filter coffee to satisfy that craving. Read more about Madras filter coffee and other brewing methods at the link in our bio. 📹 by Jenna Miller / Staff
@phillyinquirer
3.4K likes • 43K views
Madras Crocodile Bank . . #madrascrocodilebank #madrascrocodilebanktrust #placestovisitinchennai #crocodile #chennai #placestovisitwithkids #homemakersjournal
homemakers_journal
17 likes • 599 views

💧 Stay Hydrated

It can get humid. Carry water or purchase refreshments from the canteen. Reddit

📸 Capture the Moment

Bring your camera or phone to snap photos of the incredible reptiles. Instagram

The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust. Perfect spot for weekend. Share with friends and family. . . Located in Pondicherry to Chennai ECR. Timing 9 AM to 5 PM Monday Holiday Do follow @travel_with_sivi for more updates. #pondicherry #chennai #weekend #crocodile #travel #travelgram #reels #reelsinstagram #instagram #instagood #instadaily
travel_with_sivi
0 likes • 12.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Night Safari Tickets

The night safari is popular! Book tickets in advance, especially on weekends, to avoid disappointment. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a fair bit of walking around the park. Comfortable footwear is a must! Instagram

💧 Stay Hydrated

It can get humid. Carry water or purchase refreshments from the canteen. Reddit

📸 Capture the Moment

Bring your camera or phone to snap photos of the incredible reptiles. Instagram

⏰ Check Feeding Schedules

Plan your visit around feeding times for a more exciting experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(20k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Madras Crocodile Bank for its extensive reptile collection and crucial conservation work. It's a highly recommended educational stop, especially for families, offering unique experiences like the night safari and venom extraction demonstrations. While some find the visit relatively short for the price, the overall consensus is positive, highlighting the well-maintained enclosures and informative staff.

"For those with an interest in wildlife and conservation, the Madras Crocodile Bank is a worthwhile and educational destination. It offers a unique opportunity to see a wide array of reptile species, learn about important conservation efforts, and enjoy engaging activities like the night safari. While not a full-day commitment, it is an excellent stop for families traveling along the ECR, especially when combined with other nearby attractions like Mahabalipuram.

Highlights and attractions
Vast reptile collection: The park houses a large collection of reptiles, including over 15 species of crocodiles and alligators from around the world. You can see endangered species like the saltwater crocodile and gharial.
Other species: Beyond the crocodilians, the park features a variety of snakes, turtles, tortoises, and lizards. A separate area is dedicated to snakes, including venomous and non-venomous types.
Underwater gharial exhibit: A unique feature allows visitors to see a magnificent gharial swimming effortlessly in a large underwater enclosure with other fish and turtles.

Feeding sessions: The park offers feeding demonstrations. On Sunday afternoons, you can witness the feeding of "Jaws III," one of the largest saltwater crocodiles in India.
Night safari: For a thrilling experience, the night safari on weekends lets you see the reptiles when they are most active. You are given torches to spot the hundreds of glowing red eyes in the dark.
Snake venom extraction: This process is demonstrated by the Irula tribe, providing insight into how venom is collected for producing anti-venom medicines.
Guided tours: Knowledgeable guides share interesting stories and facts about the reptiles.
Virtual Reality (VR) shows: On weekends and holidays, you can experience VR movies that transport you to the natural habitats of reptiles around the world.

Ideal for children: The Croc Bank is particularly popular with families and school groups, as kids enjoy seeing the reptiles up close in a safe environment.
Good for short trips: While some reviewers feel the entry price is high for a relatively short visit, most agree it's a good place to spend an hour or two.
Well-maintained enclosures: The enclosures are designed to mimic the animals' natural habitats, allowing for safe and close-up viewing.
Amenities: The facility includes a canteen for refreshments, a gift shop for souvenirs, and clean washrooms. However, some older reviews noted that toilets were not well-maintained.
Accessibility: Located on the ECR, the park is easily accessible by car, bus, or auto-rickshaw. Paid parking is available."

Vel Murugan

"A fantastic place to visit in Chennai.
The team at snake park does a good explanation about the different types of snakes . The team also did a splendid job in explaining the reason the do and donts of how to handle snake in your vicinity.

There are variety of crocodile 🐊 in the park . They are kept cool by sprinkling water on them .

The park is well organised and well shaded .

It’s a good evening get away for the kids . Overall a great experience."

Vijay Kalkundri

"The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology is a must visit place near Chennai if you’re interested in wildlife and conservation. The facility is well-maintained and houses a wide variety of crocodiles, alligators, gharials, turtles, snakes, and other reptiles. It’s not just a tourist attraction but also an educational and research center dedicated to preserving endangered species.

The guided tours and interactive sessions are informative, especially the snake and crocodile talks where the staff explain about their habitat, behavior, and conservation efforts. The night safari is also a unique experience. The place is green, peaceful, and provides a natural environment for the animals.

Tickets are reasonably priced, and the money goes towards maintaining the animals and research work. A great spot for families, kids, and anyone curious about reptiles. Highly recommend visiting if you’re in Mahabalipuram or Chennai."

