In India, zoos are a perfect destination for spending a great day with your family, especially children. That is why millions of tourists and locals visit zoos annually. These artificially created habitats will help know wild animals from close. Moreover, it is also a significant step to protect wildlife species in their habits.
These zoos help to entertain and educate children. India has several beautiful zoos that shelter many local and rare species. This zoological park spans hundreds of acres of land and displays animals safely. Most importantly, these zoos provide excellent conservation strategies that help maintain balance in wildlife.
List of the 15 Most Popular Zoos in India are listed below:
1. Alipore Zoological Garden (in West Bengal)
Alipore Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in India, which started as a zoological park. In 1896, it was opened for visitors by British Raj.
This Zoo is quite a popular tourist spot in Kolkata. The most suitable time to visit this place is in winter, although this Zoo is open throughout the year.
Here you can see several animals such as:
- Royal Bengal tiger
- Jaguar
- African lion
- Grant’s zebra
- Great Indian one-horned rhinoceros
- African lion
- Reticulated giraffe (etc.)
This Zoo also has many attractive birds, some of which are endangered species, including the Emu, white peacock, and many more.
Overview: Known as India’s oldest zoological garden, Alipore Zoo in Kolkata is a major attraction for families and wildlife enthusiasts.
Key Highlights:
- Home to species like Royal Bengal Tigers, Indian elephants, and Aldabra giant tortoises.
- Features a reptile house and an aquarium showcasing aquatic biodiversity.
- Winter attraction for migratory birds like pelicans and storks.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Tips:
- Visit during early mornings to avoid crowds.
- The Victoria Memorial nearby is a great addition to your trip.
2. Nandankanan Zoological Park (in Odisha)
It is a vast zoological park where people can pursue flora and fauna. This unique zoological park is in Bhubaneshwar. This place also features a Botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary inside the zoological park. Visitors can also enjoy the scenic beauty of this Zoo.
According to experts, visitors can explore more than 200 enclosures inside this Zoo. Besides exploring the view of exotic animals, one can also gather knowledge about various endangered species inside this Zoo.
Some of the rare species of this Zoo include:
- Panther
- Macaws
- Platypus
- Tigers
- Sloth bears
- Pythons and many more.
If you want to explore the wetlands of Kanji Lake, then you need to take a white tiger safari. It is a popular activity several tourists enjoy in this Zoo.
Overview: Located near Bhubaneswar, this zoo is famous for being the first in India to have a white tiger safari.
Key Highlights:
- White Tiger and Lion Safari.
- The open-top enclosures allow animals to roam freely.
- Walk-through aviary and gharial breeding center.
Best Time to Visit: November to February.
Tips:
- Take the battery-operated vehicles for easier exploration.
- Don’t miss the butterfly park and orchidarium.
3. National Zoological Park (in Delhi)
Several visitors visit this place to spend a great weekend with their kids. This oldest Zoo can provide you with a lot of facilities and amenities. In this Zoo, you can get a chance to explore rare reptiles, mammals, and other exotic species from very close.
Nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers will love this place the most. Most interestingly, here you can find nemours lizards and reptiles in this Zoo.
Overview: Situated in the heart of the capital near India Gate, this zoo offers a peaceful escape amidst lush greenery.
Key Highlights:
- Houses species like Asiatic lions, Indian rhinoceros, and migratory birds during winter.
- Features a boating lake for leisure.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Tips:
- Wear comfortable shoes as the zoo spans over 176 acres.
- Carry water bottles to stay hydrated during your visit.
4. Mysore Zoo (in Karnataka)
This Zoo is also popularly known as Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Garden. According to experts, it comes under one of the oldest zoos in India. Bird watching and exploring wildlife are two activities people can enjoy here.
Here you can notice over a hundred birds, mammals, and reptiles. It is a perfect destination for pursuing different species of birds and animals. The Zoo spans 157 acres of land.
Overview: Officially named Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, this century-old zoo is a popular destination for its clean surroundings and diverse fauna.
