Vandalur

Vandalur was once just famous for the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, but now it serves as the southern gateway to Chennai city. Bustling with modern infrastructural developments, this is an emerging residential area. What makes this locality stand out is its ample green cover and reserved forest present here. The reserved forest is a protected area and it comprises the Vandalur Zoo within its boundaries, which is home to several rare species of flora and fauna.

Lying south of the metro city, Vandalur has so much more to offer its residents, and not just a green and tranquil ambiance. Let's read on and find out all about this census town that is home to the largest zoo in Tamil Nadu.

Overview of Vandalur

Location

Located about 10 minutes away from the commercial and residential Tambaram, Vandalur is a developing mid-segment residential area along the GST Road. It shares its boundaries with Urapakkam, Perungalathur, Mudichur, Mannivakkam, Sittalapakkam, and Kilambakkam.

When you stay in Vandalur, you can enjoy wonderful connectivity. In fact, you can reach neighborhoods like Tambaram, Urapakkam, Perungalathur, Mudichur, and Padappai in about 5 - 10 minutes, which is a unique advantage to this locality. The New Kilambakkam Bus Terminus is also located right next to this locality. Also, let's not forget that the Chennai Suburban Railway line also has an important station at Vandalur, which connects to Egmore and Tambaram.

Nature lovers will love this locality as it's surrounded by ample green cover, in fact, many residents move here to enjoy the green backdrop and the tranquil ambiance. Despite being a suburb this locality is bustling with development, especially with the new bus terminal opened in Kilambakkam. Vandalur also boasts several well-maintained parks, which is a treat for residents seeking relaxation. At the same time, Vandalur is home to several prestigious colleges and universities like B. S. Abdur Rahman University and Tagore Engineering Colleges.

Brief History

Vandalur is a residential community that developed around a protected forest. Dr. Edward Belford, the then-director of the Government Central Museum in Madras, proposed the concept of collecting animals and storing them in one location. He convinced the Nawab of the Carnatic to donate his whole animal collection to the museum. Mr. Balfour established the Zoo on the museum grounds, and a year later it had over 300 animals, including several noteworthy species. Due to the limited land available for animals, they chose to relocate the zoo to Vandalur, which opened to the public in 1985. Due to the rapid development along the GST Road, this locality continued to flourish and it became one of the major transportation hubs too. Now it stands tall with breathtaking landscapes and modern residential settlements.

Economic Significance

Vandalur being a tranquil residential area is preferred by many families. What drives the economic growth in this area is rental demand, as it's surrounded by several job opportunities. With many industries and IT hubs evolving in the GST and OMR Road, there is a clear surge in demand for rental properties in Vandalur. In fact, when people choose to live here they enjoy the best of both worlds. They get to enjoy a serene residual locality that's green and calm at the same time and also affordable. There has also been economic growth in the commercial sector ever since the new bus stand at Kilambakkam was opened.

Infrastructure and Facilities

Public Transport

Vandalur is served by railroads and government buses, and there are numerous auto rickshaws available. We have multiple direct bus routes to Vandalur from Poonamallee, T. Nagar, Tambaram, Broadway, and other locations. These buses are ideal for daily journeys. Next up the Vandalur Railway Station, serves the residents. A significant station on the Suburban Railway route links Egmore, Chennai Beach and Chengalpattu. With the projected metro, Vandalur people would have easy access to a variety of types of transportation.

Road Network

Vandalur is the meeting point of the Vandalur-Kelambakkam Road, which connects the Grand Southern Trunk Road to the Old Mamallapuram Road. Which is frequented by those working in the IT hubs along the OMR Road. The Outer Ring Road, which links Vandalur to Minjur, is another important transportation route. The Vandalur Flyover is another significant feature that connects the east and west sides of the Vandalur railway station. Taking the GST Road, one may easily reach the Chennai International Airport in 30 - 40 minutes.

Key Landmarks and Attractions

Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Arignar Anna Zoological Park was the country's first zoo, constructed in 1855. It is one of the largest zoos in Southeast Asia, covering 602 hectares of territory. It is one of the most modern and scientifically managed zoos in the country, and it is regarded as the "Best Zoo" in the nation.

