About Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology
The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology is a reptile zoo and research station located at Vadanemmeli (Nemelli) on the East Coast Road, about 40 km south of Chennai, near Mahabalipuram. Established in 1976, it houses one of the largest collections of crocodilians in Asia, including mugger, saltwater crocodile and gharial, along with snakes, turtles and lizards, and is noted for conservation breeding and herpetology research.
Visitors guide
Visitors can explore open-air enclosures and ponds housing various species of crocodiles, alligators, gharials, turtles, tortoises and snakes in a coastal scrub setting. The site includes interpretation centres, a snake venom extraction demonstration area, hatchery and research exhibits. Paved pathways connect enclosures, with shaded viewing areas, information boards and guided tour options explaining reptile biology and conservation.
Key highlights
- 01
One of the largest collections of crocodilians in Asia with 14 species
- 02
Conservation breeding centre for mugger, saltwater crocodile and critically endangered gharial
- 03
Snake venom extraction and reptile education demonstrations
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Centre for Herpetology with research, turtle and tortoise enclosures