Guindy National Park

History

The region of the park was once a game reserve a few centuries ago. Located in the forest land of Coromandel Coast, Guindy attracted Royals and high-ranked British officers with its rustic appeal. It is one of those rarest national parks that are located within the precincts of a major city, in this case, Chennai. 

Guindy National Park is the 8-th smallest National Park of India. But, in its tiny periphery, the Park is rich with some huge trees, beautiful animals and birds, lots of plants, lakes, and a few scrub lands. It plays in instrumental role in conserving several species of faunas. 

Way back in 1910, the core area of the Park was given the status of a Reserve Forest by the then British Government. Between the years 1961 and 1977, a big portion of the forest land was transferred from Raj Bhavan to the reserve area. Government of India awarded it the status of National Park in the year 1976.  

Useful Information

Total area – 2.82 sq km

Core area – 2.70 sq km

Elevation – 19 meters 

Latitude – 13° 0' 29N 

Longitude – 80° 13' 10E

Nearest river – Adyar River    

Nearby hills –  

Avg. annual rainfall – 1215 mm

Flora of Guindy National Park

The Guindy National Park is not only famous for its variegated fauna species, but, it is also renowned for its multifarious flora species. In fact, several Chennai residents regularly visit the Park, availing Guindy tour packages, to witness the mesmerizing beauty it has, in its plants, bushes, shrubs, flowers and trees. The nature of scrub in the Park is dry evergreen. The dryness of the shrubs is visible in autumn and winter months. The vegetation is predictably lusher during monsoons. 

There are a few water-bodies scattered all over the Park. The Park also has significant grasslands. There are more than 350 species of exotic and common plants in the area, including climbers and herbs. The Guindy National Park has about 24 types of big trees, across its length and breadth. One of the most common big trees found in the periphery of the Park is the Sugar-apple tree. Another interesting tree variety in the area is the Wood-apple. There are also Neem trees in the Park. 

Approximately one-sixth area of the Park is open grassland, in order to maintain a nice ecological balance, and make the habitat ideal for various plants, trees, animals and birds. 

Fauna of Guindy National Park

Although Guindy is a tiny National Park in terms of total area, but, you would be truly amazed to witness the exciting range of mammals and other animal species found in the Park in your Guindy adventure packages. There are some rare species within the regional periphery of the Park, which are rare in even many bigger National Parks. 

One of the most common mammals found in Guindy National Park is the chital, the other name for which is spotted deer. There are hundreds of chital in the Park. It is also easy to spot blackbuck in Guindy. You could also spot animals such as jackals, and palm civets. 

If you are lucky enough on your tour, then you could get a glimpse of hyenas when you are availing Guindy wildlife packages. One of the most attractive animals in the area is the rare 3-striped palm squirrel. But, spotting is not very common. You could also see pangolins and hedgehogs in the park.

Common mongoose is another interesting resident of Guindy. It is also quite common to spot bonnet macaque. While doing a walking tour of the area, you could spot a black-nape hare, too. 

Besides animals, there are approximately 150 avian species in Guindy. Major species among them are grey partridge, parrot, quail, honey buzzard, shrikes, minivets, parakeet, crow pheasant, drongo, Asian Koel, tailor bird, paradise flycatcher, robins, stone curlews, etc. The Guindy National Park is a paradise for enthusiastic birdwatchers, and of you are one, then you could avail Guindy sightseeing packages and watch here migratory birds such as teals, pochards, large egrets, pond herons, garganeys, night herons, etc. 

Climate 

The general climate of the Park falls under the category of tropical wet type, and tropic dry type. The location is on equatorial region. Moreover, it is also very close to the coastal areas. Hence the temperatures in the Park do not vary too much, and remains within a bracket, throughout the year. 

Months between December and March are usually the dry months. The level of humidity is less in this period. Summer begins early, from April, and last till June. Monsoons generally start from July and can last beyond November. Months of July and August receive the maximum rainfall. Summers are hot and very humid. There are two large tanks in the Park that dry up in summer months, and again fill with water after the first rains. 

The day time temperatures, except the dry months, hover around late-thirties in degree Celsius. Temperatures at night can dip and stay around 20 degree Celsius, at times, especially in December and January. 

Best Time to Visit Guindy National Park

If you are chalking out a plan about the best time Guindy safari tours, then the dry months, from December to January, would be the perfect period. You would be able to travel comfortably with your family, or on a solo trip, during these months. The humidity is very less in these months, and you can explore the Park conveniently, without sweating it out. 

If you prefer to see the scintillating lush greenery of the Park, then you might choose the monsoon months to travel. But keep in mind that doing a walking tour in the premises could be more difficult than you think, due to clogged rain waters and muddy paths. On the other hand, traveling at the end of the year availing Guindy family packages would give you a golden chance to spot several exotic species of migratory birds. 

Traveling to Guindy during summer season is common, too, as many tourists do so, with their families and friends. But, due to the high level of humidity and scorching hear, it might seem a bit uncomfortable for you, especially if you arrive from a cooler place. 

How to Reach Guindy National Park

As Gundy National Park is located in Chennai, a major metropolitan city, hence, it is not at all difficult to reach the Park, availing Guindy holiday packages. There are several modes of transport that you can avail, as per the flexibility of your tour plan to reach and explore the Park. 

By Rail: One of the easiest ways to reach Guindy is obviously via rail. From any major city or even from a Class 2 town in India, you can reach the Chennai Central Station on train. The station is only 12 km away from Guindy. From there, you can avail a rented car or a public bus to your destination, when you avail Guindy affordable packages. You can also take a train to Egmore railway station that is merely 9 km from the Park. 

By Road: There are many tourists who make a long-distance trip on cars while arriving at Guindy. You can also rent a car from other cities and directly reach the spot. There are buses playing from all major areas in Chennai to Guindy, giving you no problem to reach the place. 

By Air: The Chennai International and Domestic Airport is close to the Park. You can take a flight from any major Indian city to Chennai, availing Guindy weekend tour packages. From the airport, you can either rent a car or hire bus services. 

Connectivity & Distances

Distance from entry gate: Negligible 

Railway station: Guindy (<1 km), Chennai Egmore (9km), Chennai Central (12 km)

Bus Stand: Guindy Bus Stand 

Airport: Chennai International Airport

Nearest city/town: Chennai

Places To Visit Near Guindy National Park

The advantage of Guindy National Park is it located at a prime location in Chennai. Hence, you would never experience any dearth of choices if you want to add places to your Guindy National Park itinerary list. A precise list below would provide you with some ideas. 

Snake Park – The world-famous Snake Park in Chennai is located just at the adjacent area of Guindy. You can explore it, knowing about several species of snakes, and their habitats. 

Ramakrishna Temple – Chennai is a city of temples. You could have a good time roaming the city, visiting to various holy places of historic importance. For example, you could visit the emphatic Ramakrishna Temple, barely 3.5 km away from the Park, on a weekend getaway tour. 

Marundeeswarar Temple – It is yet another temple in the vicinity of the Park, where you can visit quite easily, as it is less than 3 km away from the location of Guindy. 

Ashtalakshmi Temple - Praying at the Ashtalakshmi Temple is said to be auspicious. Several tourists visit the temple from Guindy. It is approximately 2 km away from Guindy. 

Kamakshi Amman Temple – The magnificent Kamakshi Amman Temple is also not far away from Guindy National Park. You can rent a car from Guindy and quickly reach there, on a weekend trip, as it is only 5.5 km away.