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Nainital Zoo, located at a height of 2100 m above sea level, is a high-altitude zoo in Sher Ka Danda Hill. This zoo was named Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant High Altitude Zoo in 2002. It is one of the three high-altitude zoos in India. This zoo has a variety of fauna that is home to many various endangered species like the Royal Bengal tiger, leopard cat, barking deer, Himalayan bear and also various birds. This zoo also has a beautiful view of the landscapes between the middle Himalayas and the Shivalik mountain range.
Location
Photo: Skalvanov / Wikimedia Commons
The zoo is located at a high altitude in Nainital, Kumaon, in Uttarakhand. It is located at a height of 2100 m above sea level on Sher Ka Danda Hill. It is one of those three high-altitude zoos in North India besides Darjeeling and Sikkim. This zoo is located between the Shivalik mountain range and the middle Himalayas and has a forest cover of lush green oaks and Cupressus.
How To Reach
Photo: Ekabhishek / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: The nearest airport to the zoo is Pantnagar Airport, which is 57 km away.
By Rail: By train, the nearest railway station to the zoo is the Kathagodam railway station, which is 27 km away.
By Road: By road, the Nainital bus stand at the Sher Ka Danda Hill Top is 1.8 km away from the zoo. There are also many taxis available from various parts of Nainital to visit the zoo.
Places To Visit In And Around Nainital Zoo
1. Nainital Lake
Photo: Slyronit / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Nainital Lake, which is also known as 9ly Lake, is a beautiful natural fresh body lake that is in a crescent shape. It is one of the most popular lakes in the Kumaon region. It also offers beautiful views of the snow-capped peaks in the north. It also offers breathtaking views, especially during sunrise and sunset. A few of the most famous activities to do here are boating, picnicking and taking an evening walk. It is one of the most famous tourist spots in the country, where people from all over visit this place to explore the charm and beauty of this place.
Location: Nainital Lake, Ayarpatta, Nainital, Uttarakhand
Distance From Nainital Zoo: 1.6 km
2. Naina Devi Temple
Photo: आशीष भटनागर / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Eco Cave Gardens is famous for its interconnected rocky caves with hanging gardens and musical fountains. This garden is a set of six small caves in the shape of various animals located in the Mallitial Area in Nainital. This Echo Cave Garden is set up to give a glimpse for the tourists about the natural habitat of the Himalayan wildlife by constructing the caves in the shape of different animals. One must literally crawl into the caves to get in with all the caves lit with petroleum lamps.
Location: Shree Maa Naina Devi Temple, Nainital, Ayarpatta, Nainital, Uttarakhand 263002
Distance From Nainital Zoo: 2.8 km
3. Eco Cave Gardens
Photo: Joshua Sortino / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Eco Cave Gardens is famous for its interconnected rocky caves with hanging gardens and musical fountains. This garden is a set of six small caves in the shape of various animals located in the Mallitial Area in Nainital. This Echo Cave Garden is set up to give a glimpse for the tourists about the natural habitat of the Himalayan wildlife by constructing the caves in the shape of different animals. One must literally crawl into the caves to get in with all the caves lit with petroleum lamps.
Location: Eco Cave Park, Sukhatal, Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand 263001
Distance From Nainital Zoo: 4.1 km
4. Tiffin Top
Photo: Tanbatra / Wikimedia Commons
Tiffin Top is a famous tourist attraction in Nainital that is also called Dorothy’s Seat. This place is a famous picnic spot that gives a complete view of the towns surrounding The Hills in the Kumaon region. There are also many adventurous activities organised at the place, like rappelling and rock climbing. One can also get a beautiful view of Nanda Devi on clearer days. This place got its name as it was constructed in the loving memory of an English artist named Dorothy Kellett.
Location: Tiffin Top, 9FM2+F63, Ayarpatta, Nainital, Naina Range, Uttarakhand 263002
Distance From Nainital Zoo: 3.9 km
5. Snow View Point
Photo: ArmouredCyborg / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Snow View Point, located in Nainital, is at an altitude of 2000 to 70 m above sea level. This is one of the most attractive tourist spots in this area. This viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the Himalayas draped in white snow. It gives a picture-perfect view of the three important peaks that are Nanda Devi Trishul and Nanda Kota together. A huge bay of binoculars is installed at the viewpoint that allows everyone to take a closer look at the Himalayan range.
Location: Snow View Point, Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand 263001
Distance From Nainital Zoo: 3.5 km
Where To Stay
Photo: Sahil Dhiman / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
There are a few hotels located near Nainital Zoo at budget-friendly prices that provide all the necessary facilities to the visitors, like a restaurant, hygienic maintenance, safety, security, laundry service, room service, TV, clean bedrooms and many more. There are hotels like Lakeside Inn Nainital, Hotel Himalaya, Hotel Sweets Home, Primrose, Hotel Welcome Park and many more.
Where To Eat
Photo: Adrijarani / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
There are a few restaurants near the zoo that provide hygienic and delicious food. They also provide a variety of cuisines that include local and international items. A few of those restaurants are Zooby’s Kitchen, Rosewood Restro Cafe, Dolphin Restaurant, Brittany’s Cafe, and Sweet Home Cuisine Restaurant.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Akhil.jain1912 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on all days. The best time to visit the zoo is between the months of April to June and September to November because during these months the entire zoo is surrounded by lush greenery.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Dariusz Sankowski / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Tips For Travellers:
- Prepare to walk for a long time.
- It is advisable to be careful with the animals even though there is security.
- Carry eatables and water while visiting the zoo
- There is no entry fee for old people and students
Nainital Zoo is an amazing place to visit and is one of the three high-altitude zoos in the country. This zoo is rich in fauna with green landscapes of the beautiful mountains. There are also many places to visit near this zoo to explore the beauty of the Nainital city, which is known for its beautiful mountain views and its Nainital Lake and temple. Plan a trip with TripXL and learn more about this place.
Cover Photo: Anirudhshangari1995 / Wikimedia Commons
