Top 10 Zoos in India | Largest Best Popular Zoological Park: Nature lovers are also wildlife enthusiasts as they love every creation of mother nature, including flora and fauna. An African safari is world-famous to see wildlife in natural habitats. You can enjoy wildlife even in cities as they have well-built Zoological parks that are home to many animals. So this blog provides you a list of the top 10 zoos in India, which animal lovers like you must explore. So let’s move on to the list.
Top 10 Zoos in India | Largest Best Popular Zoological Park
- National Zoological Park, Delhi
Delhi Zoo, also known as “Chidiya Ghar,” is famous for India’s different animal species in the zoo. Its green lush surroundings make it a perfect delight for nature lovers. It is home to Asiatic lion, Tiger, Elephant, Jackal, Monkeys, Ducks, Snakes, Crocodiles to cute birds like parrots, sparrows to name a few. The zoo undertakes conservation and breeding programs for endangered animal species like Royal Bengal Tiger, Rhinoceros, and many others. You can hire a battery-operated vehicle on zoo premises if you are not fond of walking, though the real joy of the zoo is in a walking tour. It can be easily reached as the nearest metro station to the zoo is Pragati Maidan, making it accessible from every corner of the city. It usually takes 2-3 hours to tour the zoo.
- Mysore Zoo
Mysore zoo is in the second spot on our list. It was established in the year 1892 by Maharaja Sri Chamaraja Wodeyar. It was opened with 10 acres of land, and with the continuous expansion, the zoo now occupies 157 acres of land. You can find many elephants here as it is famous for the species, and the elephants get shifted to other zoos in the country. It has various animals such as green anacondas, giraffes, zebra, and many others. So don’t forget to visit the zoo when you visit Mysore.
- Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Pune
At number 3, we have Katraj zoo, another name for Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, located in Pune, Maharashtra. The zoo land area is 130 acres which are tiring for the visitors if they opt for a walking tour. It has three parts. First, it has an orphanage for animals, second, it has a snakes park, and the third part comprises the main zoo establishment. The zoo features various species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Famous species at the zoo are leopards, sambhars, monkeys, sloth bears, barking deer, and blackbucks. It also has one pair of Asiatic lions that increased the number of visitors after their acquisition. So, don’t miss the chance to visit the zoo when you are in Pune.
- Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Vishakhapatnam
At number four, we have Vishakhapatnam zoo, the third largest zoo in India with a land area of 625 acres. The zoo homes to 80 species of animal counting, taking the number to 800 approximately. The zoo has birds, carnivores, herbivores, primates, and reptiles. Most sought animals at the zoo include Tiger, Asiatic Lion, Leopard, Chimpanzee, Elephant, Barking deer, rhinoceros, and many other species. It is open for the public all days of the week except Monday and is well connected with National Highway 5 and the railway station of Vishakhapatnam. To enjoy the abundant flora and fauna, visit this zoo once in your lifetime whenever you plan to visit Vishakhapatnam.
- Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad
Hyderabad zoo, the Nehru Zoological Park, is number five on our list. The zoo is located in Hyderabad, the Indian state of Telangana. The zoo is built on a large land area of 380 acres, and its numbers are just wonderful as it is home to 100 species and 1100 animals approximately. Animals that are most favorable to the visitors are Asiatic lions, Sloth bear, and Bengal Tiger. The arrival of migratory birds every year is another major attraction here. The animals reside here in their natural habitat. It one of the major tourist attractions in Hyderabad, spare you time to visit such an awesome place.
- Nandankanan Zoological Park, Bhubaneswar
Nanadankanan Zoological Park is number 6 on our list. It is not only a zoo. It also has a botanical garden and had a wildlife sanctuary named Nandankanan Sanctuary. It covers a massive land area of 1080 acres. It is in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha. It is the first Indian zoo to enlist in WAZA in the year 2009. It is home to 150+ animal species and has approximately 3500+ animals. Its sprawling natural beauty makes it a perfect place for animals to stay comfortably in their natural habitat. It has all the most sought animals by wildlife lovers such as Asiatic lions, Leopard, Owls, and many more. The zoo is reputed worldwide for its breeding programs of black panthers, white tigers, and Gharials. It is an ideal place for wildlife lovers in India.
- Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Chennai
At number 7, we have AAZP. It is located in Vandalur, Chennai, in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It was established in 1855 and is affiliated with the Central Zoo Authority of India. It covers 1490 acres of land. It is the largest zoo in India. In the year 2018, it houses 171 species of animals and 2500+ animal population. Major highlights of the zoo are Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Blackbuck, Indian Bison, Crocodile, Snakes, Birds, Indian Rhino, and Sambhar. The zoo also offers rehabilitation for animals.
- Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling
Darjeeling Zoo holds the 8th spot on our list. It is a small zoo in comparison to other zoos, which we have discussed till now. It covers 67 acres of land. It is located at an elevation of 7,000 feet. The zoo undertakes captive breeding of high altitude animals like Snow Leopard, Red Panda, and Himalayan Wolf. The zoo is also a member of WAZA (World Association of Zoos and Aquariums). It’s a major tourist attraction in Darjeeling.
- Alipore Zoo, Kolkata
At number nine, we have Calcutta zoo. It is one of the oldest zoos in India. The zoo was open to the public in 1876 and covered 46 acres of land. The zoo is gaining popularity because of its glass enclosures. The zoo houses 1200+ animals of 108 species, including mammals, reptiles, birds, and primates. The most sought animals are the White Tiger, Lions, Asian elephants, Sambhar, Striped Hyenas, and many more. It is more crowded during winters.
- Sakkarbaug Zoological Gardens, Junagadh
Moving towards the end of the list, we have Sakkarbaug zoo at the 10th spot. It is located in Junagadh, Gujarat. It is the second oldest zoo in India, established in the year 1863. It is developed on 210 acres of land. In the year 2018, the zoo was home to 1436 animals. Zoo highlights include Asiatic Lions, Blue Bull, Antelope, and a wide variety of birds. The zoo has a house animal hospital and a museum. Wildlife lovers enjoy it a lot here.
Ending Thoughts
The above list provides you the top 10 zoos in India. Though India has abundant flora and fauna, and the list can be endless, India has many wildlife sanctuaries and national parks apart from zoological parks. Therefore, India is a perfect wildlife tourism destination for nature and wildlife lovers.
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