Top 15 Most Famous Zoos in India to Visit Information About Them
Lions and antelopes were once endangered species. They are rare now. These animals were once endangered. However, thanks to captive breeding programs in various Indian zoos, these animals have been successfully bred and are now free from the threat of extinction. These zoological parks, despite being in the middle of a concrete jungle, are the only spaces in the city that are green and showcase this natural habitat. Here are the top 15 Indian zoos.
15 Top Zoos in India:
1. Nandankanan Zoological Park:
Spread over an area of 437 acres, Nandankanan Zoological Park can be described as a botanical garden in Bhubaneswar. In 1960, the zoo was opened by the general public year 1979. It was the first Indian zoo to join the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 2009. Nandankanan Zoo is one of the most visited parks in India.
Year of zoo opening: 29/12/60
Area occupied by the zoo: 437 hectares (1080 acres).
Animal types: 3582 animals from 158 species (2022).
Zoo Timings: Monday to Friday, 8 am - 5 pm
Entry Fee: Adults 50 rupees and children 10 rupees
Website: https://www.nandankanan.org/
Some amazing facts:
The zoo is located in the Chandaka forest and has a 54-hectare Kanjia lake.
The zoo attracts more than 3.3 million visitors every year.
The mortality rate of animals in this zoo is very low (3.1%) compared to the national average of 10%.
It is the only Indian zoo that breeds white tigers.
Nandankanan Zoo successfully breeds endangered species like Asiatic lion, Sangal lion-tailed macaque, Indian crocodiles and Nilgirilangur.
The zoo has many freshwater fishes and aquaria of more than 34 species.
The zoo houses more than 130 species of orchids and will soon become the largest in Odisha.
Nearby attractions
Nandankanan Zoo Park is 16 km from the State Tribal Museum.
Bhubaneswar is famous for its ancient temples. The city has 700 temples including Rajarani Temple and Parasurameshwara Temple. It is home to Mukteshwara Temple, Rama Mandir, Rajarani Temple, Parasurameshwara Temple and Mukteshwara Temple. That is why this city is called "Temple City".
Within 16 km from the zoo, you can visit Udayagiri or Khandagiri Caves, the historical tourist spots of Odisha.
Zoo Dhauli is within 30 km from Shanti Stupam. This famous Buddhist temple is located in Dhauligiri.
2. Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens:
Mysore Zoo or Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens is known as one of the oldest zoos in India. The zoo is spread over an area of 157 acres and is one of the most famous in India. The original Mysore Zoo was established in the palace of Maharaja Chamaraja on an area of 10 acres. It was later expanded and handed over to the Mysore State Government in 1948 for maintenance.
Another Name of Zoo: Mysore Zoo.
Located Near: Mysore
Year of Zoo Inception: Zoo was opened in 1892
Area occupied by the zoo: The zoo occupies 64 hectares (157 acres) of land.
Types of animals: zebras and elephants; green anacondas; Giraffes; zebras; tigers; lions; Rhinoceros.
Hours at the Zoo: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (Closed on Tuesdays).
Entry Fee: Adults 100 rupees and children 50 rupees
Website: https://www.mysuruzoo.info/
Some amazing facts:
The zoo was established in 1892 and opened to the public in 1902.
A bandstand and an artificial lake are part of the zoo's offerings.
In 1948, the Parks and Horticulture Department of the Mysore State Government took over the maintenance of the zoo.
The zoo is home to more elephants than any other zoo in India.
This zoo used to have more than 34 elephants at a time. They were transferred to other zoos for some time.
Nearby attractions
Mysore Zoo is surrounded by beautiful tourist attractions within 3 km like Karanji Lake Mysore and Sri Nandi Temple in Mysore. Also, Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum, Maharaja Chamarajendra Wadayar Statue, Kukkarahalli Lake etc.
3. National Zoological Park:
The National Zoological Park near Purana Qila (Delhi) is the largest zoo in India. It covers an area of 71 hectares (176 acres). The zoo houses more than 130 species from all over the world. The zoo made headlines in 2014 after a man named Maqsood accidentally fell into a tiger pool and died.
Another Name of Zoo: Delhi Zoo
Located Near: Delhi
Year of Zoo Opening: 1959
Area occupied by the zoo: The zoo occupies 71 hectares (176 acres).
