Enjoy getting a close encounter with wildlife when you visit a zoo. A place which is exciting for people of all age groups to enjoy watching wildlife in their habitats. You can enjoy hiking and spending a day at the zoo watching animals of various species, feeding them, and staying close to nature. There are many zoos in India that house wildlife of endangered and exotic species. You can gain knowledge of various species and click pictures of nature and wildlife. And to get a close peek at the wildlife of the country, make sure to enjoy a great time at these Zoos in India which cannot be missed.
17 Best Zoos In India
Zoos are the best places to take your kids and make them learn about animals that they share Earth with. Here are some of the best zoos in India which one must visit and get a glimpse of the wildlife around the country among which some of them are very unique.
1. National Zoological Park – Exquisite Experience
This is one of the oldest zoos in Delhi where you can spend the weekend with kids. It is equipped with many facilities and amenities. Explore the wildlife spotting animal species, birds, mammals, reptiles, and other exotic species that you can get a close encounter with at this zoo. The zoo is the best place for nature and wildlife photography. You can know about the life and habits of various animals like Asiatic lions, hippos, swamp deer, zebras, and many other wild species.
You can also find more than 100 species of reptiles and lizards at this zoo. You might not be allowed to feed animals at this zoo. You can enjoy a day out at this zoo viewing different species of wildlife. This is an ideal place to visit for nature and animal lovers. You can spot plant species and enjoy the view of wildlife in open spaces.
Location: Delhi
Timings: 9.30 am to 4.30 pm
Entry: 20 – 40 INR Indians, 100 – 200 INR foreigners
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2. Mysore Zoo – Exotic Animals
It is originally called Sri Chamarajendra Zoological gardens. This is one of the oldest and best zoos in India that was established in the 18th century. There is a special garden inside the zoo that looks beautiful and picturesque. You can explore nature, wildlife, and bird watching at this zoo. There are more than a hundred birds, reptiles, mammals, and other species you can find at this zoo. Enjoy a day out at this zoo and spot different species of animals and birds.
It spans across 157 acres of land and is a home for many abandoned animals. There are many animal shows held at this zoo. You can also attend any of the education programs at this zoo. Summers are fun as you can enjoy boating with kids and enjoy the serene green atmosphere of the zoo. You can spot birds like ostrich, pelicans, eagles, parrots, vultures, and many other bird species. There is also a lake park inside this zoo that has scenic waterfalls. You can explore wildlife by taking a safari inside the zoo.
Location: Mysore
Timings: 8.30 am to 5.30 pm
Entry: 50 INR adult, 20 INR children
3. Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park – Witness Wildlif
This is one of the popular tourist attractions in Pune. Take nature and wildlife pictures at this zoo and enjoy a day out away from the hustle-bustle. This is one of the popular picnic places where you can spend an entire day with your loved ones. For education and entertainment, this is an enjoyable place to spend time. Enjoy a day out at this zoo and get a close encounter for flora and fauna. You can spend a good time with your family and kids at this place.
View various animal, bird, and reptile species that you do not get to see in your everyday life. Spend time in the serene atmosphere of the zoo that has rich vegetation and houses various species of animals. A part of the zoo also has a scenic lake where you can spend tranquil time. There are also many endangered species inside the zoo. You can explore various portions of the zoo and click pictures of exotic animals and birds living in their habitats.
Location: Pune
Timings: 9.30 am to 6.00 pm
Entry: 15 INR, 5 INR for foreigners, and 25 INR for handicap
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4. Indira Gandhi Zoological Park – Rich In Fauna
This zoo is nestled between the scenic Eastern Ghats. It is inside the Kambalakonda Forest Reserve. It spreads across a land of more than 600 acres. There are various animals and birds you can take a look at. Kids have a good time spending an entire day at the zoo. This is one of the biggest zoos in Andhra Pradesh and has many zones for nature and wildlife lovers to explore. You can explore carnivores, mammals, birds, and also spot butterflies.
A hike inside this zoo is scenic as it is filled with rich flora and fauna. Information about various animals and birds are given so you know more about them. Kids can also enjoy the mini train ride inside the zoo. You can spot many animals and birds like lemurs, monkeys, deers, pumas, jaguars, hyenas, porcupines, and more. There are a plethora of activities you can do close to the zoo. You can enjoy spending time at the sandy beaches nearby and explore the scenic Araku Valley.
Location: Visakhapatnam
Timings: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm
Entry: 10 INR adults, 5 INR children
5. Nehru Zoological Park – Amazing Experience
This is one of the biggest zoological parks in South India. It houses more than 1500 species of animals and birds. You can find animals like rhinos, Asiatic lions, panthers, tigers, and more. There are many safari rides available that kids enjoy. You can also take a mini-train ride to view the wildlife inside the zoo. Spot deers, antelopes, and many more species. There are interesting zones that you can explore inside this park. There are many fun activities that kids can enjoy inside this park.
