Zoo in Vizag: Indira Gandhi Zoological Park Timings, Animals, Entry Fee, Location)

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Zoo Park Vizag: Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Visakhapatnam

In the heart of the enchanting coastal city of Visakhapatnam, nestled against the Bay of Bengal, lies a world of wonder that beckons nature enthusiasts and curious explorers alike. Welcome to the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, a sanctuary of biodiversity and a testament to the remarkable coexistence of humans and wildlife.

Our journey begins with an invitation to delve into the vibrant tapestry of life that thrives within this remarkable zoo. Named in honor of the former Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, this zoological park is not merely a collection of enclosures but an intricate dance of nature, conservation, and education.

In this blog, we explore the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, where every step reveals the beauty and diversity of our planet’s remarkable creatures. Join us as we traverse lush habitats, encounter magnificent beasts, and delve into the heartwarming stories of conservation efforts that define this exceptional wildlife sanctuary.

History of the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park

The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park was established in 1977 and was named after the former Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi. It is located amidst the Kambalakonda Reserve Forest in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. It is spread over an area of 625 acres (253 ha).

The zoo initially started with a collection of 30 animals from other zoos in India. Over the years, the zoo has grown to house over 850 animals, representing 120 species. Some zoo animals include lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes, zebras, rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses, and various birds and reptiles.

The zoo also has many educational exhibits and a children’s zoo. The educational exhibits are designed to teach visitors about the different animals in the zoo and their habitats. The children’s zoo is a small area where children can interact with some animals, such as rabbits, goats, and sheep.

Indira Gandhi Zoological Park Location

Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is located amidst the Kambalakonda Reserve Forest in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. It is spread over an area of 625 acres (253 ha).

The zoo is located near the NH-5, about 11 kilometers (6.8 mi) from the Visakhapatnam railway station and at a distance of 6 kilometers (3.7 mi) from the RTC Complex.

Indira Gandhi Zoological Park Vizag Entry Fee

The entry fee for the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park in Visakhapatnam is as follows:

Adults: INR 20
Children (3-12 years): INR 10
Senior citizens (60 years and above): INR 10
Camera fee: INR 50
Video camera fee: INR 100

The entry fee is subject to change. It is best to check the zoo’s website or contact them for the latest information.

Indira Gandhi Zoological Park Vizag Timings

The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park in Visakhapatnam is open to the public from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every week. However, it is closed on Mondays, except for public holidays.

The zoo is a popular tourist destination and can get crowded, especially during weekends and holidays. Visiting the zoo during the weekdays, if possible, is advisable to avoid the crowds.

Layout of Indira Gandhi Zoological Park Vizag

The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park in Visakhapatnam is divided into several sections, each housing a different type of animal.

The Carnivore Section: This section houses animals such as lions, tigers, leopards, bears, and wolves.
The Primate Section: This section houses animals such as monkeys, apes, and lemurs.
The Reptile Section: This section houses snakes, lizards, and crocodiles.
The Bird Section: This section houses a variety of birds, including peacocks, parrots, and eagles

In addition to these sections, the zoo has many educational exhibits, a butterfly park, and a toy train.

Animals of the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park

Here are some of the animals that you can find in the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park:

Carnivores: lions, tigers, leopards, bears, wolves, hyenas, foxes, mongooses, jackals, civets, meerkats
Primates: monkeys, apes, lemurs
Elephants: Asian elephants
Others: zebras, giraffes, rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses, kangaroos, sloth bears, nilgai, antelopes

Birds of the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park

Here are some of the birds that you can find in the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park,

Peafowl: The national bird of India, the peacock is a beautiful bird with a long tail that is made up of iridescent feathers. Peafowls are often seen in pairs, with the male peacock displaying its tail to attract the female peahen.
Parrots: There are many different species of parrots in the zoo, including macaws, cockatoos, and parakeets. Parrots are known for their intelligence and ability to mimic human speech.
Eagles: Eagles are large birds of prey found in many parts of the world. The zoo has some different species of eagles, including the Indian spotted eagle and the white-tailed eagle. Eagles are apex predators and play an important role in the ecosystem by controlling populations of smaller animals.
Owls: Owls are nocturnal birds known for their keen hearing and sight. The zoo has many different species of owls, including the barn owl and the great horned owl. Owls are important predators of rodents and other small animals.
Doves: Doves are small, gentle birds that are often associated with peace. The zoo has many different species of doves, including the ring-necked dove and the white-throated dove. Doves are often seen in flocks and are known for their cooing calls
Pheasants: Pheasants are colorful birds found in many parts of the world. The zoo has many different species of pheasants, including the Indian peafowl and the golden pheasant. Pheasants are popular game birds and are known for their beautiful plumage.
Ostriches: Ostriches are the largest birds in the world. They are flightless birds that are found in Africa. The zoo has a pair of ostriches. Ostriches are known for their long necks and legs and ability to run at high speeds.

