Amazing things to know about National Zoological Park in Delhi, the biggest zoo in Delhi
Introduction
The National Zoological Park in Delhi is known as the Delhi Zoo and it is a very popular zoo located near the Old Fort and was opened in 1959 for visitors. More than 1000 animals and birds from all around the world live in the zoo. The zoo is constructed on a very big area of 176 acres and provide beautiful green well maintained area for the animals who live in it. If you’re planning to visit the zoo you can see a variety of animals like tigers, elephants, lions and beautiful birds.
The primary aim of the zoo is to educated people about wildlife conservation and provide a safe place where many endangered species can live. According to me it is a great place where families, students, and nature lover can learn a lot about wildlife along with spending a great time. The Zoo also has a reptile house specially constructed for snakes, lizards, and crocodiles. The great thing about the zoo is that it has plenty of shaded walking pathways that protects you from sun on hot days.
Additionally, the zoo has several gardens and good picnic spots where families and friends can enjoy a day out. Many school and colleges also organizes wildlife educational program and teach their students about wildlife by the help of the zoo. Another remarkable thing about the zoo is that it is dedicated to breeding endangered species and actively participates in various global conservational programs. Overall the zoo is just not a place for fun but also act as a place where you can gain a lot of knowledge about wildlife.
National Zoological Park in Delhi Overview
- State: Delhi
- Major attractions: Variety of animals like tigers, lions, elephants, and many beautiful bird species.
- Best time to visit: During early morning hours to avoid crowd and heat during summer.
Table of Contents
National Zoological Park in Delhi Visual appearance
No words can explain the beauty of the zoo. The National Zoological park in Delhi is also known as the Delhi zoo. The zoo is covered with a lot of greenery which is perfect for animals who stay in it. The zoo is spreader over a very huge area of 176 acres and has well maintained walking pathways and beautiful gardens. The zoo has a wide variety of animals in it which even include exotic animals that can only be found outside India. Some of the popular animals in the zoo are tigers, lions, elephants, and peacocks.
The best thing about the zoo is that it has big spaces for animals that are made in a way to look like their natural homes. This even helps visitors to learn about the animals and make their experience much better. If you’re planning to visit the Delhi zoo you can see many migratory birds at the pond, a reptile house, and many good locations to do picnic. It is a great place to take your family out for a perfect day out.
How to reach National Zoological Park in Delhi
The easiest way to reach the National Zoological Park in Delhi is by Delhi Metro
Nearest Metro Station to National Zoological Park in Delhi
| Nearest Metro | Line |
| Pragati Maidan Metro Station | Blue Line |
| Parking | yes |
Nearest Airport: The nearest Airport to National Zoological Park in Delhi is the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI Airport). The distance between the airport and the zoo is approximately of 21 km. You can either take an autorickshaw, taxis, bus and cab services to reach to the zoo.
Nearest bus station: The nearest Bus stop to National Zoological Park in Delhi is the Sundar Nagar bus stop. The zoo is located at a walking distance from the bus station
Nearest railway Station: The nearest railway station to National Zoological Park in Delhi is the Pragati Maidan Railway Station. The distance between the railway station and the zoo is approximately of 2 km. You can either take an autorickshaw, taxis, bus and cab services to reach to the zoo.
By Taxi or Auto-Rickshaw: You can take taxi or auto-rickshaw from your nearest stop. Make sure to use the fare meter before entering into the vehicle.
By Personal vehicle: If you have your personal vehicle you can take help of the google maps or any other guided apps to reach the location.
Phone Number: 01124358500
National Zoological Park in Delhi address: Mathura Rd, near Purana Qila, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, Delhi 110003.
National Zoological Park in Delhi Opening and Closing hours
The opening and closing hours of National zoological park in Delhi are from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. The zoo remain closed on every Friday and on National Holidays.
