Kanpur Zoological Park or Allen Forest Zoo, also called the Kanpur Zoo, is a 76.56-hectare zoo in Kanpur, a large city in Northern India. It is Kanpur’s most significant open green space and the largest zoological park in North India. It is established in a man-made forest. The terrain of the park is undulating and resembles a high forest. It is one of those zoological parks built on modern zoo-building principles. The animals inhabited in the Zoological Park have been put in open and moated enclosures. Kanpur Zoological Park, Kanpur, is one of the oldest Zoological Park in India. It was established and opened for the public on 4th February 1974.
About Kanpur Zoological Park
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Kanpur Zoological Park, Kanpur, is one of the oldest Zoological Park in India. It was established and opened for the public on 4th February 1974. The area of the Zoological Park is about 76.56 ha. It is based in a man-made forest. The terrain of the park is undulating and resembles a high forest. The moated enclosures give the animal ample space for movement and help express their biological and physiological expressions. The enclosures are screened by terrain in such a way that one enclosure is not visible from the other. The Zoological Park in Kanpur (earlier Cawnpore) was the brainchild of a botanist Sir Allen, a member of the British Indian Civil Service. Sir Allen wanted to open the zoo in a natural forest, but his plans were stuck in bureaucratic red tape and did not materialise. When the zoo at last opened in 1971 by the government of independent India, it was named after him. The zoo authorities encourage local Kanpur and Uttar Pradesh-based industrialists and business owners to take an interest in the development and preservation of the ecological heritage of the Kanpur Zoo and its potential for development as a rare natural habitat-based zoo.
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Things To Do At Kanpur Zoological Park
Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast or someone who loves to travel, Kanpur Zoological Park offers many things to tourists. From Animal Exhibiton to visiting the botanical garden this park offers something for every kind of preference. Let’s explore some of the best things of this park
1. Animal Exhibits
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Explore the wide range of animals housed in the zoo, including big cats like lions and tigers, elephants, bears, primates, birds, reptiles, and more. Mammals at the zoo include white tigers, leopards, hyenas, black bears, grizzly bears, sloth, rhinoceros, hippopotamus, monkeys, langur, baboons, musk deer, deer, zebra, and antelope. chimpanzees (including a 26-year-old named Chhajju) and orangutans (including a 30-year-old named Mangal) have their own island. Some monkeys and deer are allowed to roam outside the enclosures as natural zoo inhabitants.
Duration: 2-3 Hours
Ideal For: Kids, family
2. Boating
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The zoo has a boating facility on the lake, providing a serene experience amidst the natural surroundings. Visitors to the Allen Forest (Kanpur zoo) will be able to enjoy the boat ride on the lake spreading across 18-hectare. The zoo authorities prioritise visitor safety during boating activities. Life jackets or other safety equipment may be provided, and it’s important to follow any guidelines or instructions given by the zoo staff. There may be an additional fee for boating on top of the zoo entrance ticket. Details regarding pricing and booking can be obtained from the zoo’s official sources.
Duration: 30 minutes approx
Things To Do: Feed the fish, photography
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3. Toy Train
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The toy train typically follows a designated route within the zoo premises, allowing passengers to see various animal enclosures, lush greenery, and other attractions. In the 2014 master plan, the state government sanctioned about ₹12 crore for the railway stations, tracks and toy trains. In the initial blueprint of the project, the forest would have suffered a huge loss of greeneryThe duration of the train ride is usually around 15 to 20 minutes, providing a quick but enjoyable tour of the zoo.
Price: INR 10-15 approx
Duration: 20-30 minutes approx
4. Lake
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The lake is situated within the zoo premises, surrounded by lush greenery and various animal enclosures. The rainwater lake is the centre of attraction at Allen Forest, and visitors can see hundreds of deer grazing in open savannah-like land without fear of any predator. A total of 741 birds were spotted in the lake area, which belonged to a staggering 44 different species, including Pied Kingfisher, orange-headed thrush, painted storks, little egret, great cormorant, open bill stork, black-headed ibis, waterhen, whistling teal, grey hornbill to name a few. It serves as a focal point for both recreational activities and enhancing the natural habitat within the zoo.
Things To Do: Bird watching, spend some time at the lakeside
Best Time To Visit: October to March
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5. Butterfly Park
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The Butterfly Park is located within the premises of Kanpur Zoological Park, also known as Allen Forest Zoo. It was constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 1 crore. A total of 100 species of flowers, including Calendula, Gulmehendi and Dahlia, have been planted in order to attract the butterflies. By now, more than 50 species of butterflies have already been observed in the park. Visitors can observe these beautiful insects up close as they flutter around the park. The Butterfly Park is generally accessible to visitors of all ages and abilities. It’s designed to be a peaceful and relaxing area within the zoo where guests can immerse themselves in nature.
Things To Do: Observe more than 50 species of butterflies
Best Time To Visit: April to November
6. Botanical garden
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The Botanical Garden is situated within the Allen Forest Zoo premises in Kanpur. It’s typically designed to showcase a variety of plants, trees, and flowers, offering a tranquil environment for visitors. The zoo houses a botanical garden with a collection of some of the country’s rare species of plants that are dotted with sylvan lakes. The zoo grounds are also professionally maintained by forest conservationists, and it records large attendance from all age groups and communities in Kanpur. Similar to other areas of the zoo, the Botanical Garden is usually accessible to visitors of all ages and abilities. It’s designed to accommodate strolls and provide relaxing benches or seating areas.
Things To Do: Visit the botanical gardens
Best Time To Visit: November to March
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7. Night House
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The night house serves as a controlled environment where nocturnal animals are housed during the day. It allows these animals to rest, hide, and exhibit their natural behaviour away from daytime visitors and sunlight. Night creatures are housed in a separate building. These include porcupines, toddy cats (Asian palm civet), and other nocturnal animals. The exhibits are typically designed to mimic the natural habitats of these nocturnal animals. Before planning your visit to Kanpur Zoo, you should check the zoo’s official website or contact them directly for specific information about the night house, including opening hours, exhibit details, and any additional activities or educational programs available.
Things To Do: Visit nocturnal animals
Best Time To Visit: All year round
Further Read: Tourist Places In Kanpur
Now that you have a list of things to consider for your upcoming trip to Uttar Pradesh, schedule your visit to the amazing Kanpur Zoological Park for an unforgettable experience. From experiencing boating and animal exhibitions to riding the toy train, this blog will enhance your itinerary for Kanpur Zoological Park. To avoid missing these chances, reserve your tickets right away!
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Cover Image Credit: Mikudavidson for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions ABout Kanpur Zoological Park
What are the opening hours of Kanpur Zoological Park?
Typically, Kanpur Zoological Park is open to visitors from morning to evening, with specific timings varying seasonally. It's advisable to check the current timings before planning a visit.
Is photography allowed inside the zoo?
Yes, photography is allowed, but the use of professional cameras and tripods may require special permission from the zoo authorities.
Are there any specific rules or guidelines for visitors?
Visitors are expected to follow these guidelines:
- Do not feed or disturb the animals.
- Maintain cleanliness and use designated dustbins.
- Stay on marked paths and do not enter restricted areas.
- Follow the instructions given by zoo staff and security.
How much is the entry fee for the zoo?
The entry fee varies:
- Adults: ₹30
- Children (3 to 12 years): ₹15
- Children under 3 years: Free
- For foreign nationals: ₹50
What are the main attractions at Kanpur Zoological Park?
The zoo features a variety of animals including tigers, lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, zebras, rhinoceroses, various species of birds, reptiles, and an aquarium. It also has a well-maintained botanical garden, a lake, and a toy train for children.
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