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 If we look into the historical background of
the Guindy Park, in earlier days it was actually a hunting preserve. Later it was known as
"Guindy Lodge" and it belonged to a British citizen named Gilbert Rodericks. In
1817, the owner died with the property heavily mortgaged. Then in 1821, the Government of
Madras purchased it for a sum of Rs. 35,000/= or 10,000 pagodas (pagodas being the gold
currency at that time). Later in 1910, it was declared as reserved forests. In 1947, it
became the permanent residence of the Governor (400 ha) and was called Raj Bhavan. The
then Prime Minister Mr.Jawaharlal Nehru permitted a small area to be cordened off as a
park for childern. In 1958, it was actually handed over to the Forest department. The land
nearby was allocated for Gandhi Mandapam (1954), IIT (1961), Guru Nanak Educational
Society (1970), Rajaji Memorial (1974), Kamaraj Memorial (1975) and Cancer Institute
(1977).
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This park boasts of over 24 varieties of
trees, for example, Amona Squamosa, Atlanta Monoplylla, Feronia Limonia, Azadirachta
India, etc. to mention a few. Also more than 14 varieties of shrubs, over 14 types of
mammals like elephant, antilope, spotted dear, jungle cat, toddy cat, Indian civet, etc.
The park also accounts for over 37 varieties of birds, like black chested, black winged
kite, honey buzzard, pariah kite, and so on. There are also many kinds of amphibians and
snakes to add to the variety that is already available.
 Guindy National Park is one of the prime
visiting spots for those who come to Chennai during vacation period. On enquiry, we learnt
that this popular place attracts visitors over three lakhs during a season. A recommended
picnic spot for the entire family to spend a day amidst nature and return home joyfully in
the evening.
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