Zoo in Nainital – G. B. Pant High Altitude Zoo | Timings, Ticket, Faura and Himalayan Beauty

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Nainital Zoo -

Welcome to the breathtaking heights of the G. B. Pant High Altitude Zoo, a living testament to the wonders of wildlife in the pristine Himalayas! Perched majestically in Nainital, Uttarakhand, this unique zoo is a tribute to the Himalayan biodiversity, inviting visitors to witness the beauty and resilience of the animal kingdom in one of the world’s most awe-inspiring landscapes.

In this blog, we invite you to accompany us on an exhilarating virtual expedition through the heart of the Himalayas, where the G. B. Pant High Altitude Zoo unveils its marvels. We will delve into the captivating lives of the creatures that call this altitude home and explore the conservation efforts to ensure their survival in the face of environmental challenges.

History of the G. B. Pant High Altitude Zoo

The G. B. Pant High Altitude Zoo, known as the Nainital Zoo, was established in 1984. It is located on Sher Ka Danda hill at an altitude of 2,100 meters above sea level. The zoo is home to various animals, including tigers, lions, leopards, bears, snow leopards, red pandas, Himalayan tahr, musk deer, and various birds.

The zoo was established to conserve the biodiversity of the Himalayan region. It is also a popular tourist destination, and it plays an important role in educating the public about the importance of conservation.

The zoo is named after Govind Ballabh Pant, a freedom fighter and the first Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. Pant was a strong advocate for conservation, and he played a key role in establishing the zoo.

The zoo has successfully bred many endangered species, including the snow leopard and the red panda. It has also been involved in rehabilitating and releasing injured and orphaned animals.

Nainital Zoo Location

The Nainital Zoo, or the G. B. Pant High Altitude Zoo, is located at Tallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand 263002, India.

Nainital Zoo Ticket Price

The ticket price for the Nainital Zoo is as follows:

Adults: INR 50
Children: INR 25

You can purchase tickets at the zoo counter, which is located at the entrance to the zoo.

Nainital Zoo Timings

G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo, is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on all days except Mondays.

Layout of G. B. Pant High Altitude Zoo

The G. B. Pant High Altitude Zoo, also known as the Nainital Zoo, is located on Sher Ka Danda hill at an altitude of 2,100 meters above sea level. The zoo is spread over an area of 4.6 hectares and is divided into several zones.

The main zones of the zoo are:

Mammal Zone: This zone is home to various mammals, including tigers, lions, leopards, bears, snow leopards, red pandas, Himalayan tahr, musk deer, and more.
Bird Zone: This zone is home to various birds, including pheasants, partridges, peacocks, and more.
Reptile Zone: This zone is home to various reptiles, including snakes, lizards, and turtles.
Aquarium: The aquarium is home to a variety of fish and reptiles from all over the world.

In addition to the animal enclosures, the zoo has a children’s play area, a food court, and a souvenir shop.

The zoo is designed to be as natural as possible, and the animal enclosures are spacious and well-maintained. The zoo also has many educational exhibits where visitors can learn about the animals and their habitats.

Fauna of G. B. Pant High Altitude Zoo

The G. B. Pant High Altitude Zoo, also known as the Nainital Zoo, is home to various wildlife from the Himalayan region. Some of the notable species include:

Mammals: Tigers, lions, leopards, bears, snow leopards, red pandas, Himalayan tahr, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan civet, Tibetan wolf, sambar, barking deer, goral, etc.
Birds: Kalij pheasant, Lady Amherst pheasant, rose ringed parakeet, golden pheasant, red junglefowl, Himalayan martin, etc.
Reptiles: Snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodiles.
Fish: Sharks, rays, ornamental fish, etc.

The zoo also has many endangered species, such as the snow leopard, the red panda, and the Himalayan tahr.

Flora of Nainital Zoo

The flora of the Nainital Zoo, also known as the G. B. Pant High Altitude Zoo, is diverse and includes a variety of trees, shrubs, flowers, and other plants. Some of the notable species include:

Trees: Oak, pine, cedar, rhododendron, etc.
Shrubs: Rose, rhododendron, honeysuckle, etc.
Flowers: Roses, lilies, marigolds, etc.
Other plants: Ferns, mosses, etc.

The zoo also has several medicinal plants, such as the ashwagandha and tulsi.

The zoo’s flora is important in providing food and shelter for the animals. It also helps to regulate the temperature and humidity in the zoo.

Fun activities at Nainital Zoo

Here are some fun activities you can do at the Nainital Zoo, also known as the G. B. Pant High Altitude Zoo:

Visit the animal enclosures. The zoo is home to various animals from the Himalayan region, including tigers, lions, leopards, bears, snow leopards, red pandas, Himalayan tahr, musk deer, and more. Take your time exploring the zoo and seeing all the different animals.
Attend an animal feeding session. The zoo offers animal feeding sessions for some animals, such as tigers, lions, and bears. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the animals and see them up close.
Visit the children’s play area. The zoo has a children’s play area with various slides, swings, and other play equipment. This is a great place for kids to let off steam and have fun.
Have a picnic. The zoo has several picnic areas to enjoy meals with family and friends. Bring your food and drinks, or purchase them from one of the food vendors in the zoo.
Learn about animals and nature. The zoo has many educational exhibits to learn about animals and nature. These exhibits are a great way to learn about the world around us.

Best time to visit Nainital Zoo

The best time to visit the Nainital Zoo, also known as the G. B. Pant High Altitude Zoo, is during the winter months, from October to March. During this time, the weather is pleasant and cool, making it ideal for exploring the zoo and seeing the animals. The summers in Nainital can be hot and humid, so it is best to avoid visiting the zoo during this time of year.

Places to Visit near Nainital Zoo

Here are some places you can visit near the Nainital Zoo, also known as the G. B. Pant High Altitude Zoo:

Nainital Lake: Nainital Lake is beautiful in the heart of Nainital. It is a popular tourist destination, and it offers a variety of activities, such as boating, fishing, and swimming.
Naina Devi Temple: Naina Devi Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Naina Devi. It is located on the shores of Nainital Lake, one of Uttarakhand’s most popular pilgrimage sites.
Tiffin Top: Tiffin Top is a hilltop about 3 kilometers from Nainital. It offers stunning views of Nainital Lake and the surrounding mountains.
Snow View: Snow View is a hilltop about 7 kilometers from Nainital. It offers stunning views of the Himalayan mountains, including the Nanda Devi peak.
Raj Bhawan: Raj Bhawan is the official residence of the Governor of Uttarakhand. It is located about 3 kilometers from Nainital and is a beautiful example of British colonial architecture.
Nainital Mall Road: Nainital Mall Road is a pedestrianized street in the heart of Nainital. It is a popular shopping and dining destination, offering stunning views of Nainital Lake and the surrounding mountains.

In addition to these places, many other attractions are located near the Nainital Zoo, such as the Nainital Ropeway, the Nainital Observatory, and the Nainital Wax Museum.

How to Reach Nainital Zoo

To reach the G. B. Pant High Altitude Zoo, also known as the Nainital Zoo, you can take a taxi, auto rickshaw, or bus from Nainital town. The zoo is about 2 kilometers from Tallital, the main bus stop in Nainital.

If you are taking a taxi or auto rickshaw, tell the driver you are going to the zoo. The fare should be around INR 100-150.

If you are taking a bus, you can take the bus from the Tallital bus stop. The bus fare is INR 10.