Being a wildlife enthusiast and nature lover, wanting to explore the different zoos in Andhra Pradesh is an experience you shouldn’t miss out on. There are a handful of zoos in the state, which you can explore at your convenience. The majority of the zoological parks in Andhra Pradesh serve as an educational destination where you get to learn about different endangered species and also have a fun and recreational experience witnessing the animals in their semi-natural habitat. As you are planning your travel plans across Andhra Pradesh, ensure that you don’t miss out on these unique experiences.
How To Reach
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By Air: There are three major airports in Andhra Pradesh – Visakhapatnam Airport, Tirupati Airport and Vijayawada Airport. Depending on which zoo you are visiting, you’d need to book your tickets to one of the nearest airports in the state. From the airports, you can hire local transport to reach the zoo.
By Rail: Some of the popular railway stations from the zoos in Andhra Pradesh include Visakhapatnam Railway Station, Tirupati Railway Station and Vijayawada Railway Station. Depending on your travel plans, you can book your train to one of these stations, and the one nearest to you.
By Road: Andhra Pradesh has a good road network, and the state is well connected by a series of national highways. There are taxis, cars and even buses available to get around the state.
4 Zoos In Andhra Pradesh
Perfect for a family looking for a fun day out, or someone interested in conservation, exploring the zoos in Andhra Pradesh makes for an amazing experience while you are travelling.
1. Indira Gandhi Zoological Park
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One of the best zoos in Andhra Pradesh is the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, which is located in Visakhapatnam. It is one of the largest zoos in the state and is located amidst the Eastern Ghats. The zoo itself is spread across an area of 625 acres and is home to numerous different wildlife including tigers, lions, panthers, elephants, and several species of reptiles and birds. Also, the zoo is a centre for conservation and breeding programs for endangered wildlife species like the Indian Gaur and the Asiatic Lion. There is a mini-train experience that covers the area of the zoo.
Location: Near Dairy Farm, Yendada, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530040
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM (Monday closed)
Entry Fee: ₹20 for adults and ₹10 for children
2. Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park
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Not just for the pilgrimage experience to the Tirupati Balaji temple, your visit down to Tirupati is incomplete without a visit to Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park, Tirupati. It is the second-largest zoo in India, covering a massive area of 22.39 sq.km. What makes this zoo unique is its focus on Indian mythology and the association of animals with deities, which is showcased in its exhibits. Beyond this, the zoo also houses a variety of other types of animals and birds including giraffes, zebras, and exotic birds.
Location: PO, Pudipatla, SV Zoo Rd, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517505
Timings: 8:30 AM – 4:45 PM (Tuesday closed)
Entry Fee: ₹200 for adults and ₹70 for children
3. Nehru Zoological Park
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Among the popular zoos in Andhra Pradesh vicinity, Nehru Zoological Park is one worth visiting. It is not typically in Andhra Pradesh but in Hyderabad, so a short drive away. The zoo is located right beside the 600-acre Mir Alam Tank and has a variety of unique attractions beyond the zoo and the wild animals. There is a prehistoric dinosaur park inside the zoo and a separate nocturnal zoo area, which adds to the uniqueness of the place. According to the official insights, the park is home to 193 different wildlife, birds and reptiles, which you can explore at your convenience.
Location: NH 44, Bahadurpura, Hyderabad, Telangana 500064 (290 km from Andhra Pradesh)
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Monday closed)
Entry Fee: ₹70 for adults and ₹45 for children (on weekdays); ₹80 for adults and ₹55 for children (on weekends)
4. Kakatiya Zoological Park
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Although a little far out from Andhra Pradesh, Kakatiya Zoological Park is another one of the must-visit zoos in the close vicinity of the state. Currently, the zoo houses a total of 134 mammals and 89 reptiles, which you have to stop at to explore. The zoo also houses around 196 birds, which adds to the beauty of the visit. Some of the animals that you have to witness up close are leopards, bears, deer, jungle cats, crocodiles and a variety of native and exotic birds. There is a zoo library and a separate children’s play area inside the zoo.
Location: Hunter Rd, Postal Colony, Meerpet, Hanamkonda, Telangana 506001
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Monday closed)
Entry Fee: ₹20 per adult and ₹10 per child
Best Time To Visit
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Irrespective of whichever zoo you visit in Andhra Pradesh, planning is vital. Since the state experiences brutal summer heat, you would want to avoid visiting the zoos in Andhra Pradesh during the peak summer months from April to June. So, the ideal period to visit and explore the numerous zoos in the state is during the colder winter months when the temperature is from 15°C to 25°C. So, either plan during the winter months, between October and March or during the post-monsoon period from September to October.
Other Factors To Consider
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- Zoos in Andhra Pradesh usually open around 9:00 AM, which is the best time to visit as the animals are more active, and the temperature is cooler.
- Wearing comfortable walking shoes and light, breathable clothing will make your visit more enjoyable, especially during warmer months.
- Given the climate, it’s important to carry enough water to stay hydrated, especially during summer and post-monsoon months.
- Always maintain a safe distance from the animals and avoid disturbing them. Ensure that you don’t throw food or agitate them in any way.
- If visiting in summer, try to avoid the hottest part of the day (12 PM to 3 PM) when both the animals and visitors are less likely to be active.
- Some zoos offer special safaris, guided tours, or educational programs that enhance the visitor experience, so check for the availability of those when visiting.
- The Andhra Pradesh sun can be strong, especially in the summer. Make sure to protect yourself with sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
- Larger zoos like Indira Gandhi Zoological Park and Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park cover vast areas with diverse exhibits where you’d need an entire day to explore the zoo, so plan accordingly.
With so many different zoos in Andhra Pradesh, have a solid travel plan and itinerary to make the most out of your time. You can witness the animals up close, learn about the ongoing conservation efforts and even make the most out of your time enjoying the nature and picnic experience. Plan your next trip to Andhra Pradesh with TripXL to explore these wildlife settings up close.
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