Types of animals: Chimpanzees, spider monkeys, hippopotami and spider monkeys. Giraffes, African wild buffalo, Gir lion, Giraffes. Zebras. Jaguars. Hyenas. Migratory birds like peacocks.
Zoo Timings: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (ends Friday).
Entry Fee: Adults 200 rupees and children 100 rupees.
Website: https://nzpnewdelhi.gov.in/
Some amazing facts:
One of the main attractions is the zoo's 16th-century castle.
The zoo is a green urban oasis in the middle of bustling Delhi.
The zoo is also part of the Conservative Breeding Program and is known for breeding Brow Antlered Deer.
Nearby attractionsPurana Qila, one of the oldest forts in India, is within easy reach of Delhi Zoo (600 meters). 1.5 km from India Gate National Zoological Park. Lodhi Garden, Humayun's Tomb and Humayun's Tomb are three kilometers away from the zoo.
4. Arignar Anna Zoological Park:Arignar Anna Zoological Park, also known as Vandalur Zoo, is located in the southwest corner of Chennai. It is approximately 15 km from Chennai Airport and 31 km from Chennai Central. This zoo is the first of its kind in India. It was established in 1855 and is the oldest zoo in India.
Another Name of Zoo: Vandalur Zoo
Near: Vandalur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Year of Zoo Inception: 1855, Madras Zoo. The present position is in 1985.
Area occupied by the zoo: The zoo covers an area of 510 hectares (13300 acres).
Animal Types: Tiger, Leopard, Lion (Hybrid), Wild Dog, Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Hyena, Jackal, Blackbuck, Indian Bison, Barking Deer, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Crocodile, Snakes, Waterfowl.
Zoo Timings: 9 A.M. to 5 p.m. (Closed on Tuesdays).
Entry Fee: Adults Rs 90 and Children Rs 50.
Website: https://www.aazp.in/
Some amazing facts:Vandalur Zoo is the largest zoo in India.
In 1955, the first All India Zoo Superintendents' Conference was held here.
Nearby attractions:Skandhasram Temple is dedicated to Murugan and is located 11 km from Vandalur Zoo. The zoo is located near the Shree Lakshmi Kubera Temple which is 7 km away. The zoo is 14 km from Sri Dhenupurieshwara Temple, the oldest and most famous temple in Chennai. Kovalam Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Tamil Nadu is located 24 km from Vandalur Zoo Park.
5. Suckerbagh Zoological Garden:Suckerbagh Zoo is spread over 200 hectares and was established in 1863 by Babi Nawabs of Junagadh. It is the largest zoo in India. The zoo has more than 40 Asiatic lions and lionesses. The National History Museum has the skeletons and remains of two large Asiatic lions, as well as a leopard (deer, boars, blackbucks and antelope).
Another Name of the Zoo: Sakkarbagh Zoo Junagadh Zoo.
Located Near: Junagadh, Gujarat.
Year of Opening of the Zoo: The zoo was opened in 1863.
Area occupied by the zoo: The zoo occupies 200 hectares (490 acres) of land.
Animal species: 525 mammals and 597 birds.
Zoo Timings: 8am to 5 p.m. (closed on Wednesdays).
Some amazing facts:This zoo is the largest breeding center for Asiatic lions in India.
Sakkarbagh Zoo in Junagadh became the only zoo in India to house African cheetahs in 2009. The zoo received two pairs of cheetahs from the Singapore Zoo in exchange for its 3 Asiatic lions.
In exchange for two Asiatic lions, they also received Indian gaur and green peacocks from the Mysore zoo, as well as Malabar giant squirrels.
The zoo also breeds white-backed and bald vultures.
Nearby attractionsJunagadh Zoo is a popular tourist destination. There are many famous forts and temples nearby. These include Upperkot Fort and Majewadi Gate as well as BAPS Swami Narayan Mandir, Girnar Ropeway, Girnar Ropeway and BAPS Swami Narayan Mandir.
6. Nehru Zoological Park:The famous Nehru Zoological Park is one of the most popular attractions in Hyderabad. The zoo was established in 1959 and opened to the public on 6 October 1963.
Another Name of Zoo: Zoo Park, Hyderabad Zoo.
Near: Mir Alam Tank, Hyderabad, Telangana.
