Best Zoos in Kerala: A Wildlife Lover’s Guide

Did you know that Kerala is home to nearly 500 bird species, 118 mammals and 151 amphibians? Not only this, but it is also home to some of the most exotic freshwater fish in the world. All thanks to Kerala’s conservation efforts, the state has created a beautiful ecosystem. 

To safeguard their rich biodiversity and wildlife, Kerala houses a myriad of zoos. These sanctuaries help inform the public about the ongoing threats to wildlife and better appreciate it. This caring approach attracts wildlife enthusiasts from all around the globe. If you also want to visit the zoos in Kerala, the animal diversity, fun activities and conservation awareness will make your trip unforgettable.

Table Of Content

Why Visit Zoos in Kerala?

The zoos in Kerala act as a safe haven for the beautiful animals and birds here. These zoos aim to protect endangered species through conservation breeding and public awareness. Captive breeding and species-specific conservation are also widely practised here. 

• Family-friendly destinations with educational value.
• Opportunities to see rare and endangered species up close.
• Conservation and breeding programmes you can support.
• Interactive experiences and activities for kids.

Top Zoos in Kerala

The list of zoos in Kerala is never-ending. From family and friends to even kids, everyone can have fun interacting with the exotic wildlife here. Click pictures or spot your favourite animals, there’s little to no room for boredom here. 

1. Thiruvananthapuram Zoo (Government Museum And Zoo)

Built in 1857, this one stands out as one of the oldest zoos in all of Asia. It isn’t just home to ingenious species, but also free-roaming birds and reptile houses with nearly 7 Anacondas. It also includes a 55-acre landscape with a surreal lake. 

Location and accessibility – Near the Napier Museum. Accessible by road, rail and air.
History and significance – Made by the Maharaja of Travancore. Initially, it was a breeding centre for houses; now it is a conservation area. 

Major attractions and species – Butterfly park, Royal Bengal Tiger and a reptile house
Facilities: children’s park, museum, guided tours 

Timings – 9:00 AM to 5:15 PM (daily, except Mondays)

Entry Fee – Adults (above 12 years): ₹20 and Children (5 to 12 years): ₹5 

2. Thrissur Zoo (State Museum and Zoo)

Kerala Zoo, Thrissur, is a world in its own. Housing a wide variety of animals and birds, Thrissur Zoo is one of the oldest of its kind. From Tigers, Lions, deer, to even sloths, Monkeys and Bears, you can find an endless variety here. 

Location – Chembukavvu, Thrissur.

Key exhibits and animals – Southern Bordwing Butterfly, Lion-tailed Macaques and Pink Pelicans
Conservation initiatives and educational programmes – They relocated to a new zoo to expand their space for all the species living there.

Amenities and visiting tips – Museum, a botanical garden, a 3D theatre

Timings – 10:00 AM to 5:15 PM, closed on Mondays

Entry Fee – ₹6 for adults and ₹4 for children

3. Mysore Zoo 

Founded in 1892, the zoo spans 157 acres of greenery. It is very close to the Mysore Palace and houses a diverse range of species. They host regular breeding programs and practice conservation like other zoos in Kerala. 

Unique species housed – Jaguars, Leopards, Tigers, Gorillas, Orangutans, Giraffes, and so many more
Best time to visit – Sep to Apr

Visitor Facilities – RO drinking water, eco-friendly battery-running vehicles and food court

Timings – 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, closed on Tuesdays

Entry Fee – ₹130 for adults and ₹70 for children (ages 5-12)

4. Malabar Zoological Park, Kozhikode

The fauna in the Malabar region is famous for its unique and endangered species. From the Indian Bison to the timeless Nilgiri Tahr, many animals safely reside here. The zoo is home to so many other beautiful animals and birds, with special attention to breeding programs and rehabilitation efforts. 

Breeding and rehabilitation efforts: captive breeding of endangered wildlife. They coordinate with the Central Zoo for these initiatives

Visitor experience – The experience is more natural, unlike a traditional zoo 

Guided tours – Official guided tours are available 

Timings – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Thursday through Wednesday

Entry Fee – ₹40 for adults and ₹15 for children aged 5 to 12 years. Family tickets are ₹100

5. Parassinikkadavu Snake Park

One of the most important and popular tourist spots in Kannur district of Kerala, Parassinikkadavu Snake Park has drawn attention from across the country. The main motive of setting up this unique and rare park is to conserve reptiles which suffer a great threat of extinction. The park has a great variety of poisonous and non-poisonous snakes with the likes of King Cobra, Spectacled Cobra, and Pythons among others.

