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Spanning over a vast 163 Hectares in Nagrota, Jambu Zoo is one of the largest zoological parks in North India. This place was established with a vision of fostering a deeper connection between wildlife and human beings and offering an inclusive environment for education, entertainment, and research. And, located on NH44, the Jambu Zoo is conveniently situated as an ideal stop for tourists visiting the picturesque Kashmir Valley. The zoo houses many endangered mammals and reptile species in their natural habitats, thus offering an exceptional wildlife experience amidst the expansive hilly beauty.
Quick Details About Jambu Zoo, Jammu
Location: NH 44, Bypass Road, Khanpur, Nagrota, Jammu and Kashmir
Opening Date: May 29, 2023
Timings: 9 AM – 6:30 PM (Open all days)
Railway Station Nearby: Jammu Railway Station
Airport Nearby: Jammu airport
Bus Stand Nearby: General bus stand, Resham Ghar Colony, Jammu
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
Entry Charges: ₹80 (adults), ₹40 (5-12 year olds), ₹200 (foreigners)
Battery Car Charges: ₹200/Person
About Jambu Zoo
Photo: Waldemar / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Inaugurated on May 29, 2023, by Mr. Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu, Jambu Zoo is a wildlife paradise for visitors. The zoo is named after King Jambu Lochan, who founded Jammu City after watching a goat and a lion on the Tawi riverbank drinking water together. The zoo has been designed as a complete nature park and it houses animals which live in enclosures mimicking their natural settings. The place features several state-of-the-art facilities such as battery-operated vehicle tours, bicycle tours, a nature interpretation centre, an amphitheatre, a visitor orientation centre, water points, trail paths and childcare rooms. So, visiting this place is going to be an exciting experience, especially for kids.
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Jammu
How To Reach
The place is easily accessible via road from the Jammu airport and Jammu railway station. additionally, there are taxis, cabs and buses available right outside the station and airport.
Animals Present In The Jambu Zoo
Photo: Kristijan Arsov / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Overall, the zoo offers an immersive experience to the visitors with its diverse wildlife. Many endangered and rare animal species are housed within the zoo and some of these species are mentioned below.
- Asiatic Lions
- Royal Bengal Tiger
- Leopard
- Black bear
- Leopard cats
- Blackbucks
- Spotted deers
- Goral
- Hog deer
- Indian Porcupine
- Sambar Deer
- Emu
- Blue bull
- Barking deer
- Gharials
- Marsh crocodiles
- Indian cobra
- Russell’s Viper
- Diadem Snake
- Indian rock python
Places To Visit Around Jambu Zoo
In addition to the wilderness of the zoo, there are several other places to visit for visitors who wish to explore the neighbouring tourist attractions. And, if someone wishes to explore these tourist attractions, then have a look at the list below:
1. Trikuta Mountain View Point
Photo: Ajay Kumar Jana / Unsplash
One of the unique vantage points offered by Jambu Zoo is the Trikuta View Point. And, the strategic location of the zoo offers visitors a stunning view of the Trikuta Mountain, which is also home to the sacred Mata Vaishno Devi temple. So, the point allows the visitors to explore scenic mountain backdrop against stunning landscapes and offers a tranquil experience.
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Suggested Read: Best Food In Jammu
2. Amar Mahal Museum
Photo: Rajat Chakraborty / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
This museum offers a sneak peek into the history of the royal families of Jammu because it is housed in the majestic Amar Mahal Palace. This place displays a 120 kg throne made of solid gold along with contemporary as well as pahari paintings that tell stories of the bygone era. So, one can go on a heritage walk around this French Chateau-style palace that is organised by the museum and get a detailed insight into Jammu’s history.
Timings: 9 AM – 1 PM and 2 PM – 5 PM (Mondays closed)
Entry Fees: ₹10 (adults) and ₹5 (children)
3. Akhnoor Fort
Photo: Andrew Petrischev / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Located towards eastern Jammu, the Akhnoor Fort is an essential part of ancient Indian history and perched on the Chenab River. The Archaeological Survey Of India considers this fort a national monument of the country and hence protects this place. Moreover, the significance of this fort is that it has witnessed the march of civilization from the early man’s existence. So, historians consider the Akhnoor Fort as a place to be at the northernmost point of the Harappan Civilization.
Timings: Open 24 hours
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4. Mata Vaishno Devi Temple
Photo: Dishant Thapa / Unsplash
Lastly, the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple, which is one of the most popular Hindu pilgrimage temples located in Northern India, has thousands of devotees visiting the temple every day. To visit the main temple, one is required to complete a 13 km trek from Katra town and it takes visitors to the place where Goddess Vaishno Devi manifests herself in the form of a natural rock formation. Hence, making it a very famous holy pilgrimage site among Hindus.
Where To Stay
Photo: Francesca Saraco / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
There are several hotels and resorts suitable for travellers in Jammu City. And, several leading hotel chains like The Park, Radisson, Lemon Tree, and Taj have hotels in the city. Furthermore, several other guest houses are also available at a short distance away from the Jambu Zoo.
Suggested Read: National Parks In Jammu And Kashmir
Where To Eat
Photo: Jay Wennington/ Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Jammu has several world-class restaurants that serve both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes due to the tourist inflow from all across the world. There is the authentic Kashmiri dining experience of Wazwan, the barbeque delights of Pirates of Grill, and the pocket-friendly Zamindari Dhaba near the highway. So, visitors can enjoy the delectable cuisine and have a wonderful time during the vacation.
With a range of facilities offered to visitors by the Jambu Zoo, it not only offers an enthralling experience for families but also lets visitors witness extensive flora and fauna. And, these facilities include well-maintained toilets, dedicated child care rooms, a cafeteria serving culinary delights, drinking water facilities throughout the zoo, and a cloakroom facility for the safe storage of the visitors’ belongings. All things considered, don’t forget to add this amazing place to your next trip to Jammu and Kashmir. So, pack your bags and plan a trip with TripXL to explore the breathtaking landscapes and exciting wilderness to the fullest.
Cover Photo: Mariola Grobelska / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
