Crocodile Bank

The Crocodile Bank occupies an area of 3.2 hectares and has been established with an aim to protect and conserve the endangered reptiles such as Crocodiles,Alligators, etc. Tourists in large numbers visit the crocodile bank to see a variety of reptiles, all in one place. The Madras Crocodile Bank is the 7th century Pallava seaport town of Mahabalipuram renowned for its rock-cut temples. The main attraction is the crocodile conservation centre, which is the largest croc-breeding site in India.

Located 42-km from Chennai (Madras) is a farm where several species of Indian and African crocodiles and alligators are bred in captivity. This crocodile bank is on the way to Mahabalipuram and is run by Romulve Whittaker.The Bank today has about seven crocodilian species including the three Indian types.

The Indian species include the 3.6 metre long Marsh/Mugger variety which is the most widely distributed species once found in all lowland water systems including the arid State of Rajasthan; the four to five metre long Gharials, the crocodile with the longest jaw which has a pot like snout; and the largest of reptiles, the Saltwater crocodiles, eight metres long and 900 kilogram's in weight, found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Sunderbans in West Bengal and in coastal Orissa. About 5,000 species are kept in their natural surroundings in open pools. They can be viewed from a safe distance.

This bank was started to protect India's dwindling crocodile population and to preserve the Snake catching. This bank 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 to maintain their way of life.

How to Get Crocodile Bank

Air : Chennai (42-km) is the nearest airport with both domestic and international terminus. Chennai is connected with all the major places in India through the numerous domestic flights. International flights operate from various parts of the world to Chennai.

Rail : The nearest railway stations are Chengalpattu (29-km) and Chennai (42-km).

Road : There are buses available from Pondicherry, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu and Chennai to Mahabalipuram daily. The Crocodile Bank is on the way to Mahabalipuram. Tourists can also hire a taxi from Chennai (Madras) or Mahabalipuram