Zoo in Delhi – National Zoological Park Delhi | Timings, Tickets and Wildlife

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Zoo in Delhi NCR -

Welcome to the wild wonderland of the National Zoological Park in Delhi! Nestled in the heart of India’s bustling capital, this sprawling oasis is a haven for nature enthusiasts and curious minds eager to explore the fascinating world of wildlife.

Through this blog, we will embark on a virtual safari, exploring the various sections of the National Zoological Park, shedding light on the unique characteristics of each animal, conservation efforts, educational programs, and the importance of preserving our natural world. From the captivating tales of the animals’ lives to the dedication of the zookeepers and conservationists, we’ll uncover it all.

History of the National Zoological Park Delhi

The history of the National Zoological Park Delhi (NZPD) dates back to 1951 when the Indian Board for Wildlife (now the National Board for Wildlife) proposed the establishment of a zoo in the national capital. The zoo was intended to provide a home for endangered species, educate the public about wildlife conservation, and offer recreation to the people of Delhi.

In 1953, a committee was formed to select a zoo site and develop a plan for its construction. The committee selected a 170-acre plot of land between the Purana Qila and the Humayun’s Tomb. Carl Hagenbeck, a renowned German zoo designer, developed the plan for the zoo.

Construction on the zoo began in 1955, and it was officially inaugurated on November 1, 1959, by Mr. Punjab Rao Deshmukh, the then Minister of Agriculture in the Government of India. The zoo was initially known as the Delhi Zoo but was renamed the National Zoological Park in 1982.

The NZPD is one of the largest and most popular zoos in India. It is home to various animals, including tigers, lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans. The zoo also has an extensive collection of birds and reptiles.

In addition to its role in animal conservation and education, the NZPD is also a popular tourist destination. It attracts millions of visitors each year, both from India and abroad.

Delhi Zoo Location

Address: Mathura Rd, near Purana Qila, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, Delhi 110003, India.

National Zoological Park Delhi Tickets

The entry fee to the National Zoological Park Delhi is as follows:

Category Entry Fee

Adults (above 12 years) ₹80

Children (5-12 years) ₹40

Senior citizens (above 60 years) ₹40

Children below 5 years Free

National Zoological Park Delhi Timings

The National Zoological Park Delhi (NZPD) is open from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Tuesday through Sunday.
The zoo is closed on Mondays.
The zoo’s timings may change due to special events or holidays. It is always best to check the zoo’s website or call its office to confirm the timings before visiting.

Layout of Delhi Zoo

The National Zoological Park Delhi (NZPD) is spread over 170 acres and is divided into two main zones: the Mammal Zone and the Bird Zone. The Mammal Zone is further divided into several enclosures, including the Big Cat Enclosure, the Elephant Enclosure, the Rhino Enclosure, and the Primate Enclosure.

Here is a brief overview of the layout of the Delhi Zoo:

Entrance: The entrance to the Delhi Zoo is located on Mathura Road. Once you enter the zoo, you will find a zoo map and a ticket counter.
Mammal Zone: The Mammal Zone is located to the left of the entrance. This zone is home to a wide variety of mammals, including tigers, lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans.
Bird Zone: The Bird Zone is located to the right of the entrance. This zone is home to various birds, including parrots, macaws, flamingos, peacocks, and cranes.
Reptile House: The Reptile House is located near the Bird Zone. This house is home to various reptiles, including snakes, lizards, and crocodiles.
Aquarium: The Aquarium is located near the Reptile House. This aquarium is home to a variety of fish and other aquatic animals.
Children’s Park: The Children’s Park is located near the entrance. This park has a variety of play equipment for children, as well as a toy train.
Canteen: There is a canteen near the entrance to purchase food and drinks.
Restrooms: There are many restrooms located throughout the zoo.

In addition to the above, the Delhi Zoo has many other attractions, such as a butterfly garden, a rose garden, and a boating lake.

Wildlife of National Zoological Park, Delhi

The National Zoological Park Delhi is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including:

Animals of the Delhi Zoo

The National Zoological Park Delhi (NZPD) is home to various animals worldwide. Here is a list of some of the most popular animals at the zoo:

Tigers (including white tigers)
Lions
Leopards
Elephants
Rhinoceroses
Giraffes
Zebras
Chimpanzees
Gorillas
Orangutans
Deer
Bears
Hippos

Birds of the Delhi Zoo

The National Zoological Park Delhi (NZPD) is home to various birds worldwide. Here is a list of some of the most popular birds at the zoo:

Parrots: The zoo has a variety of parrots, including macaws, African grey parrots, and cockatoos.
Macaws: The zoo has a variety of macaws, including blue-and-gold macaws, hyacinth macaws, and scarlet macaws.
Flamingos: The zoo has a flock of flamingos known for their bright pink plumage.
Peacocks: The zoo has many peacocks known for their beautiful tail feathers.
Cranes: The zoo has a variety of cranes, including sarus cranes and grey crowned cranes.
Eagles: The zoo has many eagles, including golden and steppe eagles.
Hawks: The zoo has a variety of hawks, including shikras and peregrine falcons.
Owls: The zoo has a variety of owls, including barn owls and eagle owls.
Pelicans: The zoo has several white pelicans known for their large beaks and pouches.
Ducks: The zoo has a variety of ducks, including mallards and Indian spot-billed ducks.
Swans: The zoo has many swans, including mute and black swans.