Year of Zoo Opening: 1963
Area occupied by the zoo: The zoo occupies 153.8 hectares (380 acres) of land.
Types of animals: Indian Rhinoceros, Asiatic Lion, Bengal Tiger, Panda, Gaur, Indian Elephant, Gaur, Panther, Gaur, Indian Elephant, Slender Loris and Python. The nocturnal home is home to chimpanzees and giraffes as well as fruit bats, slow lorises, civets, leopard cats, hedgehogs, barn owls, spotted wood owls, fishing owls and great horned owls.
Zoo Timings: 8am - 5pm Closed Monday
Entry Fee: Adults 50 rupees and children 30 rupees.
Some amazing facts:A nocturnal house here reverses day and night for nocturnal animals, which are active when visitors visit the zoo.
A dino park, an aquarium, a butterfly park, as well as a turtle house are all part of the zoo.
Multiple safari tours can be arranged throughout the day to spot Asiatic lions, Bengal tigers and sloth bears.
Nearby attractions:Within walking distance from the zoo park are many attractions such as Sudha Car Museum and Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple. Also, Chaumahalla Palace, Khurshid Jah Devi, and Chaumahalla Palace.
7. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park:
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is named after Sarojini Naidu's daughter. It is 7000 feet above sea level. The zoo specializes in breeding alpine animals like red panda and snow leopard.
Another Name of the Zoo: Darjeeling Zoo
Near: Darjeeling, West Bengal.
First Year of Zoo Opening: 1958
Area occupied by the zoo: The zoo occupies 27.3 hectares (67.56 acres).
Animal Species: Himalayan Wolf, Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Gorals, Siberian Tigers, Himalayan Tahr, Gray Peacock, Blue Sheep, Himalayan Monal, Himalayan Salamander, Blood Pheasant and Satyr Tragopan.
Zoo Timings: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (Closed on Thursdays).
Entry Fee: Adults Rs 20
Website: http://www.pnhzp.gov.in/
Some amazing facts:
The zoo receives more than 300,000 visitors annually.
The park specializes in exhibiting Himalayan fauna and flora
Nearby attractions
Popular tourist spots in Darjeeling are Mahakal Temple, Happy Valley Tea Estate and Observatory Hill View Point. All this is 1.5 km from Darjeeling Zoo.
8. Assam State Zoo-cum-Botanical Garden:
The Assam State Zoo in Guwahati is the largest zoo in Northeast India. During the 64th Indian National Congress held in Guwahati in 2005, they exhibited a variety of animals and birds. A female leopard cub is their favourite. After the meeting the need for a zoo to house these animals was felt in Guwahati. This is how Guwahati Zoo was born.
Another Name of Zoo: Guwahati Zoo
Located Near: Guwahati (Assam) .
First Year of Zoo Opening: 1958
Area occupied by the zoo: The zoo occupies 175 hectares (432.435 acres).
Animal Species: One-horned Indian Rhinoceros. Tiger, clouded leopard. Golden Langar. Hoolock Gibbon. Serov, an elephant. Slow Loris. Himalayan Black Bear. Leopard cat Binturong. wild cat
Zoo Timings: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Closed on Fridays).
Some amazing facts:
The zoo is located in Hengrabari Reserved Forest, Guwahati.
This successful breeding program produces the Indian one-horned rhinoceros.
Nearby attractions
Shraddanjali Canon Park is 200m away and ISKCON Temple is 3.5km away.
9. Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park:
The Pune Municipal Corporation manages the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, located in the Katraj area of Pune district. All the animals were initially housed in traditional cages at the Peshwa's zoo. However, the Central Zoo Authority of India created Katraj Zoo and animals were gradually shifted to it.
Another Name of Zoo: Rajiv Gandhi Zoo Katraj Zoo.
Near: Near Katraj, Pune and Maharashtra
Year of Zoo Opening: 1999
Area occupied by the zoo: The zoo occupies 53 hectares (130 acres) of land.
Animal Species: Reptiles and mammals including leopards, male Bengal tigers, cheetahs and sloth bears.
Hours at the Zoo: 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Wednesday).
Some amazing facts:
The Zoological Park can be divided into three parts: the Animal Orphanage and the Snake Park.
There is also a lake called Katraj Lake.
