Animal and nature lovers will enjoy spending time at the zoos as well as the animal parks. If you are going to Maharashtra soon let us tell you there are many zoos in Maharashtra where you can spend time with the lovely creatures of nature. Animals in their natural habitats are a joy to watch. You can know a good deal about them at these zoos where they are placed in enclosures. A few animal parks are rescue centers where orphaned animals are taken care of. Visit these zoos and have an enjoyable time with family and kids.
7 Best Zoos In Maharashtra
Here is a list of the best zoos in Maharashtra that will give you a heartwarming experience of holidaying there. Take a look and note these down for your next escapade.
- Amte Animal Ark
- Gorewada International Zoo
- Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park
- Jijamata Udyan Zoo
- Maharajbagh Zoo
- Siddharth Garden And Zoo
- Peshwa Udyan Zoo
1. Amte Animal Ark
Image Credit: Lokbiradariprakalp.org
Padma Shri award winner and social worker Dr. Prakash Amte set up this animal ark that houses orphaned wild animals. All the animals are treated with a lot of love and cared for at this center. The wild animals like tigers, leopards, iguanas, birds, and many species of animals and birds. This place is a must- visit for animal lovers as the rescued wild animals do not attack people and is a place where you can show a lot of love to these wild animals.
This is more of a shelter for wild animals and is like a zoo. This animal ark is worth a visit as it provides a unique experience to take care of wild animals and have a close encounter with them. You can volunteer at this animal ark and take care of these wild animals. You will feel the true joy within serving and taking care of them. This ark is located inside a forest where all the wild animals roam around free without hurting or attacking anyone.
Location: Gadchiroli Forest
Timings: 8.00 am to 12.00 pm and 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm
Entry: free
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2. Gorewada International Zoo
This is a zoo and a biopark that has a lot of attractions and safaris available at this zoo. You can choose from night safari, African safari, and Indian safari. This is a great place for getting a closer encounter with animals, spot migratory birds, flora, and fauna. You can enjoy sunsets at this zoo as it looks scenic in the natural setting. An ideal place for nature and wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. There are lakes inside this zoo.
You can take a walk in the lush green which looks like a dreamy place with butterflies and a lovely atmosphere. This is a paradise for bird watchers. You can enjoy the view of nature animals, marine life, squirrels, and more. Gazebos and benches are available for you to enjoy the natural view of the setting and the surrounding atmosphere. You can spend some time by the lakeside and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding nature.
Location: Nagpur
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry: Starting from INR 50
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3. Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park
Enjoy an outing getting a close encounter with flora and fauna, and wildlife. It houses many species of animals, birds, reptiles, and more. It spans across a land of 130 acres. This is an ideal place for picnics and outings. This is a zoological park that has scenic spots, a lake, and includes endangered species. There is also an animal orphanage at this park where you can have a good time feeding and taking care of orphaned wild animals.
There are different zones available at this park where you can watch animals in closed enclosures and from a distance. There are workshops and education programs conducted at this zoo that give you information about animals and their habits. You can find white tiger, sloth bears, monkeys, leopards, star tortoises, and many other species of animals at this zoo. You can understand the psychological behavior of animals at this park.
Location: Pune
Timings: 9.30 am to 5.00 pm
Entry: 25 INR adult, 10 INR children, 100 INR foreigners
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4. Jijamata Udyan Zoo
It is also known as Byculla Zoo. In the British Era it was known as the Victorian Gardens. It was later named after Shivaji’s mother. This is one of the oldest zoos in India. It was built in the 18th century. You can witness wild animals like monkeys, crocodiles, elephants, and many others in the closed enclosures. There is also a good collection of bird species that you can view at this zoo. There is also a medicinal garden at this zoo. You can also enjoy the sight of penguins at this zoo.
Enjoy the antics of cute penguins. This is a section that kids and adults love. Enjoy the view of enchanting butterflies at this zoo. There are more than 500 birds, more than 180 mammals, and reptiles. It spans over 48 acres. You can view foxes, lizards, hyenas, flamingos, deers, and many other animals. There are many species of plants and trees that you can spot at this zoo. Enjoy the scenic view of plants and flowers at the Botanical Gardens.