National Zoological Park in Delhi Ticket Price
| Category & Nationality | Ticket Price |
| For Indians | |
| Adults | INR 40 |
| Children under 3 feet height | Free |
| Children between 3.5 feet height | INR 20 |
| Senior Citizens (60 years and above) | INR 20 |
| For Foreigners | |
| Adults | INR 200 |
| Children up to 5 years of age | Free |
| Children above 5 years of age | INR 100 |
Animals you can see in National Zoological Park in Delhi
The national Zoo park Delhi has a wide variety of animals which every visitor can see. Here is the glimpse of some of the diverse species of animals you can see in the zoo.
- Big Cats: The zoo has many amazing speicies of big cats. The big cat species present in the zoo are:
- Bengal Tigers
- Asiatic Lions
- Leopards
- Elephants: Elephants are giant creates and they are known for their intelligence. The species of elephants you’ll get to see in the zoo is:
- Indian Elephants
- Primates: The Delhi zoo has a diverse species of primates. The species of primates present in the zoo are:
- Chimpanzees
- Gibbons
- Monkeys
- Birds: The zoo has various species of beautiful birds from all over the world which include
- Peacocks
- Pelicans
- Hornbills
- Eagles
- Owls
- Parrots
- Reptiles: The zoo has a special reptile house where many species of reptiles live. The reptiles species you can see in the zoo are:
- Indian Cobras
- Pythons
- Crocodiles
- Monitor Lizards
- Herbivores: Herbivores are the animal species which are only depended on plant and vegetables. Herbivores species you can see in the zoo are:
- Giraffes
- Zebras
- Hippopotamuses
- Deer
- Antelopes
- Bears: Bear species present in the zoo are:
- Himalayan Black Bears
- Sloth Bears
- Aquatic Animals: Aquatic animals live in water and aquatic animals present in the zoo are:
- Turtles
- Fish
- Small Mammals: Species of small animals present in the zoo are:
- Porcupines
- Rabbits
- Rodents
- Exotic Animals: Exotic Animals can only be found outside India. Species of exotic animals present in the zoo are:
- Kangaroos
- Emus
All these diverse variety of animals make the Delhi zoo unique and interesting which is why it is a must to visit destination for all animal lovers.
Know more interesting things about the zoo
History of National Zoological Park in Delhi
The National Zoological Park in Delhi was opened on 1st November, 1959. The motive behind the zoo’s construction is to protect wildlife and educate people about animals. The zoo was designed by a very famous zoo architect named Carl Hagenbeck. Early the zoo was started with a few species of animals but over the passage of time it grew and now its has more than 1350 species of animals and birds from all around the world.
To educate about wildlife conservation to more people it added educational programs and special events related to wildlife specially for school and college children. The zoo also became a center of conservation as it helps in breeding of endangered species. Presently the zoo is a popular spot for learn about and enjoying wildlife.
Motive behind the construction of National Zoological Park in Delhi
The primary aim of building the National Zoological Park in Delhi is to protect endangered species of animals along with displaying a wide variety of animals and bird to visitors so they can learn about wildlife conservations. It also provide an enjoyable spot for families and visitors to enjoy in nature and learn about various species. The zoo also aims in creating environmental awareness and encourages visitors to protect the environment.
Furthermore the zoo act as a research center where scientists can study animal behavior and their health. There are also many special events and programs that are being organized in the zoo to educate college and school students about wildlife conservation. Overall the main goal of the zoo is to educate people, protect wildlife along with providing a fun place to visitors.
Amazing things you can do in National Zoological Park in Delhi
See the amazing animals of wildlife: The zoo is made to showcase the beauty of wildlife animals. You can see animals like tigers, lions, elephants and beautiful birds in it.
Visit the reptile house: The zoo has a special reptile house where various species of snakes, lizards, and crocodiles live. You can visit here can see these amazing creatures.
Bird Watching: if you love birds then the zoo is made for you. You can enjoy the peaceful sounds of numerous bird species in the zoo. You can also get a chance to see some of the rarest bird species here.
