Zoo in Kolkata – Zoological Garden, Alipore | Timing, Ticket, Wildlife and Fun Activities
Zoo at Kolkata
Welcome to the vibrant realm of Alipore Zoological Garden, an enchanting sanctuary where the wild meets wonder. Nestled in the heart of Kolkata, India, this historical zoological haven beckons explorers, nature enthusiasts, and curious minds to embark on a captivating journey into the world of fauna and flora
Get ready to encounter roaring tigers, playful elephants, graceful giraffes, and many other fascinating creatures from around the globe. Let’s traverse the lush landscapes, witness the majesty of the animal kingdom, and learn about our vital role in safeguarding our planet’s biodiversity.
This blog is your passport to a world of adventure, education, and the celebration of life in its many splendid forms. Welcome to the Alipore Zoological Garden—where every visit promises a deeper understanding of the world we share with our fellow inhabitants. Let the exploration begin!
History of the Kolkata Zoo
The history of the Kolkata Zoo, also known as the Alipore Zoological Garden, dates back to the early 1800s. In 1800, Governor-General Richard Wellesley established a private menagerie at his summer home in Barrackpore, Kolkata, as a part of the Indian Natural History Project. This menagerie was the first attempt to showcase the diverse wildlife of India to the public.
In 1842, Dr. John McCleland, the then curator of Bengal Asiatic Society Museum, proposed the establishment of a zoological garden in Calcutta. However, this proposal still needs to materialize. Around 20 years later, in 1867, Dr. Joseph Bart Fayrer, the president of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, proposed a similar plan, but it failed to occur due to a lack of space.
At last, in 1873, the Lieutenant-Governor of Bengal, Sir Richard Temple, took the initiative to establish a zoological garden in Kolkata. He allotted land for the zoo based on a joint petition by the Asiatic Society and Agri-Horticultural Society. The zoo was formally opened in Alipore on 1 January 1876 by Edward VII, then Prince of Wales.
The Kolkata Zoo was founded to promote public education and awareness about wildlife. It was also intended to be a center for scientific research and conservation. Over the years, the zoo has played an essential role in conserving many endangered species, including the Royal Bengal tiger, the Asiatic lion, and the one-horned rhinoceros.
Kolkata Zoo Location
Address: 2, Alipore Rd, Alipur Zoological Garden, Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700027, India.
Kolkata Zoo Alipore Timing
The Kolkata Zoo is open to the public on all days of the week except Thursdays. The zoo is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The ticket counter closes at 4:30 PM.
The aquarium at the Kolkata Zoo is open from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Here is a summary of the Kolkata Zoo timing:
- Zoo timing: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed on Thursdays)
- Aquarium timing: 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Ticket counter timing: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Kolkata Zoo Ticket Price
The Kolkata Zoo ticket price is as follows:
- Adults: INR 50
- Children (below 5 years): INR 20
- Aquarium: INR 5
- Video camera: INR 250 per hour
The ticket price may change occasionally, so it is best to check the official website of the Kolkata Zoo for the latest information.
Layout of Kolkata Zoo
The layout of the Kolkata Zoo is as follows:
The zoo is divided into different sections, including:
- Mammal section:Â This section houses tigers, lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceroses, gorillas, chimpanzees, and monkeys.
- Bird section:Â This section houses a variety of birds from all over the world, including parrots, macaws, toucans, pelicans, and flamingos.
- Reptile section:Â This section houses snakes, lizards, crocodiles, and turtles.
- Amphibian section:Â This section houses frogs, toads, and salamanders.
- Children’s zoo:Â This section is designed specifically for children and features deer, ponies, rabbits, and goats.
The zoo also has many other attractions, including:
- Aquarium:Â The aquarium houses a variety of fish, reptiles, and amphibians from India and around the world.
- Nature trail:Â The nature trail is a walking trail that takes visitors through various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands.
- Toy train:Â The toy train is a fun way to get around the zoo and see the animals.
- Children’s play area:Â The children’s play area is an excellent place to let off steam and have fun.
Wildlife of Kolkata Zoo
The Kolkata Zoo is home to over 100 species of animals from all over the world. Some of the most popular animals at the zoo include the Royal Bengal tiger, Asiatic lion, jaguar, hippopotamus, greater one-horned rhinoceros, giraffe, zebra, and Indian elephant.
Here is a list of some of the wildlife that you can see at the Kolkata Zoo:
- Mammals:Â Royal Bengal tiger, Asiatic lion, jaguar, hippopotamus, greater one-horned rhinoceros, giraffe, zebra, Indian elephant, leopard, chimpanzee, gorilla, orangutan, sloth bear, hyena, jackal, wolf, fox, deer, antelope, bison, yak, camel, llama, alpaca, kangaroo, wallaby, wombat, koala, platypus, echidna
- Birds:Â Ostrich, emu, rhea, cassowary, pelican, flamingo, crane, stork, heron, eagle, hawk, owl, parrot, macaw, toucan, hornbill, woodpecker, hummingbird, owl, peacock, pheasant, quail, dove, pigeon, owl, nightjar
- Reptiles:Â Crocodile, alligator, caiman, snake, lizard, turtle, tortoise
- Amphibians: Frog, toad, salamander
- Fish:Â Shark, ray, tuna, salmon, trout, cod, mackerel, herring, sardine, anchovy, eel, catfish, carp, goldfish, koi, piranha, angelfish, clownfish, butterflyfish, surgeonfish, pufferfish
The Kolkata Zoo is a great place to learn about wildlife and conservation. It is also a fun place to spend a day with family and friends.