Vandalur Hill

Vandalur Hill is part of Arignar Anna Zoological Park, and public access is prohibited. The summit offers an excellent view over the OMR and Mannivakam. The Tamil Nadu Forest Department maintains a seedling center at the foot of Vandalur Hill.

B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology

Since 1984, B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute has been a well-known quality education provider. This university is an intellectual hotspot that challenges conventional wisdom and ignites a desire for innovative learning. They provide 57 programs organized into 12 separate Schools, as well as Ph.D. programs in all fields.

Tagore Engineering College

Tagore Engineering Institution is a private institution that opened in 1998. The AICTE has authorized the college, and it is also certified by the NAAC and NBA. All courses are connected with Anna University in Chennai. The college offers seven Undergraduate courses and six Postgraduate courses.

Conclusion

You have read this far, so you would have understood how much this suburban locality has to offer, and it's not just all about the Zoological Park present here. Vandalur is the perfect locality that offers you a blend of serene landscapes, modern amenities, and urban lifestyle. Also, let's not forget the world of affordable real estate options present here from land parcels to premium residential developments.

Vandalur Synopsis

Pincode

600048

City

Chennai

Zone

South

District

Kanchipuram

State

Tamil Nadu

Country

India

Vandalur Landmark

Arignar Anna Zoological Park
Grand Southern Trunk Rd, Vandalur, Tamil Nadu 600048

Vandalur Railway Station
V3RM+MQR, Vandalur, Tamil Nadu 600048

Sri Lakshmi Kuberar Temple
Kuberan, Maha Kali Temple, Bajanai Kovil St, Rathinamangalam, Vandalur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600127

Vandalur Schools

Sri Vishwa Vidyalaya Higher Secondary School

Address

V3MF+789, 5, 85, 3rd Main Rd, Otteri Extension, Vandalur, Tamil Nadu 600048

Phone

044- 22751395

Shalom Matriculation Higher Secondary School

Address

NH 45, Otteri, Vandalur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600048

correspondent@joinshalomschool.com

Phone

044 2275 0923

Willy's Intergrated High School

Address

V3XJ+42X, Ganapathy Nagar, Vandalur, Tamil Nadu 600048

Phone

072996 28700

Crescent School

Address

GST Road, Vandalur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600048

dean.research@crescent.education.

Phone

044 2275 0351

St John's Nursery & Primary School

Address

2/204, Third St, Kurinji Nagar, Vandalur, Tamil Nadu 600048

st.johnsnurandprischool@gmail.com

Phone

073389 77722

Vandalur Colleges

Kilakarai Bukhari Aalim Arabic College

Address

Seethakathi Estate GST Road, Vandalur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600048

office.kbacollege@gmail.com

Phone

044 2275 1280

B. S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute Of Science And Technology

Address

120 Seethakathi Estate, Grand Southern Trunk Rd, Vandalur, Tamil Nadu 600048

admissions@crescent.education

Phone

044 2275 1347

Vandalur Hospitals

OneHealth Diabetes Hospital

Address

174, Grand Southern Trunk Rd, Urapakkam, Vandalur, Peerakankaranai, Tamil Nadu 600048

Address

Vandalur Reviews

Being a resident of Vandalur, I've come to cherish the neighbourhood's serene charm. The Arignar Anna Zoological Park is more than just a wildlife sanctuary; it's a peaceful haven where you can connect with nature. Vandalur's greenery and tranquillity provide a soothing escape from the city's commotion, making it a personal paradise for me.

Vandalur is a well-connected neighbourhood that eases daily commuting with the presence of Vandalur Railway Station, efficient bus services, and its proximity to GST Road. This strategic location makes it a practical choice for those valuing accessibility and connectivity.

Vandalur offers a refreshing blend of nature and urban life. The presence of green parks, open spaces, and the picturesque Otteri Lake allows residents to experience the beauty of the outdoors. This neighbourhood prioritizes environmental well-being, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate nature amidst the urban landscape.