Desireddy Yashwanth Reddy

What People Like

Vast reptile collection
Conservation efforts
Night safari experience

What People Dislike

Can be a short visit

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust is located on the East Coast Road (ECR), about 40 km south of Chennai. It's easily accessible by car, bus, or auto-rickshaw. Paid parking is available on-site. InstagramReddit+1

Yes, it's very close to Mahabalipuram, making it a perfect stop when visiting the ancient town. Many visitors combine the two. InstagramReddit

Several local buses ply along the ECR route. Auto-rickshaws are also readily available for hire. Instagram

Yes, paid parking is available at the Crocodile Bank. Reddit

Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Ola are generally available in the Chennai area and can be used to reach the Crocodile Bank. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry fees are typically around ₹100 for adults and ₹50 for children below 10 years old. Prices may vary slightly. InstagramReddit+1

The park is usually open from 9 AM to 5 PM, with the last ticket sold around 5 PM. It is closed on Mondays. Instagram+2

For regular entry, advance booking is usually not required. However, for special events like the night safari, it's advisable to book ahead. Reddit

While not always advertised, school groups often receive special rates. It's best to inquire directly with the park for group or student discounts. Instagram

Most visitors find the entry fee reasonable for the experience, especially considering the conservation work the money supports. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You'll find over 15 species of crocodiles, alligators, and gharials, plus various snakes, turtles, and lizards. Reddit

Yes, look out for feeding sessions, snake venom extraction demonstrations, and on weekends, VR shows and a thrilling night safari. Reddit

Absolutely! It's a fantastic place for children to learn about reptiles in a safe and engaging environment. InstagramReddit

Most visitors spend 1-2 hours, but you could easily spend longer if you attend feeding sessions or the night safari. Reddit

The park is well-shaded by trees, making it comfortable even on warm days. Enclosures are generally well-maintained and accessible. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a canteen on-site offering refreshments and snacks at decent prices. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, it's generally acceptable to bring your own snacks and water, especially for families. Reddit

The canteen typically offers basic snacks, beverages, and light meals. Reddit

Yes, being on the ECR, there are numerous restaurants and eateries in the vicinity, especially closer to Mahabalipuram. Instagram

While not a food destination, the experience of enjoying a snack amidst the natural surroundings adds to the visit. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed. However, always be mindful of signage and avoid using flash photography that might disturb the animals. Instagram

The underwater gharial exhibit, the various crocodile enclosures, and the snake park offer great photo opportunities. Reddit

Drone usage is typically prohibited in wildlife parks to avoid disturbing the animals. Check park rules for specifics. Instagram

Be respectful of the animals and other visitors. Avoid intrusive photography, especially during feeding times. Instagram

Close-ups of reptile eyes, the sheer size of the crocodiles, and the unique underwater views are popular on platforms like Instagram. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Madras Crocodile Bank is an excellent choice for families. Kids will be fascinated by the sheer number and variety of crocodiles, alligators, and gharials. The feeding sessions and the snake venom extraction demonstrations are particularly engaging for younger visitors. InstagramReddit

Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as there's a good amount of walking. The park is well-shaded, making it comfortable for a few hours of exploration. Consider visiting on a weekend for the special shows, but be prepared for larger crowds. Reddit

🌿 Wildlife Enthusiasts & Conservationists

For those passionate about wildlife and conservation, the MCBT is a must-visit. You'll gain insight into critical breeding programs and research efforts, particularly concerning endangered reptile species. InstagramReddit+1

The opportunity to learn about snake venom extraction and the work of the Irula tribe is particularly noteworthy. The park's dedication to reptile preservation is evident throughout your visit. InstagramReddit

📸 Photographers

The Madras Crocodile Bank offers unique photographic opportunities. Capture the intense gaze of a crocodile, the intricate patterns of snake scales, or the serene underwater world of the gharial. InstagramReddit

Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer lighting. The night safari, while challenging, can yield dramatic shots of glowing eyes. Remember to be respectful and avoid disturbing the animals with excessive flash. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Conservation Efforts at MCBT

The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust (MCBT) is more than just a zoo; it's a vital center for reptile conservation. Established in 1976, it has played a crucial role in saving several species of crocodiles and gharials from the brink of extinction. The park actively participates in breeding programs and reintroduction initiatives, aiming to restore populations in their natural habitats. InstagramReddit

Beyond crocodilians, MCBT is also a significant research hub. They conduct studies on snake venom, which is critical for developing effective anti-venom. This research, often involving the local Irula tribe, contributes to public health and safety across India. Visitors can learn about these efforts through educational talks and demonstrations. InstagramReddit

The educational aspect is paramount. MCBT strives to raise awareness about the importance of reptiles and their ecosystems. Through guided tours, interactive sessions, and informative displays, they aim to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for these often-misunderstood creatures. InstagramReddit

Experiencing the Night Safari

For a truly unique adventure, the night safari at the Madras Crocodile Bank is a must-do. As dusk settles, the park transforms, offering a chance to see reptiles in their most active state. Armed with torches, visitors can explore the grounds and witness the eerie glow of hundreds of reptilian eyes reflecting in the darkness. Reddit

This experience provides a stark contrast to daytime visits, revealing a different side of the park's inhabitants. It's a thrilling opportunity to observe behaviors that are not visible during daylight hours. The guides often share fascinating insights into the nocturnal habits of the animals. Reddit

Due to its popularity, it's highly recommended to book your night safari tickets in advance, especially if you're visiting on a weekend. This ensures you don't miss out on this unforgettable nocturnal exploration. Reddit

A Family-Friendly Destination

The Madras Crocodile Bank is a hit with families and school groups, offering an engaging and educational outing for children. The well-maintained enclosures provide safe viewing opportunities, allowing kids to marvel at the diverse reptile species up close. InstagramReddit

Interactive elements like feeding demonstrations and the snake venom extraction talks add an exciting educational layer. The park's shaded environment and on-site canteen make it a comfortable place for families to spend a few hours. Reddit

It's often recommended as a great stop for kids traveling along the ECR, easily fitting into a day trip that might also include nearby attractions like Mahabalipuram. InstagramReddit

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