Key Highlights:
- Features exotic animals like giraffes, zebras, and African elephants.
- Focuses on breeding programs for endangered species.
Best Time to Visit: September to February.
Tips:
- Allocate at least half a day to explore fully.
- Visit early in the morning to see animals in action.
5. Arignar Anna Zoological Park (in Tamil Nadu)
This zoological park comes under one of the famous picnic spots in Tamil Nadu. To be witness of absolute beauty, you have to visit this place.
Here you can get in touch with numerous flora and fauna. It is in Chennai. It covers nearly 1260 acres, providing shelter to local and exotic animals. As per the information, this Zoo has 138 species of animals.
Some of these animals are:
- Himalayan brown bear
- Lion
- Elephant
- Tiger (etc.)
Overview: Located in Vandalur, Chennai, this is India’s largest zoo, known for its massive biodiversity and animal-friendly enclosures.
Key Highlights:
- Nocturnal animals’ house and butterfly park.
- Lion and elephant safaris are major attractions.
Best Time to Visit: November to February.
Tips:
- Use the battery-operated vehicles to save time and energy.
- Pack light snacks as it takes hours to explore fully.
6. Chattbir Zoo (in Punjab)
Another popular name for this Zoo is Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park. It is in Zirakpur near Chandigarh city. This Zoological Park is home to various birds, animals, and even reptiles. The Zoo covers nearly 202 acres of land.
The key attraction of this Zoo is the Bengal Tiger. It is one of the best places for your kids to learn about several species.
Overview: Also known as Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park, this zoo is a prominent destination near Chandigarh.
Key Highlights:
- The Lion Safari offers an up-close encounter with Asiatic lions.
- Well-maintained aviaries showcasing a variety of bird species.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Tips:
- Ideal for family outings with children.
- Combine your visit with nearby Chandigarh attractions.
7. Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (in Andhra Pradesh)
This Zoo is like heaven for wildlife enthusiasts because it can offer them a variety of habitats. In this Zoo, people do not just get a chance to explore birds, animals, and carnivores; they can also pursue butterfly sightings. The dense Kambalakonda Forest covers this Zoo.
Moreover, you can also enjoy the views of the Eastern Ghats. This Zoo spans 600 acres of land. Here you will watch rare animals and bird species. People can spend a great holiday with their kids.
Overview: Located in Visakhapatnam, this zoo is surrounded by the scenic Eastern Ghats.
Key Highlights:
- Features animals like Himalayan black bears, crocodiles, and leopards.
- A mini train runs across the zoo for easy exploration.
Best Time to Visit: November to February.
Tips:
- Combine your visit with nearby Kambalakonda Reserve Forest.
- Avoid visiting during summer as temperatures can be high.
8. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (in West Bengal)
This beautiful zoological park got its name after the daughter of Sarojini Naidu. This park comes under one of the largest zoos in India. Most interestingly, it is at a height of 7000 feet.
This Zoo’s specialty is breeding animals, including Red pandas, Snow leopards, and many more. It is in Darjeeling, West Bengal, that’s why it is also known as Darjeeling Zoo.
Visitors will find here several rare species in this Zoo, which include:
- Himalayan Wolf
- Siberian Tigers
- Himalayan Tahr
- Red panda
- Blue sheep (etc.)
Although in other animals, people can also find Blood pheasant, Himalayan Monal, and Grey peacock pheasant in this Zoo.
Overview: Located in Darjeeling, this high-altitude zoo is renowned for its conservation efforts.
Key Highlights:
- Endangered species like red pandas, snow leopards, and Himalayan wolves.
- Breeding center for several endangered animals.
Best Time to Visit: March to June and September to December.
Tips:
- Wear warm clothing as the weather can be cold.
- Don’t miss the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute located nearby.
9. Nehru Nehru Zoological Park (in Hyderabad)
This Zoo is one of the most visited tourist spots in Hyderabad. This Zoo is getting quite popular because of its vibrant greenery. It contains nearly 100 species of animals, birds, and reptiles.