Reptiles of the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park

Here are some of the reptiles that you can find in the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park:

King cobra: The king cobra is the longest venomous snake in the world. It can grow up to 18 feet long. Its venom is potent enough to kill an elephant.
Python: Pythons are non-venomous snakes known for their ability to constrict their prey. The zoo has many different species of pythons, including the Indian python and the reticulated python. The Indian python is the longest snake in India, and can grow up to 23 feet long. The reticulated python is the longest snake in the world, and can grow up to 33 feet long.
Crocodile: Crocodiles are large reptiles that are found in fresh and saltwater habitats. The zoo has a number of different species of crocodiles, including the mugger crocodile and the saltwater crocodile. The mugger crocodile is a freshwater crocodile found in India and Southeast Asia. It can grow up to 16 feet long. The saltwater crocodile is a saltwater crocodile that is found in coastal areas of India, Southeast Asia, and Australia. It can grow up to 23 feet long.
Monitor lizard: Monitor lizards are large lizards that are found in a variety of habitats. The zoo has a number of different species of monitor lizards, including the Bengal monitor and the water monitor. The Bengal monitor is a large lizard that is found in India and Southeast Asia. It can grow up to 7 feet long. The water monitor is a large lizard that is found in water bodies in India and Southeast Asia. It can grow up to 10 feet long.
Turtle: Turtles are reptiles with a hard shell protecting their body. The zoo has a number of different species of turtles, including the Indian star tortoise and the red-eared slider. The Indian star tortoise is a small tortoise that is found in India. It has a distinctive star-shaped pattern on its shell. The red-eared slider is a small turtle that is found in North America. It is popular as a pet.
Tortoise: Tortoises are similar to turtles, but they have a domed shell that makes them better adapted to living on land. The zoo has a number of different species of tortoises, including the Indian leopard tortoise and the sulcata tortoise. The Indian leopard tortoise is a medium-sized tortoise that is found in India. It has a distinctive leopard-like pattern on its shell. The sulcata tortoise is a large tortoise that is found in Africa. It is the largest tortoise in Africa and can grow up to 6 feet long.

Children's zoo of the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park

Here are some information about the Children’s Zoo in Indira Gandhi Zoological Park:

It is a small zoo located inside the main zoo
It is home to a variety of animals that are safe for children to interact with, such as rabbits, goats, sheep, and ponies.
Children can feed the animals and learn about them from the zoo keepers.
The zoo also has a number of play areas and rides, making it a fun place for children to spend a day.

Fun activities at Indira Gandhi Zoological Park Vizag

Here are some fun activities that you can do at the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park in Vizag:

Visit the Children’s Zoo: This is a small zoo located inside the main zoo that is home to various animals that are safe for children to interact with. Children can feed the animals and learn about them from the zoo keepers.
Take a walk through the zoo: The zoo is home to a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes, and zebras. You can walk through the zoo and see the animals in their natural habitats.
Take a ride on the toy train: The zoo has a toy train that takes you around the park. This is a great way to see all the animals without having to walk
Visit the butterfly park: The butterfly park is home to a variety of butterflies. You can learn about butterflies and see them up close.
Have a picnic: There are a few picnic areas in the zoo where you can have a meal. This is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with your family and friends.
Take a guided tour: The zoo offers guided tours that will teach you about the animals and the zoo. This is a great way to learn more about the zoo and its inhabitants.

Best time to visit Indira Gandhi Zoological Park Vizag

The best time to visit the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park in Vizag is during the cooler months, from October to March. The weather is pleasant during these months and the animals are more active. The zoo is also less crowded during these months.

However, the zoo is open all year round. If you are visiting during the summer months, it is advisable to visit early in the morning or late in the evening when the temperatures are cooler.

Places to Visit near Indira Gandhi Zoological Park Vizag

There are many places to visit near the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park in Vizag. Here are a few suggestions:

Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary: This is a 253-hectare wildlife sanctuary located about 11 kilometers from the zoo. It is home to a variety of animals, including elephants, tigers, leopards, and sloth bears.
Kailasagiri: This is a hillock located about 6 kilometers from the zoo. It offers stunning views of the city and the sea. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva on the hilltop.
Bheemunipatnam Beach: This popular beach is about 8 kilometers from the zoo. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the sea breeze.
INS Kurusura Submarine Museum: This museum is about 10 kilometers from the zoo. It houses a decommissioned submarine that the Indian Navy used.
Dolphins Nose: This rock formation is about 15 kilometers from the zoo. It is a popular spot for rock climbing and offers stunning sea views.

How to Reach Indira Gandhi Zoological Park Vizag

There are a few ways to reach the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park in Vizag. Here are a few options:

By car: The zoo is located on NH-5, about 11 kilometers from the Visakhapatnam railway station and 6 kilometers from the RTC Complex. There is a parking lot available at the zoo.
By bus: There are several buses that ply from the city to the zoo. The nearest bus stop is located at the zoo entrance.
By autorickshaw: Autorickshaws are a popular mode of transportation in Vizag. You can easily find an autorickshaw to take you to the zoo.
By taxi: Taxis are also available in Vizag. They are a more expensive option, but travelling with a group can be more convenient.

Final Note:

As we bid adieu to this extraordinary adventure, let us carry forward the spirit of conservation, the wonder of the wild, and the commitment to protect our planet’s natural wonders. Whether you’re inspired to visit the zoo in person, support its conservation initiatives from afar, or spread the message of wildlife preservation, the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park will forever remain a touchstone of our shared responsibility.

In the heart of Vizag, where the waves kiss the shores and the animals roam freely, the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is a timeless reminder of our duty to protect and cherish the intricate tapestry of life on Earth. It is not merely a zoo; it is a testament to our capacity to coexist with nature, and its stories are etched in every animal’s gaze, every child’s wonder-filled smile, and every conservation success.

So, as we step away from this virtual expedition, let us remember that the wild spirit of the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park endures, and the call of the wild remains. Until we meet again amidst the sanctuary’s vibrant embrace, may the lessons learned and the memories made here guide us in our continued efforts to preserve and celebrate our precious natural world.