5 Zoos In Kerala To Glimpse The Amazing Wildlife
Welcome to the lush green state of Kerala, where the vibrant culture and natural beauty are not the only attractions. In this blog, we’ll take you on a wild adventure through the various zoos scattered across this enchanting region. From exotic animals to conservation efforts, join us as we explore Kerala’s fascinating world of zoological wonders. Get ready to witness the diverse fauna and learn about these zoos’ crucial role in animal conservation and education. Kerala’s zoos blend wildlife, education, and the splendours of nature, and we’re here to guide you through it all.
Here are the 5 best zoos in Kerala:
1- Thiruvananthapuram Zoo
Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, also known as Trivandrum Zoo, is one of the oldest zoos in India. It is said to have been established in 1857 by Maharaja of Travancore. In 1995, this zoo got a makeover in a modernisation project, and its old enclosures were replaced with spacious naturalistic enclosures.
Animals:
The zoo is home to over 82 species of animals, including:
- Mammals: Lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, Indian rhinoceros, hippopotamus, sambar deer, spotted deer, barking deer, hog deer, barasingha, nilgai, black buck, Indian elephant, tiger, leopard, sloth bear, Himalayan black bear, hyena, jackal, dhole, fox, civet, mongoose, etc.
- Birds: Emu, ostrich, pelican, flamingo, hornbill, peacock, macaw, parrot, mynah, etc.
- Reptiles: Crocodile, alligator, python, cobra, viper, etc.
- Amphibians: Frog, toad, salamander, etc.
- Fishes: Koi carp, goldfish, catfish, etc.
Visitor Information:
The zoo is open to visitors from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, every day except Mondays. The ticket price is Rs. 30 for adults and Rs. 10 for children.
How to reach:
The zoo is located in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram city, about 3 km from the railway station and 6 km from the airport. Visitors can reach the zoo by taxi, bus, or autorickshaw.
Best Time To Visit:
The best time to visit the Thrissur Zoo is in the winter, from October to March. The winter months are known for their pleasant weather. The climate remains very humid during the summers, and the heat can get unbearable.
 Entry Fees:
The zoo remains closed only on Mondays. The zoo opens at 9:00 am and closes by 5:15 pm. Tickets for entering the zoo is priced at Rs. 6 for adults and Rs. 4 for children.
Things to do:
- Visit the different animal enclosures and see the animals up close.
- Take a guided tour to learn more about the animals and the zoo.
- Attend a talk or workshop to learn about conservation and other animal-related topics.
- Visit the library to read books about animals and conservation.
- Have a picnic lunch in the zoo grounds.
- Take a ride on the toy train.
- Visit the souvenir shop to buy souvenirs of your visit.
2- Kauthuka Park
Kauthuka Park is a lush preserve with various wildlife and picturesque landscape, including waterfalls and caverns. It is located in Chalakkudy, Kerala, India.Â
Kauthuka Park Ticket:
The entry fee for Kauthuka Park is INR 50 for adults and INR 25 for children.
Best time to visit Kauthuka Park:
The best time to visit Kauthuka Park is during the winter (December to February), when the weather is mild and pleasant. The park is also open during the summer (March to May), but the weather can be quite hot and humid.
Animals of Kauthuka Park:
Kauthuka Park is home to a variety of animals, including:
- Birds: Malabar hornbill, Indian peafowl, great hornbill, kingfisher, woodpecker, etc.
- Mammals: Bonnet macaque, Indian spotted deer, wild boar, etc.
- Reptiles: Snakes, lizards, turtles, etc.
- Amphibians: Frogs, toads, etc.
- Insects: Butterflies, moths, dragonflies, etc.
Things you can do at Kauthuka Park:
- Go for a hike through the forest and enjoy the scenery. There are many hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult. You can hike to the waterfalls, the caverns, or simply explore the forest and enjoy the quiet.
- Visit the waterfalls and take a dip in the cool water. There are two waterfalls at Kauthuka Park: the main waterfall and the hidden waterfall. The main waterfall is the larger and more popular of the two, while the hidden waterfall is smaller and more secluded.
- Explore the caverns and see the amazing rock formations. There are three caverns at Kauthuka Park: the bat cave, the snake cave, and the spider cave. The bat cave is home to a large colony of bats, while the snake cave is home to various snakes. The spider cave is home to various spiders, including the giant golden orb-weaver spider.
