Crocodile Rehabilitation and Research Center, Dharmapuri

Crocodile Rehabilitation and Research Center, Dharmapuri

The Crocodile Farm or Crocodile Rehabilitation and Research Center is located near Hogenakkal, Dharmapuri District. Crocodiles are hunted for its skin (which is used to make purses, bags, belts and shoes), meat and medicinal value of its bones and meat. Due to hunting the number of crocodiles decreased rapidly. Hence to preserve this species a rehabilitation center was started here in 1975. Mugger or Marsh variety species are taken care of at this center. More than 300 crocodiles are taken care of here. Tamil Nadu Forest Department is managing this center.

Timings

Visitors have to pay entry fee and they are allowed to visit this centre between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM and between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM daily except Tuesdays. On Tuesdays maintenance works are carried out.

Facts

S. No Enquiry Details 1. Entry Fee Rs. 5.00 2. Working time Morning: 9 AM – 12 AM Noon: 2 PM to 5 PM 3. Accommodation Hogenakkal Forest Rest House 4. Contact Person Ranger Hogenakkal Range. 5. Contact Phone No. Ranger Hogenakkal - 9443756935 6. Closed on Tuesday. 7. Crocodile Type “Crocodylus Palustris” Type of Crocodiles is in existence here. 8. Food Habit Beef with Bones weekly twice. 9. Quantity ½ Kg. 10. Visitors Mostly in Saturdays and Sundays Ranging from 100 to 200 Nos. School Children frequently visit in more Nos.

Note: This rehabilitation centre for crocodiles has been established and functioning since 1975 to curtail the activities of destruction of the species for medicine and fancy articles.

General Information

 The entry fee is Rs 5 and it is about 1km from the main city. There are different cells with many different crocodiles of various sizes. Hardly do they move, almost still and you can’t even make out they are breathing.

The place needs a revamp and better maintenance and healthcare of the crocodiles. Never seen a live crocodile and you are in Hogenakkal, please visit the place. Don not throw anything on the animals and do not disturb them.

Another highlight is this place offers the closest looks of the animals compared to any other parks that I have visited till date. It is worth a visit.