Zoos in India offer the perfect opportunity for a fun and educational day out with family, particularly for children. As a result, millions of both locals and tourists visit these zoos every year. These carefully designed habitats allow visitors to get a closer look at wild animals, while also playing an essential role in the conservation of endangered species in their natural environments.
These zoos not only entertain but also educate children, helping them learn about wildlife. India is home to several beautiful zoos that shelter a variety of local and rare species. Spanning vast areas, these zoological parks showcase animals in safe, controlled environments while implementing effective conservation strategies to maintain ecological balance.
# Alipore Zoological Garden (West Bengal) One of India’s oldest zoos, Alipore Zoo, was established in 1896 during the British Raj and remains a popular tourist destination in Kolkata. The best time to visit is during the winter, though the zoo is open year-round.
Nandankanan Zoological Park (Odisha) Located in Bhubaneswar, this expansive zoo combines a botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary. It features over 200 enclosures, allowing visitors to explore exotic animals and learn about endangered species.
# National Zoological Park (Delhi) A favorite weekend destination for families, this historic zoo offers a chance to get close to rare reptiles, mammals, and exotic species. It is especially popular among nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers.
# Mysore Zoo (Karnataka) Also known as Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Garden, Mysore Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in India. The zoo spans 157 acres and is home to a wide variety of birds, mammals, and reptiles, making it ideal for birdwatching and wildlife exploration.
# Arignar Anna Zoological Park (Tamil Nadu) Located in Chennai, this large zoological park covers nearly 1260 acres and shelters both local and exotic species. It is a popular picnic spot and home to 138 animal species.
# Chattbir Zoo (Punjab) Also known as Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park, Chattbir Zoo is located near Chandigarh and spans 202 acres. The Bengal Tiger is a major attraction here, making it an educational and entertaining visit for children.
# Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (Andhra Pradesh) This 600-acre zoo, located in the Kambalakonda Forest, is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy exploring various animal species and even spot butterflies in this picturesque location, with views of the Eastern Ghats.
# Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (West Bengal) Located at an altitude of 7000 feet in Darjeeling, this zoo specializes in breeding endangered animals like Red pandas and Snow leopards. It is one of the largest zoos in India, named after Sarojini Naidu's daughter.
# Nehru Zoological Park (Hyderabad) Known for its lush greenery, this zoo is a major attraction in Hyderabad. It is home to over 100 species of animals, birds, and reptiles. The zoo offers safari rides, educational shows, and a natural history museum, making it ideal for a family outing.
# Lucknow Zoo (Uttar Pradesh) Located in the heart of Lucknow, this 71.6-acre zoo, formerly known as the Prince of Wales Zoo, is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Established in 1921, it offers a variety of species to explore.
# Sakkarbaug Zoological Gardens (Gujarat) Known locally as Junagadh Zoo, this park is famous for housing purebred Asiatic lions. The zoo also features a veterinary hospital and a natural history museum for visitors to explore.
# Nainital Zoo (Uttarakhand) Situated at 2100 meters, this high-altitude zoo spans 4.6 hectares and showcases a variety of endangered species. It is a well-known tourist spot in Nainital, offering visitors a chance to observe wildlife in the Himalayan region.
# Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden (Assam) Located in the Hengrabari Reserved Forest, this zoo is home to over 113 species of animals and attracts visitors with its stunning beauty. It offers a chance to explore wildlife from around the world.
# Sanjay Gandhi Botanical Garden (Bihar) Also known as Patna Zoo, this botanical garden is a popular destination for nature lovers in Patna. The park features unique flora and fauna, and activities such as toy train rides and elephant safaris are particularly popular with children.
# Sajjangarh Biological Park (Rajasthan) Located near Sajjangarh Palace in Udaipur, this 36-acre park, which opened in 2015, offers visitors a chance to explore a variety of wildlife species and learn about animal conservation efforts.