Crocodile Bank

Not far from Mamallapuram, 40 km south of Chennai city, this crocodile breeding and research centre was set up in 1976 by wildlife conservationist Romulus Whittaker under the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and is now managed by a Board of Trustees. This bank was started to protect India's dwindling crocodile population and to preserve the Irula (Snake catching), tribe's way of life. It occupies an area of 3.2 hectares and has already produced more than 6,000 crocodiles. There is also a snake farm where anti - venom is produced. Several  species of Indian and African Crocodiles and Alligators bred in captivity are kept here in open pools. The snake venom extractions are a great attraction to the visitors and it helps the Irulas (tribe) to maintain their way of life. Open from 8am to 6pm. Tuesday to Sunday. Monday holiday. 

Address: 

Madras Crocodile Bank Trust
Centre for Herpetology,
Post Bag No 4,
Mamallapuram-603 104,
Tamil Nadu, S. India
Ph: +91-044-27472447
Fax: +91-044-27472958
Contact : E-mail

Muttukadu Boat House

About 36 km from Chennai, on the road to Pondicherry, Muttukadu Boat House run by TTDC (Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation) is situated on the edge of backwaters. Known for its prawn and jellyfish population, Muttukadu is an ideal picnic spot which has facilities for boating and wind-surfing. A windsurfing regatta is organised in Muttukadu, in February every year. Competitions in windsurfing and other water sports are also held. Training and demonstration programmes are held for youth. 

Dakshina Chitra

It is a unique Heritage village situated at Muttukadu on the new Mamallapuram Coastal Road, 35 kms South of Chennai. The Arts and Crafts village, Dakshinachitra offers the visitor an unforgettable and authentic insight into the lifestyles of the diverse people of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. 

Dakshina Chitra derives its name from the Sanskrit word Dakshina - South and Chitra - a picture or sketch. The Tamil history, language and way of life can be experienced with a guided tour. Architecture of the past 200 years is represented in a real rural setting. Every house is typical of its own professional group. One house in each section displays the textiles of the state. Some of the houses have kitchens fitted out with typical cooking utensils or puja rooms full of ritual items. The houses are cared for by women from nearby villages and some demonstrate simple household activities such as drawing 'kolams', grinding grain or making palm leaf decorations. Traders, potters, weavers and others working in the traditional way make  exquisite pottery, baskets, and carved stone items, some of which are for sale. The center is now developed to include the cultural replicas from all four states of South India. During special festivals, folk and classical dance performances can be seen here. 
Open 10.00am to 6.00pm (Tuesday Holiday).

Address: 

Dakshina Chitra
East Coast Road, Muttukadu, Chingleput District
Pin : 600118, 
Ph: 044 - 27472603, 044 - 27472783, 044 - 24918943
Contact : E-mail

Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)
Mahabalipuram is 59km south of Madras. It was an old port city and capital of the Pallava kings. It consists of 4 kinds of rock structures, cut-out monolithic rock temples (rathas), cut-in cave temples (mandapams), temples constructed from multiple pieces and materials, and bas-relief sculptures carved on large rocks. The combination of old 7th and 8th century Pallava carvings, temples and the wonderful Mahabalipuram Beach make the place a beautiful tourist destination. Read More...