Some popular species of this Zoo are:
- Bengal tiger
- Indian rhino
- Panther
- Asiatic lion
- Indian elephant (etc.)
If you want to spend a great holiday with your family, visit this Zoo. Several tourists come to have a picnic with their kids every year. They can also enjoy multiple safari trips throughout the zoological park.
Most importantly, your kids can gather knowledge through educational shows and exploring a natural history museum. Feeding sessions are the most attractive fun activity in this zoological park.
Overview: A sprawling zoo park featuring over 1500 species, it’s a favorite for families and kids.
Key Highlights:
- Safari rides for lions and tigers.
- A children’s train and boating lake.
Best Time to Visit: October to February.
Tips:
- Visit the nocturnal animals’ house for a unique experience.
- Carry hats and water bottles during the day.
10. Lucknow Zoo (in Uttar Pradesh)
The Zoo is a popular place for wildlife enthusiasts from all over the country, being located in the heart of Lucknow. You may also know this Zoo named Nawab Wazid Ali Shah Prani Udyan.
It is quite a large zoo in India that spans nearly 71.6 acres. It was established in 1921 in honour of the Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, to Lucknow. Before being renamed, this Zoo was named the Prince of Wales Zoo.
Here you will watch some amazing animals in their natural habitat, which include:
- Lion
- White Tiger
- Great Pied Hornbill
- Royal Bengal Tiger
- Golden and Silver Pheasant
- Wolf and many more.
Overview: Known as Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Garden, it is an important historical and recreational spot.
Key Highlights:
- Bengal tigers, white peacocks, and golden pheasants.
- A vintage toy train for children.
Best Time to Visit: November to February.
Tips:
- Ideal for a leisurely half-day visit.
- Explore the nearby State Museum of Lucknow.
11. Sakkarbaug Zoological Gardens (in Gujarat)
This Zoo is getting quite popular for giving shelter to the purebred Asiatic lions. This Zoo is also known as Junagadh Zoo by locals.
You will find here several birds and animals, which include:
- Blue bull
- Antelope
- Wild boar (etc.)
This excellent Zoo also features a veterinary hospital. People can explore an outstanding natural history museum in this Zoo.
Overview: This Junagadh zoo is renowned for its conservation programs for Asiatic lions.
Key Highlights:
- Houses cheetahs, lions, and a variety of antelopes.
- Focuses on breeding endangered species.
Best Time to Visit: October to February.
Tips:
- A must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts.
- Visit Gir Forest National Park for a complete wildlife experience.
12. Nainital Zoo (in Uttarakhand)
It was built in 1984 by the government of India. This Zoo is also popularly known as G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo. It is in the Sher ka Danda hill in the Tallital region.
It is at a height of 2100 meters. Moreover, this spans 4.6 hectares of area. It is a popular tourist spot in India for displaying endangered species.
Overview: Situated at a high altitude, this zoo is known for its rare Himalayan species.
Key Highlights:
- Snow leopards, red pandas, and Tibetan wolves.
- Offers a panoramic view of Nainital.
Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November.
Tips: Wear sturdy shoes as the zoo is located on a hill.
13. Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden (in Assam)
This pretty zoological garden is in Hengrabari Reserved Forest. For its stunning beauty, it attracts many visitors.
As per the information, this Zoo gives shelter to more than 113 types of animals. Most interestingly, here, you can find various species worldwide.
Overview:
Located in Guwahati, this zoo combines botanical gardens and wildlife habitats.
Key Highlights:
- Rare species like hoolock gibbons and clouded leopards.
- Orchidarium showcasing exotic flowers.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Tips: Ideal for botany and wildlife enthusiasts.
14. Sanjay Gandhi Botanical Garden (in Bihar)
This botanical garden is also known as Sanjay Gandhi Jaivik Udyan by locals. For Patna City, this garden has been a prime source of greenery. It is also getting famous as the name of Patna Zoo.
This park has unique types of flora and fauna. Toy train rides for kids and elephant safari are the most popular fun activities you can enjoy in this place.
