5 Fabulous Zoos in India – A Unique Experience

Excursions from schools usually include fabulous zoos too. Children are fascinated by the innumerable birds, animals and reptiles in the zoos. Certainly, we don’t subscribe to or appreciate the idea of caging these creatures. But such places create an ambience for us to watch many animals and birds up close. And on the plus side, a zoo can be a safe haven for endangered wild beings. We do have a lot of such fascinating zoos in India.

Well, a debate is not the point here. The fact is that some of these zoos are amazing centres of tourist attractions. Catching a glimpse of exotic birds and animals at one spot is a wonderful opportunity always. For an ordinary person, it may well be impossible to see these beings in their natural habitats. Most children enjoy being in zoos. Students get to see the birds, animals and reptiles they study about in their textbooks. When you are touring different states in India, do take note to visit the fabulous zoos in India as I elaborate below.

Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Garden, Mysore

It will be a major miss if you could not visit the zoo when you are in Mysore. It is one of the most fabulous zoos in India in the southern part of the country. In the green and spacious area, nearly a thousand animals are housed. Spending quality time to cover the 150 plus acres area of the zoo means you need nearly a day. It can be a tiring experience but certainly worth it.

Wide range of animals like zebras, elephants, giraffes, big cats and kangaroos provide you great opportunity to inspect them closely. Exotic birds keep the kids excited. You can also watch a good number of reptiles and crocs.

During years, the zoo was expanded.  Acquiring the Karanji Lake was a major move. The artificial island in the lake is popular sanctuary for birds.

Since it is an expansive area, you can avail the electric-powered vehicle within the premises of the zoo. Reaching the location is no hassle as it is well connected by road and railways station is only 3 KM away.

Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Chennai

Located nearly 15 km from the airport, the zoo is a beautiful place to visit in Tamil Nadu district. Situated away from the bustle of city life, it is one of the largest and oldest zoos in India.

The authorities and locals together literally transformed nearly 1500 acres of land to a happy habitat for animals and birds. Now the flora and fauna of this fabulous zoo number over 2500. Many species of birds and animals facing extinction are protected at the rehabilitation centre here.

Besides these numerous animals, Children’s park, Museum, Squirrel World, Bird Sanctuary Aviary, and Reptile House are interesting spots here.

Visitors can tour the expansive grounds on bicycles or by hiring one of the zoo’s electric vehicles to zip around. You can also be refreshed at the cafes and canteens.

Zoo School is an initiative by the authorities to bring awareness about wildlife to school students.

The zoo can easily be accessed by road and the nearest railway station is just 3 KM away.

Nandankanan Zoological Park, Bhubaneswar

One of the largest zoos in India, Nandankanan Zoological Park is located in the capital of Orissa. Spread across nearly 1000 acres, the sprawling zoo is an amazing location to spend a holiday.

The zoo houses 200 varieties of mammals, reptiles, and birds. Asiatic lion, Nilgiri langur, Indian pangolin, Himalayan black bear, mouse deer, rhesus macaque, blackbuck are some of the attractions at the place.

Watching animals become more entertaining with activities like boating and safaris. Reptile Park, aerial ropeway and cable car provide better options for visitors to watch the wildlife. The densely green park is home to several migratory birds too. A scenic lake within the zoo adds an additional advantage to preserving and attracting wildlife.

The nearest Airport is in Bhubaneswar which is about 20 km away. And the spot is well connected by the road.

Visitors above three years old should purchase the entry tickets. You can also avail other amenities like a battery vehicle, safari, boating, toy train etc. with additional payment.

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling

Considered to be one of the most fabulous zoos in India, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, is in Darjeeling, West Bengal.

Unlike most other zoos, this zoo is different for conserving Himalayan animals and some endangered species. It is also recognized with the prestigious international award “The Earth Heroes”. The reason behind the award is for conserving Himalayan animals and plantations. 

Spread across 60 plus acres of land, the zoo attracts hundreds of visitors daily. The conservation program in the zoo to care for rare Tibetan Wolf, Red Panda, Snow Leopard makes it a special place to visit.

Among other animals, you will enjoy watching Blue Sheep, Himalayan Tahr, Barking Deer, Goral, Siberian Tigers, Himalayan Newt and lot more.  The zoo conserves over two hundred species of flora and fauna.

There is a nominal entry fee for all visitors. And the zoo is open all the days except on Thursdays.

The nearest airport is almost a hundred KM away. However, Darjeeling being a tourist destination, it is well connected by roads.

Indira Gandhi Zoological Park

Amidst the scenic hills of Eastern Ghats and Bay of Bengal is the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park. It is in Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh. The nearest airport is just 18 KM away solving travelling hassles to this fabulous zoo.

The zoo expands over 625 acres of land. As you can imagine a large area of land means the zoo accommodates several kinds of animals and birds. Around a thousand numbers of different animals, birds and reptiles can be spotted in the zoo.

Olive baboon, ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta), Goeldi’s marmoset, and Mandrill, parakeets, eagles, budgerigar and macaws are a few of the eye-catchy animals in the enclosures.

Besides those in the enclosures, there are several species of birds that flock in during migratory seasons. The location of the zoo is conducive for the lush green plantation to flourish. Also, to attract several birds and small creatures to the area.

Hence it is also a place where you can watch some of these animals and birds in their natural habitat.

Allotted areas to carnivores, primates, ungulates, mammals, birds and butterflies aid visitors to choose which sections to go. Entry fee is applicable for everyone above 3 years old. You can hire a battery-operated vehicle or opt for safari once you are there. Cameras are allowed once you have taken the tickets for the same.

I hope you enjoyed reading about the fabulous zoos in India. Though there are other spectacular zoos in India, yet I presented the key ones that are a must visit while touring the country.