Location: Parassinikkadavu – Mayyil Road, Dharamsala, Parassinikadavu, Kerala 670563
Timing: 8:00 AM-6:00 PM (everyday)

6. Abhayaranyam Zoo

Lush greenery, tall trees, and thick bushes are what Abhayaranyam Zoo signify. With a Butterfly Garden housing 8 different varieties of butterflies and a deer park paved with tiles and clubbing bamboo trees. The primary attraction, however, remains the elephants which vary from the age of 2 to 50. A tip for all you travelers is to stay very silent around elephants.

It is fun to have a full day dedicated to visit this zoo especially if you have kids along. See the new creatures without getting exhausted and worrying about your next plan in the day. 

Location: Near post Office, Kodanad, Dist. Ernakulam, Kaprikad, Kerala 683544
Timing: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM (Monday closed)

7. Kauthuka Park

A place which is nothing less than magic, Kauthuka Park is a gift bestowed upon animals, birds and human beings alike. Mr.Varkey Veliyath, the man behind this amazing initiative, is someone who sensed the harmony in nature and helped in the establishment of this wonderful park. If you are not a fan of wildlife but want to watch some beautiful birds and fishes, be headed to this amazing place.

Location: P.O Potta, Near Panampilly College, Chalakudy, Potta, Kerala 680722
Timing: 7:00 AM-6:30 PM (everyday)

Unique Experiences at Kerala Zoos

1. Animal Feeding Sessions

The zoos in Kerala provide special attention to the health of their wildlife. This is the reason animal feeding is strictly prohibited. Each animal receives a carefully curated diet plan, which is managed by the zookeepers. However, visitors are allowed to observe the animal feeding sessions. 

2. Educational Workshops and Awareness Programmes

Museums and zoos in Kerala host awareness programmes and educational workshops regularly. These events not only raise awareness of the wildlife here but also help the general public learn about them in detail and their importance. 

3. Photography Opportunities and Guided Walks

These events aren’t exactly typical in zoos in Kerala. However, the State Museum & Zoo in Thrissur is an exception. Many wildlife tour operators also offer guided tours. It is advisable to look them up if you really want a guided tour. 

4. Special Events and Seasonal Activities

The zoos in Kerala don’t host public activities except educational programs and a couple of seasonal workshops. Sometimes, these coincide with the local events of Kerala. These are usually listed on the zoo sites. Make sure to check them. 

5. Timings Of The Zoos Of Kerala 

Most major zoos in Kerala, like the Thiruvanathapuram Zoo, generally open from around 9 or 10 AM to 5 PM. Most of them are closed on Mondays. 

Planning Your Visit: Tips And Guidelines

• October to March is the period of less humidity and pleasant weather. This makes for an ideal time for people to visit zoos in Kerala. 

• The entry fees and opening hours vary from zoo to zoo. Most zoos charge between Rs. 10 and Rs. 100 at the most. 

• The zoos in Kerala follow strict rules regarding animal welfare and visitor safety. No one should touch the areas where animals are located or get any closer to them than recommended. 

• Different zoos in Kerala, especially the Thiruvanathapuram Zoo, offer mobility vehicles along with wheelchair-accessible entrances, washrooms and parking lots for their convenience. 

• Different Kerala zoos offer a range of nearby attractions and accommodation options. For example. The Thiruvananthapuram Zoo offers access to the Napier Museum and the Kodanad Elephant Training Centre

How Zoos in Kerala Support Wildlife Conservation?

1. Breeding Programmes for Endangered Species

These programmes aim to build captive populations of species on the verge of extinction. This is done in coordination with the Central Authority Zoo. 

2. Rescue and Rehabilitation Stories

The Thrissur Zoological Park and Thiruvananthapuram Zoo primarily contribute to these programmes. They collaborate with wildlife institutions and animal welfare organisations to make this possible. 

3. Community Involvement and Eco-tourism

The zoos in Kerala often practice eco-tourism via collaborations and community involvement. Wildlife camps, eco-friendly stays, and guided nature walks are just some of the practices they are involved in. 

4. How Visitors Can Contribute and Volunteer

Visitors can participate in a variety of volunteer programs to support the wildlife initiatives. They can also make donations as they prefer and adopt animals in line with best practices. 

Zoo-Centric Kerala Trip Packages

We’ve curated a specialised set of itineraries for you to choose from, tailored to your budget, preferences, and more. Each of them includes average price, inclusions, exclusions and more for your reference. 