Overview:
Known as Patna Zoo, this garden features a unique mix of flora and fauna.
Key Highlights:
- Bengal tigers, giraffes, and rare reptiles.
- A lake with boating facilities.
Best Time to Visit: November to February.
Tips: Combine with nearby cultural landmarks in Patna.
15. Sajjangarh Biological Park (in Udaipur, Rajasthan)
This unique zoological park is in the foothills of the Sajjangarh Palace. It is in Udaipur, Rajasthan. Moreover, it spans 36 acres of area. As per the information, it started in 2015. Besides being home to several unique species, this park also features a zoo hospital. Here sick species are treated very carefully.
To enjoy a close encounter with wildlife animals, you must visit Sajjangarh Biological Park. Here you can enjoy various activities such as – watching reptiles and birds, pursuing extensive vegetation of diverse species, etc. To get a glimpse of the wildlife treasures in India, one must visit this Zoo.
Overview: Located near Sajjangarh Palace in Udaipur, this park is a haven for animal lovers.
Key Highlights:
- Leopards, hyenas, and sambar deer.
- Nestled amidst the Aravalli Hills.
Best Time to Visit: October to February.
Tips: Best visited in the morning to avoid crowds.
Conclusion
Zoos play a vital role in protecting wildlife. If people wish to watch rare species closely, these zoos are their perfect destination. By visiting zoos, your kids can learn about several animals they see only in their picture books. If you want to give your child an educational and entertaining experience, visit zoos with them.
Zoological parks and wildlife sanctuaries are quite important hubs for scientific research. One must visit a zoo to gather knowledge about animal characteristics and behavior. Most interestingly, these also help in increasing the conservation of wild populations.
General Tips for Visiting Zoos in India
- Best Time to Visit: Early mornings during the cooler months (October to March) for active animal sightings.
- Plan Ahead: Zoos often cover large areas; wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
- Photography: Check for permissions regarding cameras and avoid flash photography.
- Stay Eco-Friendly: Avoid littering and respect the wildlife.
- Family-Friendly: Many zoos have activities for kids, making them ideal for family outings.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Why should I visit zoos in India?
Zoos in India offer a chance to see diverse wildlife, learn about animal conservation, and enjoy fun outings with family and friends.
2. Which are the most famous zoos in India?
Popular zoos include the Mysore Zoo, Delhi Zoo, Kolkata’s Alipore Zoo, Nandankanan Zoological Park (Odisha), and Arignar Anna Zoological Park (Chennai).
3. What makes Mysore Zoo special?
Mysore Zoo is one of India’s oldest zoos, known for its beautiful layout, exotic animal species, and large enclosures.
4. Why is Delhi Zoo a must-visit?
Located near India Gate, Delhi Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals and birds, including white tigers and migratory birds.
5. What is unique about Alipore Zoo in Kolkata?
Alipore Zoo is the oldest in India, famous for its Royal Bengal Tiger and rare species like the Aldabra giant tortoise.
6. What can I see at Nandankanan Zoological Park?
Nandankanan features a safari park, white tigers, and the unique facility of animals living in near-natural habitats.
7. What is the highlight of Arignar Anna Zoological Park?
This Chennai zoo is India’s largest zoological park and is known for its eco-friendly setup and vast wildlife diversity.
8. Are there any zoos with special conservation programs?
Yes, many zoos like Nandankanan and Mysore Zoo focus on breeding and conservation programs for endangered species.
9. What activities can kids enjoy at these zoos?
Kids can enjoy nature walks, animal feeding sessions (in some zoos), toy train rides, and interactive educational programs.
10. When is the best time to visit zoos in India?
The best time is during the cooler months, from October to March, for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
11. Are zoos in India safe for visitors?
Yes, zoos in India follow strict safety measures for both visitors and animals, but it’s important to follow the zoo guidelines.
12. What should I bring when visiting a zoo?
Carry water, snacks, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and a camera for capturing memorable moments.
