Amidst the mesmerising natural beauty of Kerala lies a wide range of zoos and wildlife sanctuaries which offer a glimpse of the region’s diverse flora and fauna in its natural habitat. Being one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, Kerala’s zoos make a great holiday spot for nature lovers. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top zoos in Kerala that can be explored by tourists while on a vacation for a memorable experience.
Top 6 Zoos In Kerala
When it comes to zoos in Kerala, the list is quite a long one. Some of the most prominent zoos include:
1. Thiruvananthapuram Zoo

Photo: Signalarun / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the heart of the city, the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo is the biggest zoo in Kerala, spanning an area of 55 acres. This zoo provides shelter and protection to various species of animals, birds, and reptiles, making it a good point of interest for visitors and locals alike. The former Maharaja of Travancore established this zoo in 1859 to attract more tourists. It is one of the oldest zoos in Kerala, and its complex also has a botanical garden and a museum.
Location: Museum Road, Thiruvananthapuram
Timings: 9 AM – 5:15 PM
Suggested Read: Trivandrum Zoo
2. Parassinikkadavu Snake Park

Photo: Vijayanrajapuram / Wikimedia Commons
Situated in Kannur, the Parassinikkadavu Snake Park is home to a massive range of reptiles, especially snakes, making it one of the oldest snake zoos in Kerala, India. The main idea for the establishment of this park was to educate visitors about the role of snakes in the maintenance of the ecosystem. The park is known for the efforts of its authorities in the conservation of various species of snakes. The visitors can witness several snake species like cobras, pythons, and vipers, among other reptiles.
Location: Parassinikkadavu, Kannur
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
3. Thrissur Zoo And Museum

Photo: Rameshng / Wikimedia Commons
At Thrissur Zoo and Museum, visitors get to discover an amazing mix of wildlife and history. Spread across an area of 13.5 acres, this one-of-a-kind tourist spot houses a variety of mammals, reptiles, and birds. The zoo exhibits a wide array of flora and fauna, while the museum depicts the great cultural heritage of Kerala. In addition, the museum offers a unique collection of artefacts for visitors to explore on a trip to the famous zoos in Kerala.
Location: Chembukkavu, Thrissur
Timings: 10 AM – 5:15 PM
Suggested Read: Thrissur Zoo
4. Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary & Lion Safari Park

Photo: Nandukrishna_t_ajith / Wikimedia Commons
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, situated close to Thiruvananthapuram, has a Lion Safari Park where lions are kept in a natural habitat. Tourists can relish the view of lions in this wildlife sanctuary with a jungle safari. The sanctuary also houses elephants, deer, and a wide variety of bird species. The Neyyar Dam enhances the zoo’s natural beauty, making it a perfect place for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Visitors can explore a variety of trekking routes as well that cater to their interests and fitness levels.
Location: Neyyar, Thiruvananthapuram
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Kerala To Experience God’s Own Country
5. Kauthuka Park

Photo: Jimmy Chan / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Although not at the top of Kerala zoo list, Kauthuka Park is located in the Thrissur district of Kerala and is a one-of-a-kind facility that combines the features of a zoo, garden, and spiritual retreat. There are several different varieties of animal, bird, and medicinal plant species within the serene environment of the garden. This eco-friendly park offers visitors a serene retreat where nature and creativity blend harmoniously with wildlife, picturesque sceneries, caverns, and more. The park also has a collection of utensils and agricultural appliances from ancient times that add a historic charm to the place.
Location: Chalakudy, Thrissur
Timings: 7 AM – 6:30 PM
6. Abhayaranyam Zoo

Photo: Shijan Kaakkara / Wikimedia Commons
Abhayaranyam Zoo, located near Kaprikkad village in Ernakulam district, is the best zoo in Kerala. It is part of the Kerala Forest Department’s eco-tourism effort. It was built in 2011 as an animal shelter and mini-zoo to help animals that had been working at the bigger Kodanad Elephant Training Centre get back on their feet. Over 123 hectares of tropical forest surround the zoo, giving animals like elephants, spotted deer, sambar deer, tigers, and ostriches big natural habitats.
Location: Near Post Office, Kaprikkade, Vadakkambilly, Aalattshira, Kaprikad, Kodanad, Kerala 683544
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Suggested Read: Here’s All You Need To Know About State Museum And Zoo Thrissur, Kerala
The zoos showcase the incredible biodiversity of Kerala and provide a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature and create unforgettable memories. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a family looking for an educational outing for kids, or a tourist wanting to explore Kerala’s rich natural heritage, these zoos provide an enriching experience for all. Plan a trip with TripXL for great deals and a smooth booking experience.
Cover Photo: Vis M / Wikimedia Commons