- Go birdwatching and see some of the many species of birds that live in the park. Kauthuka Park is home to various birds, including the Malabar hornbill, the Indian peafowl, and the great hornbill.
3- Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium
Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium is one of the largest marine aquariums in India. It is located in Vizhinjam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. The aquarium has various marine life, including fish, sharks, turtles, and corals. It also has a touch pool where visitors can interact with marine life.
Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium Ticket and Time:
The entry fee for Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium is INR 20 for adults and INR 10 for children.
The aquarium is open seven days a week from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Things to do at Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium
- Visit the aquarium and see the marine life. The aquarium has various marine life from different parts of the world. Some popular exhibits include the shark tank, the turtle tank, and the coral reef tank.
- Take a walk through the underwater tunnel. The underwater tunnel gives you a unique perspective of the marine life. You can see the fish and other marine life swimming overhead and around you.Â
- Interact with the marine life at the touch pool. The touch pool allows you to interact with some marine life, such as starfish and sea cucumbers.Â
- Learn about marine life at the education center. The education center has a variety of exhibits and activities that teach visitors about the marine life.Â
Best time to visit Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium:
The best time to visit Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium is during the winter season (October to March), when the weather is mild and pleasant. The aquarium is also open during the summer (April to May), but the weather can be quite hot and humid.
4- Parassinikkadavu Snake Park
Parassinikkadavu Snake Park is one of India’s largest and most famous snake parks. It is located in Parassinikkadavu, Kannur district, Kerala, India. The park was established in 1977 by the renowned snake expert V.K. Bhaskaran.
Parassinikkadavu Snake Park Ticket and Time:
The entry fee for Parassinikkadavu Snake Park is INR 50 for adults and INR 25 for children.
The park is open seven days a week from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Things to do at Parassinikkadavu Snake Park:
- Visit the snake park and see the snakes. The park has a variety of snakes from different parts of India and the world. Some popular snakes include the king cobra, the Indian python, the Russell’s viper, and the saw-scaled viper.
- Watch the snake venom extraction show. The snake venom extraction show is a popular attraction at the park. Visitors can see how snake venom is extracted and used to make antivenom.Â
- Learn about snakes at the education center. The education center has a variety of exhibits and activities that teach visitors about snakes.Â
- Take a snake photography workshop. The park offers snake photography workshops for visitors interested in learning how to take photographs of snakes.Â
Best time to visit Parassinikkadavu Snake Park:
The best time to visit Parassinikkadavu Snake Park is during the winter (October to March), when the weather is mild and pleasant. The park is also open during the summer (April to May), but the weather can be hot and humid.
5- Varkala Aquarium
Varkala Aquarium is a marine aquarium located in Varkala, Kerala, India. It is one of the largest marine aquariums in Kerala and is home to various marine life worldwide.
Varkala Aquarium Ticket and Time:
The entry fee for Varkala Aquarium is INR 50 for adults and INR 25 for children.
The aquarium is open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, seven days a week.
Things to do at Varkala Aquarium:
- Visit the aquarium and see the marine life. The aquarium has various marine life, including fish, sharks, turtles, and corals. Some popular exhibits include the shark tank, the turtle tank, and the coral reef tank.
- Take a walk through the underwater tunnel. The underwater tunnel gives you a unique perspective of the marine life. You can see the fish and other marine life swimming overhead and around you.
- Interact with the marine life at the touch pool. The touch pool allows you to interact with some marine life, such as starfish and sea cucumbers.
- Learn about the marine life at the education center. The education center has a variety of exhibits and activities that teach visitors about the marine life.
Best time to visit Varkala Aquarium:
The best time to visit Varkala Aquarium is during the winter (October to March), when the weather is mild and pleasant. The aquarium is also open during the summer (April to May), but the weather can be quite hot and humid.
Final Note:
In conclusion, Kerala’s zoos are not just places to observe captivating wildlife but sanctuaries of education, conservation, and a deep respect for the animal kingdom. From the majestic elephants of the Thrissur Zoo to the diverse flora and fauna of the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, these sanctuaries offer a glimpse into the rich biodiversity of this beautiful state.
By visiting these zoos, we not only witness the wonders of nature up close but also contribute to the efforts of protecting and preserving endangered species. Kerala’s commitment to wildlife conservation and creating awareness about the importance of preserving natural habitats shines through in these carefully curated spaces.
