Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Zoos in India play a vital role in wildlife conservation, education, and research. Home to a wide range of wildlife and bird species, zoos also act as rehabilitation centres for injured and endangered species. Some zoos even promote breeding programs to preserve biodiversity. You can also learn about the ongoing preservation methods that are curated to protect the well-being of the birds and animals. With 155 zoos recognised under the Central Zoo Authority in India, visiting a few of them can be a rewarding experience for every animal lover.
Top 10 Zoos In India
Zoos in India offer a unique window into the animal kingdom of the country including animals like majestic tigers of Ranthambore to the playful penguins of Darjeeling.
1. National Zoological Park, Delhi
Photo: Shwetangi Gupta / Unsplash
The National Zoological Park lies in the heart of India’s capital city, New Delhi, and is among the most prominent zoos in the country. Spanning an area of 176 acres, the zoo boasts about 1350 species of animals and birds. It offers natural habitats to the animals, providing a comfortable and enriching environment for them. There are some of the endangered species including the Royal Bengal tiger, Asiatic lion, Indian rhino, and more. The zoo authorities also host educational tours. Also, there is a dedicated aviary and reptile house inside the zoo.
Location: Mathura Road, near Purana Qila, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, 110003
Timings: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Closed on Fridays and national holidays)
Entry Fee: ₹80 for Indians and ₹400 for Foreigners
Suggested Read: Wildlife Sanctuaries In India
2. Mysore Zoo, Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens
Photo: Unni.hariharan/ Wikimedia Commons
Mysore Zoo, established in 1892, is one of the oldest and most well-maintained zoos. Spread across an area of 157 acres, it is home to 1450 species of wildlife, birds, reptiles, and more. Eventually, you can spot African elephants, giraffes, zebras, and an array of birds and reptiles here. Furthermore, one of the highlights of this zoo is its successful breeding program for endangered species like the Indian Grey Wolf and the White Tiger. The well-maintained surroundings and lush greenery of the zoo add to the experience of this place.
Location: Zoo Road, Indira Nagar, Ittige Gudu, Mysuru, Karnataka 570010
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Entry Fee: ₹100 for adults and ₹50 for children
3. Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Chennai
Photo: Pravee1207 / Wikimedia Commons
Established on July 24, 1855, the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, or Vandalur Zoo spans an area of 6.03 sq. km. It is one of the best zoos in the region and offers natural habitat to the animals. It houses more than 160 variants of flora and fauna inside and there are about 2500 different species of wildlife in the zoo. Also, the zoo offers multiple conservation programs, such as the captive breeding of endangered species including the Lion-tailed Macaque and the Nilgiri Langur as well.
Location: Grand Southern Trunk Road, Vandalur, Tamil Nadu 600048
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Entry Fee: ₹200 for adults and ₹50 for kids
Suggested Read: Best Waterfalls In India To Visit On Your Next Vacation
4. Nandankanan Zoological Park, Bhubaneswar
Photo: Subhadeep Dishant / Unsplash
Nandankanan Zoological Park in Odisha is one of the most significant zoos in India. It is the country’s first zoo to join the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). Established on December 29, 1960, the park covers a large areas of about 4,006 sq. km. The zoo also covers the famous Chandaka forest and Kanjia Lake. You can witness endangered and native wildlife including the gharial, Asiatic lions, Indian pangolins, and Nilgiri langurs here. Not only that, you can also marvel at the botanical garden, a butterfly park, and a reptile park inside the zoo.
Location: Nandankanan Road, Near Police Station, Barang, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 754005
Timings: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Entry Fee: ₹50 for Indians
5. Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Pune
Photo: Tathekalyani / Wikimedia Commons
The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Pune is located in Maharashtra. Known for its naturalistic enclosures, it has an emphasis on animal welfare & conservation. The place also is an animal orphanage, rehabilitating different wildlife cubs, separated from their mother. Some of the staple wildlife that you can witness inside the zoo are tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and a wide array of reptiles. Not only that, you can even spot the King Cobra and Indian Rock Python in the snake parks making it the main attraction of the zoo. Furthermore, you can also attend educational tours in the park and have fun with your friends.
