Kolkata is also known as the intellectual and artistic capital of our country. This cultural capital of India attracts visitors annually with its beauty and vibrance. You must explore the zoo in Kolkata for a fun-filled vacation with your family and friends. It is a great opportunity to visit with the children and explore the wildlife in this region. Through this visit, you can learn more about nature and wildlife conservation. It is great watching wildlife in their natural habitat and explore is great and exploring with its flora and fauna.
Zoo In Kolkata Location
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
Zoo in Kolkata is located at 2, Alipore Road, Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal, India. It is popularly known as Alipore Zoo or Alipore Zoological Gardens. It is India’s oldest and most popular zoo and is close to several attractions. It includes the Victoria Memorial and the National Library. It is convenient to reach this destination as it is centrally located in the city of Kolkata.
How To Reach Zoo In Kolkata
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
By Road: The zoo can be reached via road. It is located in South Kolkata and can be reached from New Alipore and Ballygunge. The nearest landmarks are the National Library and the Alipore Post Office, making it easy to reach.
By Train: The zoo can be reached by train from all the major cities of the nation. If you’re coming from outside Kolkata, you’ll probably reach either Howrah Station or Sealdah Station. You can take the local train to reach Howrah Station and New Alipore Railway Station. Kolkata’s local trains and metro lines are operational to help you reach the zoo.
By Air: To reach the zoo via air, you will have to reach Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU). From here, you will have to cover a distance of 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach the zoo. You can take a local bus or auto-rickshaw to reach the zoo.
Places To Visit In And Around Zoo In Kolkata
The Zoo in Kolkata is popular in the state of West Bengal. It is a great opportunity to reach this zoo and learn more about the native flora and fauna.
1. Victoria Memorial Hall
Photo: DeepanjanGhosh / Wikimedia Commons
This marble building is dedicated to Queen Victoria and was built between 1906 and 1921. It has a great collection of artworks with the famous Angel of Victory. The museum houses rare paintings, manuscripts and sculptures that reflect the colonial history of India. You can attend the sound and light show that showcases the rich history of Kolkata. It also highlights important events from the British era. You can visit this place between October to February to explore the outdoor Gardens.
Distance From The Zoo: 2.4 km
2. St. Paul’s Cathedral
Photo: Ankitesh Jha / Wikimedia Commons
It is a popular landmark in West Bengal with Indo-Gothic architecture. It was built in 1847 and designed by Major William Nairn Forbes. It has intricate wooden carvings and was the first-built cathedral in Kolkata as a part of the British Empire. This church is said to be the largest church in Kolkata. With its intricate designs, this cathedral attracts visitors from borders and beyond. It is also a popular tourist spot, attracting visitors for its historical importance and architectural beauty.
Distance From The Zoo: 2.3 km
3. National Library
Photo: Avrajyoti Mitra / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The National Library is the largest in the country by volume. It is situated in the historic Belvedere Estate and is divided into multiple sections, including reading rooms, rare manuscript sections, and language divisions. With its rare books section, this library houses first editions and ancient manuscripts from across the globe. It has a grand colonial architectural style showcasing the architecture during the British Raj. You can attend workshops, or visit for a heritage walk to explore the library fully.
Distance From The Zoo: 850 m
4. Shri Mahalaxmi Temple
Photo: Dharmadhyaksha / Wikimedia Commons
Shri Mahalaxmi Temple has a calm and soothing environment that draws visitors from all across the country. It is a perfect place to visit and pray amidst a spiritual atmosphere. Dedicated to Goddess Maha Laxmi, this temple is beautifully adorned. It is a centre of attraction for local visitors as well as tourists. It has a massive area and is located in Khidirpur area of Kolkata. A place offering peace, it is a great place to visit with family and friends for a day full of spirituality.
Distance From The Zoo: 9 km
5. Eden Gardens
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This is an iconic cricket stadium which is globally popular and is situated in West Bengal. It has a seating capacity of about 66,000. It is one of the largest in the world and has hosted several matches. It includes the World Cup, test series and IPL matches. This place has an electric atmosphere where passionate fans visit to witness the iconic cricket matches. It has a historic as well as modern charm to it. It is an unforgettable experience for a tourist. This place can easily be reached by public transport.
Distance From The Zoo: 5.1 km
Where To Stay
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There are several hotel and accommodation options available for staying near the Zoo in Kolkata. Glenwood The Manor House, Kolkata is a beautiful place to stay with deluxe rooms and a comfortable atmosphere. It is a family-friendly place with great amenities to offer. The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata is another perfect option with cooperative staff and delicious food from the in-house restaurant.
Where To Eat
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During your visit to the Zoo in Kolkata, you must try the local cuisine near this place. Sonargaon, about 0.1 miles away from Zoo in Kolkata is an amazing option to explore. It has a great ambience and family-friendly atmosphere as well. The food is delicious at this place. Next, Souk has Lebanese, Moroccan and Mediterranean food to try. The service and value for money at this place are praiseworthy. CAL-27 is another tourist favorite place to dine which you can explore during the visit. Garden Cafe and Grill by the Pool must be on your list for scrumptious food in the city.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The best time to visit the Zoo in Kolkata is during the cooler months from November to February. This period is considered ideal for the visit to the zoo. It is because it becomes easy to walk around and explore the surroundings of the zoo. You may face intense heat in the summer months. Days during summer can be extreme in terms of heat and it becomes difficult to go on wildlife spotting. Early mornings are the best time of day to visit the zoo.
Other Factors To Consider
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Here are other important factors to consider while you’re planning your trip to the Zoo in Kolkata.
Average Cost Of Trip
An entry Fee of INR 30–50 per person is charged for Indian nationals to visit the Zoo in Kolkata. A budget 2-day trip may cost around INR 2,000 to INR 5,000 based on your accommodation and food options. It is suggested to pre-book on time as doing so will not dig a hole in your pocket.
Tips For Travelers
- Visit during morning hours for a peaceful exploration
- Plan for a half-day trip to the zoo to explore the entire area
- Wear comfortable shoes as the exploration involves a lot of walking
- Check the weather forecast before reaching the zoo
- Follow the photography protocols and do not carry selfie sticks during your visit
Zoo in Kolkata houses diverse wildlife in West Bengal to visit with your family and friends. It is a beloved attraction for wildlife enthusiasts. You can explore the reptile house, aviary and aquarium for a great time. If you’re looking for a day full of fun on your upcoming vacation, this is the place to be. It’s the perfect time to book a trip to Kolkata with TripXL and build golden memories with your family and friends.
Cover Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons