Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling

Being a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the park fulfills all the responsibilities towards the animals. The zoo is popular as the center of India’s red panda program.

History of the zoo

This famous zoological park is also known as The Darjeeling Zoo. It is named after the Former Governor of West Bengal. Established in 1958, the zoo attained international admiration for the breeding programs and the conservation programs for the animals. It was in 1972 when the park went under the agreement with the Central and State governments. According to the agreement, the park was to get maintenance costs from both the Central and the State governments. However, the West Bengal Department of Forests gained the control over the park in 1993.

In 1975, the park attained the name when the Prime Minister Indira Gandhi dedicated the zoo in the memory of Padmaja Naidu.

Attractions in the zoo

Being the largest high altitude zoo in India, the park attracts animal lovers. The nature enthusiasts come to admire the beautiful Himalayan environment.

The zoo is the home for Snow leopard, Tibetan Wolf, Siberian tiger and other beautiful animals. In addition, there are the Asiatic black bear, barking deer, yellow Macaw, Himalayan Monal and many other animals. The zoo becomes the perfect place to meet the beautiful and endangered animals that are not found anywhere else. The Himalayan scenic beauty is another trait of the zoo that attracts the tourists to admire the beauty. Overall, the zoo is the complete package for the people who want to discover the exceptional beauty of the Himalayan regions and that too, in a safe environment.

Best time to visit

The zoo attracts tourists all year long. Some like to visit during the summers that are from April to June. On the other hand, couples love to spend time here during the winters, from October to December. Therefore, planning the visit depends on one’s personal preference, the zoo offers exciting trip the whole year.

Natural beauty and the beautiful animals, the trip to the zoo offers great experiences and memorable enjoyment. Capturing some incredible pictures that become precious memories of your trip to Darjeeling.

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling is a haven for endangered species of animals. It has been recognized as the only zoological park in the world which was successful to protect the endangered species of animals like snow leopards, Tibetan wolves, red panda, and Eastern Himalayan species. The park works on conserving the Hilamalayan ecological balance by creating awareness among the local people as well as the tourists. Some of the rare species of fauna found here are sambar deer, Royal Bengal tiger,   Lady Amherst, Himalayan wolf, Eastern pangolin, red jungle fowl, macaw, leopard cat, red panda, etc. People especially animal lovers come from far away places to get the glimpse of these rare and uniques species of animals. 

Spread in an area of more than 60 acres, the park is covered by beautiful landscape from all sides. Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park is located on the Jawahar Parbat Hill and is closed on Thursdays. Red Pandas which is an endangered species is the highlight of this park and is very well preserved here due to the fact that there are now very few red pandas left in the world. Other animals of great importance here are yak, Himalayan wolf, blue sheep, barking deer, tahr, markhor, black leopard, goral, and snow leopard. If you go on an excursion to Darjeeling make sure to add Padmaja Naidu National Park in your itinerary and give an hour or so to admire the unique wildlife of India.