Crocodile Bank, Mahabalipuram

The Crocodile Bank lies around 14 km from Mahabalipuram and is home to alligators, crocodiles and snakes. Set up by herpetologist Romulus Whitaker in 1976, the main purpose of the Crocodile Bank was to breed Indian and African alligators and crocodiles in captivity.

Today, over five thousand reptiles are maintained in their natural surroundings in open pools where they can be viewed from a safe distance by visitors. The largest croc-breeding site in India, the park is spread over 3.2 hectares of land.

The Crocodile Conservation Centre located in the premises is where the breeding takes place, and the crocs are released in the waters of Chambal and Mahanadi (protected sites) after breeding. The park also serves to help the Irulas, a tribe of snakecatchers make a living as they take visitors through the process of venom extracting.

Entry Fee: Rs 30 for Adult, Rs 30 for Child