Located on the bank of Narmada, Sardar Patel Zoological Park is a famous zoo in Gujarat and a sanctuary for wildlife lovers. Spread over 375 hectares, the zoo has been divided into different zones, such as Asian, African, and Australian, each with animals from the respective region. There are seven levels from an altitude of 29 to 180 metres. The Sardar Patel Zoological Park has an open system, meaning animals are not kept in caves. It aims to improve the animal’s quality of life by giving them a natural habitat. Visit this unique zoo to witness the animals’ natural habitat.
Sardar Patel Zoological Park History
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Sardar Patel Zoological Park was inaugurated on 31st October 2020 on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhai Patel, the Iron Man of India. Our Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the zoo in Kevadia. The zoo, along with the Statue of Unity, has significantly boosted the region’s tourism. The government has successfully created an ecosystem for tourists to enjoy multiple attractions. The zoo has worked on digitising the experience, which includes interactive mediums to understand the details of the animals and plants. There has been a significant development in the transportation facilities to cater to a smooth experience for visitors.
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Sardar Patel Zoological Park Safari Timings And Entry Fees
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The Sardar Patel Zoological Park Safari opens its gate to visitors at 8 AM. Tourists can come and explore the beauty of the flora and fauna of the zoo till 5 PM. The zoo is open on all days of the week except Mondays. The maintenance work is completed on Mondays. Here are the entry fees for the Zoological Park Safari:
Children: INR 125
Adults: INR 200
Things To Do At Sardar Patel Zoological Park
Here are the things you must do at Sardar Patel Zoological Park. Read on for a glimpse of the experience you will have there.
1. Jungle Safari
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The Sardar Patel Zoological Park has been designed as an open system wherein animals can move freely. This unconventional manner removes the system of caves thus allowing more freedom and a better quality of life for the animals. The Jungle Safari route goes through the aviary, endangered animal zone, and aviary. The zoo houses endangered Indian animals like the Royal Bengal tiger, leopards, barking deer, and antelopes. A special area dedicated to the carnivores called the Abode of Carnivores is also present. There is an immense focus on the natural habitat of the animals; hence, over 5 lakh species of plants are found in the zoo. You can explore the zoo on foot or take a ride in a golf cart as well.
Time duration: 3 hours
Wheelchair accessible: Yes
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2. Aviary
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One of the largest aviaries in India, the Sardar Patel Zoo has over 500 birds in it. These birds belong to 30 species, and the management emphasises their habitat, hence planting 30 species of plants for their food. As you reach the aviary, one section is for the Indian birds and the other for exotic birds. Volunteers are present to guide children during the experience. With a geodesic dome structure, you can enter the building and see the birds more closely. Some of these birds might come and sit on your shoulder, too.
Time duration: 1 hour
Wheelchair accessible: Yes
Attractions Close To Sardar Patel Zoological Park
After enjoying the Sardar Patel Zoo, here are some more places nearby that you must visit. Visit these places to make the most out of your day:
1. Sardar Sarovar Dam
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Located 3 km from Sardar Patel Zoological Park, Sardar Sarovar Dam is an engineering marvel on river Narmada. It is the biggest dam on the river Narmada and the second largest dam by volume and size worldwide. It is a popular picnic spot with various attractions nearby. The dam serves as a source of drinking water and irrigates large portions of Gujarat and nearby states. The Sardar Sarovar Dam tames the fast-flowing Narmada and generates hydroelectricity as well.
Visiting hours: 8 AM to 6 PM
Entry fees: INR 120 (Adult ); INR 60 (Children)
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2. Statue Of Unity
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Located 1 km from this Zoological Park, the Statue of Unity is built in memory of the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhai Patel. The statue has a staggering height of 182 metres, making it the tallest statue in the world. The Valley of Flowers located within the same area, is a well-designed garden offering a botanical visual. At the base of the statue is also an exhibition hall and museum. It displays the struggles and journey of Sardar Vallabhai Patel. There are laser lights that are half an hour long at 7:30 PM, which show the unification of India.
Visiting hours: 9 AM to 6 PM
Entry fees: INR 120 (adults); INR 60 (children); INR 350 (Observation deck)
3. Zarwani Waterfall
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Located 4 km from Sardar Patel Zoological Park, Zarwani Waterfall offers an adventurous experience. It is located within the Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary and is the ideal weekend getaway. With opportunities to trek, hike, swim, and photograph wildlife, you can explore the forest trails. Forests and uneven trails surround the path to the waterfall; hence, wear sturdy shoes. Plan a picnic in the lap of this waterfall with your friends and family. Enjoy the cascading waterfall to remove all your tiredness.
Visiting hours: 24 hours
Entry fees: None
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4. Dino Trail
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Located 4 km from the Zoological Park, Dino Trail is a must-visit for family trips. It is an educational-themed park of dinosaur fossils found in the Narmada. The excavations show that Rajasaurus Narmadensis existed in this region during the Cretaceous period (145 million years ago). In the Dino Trail park, there is a 25-foot-high and 75-foot-long replica of the dinosaur, which gives visitors a chance to see the intricate details of the dinosaur. There are descriptions of the dinosaurs with staggering statues making it an informational and engaging trip for those with children.
Visiting hours: 10 AM to 5 PM
Entry fees: None
5. Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
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Located 12 km from this Zoological Park, Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of India’s most diverse sanctuaries. If you want to explore more of the nature trails, Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary would be the ideal place to visit. Spread over a massive 607 square kilometres, the sanctuary houses 575 species of plants and the largest variety of nearly extinct animals. With the pristine Zarwani waterfall and coveted forests, this ecosystem would be the highlight of your trip. There are jeep safaris and trekking trails within the sanctuary.
Visiting hours: 7 AM to 9 PM
Entry fees: INR 200 (Adults); INR 100 ( Children)
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Sardar Patel Zoological Park offers a unique blend of tourism and wildlife conservation. You can explore the wild, spot exotic animals, plan a picnic with your family in the zoo, and so much more. If this guide about Sardar Patel Zoological Park motivates you, here are some of the best packages for a trip to Vadodara. Enjoy the charisma of Vadodara’s modernity, which is touched by history.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sardar Patel Zoological Park
How much time is required for a trip to Sardar Patel Zoological Park?
Around 3 to 4 hours are enough to explore the Sardar Patel Zoological Park. You can use the rest of the time of your day to explore the nearby attractions.
What is the best time to visit Sardar Patel Zoological Park?
The best time to visit Sardar Patel Zoological Park is from October to February. During these months, the temperature ranges from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius allowing a comfortable day out.
Any facilities available at the park?
Yes, there are restrooms, food courts, souvenir shops, and seating areas in and around the park, ensuring hassle free experience.
What is the cost of a helicopter ride in the Statue of Unity?
The cost for a helicopter ride at the Statue of Unity is INR 2900. Each helicopter ride is 10 minutes and takes 5 to 7 people at a time.
Are children allowed in Sardar Patel Zoological Park?
Yes, children are allowed in Sardar Patel Zoological Park. However, the Zoo does not take any responsibility for the children and they should be watched by the parents or guardians.
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