crocbank

M adras Crocodile Bank

at Vadanemmeli near Mamallapuram

By Dhurai A.N. August 23, 2016

The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology, founded by Romulus Whitaker (a naturalized Indian citizen of American origin) in 1976 aims at conserving reptiles and amphibians. It was first established with the aim of conserving endangered Indian crocodiles. It is an NGO and non-profit organization and is the biggest crocodile sanctuary in India.

The Crocodile Bank houses more than 2000 marsh crocodiles as well as about 50 caimans and gharials. It also has four Komodo Dragons but they are not in public view.

Apart from these, there are also snake venom extraction shows by snake experts of the Irula tribe on all days except Monday( Monday being a holiday for the whole Bank). The venom extraction can be seen up close.

The Park also has daily talks by their staff. The talks are about the basics of snakes and poisonous and non-poisonous snakes. The Park has also newly introduced a night safari on advance booking.

The Park is well-maintained with informative signboards about crocodiles and other reptriles. About 60 species of birds are found here and the birds themselves draw many visitors.

The Park is open on all days except Monday from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. Entry fee is Rs.40 for adults and Rs.15 for children below 10 years.