1. 3-Day Family Wildlife Exploration: Kozhikode and Thrissur Zoos + Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Day 1: First stop: Kozhikode 

• If you’re travelling by air, then arrive at Calicut International Airport. Otherwise, the Calicut Railway Station
• Explore the beautiful Kozhikode Zoological Park and spot the exotic wildlife.
• Go to the Regional Science Centre & Planetarium
• Evening at Kozhikode Beach and enjoy delicious local Malabar cuisine
• Overnight stay at Kozhikode

Day 2: From Kozhikode to Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary 

• Take a morning drive through the scenic Western Ghats to Wayanad
• Afternoon Jeep Safari at Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary 
• Spot a variety of animals, including rare birds and bison 
• Visit Edakkal Caves or Pookode Lake for boating
• Overnight stay in a forest resort/homestay

Day 3: From Wayanad to Thrissur 

• Travel to Thrissur
• Visit Thrissur Zoo & State Museum
• Explore the amazing Shakthan Thampuran Palace and Vadakkunnathan Temple
• Drop off at Thrissur railway station or Kochi Airport for departure

Highlights: Photography at Kozhikode & Thrissur Zoos, Wayanad Jeep Safari, and authentic Kerala food
Inclusions: Entry tickets, jeep safari, accommodation, taxes and parking fees along with an AC vehicle
Exclusions: Airfare/train fare, camera/boating charges, optional activities and lunches
Average price – ₹12,000 – ₹15,000 per adult and ₹8,000 – ₹10,000 per child (below 12 years)

2. 4-Day Kerala Nature & Zoo Discovery: Thiruvananthapuram Zoo + Backwaters + Beaches

Day 1: First stop: Thiruvananthapuram

• Pickup from the airport/railway station
• Visit Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, Napier Museum, and Natural History Museum
• Take a walk across the lush Kanakakunnu Palace grounds
• Evening relaxation at Kovalam Beach
• Overnight stay in Thiruvananthapuram

Day 2: Explore Kovalam Beach & Poovar Backwaters

• Morning beach walk or get an Ayurvedic massage
• Drive to Poovar Backwaters
• Enjoy bird watching and experiencing the coastal wildlife
• Sunset view at Poovar Estuary 
• Overnight stay in Kovalam

Day 3: Thiruvananthapuram to Alleppey 

• Transfer to Alleppey 
• Check into a houseboat 
• Enjoy onboard meals and serene village views
• Overnight on the houseboat

Day 4: Alleppey to Departure

• Morning disembarkation
• Drive back to Thiruvananthapuram or Kochi for departure

Highlights: India’s oldest zoos, overnight boat stay, beaches and wildlife
Inclusions: 3N accommodation, breakfast, AC vehicle, zoo entry, Poovar cruise, and all taxes.
Exclusions: Flights/trains, personal expenses, tips, and optional Ayurveda treatments.
Average price: ₹18,000–₹22,000 per adult  and ₹12,000–₹15,000 per child

3. Customised Educational Wildlife Tour For Students (Flexible Duration: 3–5 Days)

Day 1 – Arrival & Orientation

Welcome session, learn about Kerala’s biodiversity, and visit the local zoo or nature interpretation centre.

Day 2 – Wildlife Sanctuary Exploration

Guided safari or nature trek in Wayanad, Periyar, or Parambikulam (based on itinerary). Interaction with forest officers or naturalists.

Day 3 – Conservation & Research Activity

Hands-on learning: biodiversity survey, tree identification, or birdwatching workshop. Educational film screening and quiz session.

Day 4 – Cultural & Eco Learning

Visit a tribal village or eco-tourism project, experience local crafts, and conclude with a reflection session. Departure.

Highlights: eco-learning, ideal for colleges and schools, alongside great wildlife expertise
Inclusions: Accommodation, meals, transportation, guided safaris, educational sessions, and permits.
Exclusions: Travel to Kerala, personal items, and optional recreational add-ons.
Average price: ₹7,000–₹10,000 per student (for 3–4 days, according to group size)

Conclusion

The zoos in Kerala are perfect for family, friends and kid-friendly visits. Everyone is bound to have a great time spotting exotic animals, learning about India’s wildlife, and so much more. In fact, these zoos also provide a host of recreational activities for everyone. From museum visits to 3D theatres, there’s something for everyone. If you are planning your visit to even one of these zoos, explore the personalised Kerala wildlife and zoo packages with TravelTriangle and enjoy the most seamless experience.

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Image Sources: Wikimedia Commons, Facebook, Pexels and Pixabay.

FAQs About Zoos In Kerala

Are Kerala zoos suitable for young children?

Yes. Kerala zoos are very suitable for families, friends and even young children.

Can we take photographs inside the zoos?

Yes, you can take numerous photographs inside the zoos in Kerala. However, there are additional charges attached to them, depending on the location.

What are the opening hours of Kerala zoos?

Most of these zoos open at 9:00 AM and close at 5:00 PM. However, timings may vary from one zoo to another.

Are there any entry fees?

Yes. Most zoos in Kerala charge an entry fee. They charge separately for both adults and children.

How do zoos in Kerala contribute to conservation?

Most zoos in Kerala practice captive breeding, public education, and awareness programmes to contribute to conservation.

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