Click some amazing photographs: The zoo is great for capturing some amazing photographs. Just take out your camera and click some great pictures of the animals and natural beauty of the place. Just don’t forget to click some good pictures of yours too.
Picnicking: The zoo has some great picnic spots and beautiful gardens. These amazing spots are perfect to do a picnic with your family or friends to make most out of day.
Join educational tours: If you are a wildlife enthusiast and want to know more about the zoo you can participate in various guided tours and educational programs of the zoo to learn about wildlife conservation and many unique things about animals.
Visit the zoo souvenir shop: The zoo also has a souvenir shop where you can buy interesting wildlife themed gifts and souvenirs that will keep remembering you about your zoo visit.
Visit the botanical garden: The zoo has beautiful and well maintained garden that are perfect to enjoy and learn interesting things about plant life. It is a must to visit the botanical garden present in the zoo.
Is it worth it visiting National Zoological park in Delhi?
Absolutely, visiting the Delhi zoo is totally worth it. You can see a wide variety of animals and birds from all around the world. Moreover, visiting zoo is great for children and adults as it promotes awareness about wildlife conservation. The zoo has peaceful environment and beautiful picnic spots where you can enjoy a lot.
Suggestions for visiting the zoo
- During the summers try to bring a water bottle along with you.
- Wear comfortable clothes, as you have to walk a lot to explore the entire zoo places.
- Try to bring some snacks with you that you can eat during the exploring time and don’t forget to through the waste in dustbin.
- Don’t visit the zoo during peak summer time from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Follow all necessary safety guidelines of the zoo for a safe visit.
Who should visit the zoo?
- According to me, people who are busy in their hectic day-to-day lives and who want to spend a day in a interesting and peaceful place should visit the zoo.
- Nature and animals lovers must visit the zoo, as it has some of the rare and exotic animal species.
- College going students finding a place to spend a perfect day out with their friends can visit the Zoo.
- Families can also visit the zoo.
- Tourists exploring Delhi and searching for a good tourist attractions can visit the Zoo.
Nearby attractions from National Zoological Park in Delhi
Here are some of the nearby popular tourist attractions from the Delhi zoo.
- Humayun’ tomb (5 Km)
- India Gate (3 Km)
- Purana Qila (Old Fort) (3 Km)
- National Museum (4 Km)
- Lotus Temple (8 Km)
- Jantar Mantar (6 Km)
- Akshardham Temple (10 Km)
National Zoological Park in Delhi Pictures/Images
What are the opening hours of the National Zoological Park?
The zoo is open every day except Fridays and on national holidays, from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM during winters (1st November to 31st March) and from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM during summers (1st April to 15th October).
What is the entry fee for visiting National Zoological Park in Delhi?
The entry fee for adults is Rs. 40, and for children (between 5-12 years), it is Rs. 20. There may be additional charges for cameras and vehicles.
Is there parking available at National Zoological Park in Delhi?
Yes, there is parking available near the zoo entrance for cars and bikes. Charges may apply for parking.
Are there guided tours available at National Zoological Park in Delhi?
Yes, guided tours are available for groups. These tours need to be booked in advance through the official website of the zoo.
Can visitors bring outside food and drinks into the National Zoological Park in Delhi?
Yes, visitors are allowed to bring their own food and drinks. There are also food stalls and a canteen inside the zoo.
Is photography allowed inside National Zoological Park in Delhi?
Yes, photography for personal use is only allowed in the zoo. However, photography for commercial purpose and video shooting require permission from the zoo authorities.
Are there any facilities for children at National Zoological Park in Delhi?
Yes, the zoo has a children’s park and play area which make it a family-friendly destination.
How long does it take to explore the entire National Zoological Park in Delhi?
It totally depends upon how much tourist attractions you explore. Typically it takes around 2-3 hours to explore the main attractions of the zoo.
What are the main attractions inside the National Zoological Park in Delhi?
The main attractions of the zoo are its huge collection of animals which include tigers, lions, elephants, and various bird species.
Know more interesting thing of the zoo from here.