Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Amidst the mesmerising natural beauty of Kerala lies a wide range of zoos and wildlife sanctuaries which offer a glimpse of the region’s diverse flora and fauna in its natural habitat. Being one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, Kerala’s zoos make a great holiday spot for nature lovers. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top zoos in Kerala that can be explored by tourists while on a vacation for a memorable experience.
Top 7 Zoos In Kerala
When it comes to zoos in Kerala, the list is quite a long one. Some of the most prominent zoos include:
1. Thiruvananthapuram Zoo
Photo: Signalarun / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the heart of the city, the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo in Kerala spans an area of 55 acres. This zoo provides shelter and protection to various species of animals, birds, and reptiles, making it a good point of interest for visitors and locals alike. The former Maharaja of Travancore established this zoo in 1859 to attract more tourists. It is one of the oldest zoos in Kerala and its complex also has a botanical garden and a museum.
Location: Museum Road, Thiruvananthapuram
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Alleppey
2. Parassinikkadavu Snake Park
Photo: Vijayanrajapuram / Wikimedia Commons
Situated in Kannur, the Parassinikkadavu Snake Park is home to a massive range of reptiles, especially snakes, making it one of the oldest snake zoos in Kerala. The main idea for the establishment of this park was to educate visitors about the role of snakes in the maintenance of the ecosystem. The park is known for the efforts of its authorities in the conservation of various species of snakes. The visitors can witness several snake species like cobras, pythons, and vipers, among other reptiles.
Entry fees: INR 30 for adults & INR 15 for children
Location: Parassinikkadavu, Kannur
Best Time To Visit: November to March
3. Thrissur Zoo And Museum
Photo: Rameshng / Wikimedia Commons
At Thrissur Zoo and Museum, visitors get to discover an amazing mix of wildlife and history. Spread across an area of 13.5 acres, this one-of-a-kind tourist spot houses a variety of mammals, reptiles, and birds. The zoo exhibits a wide array of flora and fauna, while the museum depicts the great cultural heritage of Kerala. In addition, the museum offers a unique collection of artefacts for visitors to explore on a trip to zoos near Kerala.
Entry Fees: INR 15 for adults, INR 5 for kids
Location: Chembukkavu, Thrissur
Best Time To Visit: December to February
Suggested Read: Things To Do Near Ashtamudi Lake
4. Malampuzha Garden & Dam Zoo
Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons
This zoo in Kerala offers scenic views of the nearby lush green vegetation and the Malampuzha Dam. The serene surroundings with neatly manicured gardens, flowers, fountains, and diverse wildlife make it one of the best places to visit during a Kerala trip. Malampuzha Garden is a fascinating architectural marvel made from discarded items such as tins, plastic cans, broken bangles, and tiles. The design was created by renowned artist Nek Chand, who also worked on Chandigarh’s well-known Rock Garden.
Entry Fees: 25 INR for adults; 10 INR (children below ten)
Location: Malampuzha, Palakkad
Best Time To Visit: September to March
5. Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary & Lion Safari Park
Photo: Nandukrishna_t_ajith / Wikimedia Commons
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, situated close to Thiruvananthapuram, has a Lion Safari Park where lions are kept in a natural habitat. Tourists can relish the view of lions in this wildlife sanctuary with a jungle safari. The sanctuary also houses elephants, deer, and a wide variety of bird species. The Neyyar Dam enhances the zoo’s natural beauty, making it a perfect place for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Visitors can explore a variety of trekking routes as well that cater to their interests and fitness levels.
Entry Fees: Adults: INR 50, Children: INR 20
Location: Neyyar, Thiruvananthapuram
Best Time To Visit: November to April
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Ernakulam
6. Kauthuka Park
Photo: Jimmy Chan / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Kauthuka Park is located in the Thrissur district of Kerala and is a one-of-a-kind facility that combines the features of a zoo, garden, and spiritual retreat. There are several different varieties of animal, bird, and medicinal plant species within the serene environment of the garden. This eco-friendly park offers visitors a serene retreat where nature and creativity blend harmoniously with wildlife, picturesque sceneries, caverns, and more. The park also has a collection of utensils and agricultural appliances from ancient times that add a historic charm to the place.
Entry Fee: 40 INR for adults, 20 INR for children
Location: Chalakudy, Thrissur
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
7. Haritha Biopark
Photo: Adriaan Greyling / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Haritha Biopark is situated on the banks of the Periyar River in Panamkuzhy, Ernakulam district of Kerala. This tourist spot is home to a diverse range of chickens, fish, exotic birds, and a variety of plants and trees. There are many different kinds of water animals housed in this zoological park such as alligators, garfish, and arapaima. The most unique attractions here are black hen, Italian bantam, American silkie chicken, Japanese onagadori kochi bantam, silver lace, white quail, emu, kalkkuna, and many more.
Entry Fee: Free
Location: Panmkuzhy, Ernakulam
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Kozhikode
The zoos showcase the incredible biodiversity of Kerala and provide a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature and create unforgettable memories. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a family looking for an educational outing for kids, or a tourist wanting to explore Kerala’s rich natural heritage, these zoos provide an enriching experience for all. Plan a trip with TripXL for great deals and a smooth booking experience.
Cover Photo: Vis M / Wikimedia Commons
