- From city centre
- ~10 km · 25–55 min
- Best months
- Nov–Feb
- Best hours
- Opening time to mid-morning
- Entry
- Ticketed
- Habitat
- Forest & scrub
- Birds listed
- 9
How to get there
Beside the Raj Bhavan on Sardar Patel Road in Guindy. The ticket counter is near the Children's Park and Snake Park entrance; Guindy railway station is nearby.
Best time to visit
Best: November to February. Time of day: Opening time to mid-morning.
Entry fee & timings
As reported at the review date (2026-11-05). Confirm at the gate: fees and timings change.
Birds you can spot
9 birds listed. Tap a bird to add it to your life list (saved in this browser only).
Regularly reported, not guaranteed. See recent sightings on eBird
About Guindy National Park
One of the few national parks inside a city, with scrub forest and open grassland that shelter blackbuck, spotted deer and more than a hundred bird species. Walks are on set paths, and birding off-path needs permission.
History
The land was once part of the Governor's estate and now forms a small national park. The Snake Park and Children's Park next door make it a busy family stop.
Flora
Dry evergreen scrub, tamarind and banyan trees and open grassland.
Fauna
Blackbuck, spotted deer, jackals, monitor lizards and many snakes.
Nearby places
- Snake Parknext doorA small reptile centre.
- IIT Madras campus~2 kmA green campus with deer and birds; by permission.Birding guide →
- Adyar Estuary~6 kmWader flats.Birding guide →
Tips
- Go on a weekday morning; weekends are crowded.
- Check the Tuesday closure.
- Keep to the marked paths.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Guindy National Park for birds?
November to February. Opening time to mid-morning.
What is the entry fee for Guindy National Park?
A ticket is charged; sources list from about Rs 20 to Rs 60 for adults. A birding guide adds that written permission from the Forest Ranger may be needed for birding. Timings: Roughly 9 am to 5:30 or 6 pm; closed on Tuesdays.
Which birds can I see at Guindy National Park?
Regularly reported birds include Indian peafowl, Spotted owlet, Coppersmith barbet, Rose-ringed parakeet, Red-wattled lapwing, Brahminy kite, Black-rumped flameback, Asian paradise flycatcher. Sightings change with season and water levels.
How do I get to Guindy National Park?
Beside the Raj Bhavan on Sardar Patel Road in Guindy. The ticket counter is near the Children's Park and Snake Park entrance; Guindy railway station is nearby. It is about 10 km from central Chennai (25–55 min depending on traffic).
More birding spots
Reviewed 2026-11-05. Species lists, fees and timings are as reported and can change; confirm before you go.