Nearby attractions
Katraj Zoo is 3 km from Agam Mandir (Katraj Lake), Sri Sadguru Shankar Maharaj Math (Sri Sadguru Shankar Maharaj Math), Amba Mata Mandir (ISKAN Temple Pune), and Sri Sadguru Shankar Maharaj Math (Sri Sadguru Shankar Maharaj Math). There is
10. Indira Gandhi Zoological:
Near: Kambalakonda Reserve Forest, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
Year of Zoo Opening: 1977 was the first year of zoo opening.
Area occupied by the zoo: The zoo covers an area of 253 hectares (625 acres).
Types of animals: Birds such as pelican and painted stork, duck, spotted pigeons, lovebirds, parrots, eagles, vultures, budgerigars, macaws, ostriches and emus. Common langur (Hanuman kothi), bonnet monkey, rhesus monkeys, olive baboons, mandrills, ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta), Goeldi's marmoset and three new chimpanzees are some examples of primates. Other animals include barking deer and elephant, wild boar, gaur and swamp deer. Python, king cobra and tortoise are all reptiles.
Zoo Timings: 9am - 5pm Closed Monday
Entry Fee: Adults 50 rupees and children 10 rupees.
Website: https://www.vizagzoo.com/
Some amazing facts:
A wonderful collection of fauna and flora.
Access to free Wi-Fi throughout the zoo.
It is a unique breeding program for Indian Wild Dogs and White Tigers.
Nearby attractions:
Vizag Zoo is 3 km away from Kambala Konda Eco Park and Thenneti Park.
11. Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Garden:
The zoo is located in Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh; This zoo is popularly known as Lucknow Zoo.
Another name for the zoo: Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Prani Urdyan, Lucknow Zoological Garden (formerly known as Prince of Wales Zoological Garden).
Near: Located near Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Year of Zoo Opening: Zoo was opened in 1921
Area occupied by the zoo: The zoo occupies 29 hectares (71.6 acres).
Animal Species: Asiatic Lion, Royal Bengal Tiger, White Bengal Tiger, Gray Wolf, Hoolock Gibbon, Himalayan Black Bear, Indian Rhino Barking Deer and Hog Deer Hill Mynas, Giant Squirrels Golden Peacock. Great Pied Hornbill, Silver Pheasant.
Zoo Timings: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Closed on Monday
Entry Fee: 80 rupees for adults, 40 rupees for children.
Website: https://www.lucknowzoo.com/home.php
Some amazing facts:The zoo has white tigers, Indian wolves and other peacocks along with blackbuck, swamp, boar and barking deer.
The toy train runs for 1.5 km and covers all areas of the zoo.
Apart from the Kanpur zoo, this is the only zoo that has an orangutan exhibit.
Nearby attractionsLucknow Zoo is 3 km from Lucknow's most famous park, Ambedkar Park and Lucknow's main shopping center, Hazratganj Shopping Centre.
12. Sanjay Gandhi Jaivik Udyan:Spread over 60.9 hectares, Sanjay Gandhi Jaivik Udyan is the most visited place in Patna. Every year, it hosts 45 to 55 lakh visitors. The zoo has both a botanical garden and a zoo.
Another Name of Zoo: Sanjay Gandhi Botanical & Zoological Garden, Patna Zoo.
Near: Bailey Road, Patna, Bihar.
Year of Zoo Opened: Year of Zoo Opened: 1973
Area covered by the zoo: The zoo covers an area of 60.9 hectares (152.95 acres).
Types of animals: tiger, leopard, clouded leopard; Hippopotamus; crocodile; elephants, Himalayan black bear, jackal, blackbucks and spotted deer; Peacock, mountain myna, gharial, python, Indian rhinoceros; Chimpanzees, Giraffes, Zebra, Emu and White Peacock.
Zoological Hours: Closed Monday, 5 am to 6 pm
Entry Fee: Adults 30 rupees and children 10 rupees.
Website: https://www.zoopatna.com/
Some amazing facts:It is a popular picnic spot with over 50 lakh people visiting every year.
In 2011, the zoo had a record 36,000 visitors.
Nearby attractions:At a distance of 3 km from Patna Zoo, you can find Eco Park, Bihar Museum, BSPHCL Energy Park and Pancharupi Hanuman Mandir.