In addition to the above, the Delhi Zoo has many other birds, such as hornbills, pheasants, and pigeons. The zoo also has many endangered bird species, such as the Indian white-backed vulture and the grey-headed fish eagle.

Reptiles of the Delhi Zoo

The National Zoological Park Delhi has a reptile house that houses a variety of reptiles from all over the world. Some of the most popular reptiles at the zoo include:

Snakes: The zoo has a variety of snakes, including cobras, pythons, and vipers.
Lizards: The zoo has a variety of lizards, including geckos, iguanas, and chameleons.
Crocodiles: The zoo has many crocodiles, including alligators and gharials.
Turtles: The zoo has a variety of turtles, including tortoises and terrapins.

In addition to the above, the Delhi Zoo has many other reptiles, such as tortoises, terrapins, and amphibians. The zoo also has many endangered reptile species, such as the Indian gharial and the Burmese python.

Fish at Delhi Zoo

The National Zoological Park, Delhi has an aquarium that houses a variety of fish and other aquatic animals.

Here is a list of some of the fish that you can see at the Delhi Zoo aquarium:

Clownfish
Angelfish
Surgeonfish
Butterflyfish
Parrotfish
Pufferfish
Sea turtles
Sea snakes
Sharks
Rays

The Delhi Zoo aquarium is great for learning about fish and other aquatic animals. It is also a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the underwater world.

Fun activities at the National Zoological Park

Here are some fun activities that you can do at the National Zoological Park, Delhi:

See the animals: The zoo is home to a wide variety of animals from all over the world, including tigers, lions, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, birds, and reptiles. You can spend a whole day exploring the zoo and seeing all the different animals.
Learn about wildlife: The zoo has many educational exhibits that teach visitors about wildlife conservation and protecting our planet’s biodiversity. You can also learn about the different animals that live at the zoo and their habitats.
Take a boat ride: The zoo has a boating lake where you can take a boat ride and see the animals from a different perspective. On the boat ride, you can also see various birds and other aquatic animals.
Have a picnic: The zoo has many picnic areas to relax and enjoy a meal with your family and friends. You can also purchase food and drinks from the zoo’s canteen.
Visit the children’s park: The zoo has a children’s park with various play equipment for children of all ages. The park also has a toy train that children can ride.

In addition to the above, the zoo hosts various events throughout the year, such as animal shows, bird-watching tours, and educational workshops. You can check the zoo’s website for more information on upcoming events.

Best time to visit Delhi Zoo

The best time to visit the National Zoological Park, Delhi is during the winter months, from October to March. The weather during this time is pleasant and cool, making it ideal for walking around the zoo. The animals are also more active during winter, as they are not trying to escape the heat.

If you cannot visit the zoo during the winter months, you can also visit during the spring and autumn months when the weather is still relatively mild. However, avoiding visiting the zoo during summer is essential, as the heat can be oppressive and the animals may be less active.

Here are some additional tips for visiting the Delhi Zoo:

Arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the heat.
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
Carry sunscreen, hats, and water bottles to protect yourself from the sun.
Do not feed the animals.
Do not litter.
Be respectful of the animals and their enclosures.

How to Reach Delhi Zoo

There are a few ways to reach the National Zoological Park, Delhi:

By metro: The nearest metro station to the zoo is Pragati Maidan metro station. It is located on the Blue Line of the Delhi Metro. Once you reach the metro station, you can take a rickshaw or auto-rickshaw to the zoo. The journey takes about 5-10 minutes.

By bus: Many buses stop near the zoo. Some of the bus routes that you can take include:

Route 445: New Delhi Railway Station to Greater Kailash
Route 374: Nand Nagari to Nehru Place
Route 402: Old Delhi Railway Station to Okhla
Route 403: Old Delhi Railway Station to Okhla Village
Route 419: Old Delhi Railway Station to Ambedkar Nagar

Once you get off the bus, you can walk to the zoo in about 10-15 minutes.

By taxi: You can also take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to the zoo anywhere in Delhi. The journey takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

By car: If you drive to the zoo, you can take the Mathura Road. The zoo is located on the left side of the road, just after the Purana Qila. There is a parking lot available at the zoo.

National Zoological Park Delhi's nearest Metro Station

The nearest metro station to the National Zoological Park, Delhi is Pragati Maidan metro station.

Places to Visit near National Zoological Park

Here are some of the places you can visit near the National Zoological Park, Delhi:

Purana Qila (Old Fort) is a 16th-century fort just 1.5 km from the National Zoological Park. It is one of the oldest and most well-preserved forts in Delhi.
Humayun’s Tomb is a UNESCO World Heritage Site just 2 km from the National Zoological Park. It is the tomb of the Mughal emperor Humayun and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture.
Swaminarayan Akshardham is a Hindu temple complex 3 km from the National Zoological Park. It is one of the largest Hindu temples in the world and is known for its intricate architecture and beautiful gardens.
India Gate is a war memorial located 4 km from the National Zoological Park. It commemorates the Indian soldiers who died in World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War.
Rashtrapati Bhavan is the official residence of the President of India and is located just 5 km from the National Zoological Park. It is one of the largest presidential residences in the world and is known for its beautiful gardens and architecture.
Lotus Temple is a Baha’i House of Worship just 6 km from the National Zoological Park. It is known for its unique lotus-shaped architecture and its serene atmosphere.