Zoo in Jammu-Manda Zoo Park | Timing, Ticket, Flora and Fauna

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Jambu Zoo / Manda National Park

Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Jammu, India, lies Manda Zoo Park, a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Home to a diverse array of animal species from around the globe, this enchanting zoo offers a captivating glimpse into the wonders of the natural world. Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey as we delve into the captivating realm of Manda Zoo Park, a sanctuary where education, conservation, and adventure intertwine.

History of Manda Zoo Park

Manda Zoo Park, also known as Manda Zoo, is a zoo in Jammu, India. It is situated on Palace Road, near Hari Niwas Palace. The zoo is home to various animals, including lions, tigers, leopards, bears, deer, and birds.

The history of Manda Zoo Park can be traced back to the early 20th century. In 1922, the then Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, Raja Hari Singh, established a small menagerie in the palace grounds. The menagerie was intended to house animals that were captured during hunting expeditions.

In the 1950s, the menagerie was expanded and opened to the public. In 1974, the menagerie was officially designated as a zoo. In the 1980s and 1990s, the zoo underwent a major expansion and renovation. The zoo was renamed Manda Zoo Park in 2000.

Today, Manda Zoo Park is a famous tourist destination home to over 400 animals from over 100 species. The zoo is also a center for conservation and education. The zoo has several breeding programs for endangered species. The zoo also offers some educational programs for school children.

Manda Zoo Park Location

Manda Zoo Park is located near Harinivas, Palace Rd, Janipur, Jammu, 180007, India.

Manda Zoo Park Entry Fee/ Ticket:

Entry fees at Manda Zoo Park vary depending on the visitor’s age. Here’s a breakdown of the entry fees:

Adults (18 years and above): ₹50
Children (5 years to 17 years): ₹25
Children below 5 years: Free

Additional Fees:

Camera charges: ₹120 for still cameras and ₹600 for video cameras
Toy Train charges: ₹45 for adults and ₹25 for children
Fish Aquarium charges: ₹10 for all visitors

Manda Zoo Park Timings:

Manda Zoo Park is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The zoo is closed on Mondays.

Best time to visit Manda Zoo Park:

The best time to visit Manda Zoo Park is during the cooler months of October to March. The weather is pleasant and sunny during this time, making it ideal for exploring the zoo’s outdoor exhibits. Additionally, the crowds are smaller during these months, allowing you to enjoy a more relaxed and leisurely visit.

Layout of Manda Zoo Park

Manda Zoo Park is divided into different sections based on the type of animals housed in each area. Here’s a general overview of the zoo’s layout:

Entrance and Administration Area:

The main entrance leads to a spacious area with ticket counters, administrative offices, and a souvenir shop.

African Section:

This section features animals native to the African continent, including lions, zebras, giraffes, and monkeys.

Asian Section:

This section houses animals from Asia, such as tigers, elephants, rhinoceroses, and bears.

Indian Section:

This section showcases animals native to India, including leopards, deer, and reptiles.

Bird Aviary:

A large aviary provides a home for various birds, including parrots, macaws, and toucans.

Children’s Park:

A dedicated play area with swings, slides, and other attractions entertains younger visitors.

Amphitheater:

An amphitheater hosts cultural performances, educational programs, and special events.

Flora of Manda Zoo Park

Manda Zoo Park is home to a rich and diverse variety of flora, encompassing a wide range of plant species that contribute to the park’s natural beauty and ecological balance. The park’s diverse flora provides habitat and food for various animal species, further enhancing the zoo’s ecosystem.

Trees:

Manda Zoo Park boasts a variety of trees, including towering chinar trees (Platanus orientalis), providing shade and a sense of grandeur. Other notable trees include:

Indian rosewood (Dalbergia sissoo): Known for its valuable timber and medicinal properties.
Neem tree (Azadirachta indica): Revered for its medicinal and insecticidal properties.
Kachnar tree (Bauhinia variegata): Prized for its ornamental flowers and edible leaves.
Peepal tree (Ficus religiosa): Considered sacred in many cultures and known for its broad canopy.
Mango tree (Mangifera indica): A popular fruit-bearing tree with delicious and nutritious mangoes.

Shrubs and Bushes:

A variety of shrubs and bushes add color and texture to the park’s landscape. Some notable species include:

Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis): Known for its vibrant and colorful flowers.
Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.): Prized for its showy bracts in various colors.
Jasmine (Jasminum spp.): Scented flowers used in perfumes and fragrances.
Rose (Rosa spp.): Beloved for its beauty and fragrance, with a wide range of varieties.
Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum spp.): Known for its cheerful and diverse flower forms.

Herbs and Grasses:

A variety of herbs and grasses provide groundcover and support various ecological functions. Some notable species include:

Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus): Used in teas and culinary applications.
Tulsi (Ocimum tenuifolium): A sacred herb in Ayurveda with medicinal properties.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale): A popular spice and medicinal plant.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa): A spice with culinary and medicinal uses.
Grass species (Poaceae family): Provide grazing for herbivorous animals and contribute to soil stability.

Manda Zoo Park’s diverse flora is vital in maintaining the park’s ecosystem, providing habitat, food, and aesthetic appeal. The park’s commitment to conservation and preservation ensures that this rich botanical heritage will continue to thrive for generations to come.

Fauna of Manda Zoo Park

Manda Zoo Park is home to a diverse and fascinating fauna representing various animal species worldwide. The zoo’s collection of animals is carefully curated to promote conservation and education, allowing visitors to learn about and appreciate the importance of wildlife.