Location: Pune – Satara Road, opp. Katraj Dairy, Katraj, Pune, Maharashtra 411046
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Wednesdays)
Entry Fee: ₹40 for adults and ₹10 for children
Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit In India
6. Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad
Photo: ManojKRacherla / Wikimedia Commons
The Nehru Zoological Park, in Old Hyderabad, is one of the top zoos in India. Established on October 12, 1963, it covers an area of 154 hectares. The zoo was named after the country’s first prime minister, Shri Jawaharlal Nehru. It is home to 1,500 different types of animals and birds, including Bengal tigers, lions, Indian rhinoceroses, and various primates. Additionally, there are nocturnal animal houses, aquariums, and reptile houses inside the park, which adds to the charm of the zoo.
Location: NH 44, Bahadurpura, Hyderabad, Telangana 500064
Timings: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Entry Fees: ₹70 for adults and ₹45 for children
7. Alipore Zoological Gardens, Kolkata
Photo: SAIKAT GUCHHAIT / Unsplash
Established on September 24, 1875, Alipore Zoological Gardens is one of the oldest zoos in India. Spread across 19 hectares of area, the zoo is home to 1,266 different types of animals, birds, and reptiles. One of the highlights of this zoo lies in the sighting of the iconic Royal Bengal tiger. There are giraffes, elephants and white tigress as well, which adds to the allure of the zoo. Authorities organise several wildlife consideration and breeding programs here as well.
Location: 2, Alipore Road, Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700027
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fees: ₹50 for adults and ₹20 for children
Suggested Read: The Top Beaches In India To Enjoy High Tides And Good Vibes
8. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling
Photo: Abhishek.ghosh1984 / Wikimedia Commons
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (or Darjeeling Zoo) is a popular zoo located in the Darjeeling district in West Bengal. One of the highlights of this zoo is its breeding and conservation program for different mammals like snow leopards and red pandas. Nestled at an elevation of 7,000 ft, the park is the highest altitude zoo in the country. Also, you can spot Himalayan wolves and a variety of bird species in the zoo.
Location: Padmaja Naidu, Jawahar Parbat, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734104
Timings: 08:30 AM – 04:00 PM (Closed on Thursdays)
Entry Fees: ₹110 for Indians and ₹180 for Foreigners
9. Sakkarbaug Zoological Gardens, Junagadh
Photo: VasuVR / Wikimedia Commons
Spread across 84 hectares, Sakkarbaug Zoological Gardens (or Junagarh Zoo) dates back to 1863. The main objective of the zoo is to conserve and breed purebred Asiatic lions. The zoo is located in Junagadh, Gujarat, and is home to a wide variety of wildlife including wild boar, antelope and blue bull. One of the most unique features of this zoo is that it has a veterinary hospital inside the zoo as well. If you are a history buff, the zoo has a separate natural history museum inside the museum, adding to its value.
Location: Rajkot Hwy, Joshipura, Junagadh, Gujarat 362001
Timings: 09:00 AM – 12:15 PM; 03:00 PM – 06:00 PM
Entry Fees: ₹20 for adults and ₹5 for children
Suggested Read: Take A Journey Through Time By Visiting These Caves In India
10. Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Visakhapatnam
Photo: Bdmshiva / Wikimedia Commons
Founded in 1977, the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is one of the renowned zoos in India. Covering a area of 253 hectares amidst the Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh, the zoo is home to about 75 species of animals. The zoo has a wide range of fauna, including tigers, lions, elephants, and several species of primates and reptiles. Additionally, it also features an aquarium and a butterfly park. This place offers a natural habitat for the animals living here.
Location: Dairy Farm, Yendada, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530040
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Entry Fees: ₹20 for adults and ₹10 for children
Most animals that are kept in zoos are a part of the wildlife breeding and rehabilitation programs. Plan to explore the different zoos across India and get a closer look at the exotic flora and fauna of the country now. Start planning your next vacation with TripXL and secure the best deals and get prompt confirmation of your bookings.
Cover Photo: Harshit Suryawanshi / Unsplash