Nehru zoological park is known for its biodiversity and rich flora and fauna. Find mandrills, bonnets, star tortoises, elephants, chinkaras, bisons, and more. There are many facilities available inside the zoo such as a food court, children’s park, butterfly park, Jurassic park, and toy train rides. Bicycles are provided for 20 INR so you can take a ride inside the zoo and explore the place at your own pace. You can also enjoy boating. There is an aquarium and a museum inside the park.
Location: Hyderabad
Timings: 8.00 am to 5.30 pm
Entry: 20 INR adult, 10 INR children
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6. Nandankanan Zoological Park – Magnificent Sight
This is a very large zoological park that lets you adopt an animal of your choice. You can explore flora and fauna inside the Botanical gardens and wildlife inside the Zoological Park. Enjoy the view of picturesque gardens inside the park. There are more than 200 enclosures inside this zoo where you get a close encounter with many species of animals and birds. Enjoy the view of exotic animals and endangered species inside this zoo. Platypus, panther, macaws, pythons, tigers, sloth bears, and many more animals and birds can be viewed inside this zoo.
You can take a white tiger safari exploring the wetlands near the Kanji lake, and enjoy hiking inside the zoo to explore various zones of animals and birds. The Botanical gardens are spread across a large area of 75 hectares. You can explore various gardens inside this park. Take a look at the dry garden that has beautiful stonework, butterfly park, greenhouse, rosarium, orchid house, Japanese garden, Mughal garden, landscape garden, heritage garden, and more. This is the best zoo for animal and nature lovers.
Location: Bhubaneshwar
Timings: 7.30 am to 5.30 pm
Entry: 50 INR children, 10 INR children, 100 INR foreigners
7. Alipore Zoo – Encircling Natural Habitat
Explore abundant wildlife at the Alipore Zoo that was established in the 18th century. A nice place to explore for families with kids and nature lovers. This place is spread across an area of 46.5 acres and houses many species of animals and birds. You can click pictures of zebras, deers, antelopes, lorikeets, ostriches, emus, and many more birds and animals. Experience the wild side away from the noise of the city and stay close to nature exploring various zones of this zoo.
View the jungle cat, jaguar, pheasants, cockatoos, painted stork, and many more. There are many attractions inside the zoo such as the elephant house, panther house, aquarium, and a separate children’s zoo. You can spend an entire day at this zoo clicking pictures and experiencing wildlife and nature. Kids will have a lot of fun getting a closer encounter with the zoo. There are umpteen animals and birds to take notice of. Kids can learn a lot about these animals and birds.
Location: Kolkata
Timings: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm
Entry: 25 INR adults, 10 INR kids
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8. Arignar Anna Zoological Park – Largest Zoo In India
Arignar zoological park is one of the most popular picnic spots in Vandalur and is the largest zoo in India. The flora and fauna of the zoo is one of its kind and is an absolute beauty to witness. The zoo is situated in Chennai and is one of a kind zoo in South East Asia. It sprawls across an area of 1260 acres and houses local and exotic animals. The zoo plays host to 138 species of animals some of which are Himalayan brown bear, lion, tiger, elephant and more. Arignar Anna zoological park – the largest zoo in India also offers elephant rides, education centre, and mini Jurassic park.
Location: Chennai
Timings: 9 am to 5 pm
Entry Fee: Adults – INR 50; Children below 2 years – Free; Children aged 2-12 years – INR 20
9. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park – Endangered Species
Located in Darjeeling, Padma Naidu is an amazing zoo which is home to a large variety of animals. It is also known as the Darjeeling zoo and is a paradise for people who love animals and nature. It was established in 1958 and is situated at an elevation of 7000 feet, making it the highest zoo in India. The zoo is known for its breeding and conservation programs and has been applauded internationally for its initiatives. The zoo is also a breeding centre for snow leopards and red pandas. Some of the animals that call this zoo a home are Asiatic Black Bear, Barking Deer, Leopards, Yellow and Blue Macaw, Pangolins, Himlayan Wolf and Monal, Red Jungle Fowl, Yak, Temminck’s Tragopan and many more.
Location: Darjeeling
Timings: 8.30 am to 4.30 pm
Entry Fee: Indiana – INR 20; Foreigners – INR 50
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10. Sakkarbaug Zoological Gardens – Beautiful Establishment
Sakkarbaug zoological gardens or Sakkarbaug zoo is an extremely huge zoological park located on the Junagadh Rajkot Highway and is really popular for its purebred Asiatic Lions. Also known as the Junagadh Zoo, it houses a large variety of birds and animals that are amazing to watch. Some of the animals that you will find here are Wild Boar, Blue Bull, Antelope and more. There is also an in-house natural history museum and a vet hospital.
Location: Junagadh
Timings: 9 am to 12.15 pm and 3 pm to 6 pm
Entry Fee: Adults – INR 10; Kids (3 to 12 years) – INR 5
11. Chattbir Zoo – Amazing Enclosure
Also known as the Mahendra Choudhary Zoological Park, Chattbir zoo is located in Zirakpur near Chandigarh. Zoo is home to a variety of animals, birds, and reptiles. The zoo sprawls over an area of 202 acres of land. Royal Bengal Tiger is the highlight of this zoo. Chhatbir zoo Chandigarh is one of the best places to take your kids.