Specific Animals or Exhibits at the Zoo
- Â Royal Bengal Tiger at the Kolkata Zoo
The Royal Bengal Tiger is the national animal of India and one of the most popular attractions at the Kolkata Zoo. The zoo is home to several Royal Bengal tigers, including adults and cubs. Visitors to the zoo can see the tigers up close and learn about their behavior and conservation status.
The Royal Bengal tiger is an endangered species. Still, the Kolkata Zoo plays a vital role in its conservation by breeding tigers in captivity and releasing them back into the wild.
- Â Elephant House at the Kolkata Zoo
The Elephant House at the Kolkata Zoo is home to many Asian elephants. Visitors can see the elephants up close and learn about their behaviour and conservation status.
The Asian elephant is the largest land mammal in Asia and is an endangered species. The Kolkata Zoo is playing an important role in the conservation of the Asian elephant by breeding them in captivity and releasing them back into the wild
- Reptile House at the Kolkata Zoo
The Reptile House at the Kolkata Zoo is home to various reptiles, including snakes, lizards, crocodiles, and turtles. Visitors to the zoo can see the reptiles up close and learn about their behavior and conservation status.
The reptile house is a great place to learn about the diversity of reptiles and their importance to the environment. Reptiles play an important role in the food chain and help control insect and other small animal populations.
- Aquarium at the Kolkata Zoo
The Aquarium at the Kolkata Zoo is home to various fish, reptiles, and amphibians from India and around the world. It is a great place to learn about aquatic life and see some amazing creatures up close.
Some of the highlights of the aquarium include:
- A large shark tank with several different species of sharks
- A coral reef exhibit with a variety of colorful fish and invertebrates
- A freshwater aquarium with fish from India and other parts of the world
- A reptile and amphibian show with snakes, lizards, turtles, and frogs
The aquarium is an excellent place for both children and adults. It is a fun and educational experience that can teach you a lot about aquatic life.
- Children’s Zoo at the Kolkata Zoo
The Children’s Zoo at the Kolkata Zoo is a small zoo designed specifically for children. It is home to a variety of animals that are popular with children, such as deer, ponies, rabbits, and goats.
The children’s zoo is a great place for children to learn about animals and to have fun. Children can feed the animals, pet them, and even ride on some of the animals.
Fun activities at Kolkata Zoo
Here are some fun activities that you can do at the Kolkata Zoo:
- See the animals:Â The Kolkata Zoo is home to various animals worldwide, so there is something for everyone to see. Some of the most popular animals at the zoo include the Royal Bengal tiger, Asiatic lion, jaguar, hippopotamus, greater one-horned rhinoceros, giraffe, zebra, and Indian elephant.
- Visit the aquarium:Â The aquarium at the Kolkata Zoo is home to various fish, reptiles, and amphibians from India and around the world. It is a great place to learn about aquatic life.
- Take a ride on the toy train:Â The toy train is a fun way to get around the zoo and see the animals. It is especially popular with children.
- Visit the children’s play area:Â The children’s play area is an excellent place for kids to let off steam and have some fun. It has a variety of slides, swings, and other play equipment.
- Go on a nature trail walk:Â The nature trail is a walking trail that takes visitors through a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands. It is a great way to learn about the natural world.
- Have a picnic:Â The Kolkata Zoo has many picnic areas to enjoy a meal with your family and friends.
- Attend an educational program:Â The Kolkata Zoo offers a variety of educational programs for children and adults. These programs can teach you about wildlife, conservation, and other related topics.
Best time to visit Kolkata Zoo
The best time to visit the Kolkata Zoo is during the winter months (October to March). The weather is pleasant during this time of year, which makes it ideal for walking around the zoo and seeing the animals. The zoo is also less crowded during winter, so you can enjoy the animals without dealing with large crowds.
How to Reach Kolkata Zoo
Here are some ways to reach the Kolkata Zoo:
By public transportation:
- Take bus number 12, 21, 29, 42, or 46 to the Alipore Zoo bus stop. The zoo is a short walk from the bus stop.
- Take a taxi or auto-rickshaw and tell the driver you want to go to the Kolkata Zoo. The zoo is located at 2, Alipore Rd, Alipur Zoological Garden, Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700027, India.
By car:
- From the city center, take NH12 towards Howrah.
- After crossing the Howrah Bridge, take the first exit to the left.
- Follow the signs for the Kolkata Zoo.
The zoo has a parking lot where you can park your car.
Places to Visit near Kolkata Zoo
Here are some places to visit near Kolkata Zoo:
- Victoria Memorial:Â The Victoria Memorial is a white marble building built in memory of Queen Victoria. It is now a museum that houses a collection of artifacts from the British Raj period.
- Birla Mandir:Â The Birla Mandir is a Hindu temple that the Birla family built. It is made of white marble and is dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi and Lord Narayan.
- National Museum Kolkata:Â The National Museum Kolkata is a museum that houses a collection of artifacts from Indian history and culture. It is one of the largest museums in India.
- Indian Museum:Â The Indian Museum is a museum that houses a collection of artifacts from Indian history and culture. It is the largest museum in Asia.
- Princep Ghat:Â Princep Ghat is a ghat (riverfront) on the Hooghly River. It is a popular spot for watching the sunset and is home to many historical monuments.
- Howrah Bridge:Â The Howrah Bridge is a cantilever bridge that spans the Hooghly River. It is one of the busiest bridges in the world and an iconic Kolkata landmark.
These are just a few places to visit near Kolkata Zoo. With its rich history and culture, Kolkata has something to offer everyone.