13. Alipore Zoological GardenAlipore Zoological Garden is the oldest zoo in India. It is officially recognized as a Zoological Reserve. The zoo has been open to visitors since 1896 and is a popular tourist attraction in Kolkata.
Other Name of Zoo: Calcutta Zoo, Alipore Zoo.
Near: Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal.
Year of Zoo Opening: 1876
Area occupied by the zoo: The zoo occupies 18.81 hectares (46.5 acres).
Animal Types: African Lion, Asiatic Lion, Royal Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Lion, Jaguars, Great Indian One-horned Rhinoceros, Great Indian Reticulated Giraffes, Grant's Zebras, Emu and Indian Elephant. There are many fascinating birds including some endangered species.
Zoo Timings: 9 am to 4:30 pm. (Closed Thursday).
Entry Fee: Adults 30 rupees and children 10 rupees.
Website: https://kolkatazoo.in/alipor/
Some amazing facts:On 1/1/2018, the zoo saw a peak with 1,10,000 visitors.
The zoo is famous for Advaita, a giant tortoise that lived for 250 years (it died in 2006).
It was one of the first zoos to breed white tigers.
The zoo has taken a breeding initiative to save the Manipur brow-horned buck deer from certain extinction.
Nearby attractions:Located 3 km from Kolkata Zoo, Victoria Memorial and Netaji Bhavan are the most popular attractions.
14. Kanpur Zoological ParkIt covers an area of 77 hectares. Covering an area of 77 hectares, the Allen Forest Zoo is the largest green space in Kanpur and the largest in India. These animals are housed in open and trenched enclosures.
Another name of the zoo: Allen Forest Zoo.
Near: Azad Nagar, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
Year of Zoo Opening: 1974 is the year of zoo opening.
Area occupied by the zoo: The zoo covers an area of 77 hectares (190 acres).
Types of animals: Cheetahs, leopards, jaguars, hyenas, black bears, grizzly bears, sloths, rhinoceros and hippopotami.
Zoo Timings: Zoo is open from 9 am to 5 pm. Closed on Mondays
Entry Fee: Adults 75 rupees and children 35 rupees.
Website: https://www.kanpurzoo.org/
Some amazing facts:The zoo has many chimpanzees, including 26-year-old chimpanzee Chhaju and orangutans like Mangal (30 years old).
Some rare species of plants are kept in the botanical garden of the zoo.
The center of attraction is a rainwater lake where you can see 100s of deer grazing.
A toy train makes a great addition to the zoo.
15. Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park:Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park in Zirkapur was built in 1977 and covers an area of 202 acres. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Punjab.
Another name of the zoo: Chatbir Zoo
Near: Zirkapur, Punjab, India
Year of Zoo Opening: 1977 was the first year of zoo opening
Area occupied by the zoo: The zoo occupies 202 acres
Animal species: 369 mammals and 400 birds.
Zoo Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. (Closed on Mondays).
Entry Fee: Adults 100 rupees and children 50 rupees.
Website: http://chhatbirzoo.gov.in/
Some amazing facts:One of the zoo's most popular attractions is the lion safari.
Chatbir Zoo has the longest walkway in India for walk-in aviaries, which is 300 m.
India is a diverse country hosting a variety of fauna and flora. These species are available to the public in many Indian zoos. It is a great opportunity for nature lovers to connect with nature through these botanical gardens and zoological parks. These zoological parks and botanical gardens are a great way to experience the beauty of nature on your next trip to India.
Frequently asked questions and answersQ1. Which is the largest zoo in India?Ans: Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar, India is the largest zoo.
Q2. How many zoos are there in India?Ans: There are more than 61 zoos in India.
Q3. Which Indian zoo is the largest?Ans: Arignar Anna Zoological Park Vandalur is spread over 1265 acres and has more than 2553 species.
Q4. List the best zoos in India.Answer: Here is the list of Indian Zoos - Top
National Zoological Park, Delhi
Mysore Jr
Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Visakhapatnam
Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad
Nandankanan Zoological Park, Bhubaneswar
Q5. Which is the most visited zoo in India?Ans: One of the most famous zoos in India is the Alipore Zoological Garden in Kolkata. More than 1,10,000 people visited it in New Year 2018, making it one of the most popular zoos in India.
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