Mammals:

The zoo’s mammal collection includes a variety of iconic species, such as:

Lions (Panthera leo): The majestic king of the jungle, known for their impressive manes and social behavior.
Tigers (Panthera tigris): The largest of the big cats, with their distinctive stripes and powerful presence.
Leopards (Panthera pardus): Elusive and agile predators, known for their spotted coats and climbing abilities.
Bears (Ursidae family): Including the Himalayan black bear (Ursus thibetanus), known for their thick black fur and omnivorous diet.
Deer (Cervidae family): Featuring the spotted deer (Chital) and the barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak), both graceful and agile herbivores.
Primates: Represented by the rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta), a social and intelligent species.

Birds:

Manda Zoo Park’s aviary showcases a variety of bird species from around the world, including:

Parrots (Psittacidae family): Known for their colorful plumage and ability to mimic sounds.
Macaws (Ara spp.): Large parrots with vibrant colors and powerful beaks.
Toucans (Ramphastidae family): Distinguished by their large and colorful bills.
Peacocks (Pavo cristatus): Showy birds with elaborate tail feathers that fan out in a mesmerizing display.
Eagles (Accipitridae family): Majestic birds of prey, including the Himalayan griffon vulture (Gyps himalayensis).

Reptiles:

Manda Zoo Park’s reptile collection includes both native and exotic species, such as:

Snakes (Serpentes suborder): Including Indian pythons (Python molurus molurus) and cobra species.
Lizards (Lacertilia suborder): Featuring the common monitor lizard (Varanus indicus) and the Indian chameleon (Chamaeleo zeylanicus).
Tortoises and Turtles (Testudines order): Represented by the Indian star tortoise (Geochelone elegans) and the red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans).

Manda Zoo Park’s commitment to conservation and education ensures that these animals receive proper care and attention while also providing visitors with valuable opportunities to learn about the importance of wildlife preservation.

Fun activities at Manda Zoo Park

Visitors to Manda Zoo Park can enjoy a variety of fun and engaging activities that make the most of their visit to this remarkable wildlife sanctuary. Here are some exciting options to consider:

Embark on an Animal Encounter: Take a closer look at some of the zoo’s fascinating animals through interactive encounters. These encounters provide opportunities to observe animals up close, learn about their behaviors, and even interact with them under the guidance of experienced zookeepers.
Explore the Animal Trails: Immerse yourself in the natural habitats of various animal species by following the zoo’s well-designed trails. These trails wind through different sections of the zoo, allowing visitors to observe animals in their simulated environments and learn about their unique adaptations.
Witness Animal Feeding: Observe the feeding of various animals at designated times throughout the day. These feeding sessions provide a glimpse into the animals’ natural diets and behaviors, offering a fascinating educational experience.
Participate in Educational Programs: Engage in interactive educational programs offered by the zoo’s knowledgeable staff. These programs cover various topics related to wildlife conservation, animal behavior, and environmental awareness.
Unwind in the Children’s Park: Let the little ones have a blast at the zoo’s dedicated children’s park. With swings, slides, and other age-appropriate play structures, the park provides a fun and safe space for kids to enjoy their time at the zoo.
Capture Memorable Moments: Take photographs and videos to capture your memorable moments at Manda Zoo Park. These souvenirs will serve as cherished reminders of your visit and the amazing wildlife encounters you experienced.
Enjoy a Picnic Lunch: Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a leisurely meal amidst the tranquil surroundings of the zoo. Designated picnic areas provide the perfect setting for a relaxing break and a chance to appreciate the park’s natural beauty.
Visit the Bird Aviary: Step into the vibrant world of birds at the zoo’s spacious aviary. Observe a variety of colorful and exotic bird species as they fly, perch, and interact within their simulated enclosure.
Watch Animal Performances: Attend captivating animal performances that showcase the intelligence and trainability of selected animal species. These performances provide entertaining and educational insights into the animal kingdom.
Venture into the Reptile House: Discover the fascinating world of reptiles in the zoo’s reptile house. Observe snakes, lizards, turtles, and other reptiles as they showcase their unique adaptations and behaviors.

Places to Visit near Manda Zoo Park

Here are some of the top-rated places to visit near Manda Zoo Park:

Vaishno Devi Mandir: This Hindu pilgrimage site is located about 3 kilometers from Manda Zoo Park. It is one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in India and is dedicated to the goddess Vaishno Devi.
Bagh-e-Bahu: This Mughal-era garden is located about 2 kilometers from Manda Zoo Park. It is a beautiful garden with a variety of flowers, trees, and fountains.
Ranbireshwar Temple: This Hindu temple is located about 3 kilometers from Manda Zoo Park. It is dedicated to the god Shiva and is one of the oldest temples in Jammu.
Raghunath Temple: This Hindu temple is located about 2 kilometers from Manda Zoo Park. It is dedicated to the god Rama and is one of the most important temples in Jammu.
Ziarat Peer Mitha: This Sufi shrine is located about 2 kilometers from Manda Zoo Park. It is one of the most important Sufi shrines in Jammu and Kashmir.

How to Reach Manda Zoo Park

Here are the directions to Manda Zoo Park, Jammu by car, public transport, and flight:

You can take a train for Jammu Tawi Railway Station, and then take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to Manda Zoo Park.
The nearest airport to Manda Zoo Park is Jammu Airport (JMU), which is located approximately 7 km from the zoo.