Location: Chandigarh
Timings: 9 am to 5 pm
Entry Fee: Adults (above 12 years) – INR 20; Kids (3-5 years) INR 5
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12. Nainital Zoo – Elevated Zoo
Pt. G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo or commonly known as Nainital Zoo was established in 1984 and is located in Nainital. The zoo is located at a height of 2100 meters and covers an area of 4.6 hectares. The zoo is home to a large number of endangered species and is counted amongst one of the biggest zoos in India. Some of the animals that can be witnessed in this zoo are Himalayan Civet, Hill Patridge, Tibetan Wolf, Sambar, Barking Deer, and Royal Bengal Tiger. A large number of species of birds are also kept here.
Location: Nainital
Timings: 10 am to 4.30 pm
Entry Fee: adults – INR 50; Kids – INR 20
13. Gulabh Bagh And Zoo – Beautiful Gardens
Located in the Gulabh Bagh, Gulabh Bagh Zoo in Udaipur is a very well maintained zoo that attracts visitors from around the world. Zoo is located close to the rose garden at a walking distance. The garden is beautiful in its entirety and there is a toy train that operates within the zoo for kids and adults. In the zoo you will find a large number of species of animals but the highlight is the wide-eyed owl.
Location: Udaipur
Timings: 8 am to 5.30 pm
Entry Fee: INR 5
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14. Lucknow Zoo – Home To Exotic Animals
Lucknow zoo is also known as the Nawab Wazid Ali Shah Prani Udyan and is quite popular amongst animal lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. It is one of the biggest zoos in India and spreads across 71.6 acres. It was established in 1921 in order to commemorate the visit of the Prince of Wales to Lucknow. Some of the animals and birds that you will find here are Royal Bengal Tiger, White Tiger, Lion, Wolf, Great Pied Hornbill, Golden Pheasant and Silver Pheasant.
Location: Lucknow
Timings: 8.30 am to 5.30 pm
Entry Fee: Adults (Above 12 years) – INR 60; Kids (5-12 years) – INR 30
15. Sanjay Gandhi Botanical Garden – Garden And More
Locally known as the Sanjay Gandhi Jaivik Udyan, Sanjay Gandhi botanical garden is one of a kind garden that is known for its sheer beauty. It is also known as the Patna zoo and was established in 1969. It houses over 800 species of animals some of which are Jackal, Himalayan Black Bear, Spotted Deer, and more.
Location: Patna
Timings: 8 am too 5.30 pm
Entry Fee: Adults – INR 30; Kids – INR 10
16. Gopalpur Zoo – Natural Habitat
Located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh it is another elevated zoo and is one of the most popular tourist spots. It offers an amazing insight into the natural habitat of animals localised to the region while also offering magnificent views and one of a kind experience. Here you can see animals such as Himalayan Black Bear, Asiatic Lion, Red Fox and more such animals.
Location: Kangra
Timings: 9 am to 5 pm
Entry Fee: INR 20
17. Guwahati Zoo – Animal’s Paradise
Guwahati zoo is an amazing paradise for not only the animals who call this home but also for the tourists who visit this establishment, which covers an area of 430 acres. It is one of the biggest zoos in India and is known for the views that it offers and the experience that cannot be replicated. The zoo was established in 1958 and is a major tourist attraction, thanks to the large variety of flora and fauna that this zoo houses. Here you will come across 900 animals, birds, and reptiles of over 113 different species, including some exotic animals such as Giraffes and Kangaroos.
Location: Guwahati
Timings: 7 am to 4.30 pm
Entry Fee: INR 10
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Zoos are fun places for people of all ages to explore nature and wildlife. You can enjoy picnics and spend weekends experiencing wildlife. There are many zoos in India where many exotic and endangered species are housed. You can know more about their habitats by visiting them. So while you’re on a spree to explore and take a tour of India, make sure to enjoy a fun time at these zoos in India.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Zoos In India
Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Chennai is the largest zoo in India.
Maharajbagh zoo in Nagpur is the smallest zoo in India.
The Thiruvananthapuram Zoological Park was the first zoo that was established in the 18th century in India.
The Nandankanan Zoo is the second-largest and spans 437 hectares of land.
The Mysore zoo has Anaconda in its enclosures. Where is the largest zoo located in India?
Where is the smallest zoo located?
When was the first zoo established in India?
How big is the second-largest zoo and which one is it?
Which zoo houses the dangerous Anaconda in India?
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Exploring new places and trying out new food cuisines are two things that bring Seema all the happiness. Travel freak and a die-hard foodie are the synonyms that define her the best. Popular on social media by the name of ‘PandaReviewz’, lazing around the beaches, exploiting the sunset points, visiting the farthermost villages, exploring the renowned cities, trying out new food cuisines, and blogging about them are few things that keep Seema occupied, and happy!