Location: Mumbai
Timings: 9.30 am to 6.00 pm
Entry fee: 25 INR for children, 50 INR adults, 100 INR for foreigners
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5. Maharajbagh Zoo
This is the smallest zoo in India. It was built when rulers built the Bhonsle dynasty. You can find scenic nature and wildlife at this zoo. Peacocks, tigers, lions, leopards, and many other animals are housed inside this zoo. You can also enjoy walking trails at this zoo. There are also picnic areas inside the zoo where you can enjoy a peaceful time with family and kids.
This zoo is popular for wild animals. You can find deers, elephants, bears, hippos, parrots, hornbills, hawks, and many other animals and birds at this zoo. The garden inside this zoo is a collection of herbs, aromatic plants, beautiful flowers, and more. You can feel close to nature visiting this zoo. This is the best place to visit with your kids and spend an entire day with them. There are many facilities inside the zoo such as food stalls, washrooms, etc.
Location: Nagpur
Timings: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm
Entry: 20 INR
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6. Siddharth Garden And Zoo
A beautifully landscaped zoo that has a garden and houses animals and birds is a good place for outings and picnics. There are lions, tigers, leopards, civet cats, deers, and many other animals and birds inside the zoo garden. You can also find a variety of colorful fishes inside the zoo. There are musical fountains and makes an ideal place for kids to have a fun time and enjoy their day in recreational activities.
An ideal place to spend your day amidst nature and wildlife. It is suitable for people of all age groups. Take pictures of nature, plants, and animals at this zoo. It has many landscaped and beautiful lawns. This is a small garden and zoo that is aesthetically pleasing and is a place where you can take nature walks. A nice place for recreation and fun watching animals and their habits in closed enclosures. This is also a place where locals come for jogging and taking morning walks.
Location: Solapur
Timings: 10.00 am to 7.00 pm
Entry: 5 INR for adults, 2 INR for children
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7. Peshwa Udyan Zoo
A popular attraction where you can relax, take pictures of nature and wildlife and enjoy recreational activities. This is one of the popular zoos for family and kids. It is suitable for people of all age groups to spend time and enjoy having a picnic. It has a beautiful garden with a perfect ambiance. A nice place where visitors can have a happy time and spend their time with nature and watching wildlife. There are numerous fun and recreational activities available at this zoo for people of all age groups to enjoy.
You can take an adventurous as well as an educational tour with kids at this zoo and learn about the habits and behavior of wild animals. This is the best place to visit for nature and animal lovers. Inside this garden zoo, there is a temple that was built in the 17th century which is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It is believed that the peshwas worshipped this god. Rock climbing, rope climbing, and cycling are some of the activities kids and adults can enjoy at this park.
Location: Pune
Timings: 10.00 am to 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm
Entry: 20 INR adults, 10 INR children
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You can enjoy outings at these zoos in Maharashtra which house many species of animals, birds, flora and fauna. A few also have fun, educational, and entertainment activities for kids. People of all age groups can have a good time at these zoos. They are ideal for nature walks and a few arrange safaris and let you feed animals as they also provide animal shelter for orphaned animals. Enjoy your visit to these zoos on your next vacation in Maharashtra.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Zoos In Maharashtra
Which is the best zoo in Maharashtra?
Gorewada International Zoo and Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Parks are the best zoos in Maharashtra.
Which are the small zoo gardens in Maharashtra?
Maharajbagh Zoo, Siddharth Garden and Zoo, and Peshwa Udyan Zoo are the smallest zoo gardens in Maharashtra.
Which are the best zoos to visit with kids?
Amte Animal Ark, Siddharth Garden and Zoo, and Gorewada International Zoo are the best to visit with kids.
Which zoo has adventure activities?
Peshwa Udyan Zoo has adventure activities like rock climbing, rope climbing, cycling, etc.
Which zoo has penguins?
Byculla or the Mumbai zoo has cute penguins.
Which is the smallest zoo?
Maharajbagh zoo in Nagpur is the smallest zoo that houses a good number of animals and birds.
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